Red Sox Revamp Starting Rotation

Photo Credit: Mark L. Baer - US Presswire

Photo Credit: Mark L. Baer – US Presswire

The Boston Red Sox had a busy day this offseason, revamping their starting rotation. They walked away with a few separate moves.

The most simple, was their free agent acquisition of Justin Masterson. Masterson came cheaper because of his putrid 2014 season in which he posted an ERA of 5.88 and a 7-9 record. He couldn’t stay healthy and it hurt him in a big way. However, the year before his injury-riddled season, he was an All-Star, going 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA. In his first year with the Red Sox – which was his rookie year – he went 6-5 with an ERA of 3.16. So, if he can return to his pre-injury form, for the Red Sox will sure be happy with their signing. Just in case Masterson doesn’t pan out, they have some insurance.

The Red Sox made another big move. trading pitchers Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster, along with a unknown minor leaguer for left-handed pitcher Wade Miley. Miley’s career ERA is 3.79 and while his career win percentage is .521, he finished the year with an 8-12 record and a 4.34 ERA. But, the Red Sox are surely hoping he can step it up. Miley’s best asset is his slider, which he uses a lot of the time because his fastball is not up to par, hovering at around just 91 MPH. He has a solid track record and could be a valuable piece to this Boston rotation.

Lastly, the Red Sox acquired Rick Porcello from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, reliever Alex Wilson and prospect Gabe Speier. Porcello, who is only 25, had a win percentage over .500 to add to his solid 3.43 ERA. He will be brought in to make an immediate impact in the starting rotation. Considering the Red Sox traded for Cespedes when they gave up Jon Lester, they ultimately gave up Lester for Porcello. The deal ended up working out for the Sox considering Lester didn’t even end up signing back with his former team like some thought he might. We will need to wait for the start of the season to see how this new rotation will help the Red Sox. If it has the impact that it has the potential to, they could be back into the World Series again.