From the sounds of it, Masset has worked hard in the offseason. That can only add to the sox pitching options for SP or the bullpen. Don't get me wrong, I like Wasserman and he showed he can get righties out [though his lack of success vs lefties is a big concern going forward]. Yet the Sox need a long man in the bullpen more than they need a specialist like Ehren. I'd like Masset to make the team one way or another. I wouldn't be heartbroken if Danks went to AAA and FLoyd and Masset were in the rotation, and a guy like Broadway was in the pen. That would make the sox nicely set in AAA for SP insurance with Danks the 1st callup and Egbert #2.

 

However it pans out, the sox will take the best guys north-even with the guys being out of options.

Well, I'd call Masset and Wassermann two very different pitchers, role-wise. Wass is really a 1 inning or less guy, Masset is a starter or long reliever. Not really an interchangeable thing. Masset is useless as a ROOGY or any other sort of specialist - his numbers are pretty close to the same level of bad against both sides of the plate.

 

The contest Masset is in is against Haeger or someone else looking to get a long reliever spot, if they carry 7 pitchers. And his only advantage as far as I can see is that he's out of options - which isn't much of an advantage.

 

Neither one did anything to help their case, but especially Chuck. He got hammered today. Kong's HR is still landing.

 

As I said, Masset was ok today, but didn't do anything to turn any heads.

 

Right now, it needs to be Jenks-Linebrink-Dotel-Thornton-Wasserman-Logan-MacDougal/Masset/Broadway

Fixed.

 

MacDougal is a head case who crumbles under pressure. If Masset can look really good though, he might have a shot, since he has no options left.

 

My worry is that, because MacD is signed to a deal, if they can't trade him, they'll force him into that pen.

 

My prediction is that Mac is a "throw in" with one of Crede or Uribe in a deal.

 

In that case, it's down to Masset and Broadway, in which case I see Masset taking it, just based on the options situation. Not saying thats the right call, it's just what I see happening.

if Masset has a solid spring, and they carry 7 relievers, I would be good with that. I just hope you're right about MacDougal. He has some value in trade because of his talent level, and it would save a few million.

 

On the subject of bullpen pitchers and offseason workouts, this article about Wassermann's chance mentions he's been doing upper body strength work and getting a good change-up working to help against lefties.

 

Bobby looks 25 pounds heavier...

I'm glad that Masset is in shape. It does not matter how much weight Masset loses if he can't throw strikes, or how plus his stuff is.

 

Yep.

 

Who'd you rather have, Jenks or Sisco?