Plagued by a string of sub-par relief performances, Theo Epstein has decided to look internally to solve the problem. Top prospect Justin Masterson has been sent down to AAA Pawtucket for the purpose of converting him to the bullpen in 2008.

If Masterson is to add value to the team as the late-inning set up guy envisioned by the brass, he will need to change his approach this season, against left-handed batters in particular. In 2008, Justin has been walking a large amount of the lefties he has faced (.379 OBP vs LH, 18/21 K/BB), perhaps trying his best to pitch around the tougher hitters.

There is hope, as Masterson’s career minor league walk rate (2.3 BB/9) is much lower than the alarming rate he has shown in a small sample of big league innings this season (4.7 BB/9). If he can challenge lefties a bit more with that 94 MPH sinker, he could very well become a reliable bullpen arm for the stretch run.

However, if he doesn’t find the strike zone when called upon in the late innings, he just becomes another name to add to the list of heart-attack inducing Red Sox relievers. He becomes a taxpaying citizen in the municipality of Aardsmaville.

Oh, and if anyone is worried about the implications on Masterson’s future role with the Sox, don’t be. From the ProJo article:

While Masterson’s long-term future is still as a starting pitcher, he will pitch relief the rest of the season.