In June 2000 the Cleveland Indians traded David Justice to the New York Yankees for Zach Day, Ricky Ledee, and Jake Westbrook.
It would take a couple of seasons, but Westbrook would develop into a very solid starting pitcher and even earn an All-Star selection in 2004.
Over nine seasons with the Tribe, Westbrook went 69-69 with a 4.29 ERA/1.374 WHIP/101 ERA+. He was pretty much the ace from 2003 to 2007, when he averaged 185 IP, going 57-53 with a 107 ERA+
And Westbrookâs impact was felt long after he left. When the Indians traded him to the Cardinals in 2010 the package that came back to the Tribe included a young and largely unheralded pitching prospect named Corey Kluber.
The trade worked out for Westbrook too: he would win the World Series with the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals.
I got this card signed by Westbrook TTM back in 2004-2005.