From the Collection: Justin Masterson, p, Cleveland Indians

I got this in-person years ago, one of the only Allen and Ginters that I ever got done myself.

Justin Masterson was the Indians #1 pitcher for a couple of seasons. For three years (2011-2013) he was the Indians most consistent pitcher, going 37-35 with a 3.86 ERA/1.316 WHIP/100 ERA+. He struck out 579 batters over 615.1 innings. Maybe not an ace–his 100 ERA+ says he was on the nose league average–but he was dependable. And that’s nice too. But there were flashes where it seemed like he could be so much more, especially in 2013 when he struck out 195 batters in 193 innings and got his first, and only, All-Star appearance.

But Masterson and the Indians could not work out a long-term deal in the 2014 off-season. He struggled to open 2014, and would be traded to the Cardinals for a C-level prospect. Fans were not thrilled, as many thought he was still part of the Tribes long-term plans.

The Indians seemed like they were playing hardball during the contract negotiations, and clearly, they knew something about Masterson that made them think he was not a good long-term investment. They were not wrong. Masterson would continue to struggle with the Cardinals in 2014, and would only get 59 innings in with the Red Sox in 2015 before being sent to AAA. He would never make it to the majors again.

Last season with the Dodgers AAA team he went 11-6, 4.13 ERA/1.376 WHIP over 141.2 innings. He did strike out 140 batters. But he is unsigned for the 2018 season, and it looks like his career is over.

I will always have a softs spot for Masterson. When I went to my first Indians game as an adult–this was like 2010–he spent almost the entire pregrame standing on third base line talking to fans and signing autographs. He was such a nice dude and was a pleasure everytime I met him since.

Not sure what he is doing now, but I hope he is happy.