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Why Should Twins Care About Justin Masterson?

By Ted Schwerzler

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That’s a really good question, and now I’m going to tell you why the answer is that in fact, they shouldn’t at all. Justin Masterson is a free agent this offseason after being dealt from the Cleveland Indians to the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline last season. Minnesota has been tied to his name, but no traction has occurred, here’s to hoping we keep it that way.

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Thus far, the Twins have only had their name brought up in relation to Justin Masterson. However, for the past two days, ESPN 1500’s Darren Wolfson has reported that Justin Masterson has had no contact with the Twins and that the club has not reached out to him.

Was Justin Masterson respectable with the Indians? He was an All-Star in 2013 and sported a 3.45 ERA. He knows the AL Central well and owns a 7.5 K/9 ratio across seven big league seasons. In his major league career, he has only played for the Red Sox, Indians, and Cardinals, spending the bulk of his time in Cleveland. He has a career 4.24 ERA. Sure, you can definitely make a case that he’s a respectable major league pitcher.

However, Justin Masterson is more the name than he is the talent tied to it.

After struggling to the tune of a 5.51 ERA with the Indians, Masterson posted a 7.)$ ERA in six starts with the Cardinals in the more pitcher friendly National League. He has only posted an ERA lower than 4.00 three times in his career. While clubs may have some bargaining power after Masterson had a down 2014, he will likely try to bring up his solid 2013 statistics as well.

For Twins fans, the name may be one that could be of some intrigue, but considering the other options, names like Edinson Volquez, Francisco Liriano, Kris Medlen, and others, Masterson is a name I’m ok with the Twins leaving off of their list.

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