Brains! 2062.7: Mastinsky Released

[aaronweiner]

Gavrilovich Mastinsky has been a solid member of the rotation and a good quote in the media for years, but sometimes you'd rather have the cap space. Mastinsky was released today by the Zombies, who are looking to get younger than the 36-year old and have the flexibility to pay him to play for another team.

"This is a real opportunity for me," said Mastinsky. "I'm hoping to catch on to a championship team sooner than later, and Jacksonville's front office has made it clear that probably isn't in the cards for the team for the next couple seasons."

Because Mastinsky was bought out in the space between seasons, he is likely to be a bargain signing for someone. The starter has pitched just 200 innings over the past two seasons, but had a solid 2062 season (134 innings, 4.63 ERA) and could be a solid member of an already quality pitching staff.

"We wish Gav well, we're paying him a lot of money to do this, and both sides are happy with this decision," said Jacksonville GM Aaron Weiner. "He can help a lot of teams, we knew he had no trade value with $20 million owed for the next two years, and we hope that he gets what he wants out of the move."

The release clears up cap space for the Zombies, who now have close to $45 million in cap space. The team is expected to announce a one-year extension for Takehide Gertrudes in the coming days before the Monty, and may sign one or two more starting pitchers to short-term deals this offseason.

[BaseClogger]

It’s hard out here for starting pitchers. The guys coming up thru the minors are mostly stud relievers, not starters.

[aaronweiner]

It’s hard out here for starting pitchers. The guys coming up thru the minors are mostly stud relievers, not starters.

I wonder if that's because it reflects the same implemented strategy in MLB. Did you know less than 60 pitchers qualified for the ERA title last year in MLB?

[BaseClogger]

I absolutely think that’s what it is. I swear I remember there being more 200 IP starters here back when I joined. Now you look around and everybody is doing the MLB thing of 180 IP max for a season unless it’s a stud.

[aaronweiner]

I absolutely think that’s what it is. I swear I remember there being more 200 IP starters here back when I joined. Now you look around and everybody is doing the MLB thing of 180 IP max for a season unless it’s a stud.

Financially this makes a TON of sense. There is no more likely wasted money than a top starting pitcher who blows out his arm, and you both reduce the downside financial risk and the risk of injury just because of dice rolls (and probably sports science).

But it definitely changes the game.

[Trebro]

It’s hard out here for starting pitchers. The guys coming up thru the minors are mostly stud relievers, not starters.

I wonder if that's because it reflects the same implemented strategy in MLB. Did you know less than 60 pitchers qualified for the ERA title last year in MLB?

That makes me want to puke, ideal way to win games be damned.