Justin Masterson

The Mountain West Conference isn't an easy league to pitch in thanks to its array of high-altitude ballparks, and San Diego State hasn't earned a regional berth since 1991. Nevertheless, when Masterson emerged as a prospect last summer in the Cape Cod League he chose to transfer to San Diego State. Born in Jamaica (while his father and mother were doing missionary work), Masterson was a late bloomer, growing eight inches in high school and playing catcher until he was a junior. He spent his first two college seasons at NAIA Bethel (Ind.). Though raw, he had a consistent season for the Aztecs, taking the ball every week for a struggling team whose pitching staff was ravaged by injuries. Masterson pounds the strike zone with a fastball that can sit in the low 90s, topping out at 94 mph. He stays tall in his delivery and keeps his fastball in the lower half of the strike zone; he allowed just eight homers in 110 innings. Masterson's changeup and slider remain inconsistent, and scouts believe all his stuff would play up in the bullpen. His best profile may be as a reliever who can pitch frequently with a durable frame, avoid walks (just 24 this season) and get key groundballs.