Mariners Need Washburn

A lot has been made this offseason about how much better the Mariners have gotten. While I do agree there are some glaring weaknesses. One is their lineup, but the one I am concerned with now is the backend of their pitching staff.

As we know Lee is going to miss a month. Sure they really isn't that long in the grand scheme of things, but it's not like the back of that rotation is something pitching anymore then they have too. I mean we are talking about guys like Snell, Vargas, and Fister. They will have Bedard back in a month or two, but who knows how many games he can actually play.

It just seems like the smart safe play here. There isn't much out there in terms of pitching and Washburn has shown in the past that he can eat up innings. All I am saying is that I would rather have a guy like Washburn at the backend of my rotation then Fister... So, yea get on that Seattle.

Tigers Trade For Washburn

"The Tigers have acquired left-hander Jarrod Washburn from the Mariners, CBSSports.com has learned. Luke French and minor leaguer Mauricio Robles go to the Mariners in the deal (Sportsline)."

Nice deal for the Tigers as none of the prospects they gave up were ranked in the top 10 in their system. Washburn adds to what was already a strong Tigers rotation, with Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson. This should put them over the top to win the AL Central. The Tigers have not been doing well in the scoring runs department, but Carlos Guillen is coming off the DL, and with such a strong rotation the Tigers are in good shape.


DP's Take

"The Mariners have traded SP Jarrod Washburn to the Tigers for SP Luke French and SP Mauricio Robles. Washburn will slot in nicely in the middle of the Tigers rotation, giving Detroit solid top three SPs in Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson and Washburn. His Fantasy value takes a decent little bump with this move, as the Tigers are a slight upgrade from the Mariners. Washburn remains a solid starting SP in the majority of mixed leagues. French has pitched well on occasion this year with a 1-2 record and 3.38 ERA. He should replace Washburn in the Seattle rotation, but remains just a low-end AL-only option for the time being. A left-hander like French, Robles is 8-6 with a 4.24 in the minors this season and is not on the Fantasy radar just yet." CBS


I doubt French will start in place of Washburn with the recent acquisition of Ian Snell. However, I like this move for Detroit. Detroit's starting three is now Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson, and Jarrod Washburn, not bad. Although, I'm not going to sit here and say I have much faith in Jarrod Washburn, I do know that he has proven me wrong thus far this year, and if he is to keep it up, the Tigers will blow the AL Central race out of the water.

Wakefield Going On DL

Tim Wakefield is heading to the DL, with shoulder stiffness. This is the same injury he had last year that made him miss the playoffs. Right now they are saying he will only miss 2 starts, but I am not so sure. The Wake has been having a great year, but he is getting very old, and since this is an injury he had before I am nervous. The real question is who will take his spot. Buccholz (no matter how much the Mick loves him) has been terrible, and looks like he needs to go back down to the minors. So, that leaves us with 2 openings in the rotation. Colon seems to be a long way away has he only last 2/3 of an inning in his first outing in the minors. Masterson is an option, but it will take a little while to strengthen up his arm again, plus the Sox don't like over using young guys. I would look for the Sox to make a move for a guy like Paul Byrd or Jarrod Washburn, since they both just cleared waivers. No matter what this season just got a lot tougher.

-BMack