Tigers acquire Jarrod Washburn from Mariners
The Tigers acquired left-handed pitcher Jarrod Washburn from the Mariners on Friday in exchange for minor league prospects Luke French and Mauricio Robles. Both Fench and Robles are left-handed pitchers as well.
Washburn is no spring chicken at 34, but his 2.64 ERA and 1.07 WHIP makes him one of the better values on the trade market and Detroit didn’t have to give up much to acquire him. His pitching approach should do wonders in spacious Comerica Park.
Washburn is a workhorse and is a solid addition to a Tigers’ starting rotation that already features Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson and youngster Rick Porcello. He’ll eat up some innings, give the bullpen a much-needed break and gives the club a boost as they contend with the White Sox and Twins in the AL Central.
As for Seattle, they seeming undersold Washburn. French did post a 3.38 ERA in seven appearances this season, but his ceiling isn’t very high and Robles has some potential, but is extremely raw at this point.
I love the move for the Tigers, but think the Mariners could have done better.
The two prospects that were given up were pretty talented, but in no way were they close to Perry and Porcello. Great move by Dombrowski to get a LH pitcher in the middle of that lineup that should thrive in a big ballpark.
Did I mention the Tigers are now sporting the #2, #3 and #7 ERA leaders in the AL, and #1, #2, and #3 ERA leaders among teams in playoff contention? That is going to be a tough rotation in the playoffs.
I will say this, this deal makes not getting Halladay a lot better and in an overall view is a better trade for the Tigers. I am still a little uneasy on Washburn in a pressure situation, but he certainly has to fair better than Porcello or French right now.
I still think the Tigers need another bat, but maybe Guillen can get rolling.