Quick Take: Tigers-M's Deal

Players In Doug Fister Trade: Charlie Furbush, Casper Wells, Francisco Martinez

The Detroit Tigers traded for Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Doug Fister and reliever David Pauley on Saturday, a deal that gives the Tigers a cheap and effective starting pitcher for the next couple seasons, with a good amount of potential going to the Mariners.

A great FanPost at Lookout Landing by David Tokarz, a contributor to Bless You Boys, gives some information about the players going to Seattle (or Tacoma, or Jackson, or Adelanto, or ...). There is also a player to be named later going to the Mariners in the deal:

On Francisco Martinez:

A young, toolsy third baseman out of Venezuela, Martinez was pushed quickly (he's in AA as a 20 year old this year) but has reacted to the challenge admirably. He's got quick bat speed and the line drives tend to fly off his bat

On Charlie Furbush:

Furbush rocketed through the farm system last year with really good numbers, especially in the strikeout department. Don't let that fool you; his ceiling is that of a #4 starter or a long reliever/swingman type.

On Casper Wells:

Wells is a really good piece- he's a little old for a prospect, but entering his prime. Earlier this year, as an extra outfielder, he created 1 WAR in 125 plate appearances and various appearances as a defensive replacement.

There's plenty more in the FanPost, so head on over and get all the Fister/Furbush in that the law allows.

Detroit Tigers Trade For Seattle Mariners Righthander Doug Fister

Doug Fister, whose 3-12 won-lost record belies a very solid season for the Seattle Mariners, has been traded to the Detroit Tigers Saturday, according to CBS Sports’ Danny Knobler:

To recap on Tigers, Turner starts today, then back to minors. They’ll get Fister and Pauley from Sea for Furbush, Wells plus. #tradedeadline

That tweet mentions today’s starter for Detroit, Jacob Turner, who is being called up from Double-A Erie to make his major league debut. The other principals are Doug Fister and David Pauley, headed to the Tigers, and Charlie Furbush and Casper Wells, who will become members of the Mariners; Knobler hints there may be other players headed to Seattle.

The biggest name in the deal is Fister. He has started 10 games for the Mariners since June 1 and posted a solid 3.42 ERA, but is winless in those 10 starts, in which Seattle scored just 17 runs. Fister ranks dead last (64th) among all qualified American League starters in run support at just 2.4 runs per start.

Fister's numbers should be helped by spacious Comerica Park and the Tigers' offense, which is fifth in the American League with 480 runs scored going into Saturday’s game.

MLB Trade Rumors: Doug Fister To Tigers Deal Possible Saturday

The Detroit Tigers lead the tight AL Central race by 2.5 games going into Saturday’s action. One of the things they’ve needed to do most is solidify their starting rotation.

Several tweets this morning indicate that Detroit might be close to making such a deal. ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick noted:

#Tigers making progress on a deal for #Mariners pitcher Doug Fister, says a source. #trades

And, that was followed up by another tweet from Crasnick:

#Tigers are hoping to get something done today. Not sure who would be in trade from Detroit’s end. #trades

That question was answered, possibly, by CBS Sports’ Danny Knobler:

Furbush is expected to go to Seattle in deal for Fister (with others). Tigers trying to get reliever (not League), too

So what we may be looking at is a multi-player deal involving Mariners starter Doug Fister for Tigers rookie lefthander Charlie Furbush, with other players being involved on both sides. Furbush has made 17 appearances in the major leagues this year with reasonable success, but the Tigers are apparently seeking someone with more major league experience for their rotation. Fister fits the bill; he’s had a solid, 1.17 WHIP, 3.33 ERA season for the Mariners and has allowed just seven home runs in 146 innings.

For more on the Mariners, visit our SB Nation Mariners blog, Lookout Landing and for more on the Tigers, visit our SB Nation Tigers blog, Bless You Boys.

MLB Trade Rumors: Tigers Looking At Doug Fister

With the trade deadline approaching, the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers have surfaced in pretty much every single rumor involving a starting pitcher. So why don't we go ahead and add another to the list? Jon Morosi:

Tigers and Mariners engaged in active trade talks, source tells FOXSports.com. Detroit has interest in Fister and a reliever.

Adds Morosi minutes later:

Mariners had a scout watching West Michigan this week. To state obvious, Seattle needs bats in the worst way.

Why are the Tigers hot after starters? Simple. There's nobody consistent behind Justin Verlander, and there's nobody exceptionally talented behind Verlander and Max Scherzer. Brad Penny, Rick Porcello and Phil Coke are all okay, I guess, but that trio can be improved upon, and the Tigers are determined to improve.

Why are the Tigers hot for Doug Fister? Simple. Fister is a strike-thrower with a career 103 ERA+, and he's improved his strikeout rate this season while reducing his runs allowed. Fister is a dependable AL-proven arm with a tiny salary.

Here's the thing, though - because Fister is effective, and because Fister is cheap and under team control through 2015, the Mariners aren't going to just give him away. They'll be looking for a lot, and quite possibly more than anyone's willing to give. The Tigers and several other teams will call, but odds are that Fister stays put.