Fister Unimpressive – Tigers Lose 8-5

3 starts into Doug Fister’s Tigers career, he’s giving the Tigers faithful reasons for doubt. Reasons to doubt what kind of contribution he’s capable of making to the Tigers’ pennant drive and reasons to doubt whether the package the Tigers gave up to get him will have been worthwhile.

In those 3 starts he has gone 1-1 with a 5.52 ERA over 14 2/3 innings. He has walked only one, but struck out only 5 (all today, for that matter), allowing lots of balls in play. In Seattle, those balls in play are less likely to result in actual damage – both due to the park factor and because Seattle has a great defense. The Tigers do not have a great defense, which may be one factor behind the 24 hits that Fister has allowed in those 14 2/3 and also in the 3 unearned runs he has already given up. Now I am not suggesting that Fister should be blamed for his team’s defense, but I am suggesting that a pitcher whose game plan is to throw strikes and let them put the ball in play might not be an ideal fit for a team with poor defensive range.

Of course it’s still early, and Fister may yet give Detroit something of value, but I’m already concerned that he may be a player whose numbers had exceeded his actual talent.

Oh… and the guys we gave up? After 9 games for the M’s, Casper Wells’ line is .333/.405/.515. He’s likely to continue to see increased playing time on a team starved for power. I suppose we can take solace in the fact that Charlie Furbush has had control problems and been unable to keep the ball in the park. But then, there are a couple of upper tier prospects to consider too…

Pick it up, Fister… we don’t need another Brad Penny.