Inside The Mariners – Washburn Trade

In a move that has long been expected, the Mariners dealt Jarrod Washburn to the Detroit for pitchers Luke French and Mauricio Robles.

French is a starter with major league experience, pitching 29.1 innings in Detroit this year. He is striking out 5.83 per 9, and walking 3.38 per 9. French throws a fastball that averages out to around 88 MPH, and a changeup that comes in at 83. He also throws a slider, which needs a bit of work, that clocks in at 79. He reminds myself, and scouts, as, well, Jarrod Washburn. Ironic, isn’t it? He should join the starting staff immediately, and should be a solid #4 starter for the M’s for many years.

Robles has a much higher upside than French. He is a strikeout pitcher, with a 9.91 K/9 and 3.72 BB/9 in 36.3 innings in High-A ball. He is a lefty with a fastball in the low-90s, good command and with a breaking ball that’s still in progress. Because he is undersized (5-10, 160), he could end up in the bullpen eventually, and could be a solid lefty reliever if this happens.

While I believe the M’s could have gotten more for Wash, the haul here is adequate. Washburn’s numbers were inflated by the outfield defense and ballpark, so his stock was higher than it ever should have been. French should be in the majors for the next 6 years of team control, so he is a solid piece to get in return. I wish there was another prospect in the mix, but I’m content with the return.

Other Notes:

• Adrian Beltre could return to the team early next week. He will be a welcome addition to the lineup and defense.
• New starter Ian Snell will make his Mariner debut Sunday against the Rangers. We’ll see if he’s back on track after his minor league stint.