Mariners’ trade Fister, Pauley to Detroit
Jul 30, 2011, 9:16 AM | Updated: 9:32 pm
BY
Director of Digital Content
A change of scenery could be the cure for Doug Fister’s lack of run support, and the Detroit Tigers may very well have the antidote.
The Mariners have traded Fister along with reliever David Pauley to the Tigers for OF Casper Wells, LHP Charlie Furbush, 3B prospect Francisco Martinez and a player to be named later as announced by general manager Jack Zduriencik Saturday morning.
Wells and Furbush joined the Mariners 25-man roster and were in uniform for Saturday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Martinez will report to the AA-affiliate Jackson Generals of the Southern League.
“We felt that today’s deal provided us the opportunity to acquire several players that are at or near Major League ready and we could control for five to six years, all of whom have upside potential,” Zduriencik said.
In 64 games with Detroit this season, Wells hit .257 with 4 home runs and 12 RBI’s. Wells is best known for his outstanding arm, where he possessed the best outfield arm in the Tigers’ organization.
LHP Furbush comes to Seattle with a 1-3 record in 17 appearances with the Tigers this season. According to Zduriencik, Furbush will get the opportunity to start in the rotation with the departure of Fister.
Fister leaves the Mariners with a 3-12 record and 3.33 ERA in 21 starts for the Mariners this season. He was regarded as one of the best starters on the Mariners pitching staff, but was stricken with the lowest run support among all Major League starters this season.
Before Friday night’s game against Tampa Bay Fister responded to rumors that he might get traded over the weekend.
“I’ve kind of taken the mindset that I’m not going to listen to any rumors, I’m not going to go out there and read into anything,” Fister told the Kevin Calabro Show Friday. “Right now I’m a Mariner, that’s the attitude I have and that’s where I want to be.”
Pauley, 28, will be joining Fister in the Motor City after going 5-4 with a 2.15 ERA in 39 appearances with the Mariners this season. Pauley was a key set-up man to All-Star closer Brandon League, as he is currently tied for first among AL relievers in wins.
