Tigers rookie reliever made his MLB debut last night against the Tampa Bay Rays and looked good doing it. His final line for the night was 3.2 innings pitched allowing only 2 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. Oh yeah he also managed to get the win after coming in for Phil Coke who left the game in the third inning with a bone bruise in his ankle.
With his stellar debut a question now arises for the Tigers and that question is do you begin discussing possible trade scenarios involving the young left hander?
Mlive.com contributer Matt Sussman believes that the idea does warrant some thought.
if the Detroit Tigers have the ability to catch the Indians — and this is a huge “if” — then somebody must be given up, and Furbush’s long-relief win Monday night certainly boosts his value. The team has depth out their ears in Triple-A Toledo with Andy Oliver and Duane Below capable of being that lefty long reliever.
Sussman also cites a FanGraphs.com write-up on Furbush in which the writer seems is looking to correspond with Bill Singer the Director of Pro Scouting for the Washington Nationals…
Mr. Singer:
I am writing you to report on a pitcher I recently scouted who may be of value to the Washington Nationals organization. The American League Central division is a very winnable race for the Detroit Tigers and the club should be looking for veteran help in July. One player of interest in the system, who may be attainable is left-handed, triple-A starter Charlie Furbush. The organization’s first call-up option from the triple-A rotation should be Andrew Oliver, leaving his fellow southpaw as an expendable item for the right price.
The Tigers do not have a strong farm system overall, however one area in the farm where the Tigers may have extra pieces is pitching. Since the Tigers have so many holes in the batting order, on defense and in the bullpen the Tigers may want to explore what trade options are out there regarding some of their young arms.
Source: Mlive.com, FanGraphs.com
