Mr. French
By JAYRC • Jun 23rd, 2009 • Category: 2009 Season, Lucas FrenchThis year Detroit has been blessed by a trio of studs at the front end of their rotation. However, all season Detroits back end has struggled. Now more than ever perhaps is feeling the void of a quality left handed starter. It was expected that Robertson or Willis would hold that spot down. However reality set in quickly between Dontrelles inability to throw a strike and Nate being…well simply being Nate. The Tigers lack a lefty starter in their rotation. Making a trade would surely deplete the farm and to be honest I have heard nothing in regards to making a move for anything but a bat or bullpen help. Perhaps a move is not necissary though.
Over a month ago Luke French got his first taste of the big leagues when Not So Great Nate was placed on the DL. Although the Tigers used him sparingly in relief, I for one seriously think he is worthy of a spot start. This season in AAA Toledo he is 4-4 with a 3.01ERA in 74 2/3 innings. The 6′4 lefty has 64 strikeouts and just 18 walks. More importantly batters are hitting just .240 against him. In his last ten starts six of them have been quality starts. French would have had seven but he only lasted five innings in one of the starts. That same game he surrendered only one run and struck out seven. Curious what Mr. French has been up to lately? His last outing he got a no decision in eight innings of work. He surrendered four hits, one run and struck out ten. The outing before that he also went eight innings, giving up one run and striking out eight. Maybe I’m going out on a limb here but perhaps Mr. French is our solution to an all right handed rotation.
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I think French will do alright in Detriot. Had the pleasure of seeing him in Lakeland. I think you were right. His first time up he may have been a little nervous, but his numbers were not that bad. With a little experience at the Big League level, I think he will be a welcome addition to our staff. Good article.
You, sir, are preaching to the choir. It is past time to call up French. It’s my hope that if Galarraga struggles again a move would be made to option him back to Toledo and bring up French. Maybe a few turns in AAA could help Armando get right.
I can’t remember where I read it but Galarraga may be out of options and need to go on the DL, make some rehab starts in the minors, or be placed on waivers.
Lance
Billfer @ TigersWeblog did an article on Tigers Options a month or so ago. I was equally suprised to see that Galarraga has one reamaining. Also Nate Robertson has three remaining options. However, similar to Juan Rincon earlier this year Nate could refuse the assignment.
I am still in on Armando in the 4 or 5
Robertson has got to go though
Thanks for looking that up. Yeah I’m with a poster on your other thread in that I fast-forwarded earlier in the year whenever Lyon or Robertson came in. Now I just fast-forward for Robertson, lol. I know Leyland has a soft spot for Robertson, he started a few Game 1’s 2 years ago in the playoffs, but he needs to go somewhere and doesn’t even belong on the 40-man roster.
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