MAKIN’ MOVES
By JAYRC • Jun 29th, 2009 • Category: 2009 Season, Fu-Te Ni, Lucas FrenchSunday Detroit announced two call-ups that should have a positive impact on our club. The Tigers announced that Fu-Te Ni and Luke French would be called up from AAA Toledo. The combination of Bobby Seay and Fu-Te Ni finally give Detroit two quality lefties in the pen. No longer will Nate Robertson sit and pout taking up a spot in the bullpen. Robertson has been moved to the disabled list where he can do no damage. Luke French has also got the call, as he will fill the lefty void in the rotation that has plagued Detroit all season.
LUKE FRENCH
I have been big on Mr. French all season, as he has cruised through opposing AAA batters this year. Through 81 2/3 innings he has a WHIP of just 1.11 with 72 strikeouts. His earned run average is also solid at just 2.98. He was used briefly in relief the last time that Robertson was placed on the disabled list with positive results. With Saturdays disastrous start from Alfredo Figaro, in steps Mr. French to patch things up. I first wrote about Lukes’ great season last week. I appreciate the fact that the Tiger Brass both read and decided to listen to me and execute this call. Although I believe my exact decision for Nate was to be placed on the DL with ”Tired Arm Syndrome, because I for one am tired of his arm!” Either way Not So Great Nate is out of the picture for a minute….That is good enough for this Tigers fan! While I don’t expect French to carry over those exact numbers, I do expect him to keep us in the game, eat innings and give us a chance to win. Luke French was (finally) the right call.
FU-TE NI
The 26 year old Taiwanese Ni has been solid thus far in AAA Toledo. Left handed batters hit only .184 against him and they also were not able to get on base via base on balls. In 34 2/3 innings pitched his
earned run average was just 2.60. While it has not officially been said, it appears that Ni would be used primarily as a situational pitcher against lefties. The fact that he throws the ball from a side arm angle is also a bonus, as many batters have a more difficult time seeing his pitches. Evidence of this is his 32 strikeouts. I have a good feeling about this kid and feel he will be an asset to our bullpen.
Even beyond Saturdays struggles a blind man could see that French was superior to Figaro. Not a knock on Figaro, he is just still pretty raw. As for Robertson, well anyone with a pulse not named Nate had my vote for replacing him. Calling up Ni over the experienced Rapada may have been a gamble. Have no doubts though, Fu-Te Ni has done his job and has put up solid numbers. I for one commend them for rolling the dice and taking a chance on this kid. As with all moves, only time will tell.
On to Oakland…
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Nice article Jay. I know you have been big on FU-TE NI since you first saw him. Not he gets his chance. Loved the comment about one hit or one walk and your outta here Nate. Do you have any information on what exactly he is on the DL for.