Doug Fister Called Up, Vargas Optioned to Tacoma

So Don Wakamatsu apparently feels like Jason Vargas has some things to work on, as he has been sent back to Tacoma, for the third time this season. To take his place in the rotation, the big righty Doug Fister has been called up – or at least, I assume he’ll be taking his spot in the rotation.

Fister isn’t exactly an exciting prospect, but he does have some good qualities. This year in triple A, he’s posted a 0.95 BB/9 rate, walking only 11 hitters in 104 innings pitched. As you can figure out just by looking at his strikeout rate, he’s a control specialist. He isn’t going to blow too many guys away, but he’s going to make hitters put the ball in play – which should work out well with this excellent defense behind him.

This year in Tacoma, he’s posted a 4.51 tRA*, and a 3.39 FIP. He’s been hurt a lot by a ridiculous BABIP of .360, but that’s another thing that pitching in front of this defense will aid. There’s no reason to get overly excited about him, but he should do alright, and with a name like Fister he should immediately become a fan favorite.

As for Vargas, another stint in Tacoma will probably be good for him. Given the circumstances, it’s probably wise to limit his major league work load. I assume the biggest thing he’ll be working on down there is command – primarily keeping the ball down, and out of the middle of the plate.

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