The Nats have traded Steve Lombardozzi, Ian Krol, and Robbie Ray for Doug Fister. The move is already being described as a “steal”—read Dave Cameron’s analysis at FanGraphs. Fister is a relatively low cost starting pitcher under team control for two more seasons. The FanGraphs/Steamer projection for Fister’s 2014 is for 168 innings of 3.80 ERA, 3.50 FIP (3.2 wins above replacement), 6.5 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9. And that’s pretty much the pitcher he’s been for the last three seasons. Plus he has the advantage of moving from the American League to the National (and to a decent infield, which is important for a ground ball pitcher). While we liked Lombo and thought Krol and Ray had bright futures, it’s still hard to argue that this isn’t a great move by Mike Rizzo.
Congratulations to the Nationals on one of the best moves of this off-season.
