Detroit Gives Texas a New Prince

Prince Fielder stepped up to the plate in late innings of the National Championship League Series in Game 6. Everyone knew at Miller Park this could be the last time we see Prince in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform. Everyone in stood up cheering for him basically thanking him for his time in Milwaukee. A small-market team likely could not afford Fielder for a new contract. This held true as Fielder signed a nine-year 214 million dollar deal with Detroit, and people went wild with dreams of Miguel Cabrera and Fielder hitting in the middle of Detroit's order. 

Dreams went to die rather quickly as Fielder did not emulate the same success with the Tigers as he did with Milwaukee. Fielder only hit 55 home runs in two years and struggled mightily in the postseason. Detroit decided their experiment with Prince was over as they dealt him to Texas last night for Ian Kinsler. This is a massive deal to kick off baseball's offseason, but it could really help both teams possibly more so for Texas. To think, they talked about trading each other in an ESPN commercial in 2010 (Adam Scott alert!).  

Texas finally gets a first baseman. Through the last couple years, Rangers have struggled to get production out of the first base position. Fielder steps in, and will probably still hit fourth as I assume they will move Adrian Beltre up to hitting third creating a formidable middle of the order. Fielder gets to play his home games at The Ballpark at Arlington one of the most hitter friendly ballparks in Major League Baseball. There are a few folks saying he is washed up and will never be the same. I would rethink that baseless idea. 

Fielder had a bad year. Simple as that. He is not hitting a regression phase of his career. I have a hard time thinking Fielder just hit a wall and will never be the same player. Fielder had 117 strikeouts, his highest since 2010. He only took 75 walks which is his lowest since 2006, his first year with Milwaukee.  Further, his OBP, SLG and OPS all were at the lowest they have been since that first year. Fielder had an off year, and I feel confident in saying it is a blip in the radar. Fielder gets a fresh start in Texas, and it would be crazy to not consider him for 2014 American League MVP, seriously.

As for Detroit, Ian Kinsler is one of the best second basemen in baseball. A combination of Kinsler and Cabrera will get things done in the middle of the order. Kinsler, like Fielder, has taken some steps back since the 2011 season. Last year, he battled through injuries missing 26 games last season and his home runs have decreased each year since his career year in 2011. One thing worth noting about Kinsler is he only had two seasons where he missed only less than 10 games thus meaning there are some issues with him staying healthy.  

Texas and Detroit get benefited by this deal. The Rangers are now able to move superstar prospect Jurickson Profar to second base while keeping Elvis Andrus at shortstop. Detroit now can move Cabrera to first base, and they can resign Max Schrezer while picking up a high-quality third baseman. The deal works out for both teams if everyone remains healthy, and things work out paper yet we always know sometimes that is not the case. 

I like this deal better for Texas. I realize many are giving it to Detroit, but I think Texas wins this one. They get another power hitter for their middle of the order in a hitters' ballpark. Detroit will take a risk with Kinsler and give Schrezer an exorbitant amount of money.

Charlie.