I’m still not sure if the Prince Fielder signing has quite sunk in yet for Tigers fans because to tell you the truth it really hasn’t sunk in for me yet. I also really can’t get over on how big of an ass I made myself look arguing with people on Twitter and Facebook saying that this deal will never take place.
However in all fairness, I don’t think anyone saw this deal coming except Mike Ilitch, Dave Dombrowski, Prince Fielder and Scott Boras. Lets also be real in that it took an insane amount of money for Fielder to come to Detroit especially after all the history his Dad, Cecil Fielder had with the Tigers prior.
But now that the deal is done and Prince Fielder is a Tigers what’s the reality now and what do the Tigers need to do next?
Let’s take a look at it.
- I guess after what the Tigers did with Fielder, I’m a little hesitant in saying this but any other hitters on the market that the Tigers were rumored to be in on are now off the table. I really can’t see the Tigers being in the running for Yoenis Cespedes, Vladimir Guerrero, Johnny Damon, Bobby Abreu, Raul Ibanez, etc. At this point it may not matter who the Tigers have at the other positions from an offensive standpoint when they’ve got guys like Miguel Cabrera and now Prince Fielder in the lineup.
- This upcoming season it looks as though Prince Fielder will be the first baseman, Cabrera will be the DH and they will platoon at third base with Don Kelly and Brandon Inge. However in 2013 and this is assuming that Victor Martinez is healthy, Victor Martinez will be the DH, Prince Fielder will remain at first base and Miguel Cabrera will return to third base where he started out his career at. I also feel pretty confident that Miguel Cabrera will work hard turning himself into a good third baseman and surprise a lot of people when he returns to the position full-time in 2013.
- For the Inge haters out there it looks as though this may be the Inge Farewell Tour with the Tigers.
- A lot of people are down on the later part of Fielders 9 year $214 million dollar contract. However when you look at it he will be 36 years old and probably has a good chance at still being productive. Now of course it’s not going to be desirable at that point it’s not going to be as bad as some are making it out to be.
- It’s now time to gut the farm system. Even with the Fielder signing the Tigers still have holes in the lineup that need to be filled. One of the biggest needs the Tigers have is filling the vacant spot in the pitching rotation. With today’s signing, its now time to offer up Jacob Tuner, Nick Castallanos, Casey Crosby, Andy Oliver and who ever else in the farm system to get a lefty starter. Quite frankly the Tigers no longer need any of those players and will have enough time to rebuild the farm system between now and when the Fielder contract loses it’s nostalgia.
Here is the projected Tigers opening day lineup…
1. Austin Jackson (CF)
2. Brennan Boesch (RF)
3. Prince Fielder (1B)
4. Miguel Cabrera (DH)
5. Delmon Young (RF)
6. Alex Avila (C)
7. Jhonny Peralta (SS)
8. Ramon Santiago (2B)
9. Brandon Inge (3B)
Ref: MLB.com, Twitter, Zimbio (image)
