So the big news in the sports world today is that somehow the Detroit Tigers convinced Prince Fielder to come play in the olde english D for the next 9 seasons.
How did this happen? Apparently Ilitch and Fielder's agent (Boras) are friends. The other 3 teams in the running for the bowling ball were offering a 6 year contract, and when Boras told the Tigers owner that they were looking for a 9 year deal Ilitch was all over it. He is in his 80s and wants to win now. Even though he owns the Red Wings as well, he doesnt try to hide the fact that he wants a World Series title the most. Yes the 9 year deal will likely be terrible come 2017 or so, but it will be a lot more bearable if the Tigers can win a championship in the next 4-5 years. This contract (9 years for 214 million) is the 4th largest in MLB history. And from the 2 ARod contracts in the past, it shows that the Yankees are stuck in the terrible contract right now.
What does this mean moving forward? Well now we have 2 of the best 1st basemen in the entire league. Fielder looks like he will either be the 1st basemen or the DH, while Cabrera will move to 3rd base. It will be interesting when VMart comes back from injury. Will the Tigers look to trade one of the 3 players, or deal with some below average defense for one of the best lineups in the history of the franchise? I was worried at first that Miguel was not asked about this move before it was finalized, but in an interview today he seemed very excited about playing with Prince. So what will be the lineup this year? Will Prince and Miguel share time at first base and DH? I think Miguel should at least begin to transfer over to the 3rd base position so it will be smoother when VMart comes back. But honestly, if either Miguel or Prince DH full time I think that will give us the best chance of winning next year but hurt in 2 years. Maybe Leyland can convince Peralta to move to 2nd base full time and then Santiago and Inge can share time at shortstop. But this option will leave out Kelly and Raburn from the rotation, and I have a feeling Raburn can have a big offensive year as well. Delmon Young may also be able to DH at times. It could be likely that when Miguel is spotted to play 3rd base (major defensive liability), that Kelly or Boesch will move over to left field to provide some defensive support to the left side of the field. This would leave Delmon to DH on occasion. I just know that Comerica Park has not had a left handed hitter hit more than 14 home runs in one season since it opened.
I know Cabrera has had some big off field issues that have affected his image, but he is still my Tiger and arguably the best hitter in the entire game right now. He is the only player in the game that I want to watch every single AB because you always feel like he is going to hit the towering home run, laser line drive that hurts the left fielder after 2 bounces, or the standard double to the left center gap. I do not want the Tigers shopping him after this season to load up on prospects and unknown talent. I know that would be the best for the franchise in the long run, but I want to see the best hitter in baseball retire a Tiger.
Potential batting order next year:
1. Action Jackson
2. Boesch Bomber
3. I see you Miguel
4. Pepsi Porch Prince
5. Indestructable Avila
6. Jahonny
7. Bubba Gump Young
8. Dr. 200 First Half/ Mr. 320 Second Half (Raburn)/ Mendoza line Inge
9. Grandpa Santiago/ Kelly
Now here is where it gets awesome.. just think of batting order 2013
1. Jackson
2. Boesch
3. Miguel
4. Prince
5. VMart
6. Avila
7. Peralta?
8. Raburn
9. Santiago
AL Central pitchers just got some chills today. Let's hope the idea to go with all offense does not backfire like it did in 2008.
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