Fielder-Tigers deal could be the worst off-season move – MLB News
Last week, Detroit Tigers signed a nine $214 million contract with Prince Fielder. The contract was the fourth largest in the history of Major League Baseball. The Tigers were forced to make such a move after their inform DH (Designated Hitter) went out for the entire season due to a knee injury.
Victor Martinez is likely to miss the entire next season and the Tigers had to pay the price for it. Looking to power their batting lineup, the Tigers signed a huge deal with left swinger Prince Fielder. However, many baseball analysts and writers have criticised their move. According to a very a well known writer, the Tigers are paying too much for acquiring Fiedler’s services. The striker may prove to be beneficial for Tigers in the short term.
"Prince Fielder is a good player, but this is three years and about $70 million too much for what he brings to the table," A baseball wrote. "Yes, the Tigers are in win-now mode, and yes, Fielder makes them better in the short term, but the reality is that if the Tigers had this kind of payroll flexibility, they should have simply been far more active earlier in the offseason. Instead, the team overreacted to the Victor Martinez injury.”
"Of all the moves made this winter, this is the one that has the potential to really cripple a franchise." He further added.
If the Tigers had such a payroll, they should have been proactive right from the start of the offseason. It will not be wrong to say they are paying the heavy price for the blunders they made earlier. Tigers’ reaction to Martinez injury wasn’t a wise one as now they will have very limited funds for mid-season trades.
Fielder, who batted with great control and aggression last season, will have a great responsibility on his shoulders this season. He hit 38 home-runs with 120 RBI’s in 2011 but it will be interesting to see if he can maintain such an incredible form in two straight seasons. Tigers, on the other hand, will be hoping that Fielder lives up to expectations to shut their critics up.
Tags: