First baseman Prince Fielder showing signs of form – MLB Detroit Tigers Update
Detroit Tigers’ General Manager Dave Dombrowski and Manager Jim Leyland will be very disappointed these days after seeing their team going down like nine pins against Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees. Credit must be given to the pitchers who did not allow too many scoring opportunities to Detroit’s powerful batting lineup.
Tigers were the winners of 2012 American League Central Division title and the team management made some expensive moves during the offseason to build even a better and stronger team. Several replacements took place earlier this year with Miguel Cabrera moving to third base to accommodate Prince Fielder at the first.
Fielder was acquired for the fourth largest, nine year $214 million contract from Milwaukee Brewers and the fans are hoping that he will lead the Tigers to their first World Series win in almost three decades.
"It just got away from me at the last minute," said team mate Austin Jackson, who is also having a great time on the plate. "I try to make every play that I can. Unfortunately, I couldn't come up with it."
"He goes up there swinging, and that's a good thing. (Yankee pitchers) got in on him a couple times," Leyland said.
However, the striker has been struggling to play his A game since the start of 2012 Major League Baseball regular season. In a game against Yankees, Fielder hit a home run against left hander C.C. Sabathia in the fourth inning. It was only the third time Fielder managed to homer since depositing two at Comerica Park three weeks ago.
"No, because ... home runs are thrown and not hit. Home runs are usually mistakes," Fielder said. "Pitchers are good and, when they don't make mistakes, you gotta take what they give you."
Fielder had .309 batting average in the series against New York and he settled for singles when big hits were not available. Leyland has also loved what he has seen from the first baseman so far this season. The manager is convinced that Fielder will have the chance to improve his numbers as the season progresses.
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