Prince Fielder could replace Miguel Cabrera at first base position – MLB News
Earlier this week, Detroit Tigers agreed to a nine-year $214 million contract with Prince Fielder. Batting with great aggression and control, Fielder dominated the pitching attacks past season. With a decent .299 batting average, 38 home-runs and 120 RBI’s, he posted astonishing stats in 2011.
Fielder wanted to be a part of Detroit Tigers since his childhood. Showing great strength and athleticism, he helped Milwaukee Brewers achieve reasonable results last season.
According to sources, Fielder is expected to play first base in Spring Training starting in a few weeks time. However, his presence at the top of the order means that Miguel Cabrera will have to move to third base position.
However, most of the baseball analysts believe that Cabrera will be unable to perform the first base duties effectively. The 28-year-old has put on a lot of weight in the last few years and he is not as healthy and fit as he used to be. Playing at third base, Cabrera will be looking to put in a lot of hard work to lose weight.
Former New York Mets' general manager Steve Philips believes Miguel Cabrera is not an ideal candidate for first base and the Tigers will want to choose the best batting combination to achieve their desired goals this season.
"Typically, if you sign someone to a $214-million contract, it answers questions and solves big problems," the former New York Mets’ general manager Steve Phillips said of Fielder's deal. "It does not tend to create other questions and problems. This tends to do that."
"The big wild card is, do you believe Miguel Cabrera can play third base? I personally have some real doubts about it. He's got a .951 career fielding percentage at third base. He's made 48 errors there in 387 games," he further added.
Cabrera has made a large number of unforced errors on the field since he started to play at first base. With a .951 career fielding percentage, he will want to do a lot of work to be successful at a challenging spot.
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