Prince Fielder and Ian Kinsler were swapped. Prince is now ruling as a Texas Ranger, while Kinsler will try to make a difference in Detroit as a Tiger. It will take some time to ingest, digest and process this news for many, but a lot of people around the glove have already made up their minds on what this trade deal could bring to both sides. Here's a look at some reactions around the web and an analysis of the positive they will bring to each team.
A lot of reactions are making it seem like the Rangers, though they paid more ($30 million) for the deal, are the winners. If you think Fielder is just fat and all about hitting home runs, then you are wrong. Although, there are some impressive facts that might sound fictitious. Like, Tim Kurkjian's reaction.
So this is clearly pointing to how favorable the warm airs and jetstream at the Ball Park in Arlington would be to a guy like Fielder. He does not need a jetstream to smash it out of any park, but with the warmer air of Texas and the physical structure of the stadium, Fielder is more inclined to send a few over the wall with the Rangers in the upcoming season.
Hmmm, so there is doubt about the way the Tigers fans would react to this deal. Let's see. Why is that? That means Miguel Cabrera is naked in the lineup. Believe it, name any player left in the lineup that would provide the same protection behind Cabrera? Exactly. Discussion is over. The "Not really," says it all. In other words, Dombrowski said, "Most likely, but we do not care."
Okay, so these comments are obviously pushing the conversation one way.
Analysis
The Tigers lost everything in this deal. Okay, Kinsler is one of the Top 3 second baseman in the game, if he is healthy. The Rangers spent a little more dough on Fielder, but guess what? They get a power first baseman who will play every day, hit home runs, get on base and hit for average. The Tigers will have a second baseman who will hit for power, get on base and play stellar defense, if he is healthy.
Fielder is overweight? Of course, but this has not prevented the slugger from playing every day. Since 2009, Fielder has only missed one game. Since 2006, when he played full time and started at first base for the first time in his career, Fielder has missed 10 games in total. That is ridiculous and explains why he was paid so much by the Tigers.
Kinsler is good and an upgrade for the Tigers over Omar Infante. He could hit behind Cabrera as he provided unusual power for a leadoff hitter, but no matter how many stats we provide, it is incomprehensible for the Tigers to go from being two games from the World Series, to trading one of their biggest assets.
Guess what time it is in the American League? Walk Cabrera time! Mike Trout will win the MVP, unless Adrian Beltre has something to say about this.
