The game of baseball is a
business. In any business, there are
certain transactions that are made from time to time. In baseball, those
transactions are the players. Players are traded every year to make room for
younger players, to try to free up money to sign a big free agent, or keep a
superstar player. These transactions can get quite the reaction from fans, both
good and bad. There are 2 Detroit Tigers that have been traded this offseason
that have been a huge part of the Tigers success for the last 2 seasons.
Doug Fister
In an unexpected move, starting pitcher Doug Fister was
traded to the Washington Nationals in return for infielder Steve Lombardozzi,
left-hander Ian Krol, and minor league left-hander Robbie Ray. So in exchange for a solid starter that will
give a team a lot of innings pitched, we received a bench player, bullpen
pitcher, and a minor league prospect. This trade honestly does not make much
sense to me. This was obviously to free up money to resign Max Scherzer, but
there must be some other way. What the Tigers gave up does not make any sense
for what they received in return. Also, are the Tigers a better pitching staff
with Drew Smyly taking Doug Fister’s place in the lineup? I don’t think so.
While Drew Smyly has the potential to be a great starter, trading Doug Fister
just does not seem like the answer.
Prince Fielder
The Detroit Tigers let go of the enormous contract of Prince
Fielder in exchange for 2nd baseman Ian Kinsler of the Texas
Rangers. This was absolutely in part to save money for the resigning of Max
Scherzer, as well as with the Doug Fister trade. While Fielder has had some big
hits for the Tigers in the past 2 seasons, he has failed to show up when the
Tigers needed him the most, which is in the postseason. Unfortunately for
Prince, someone who is paid the money he is paid is expected to get the big
hits, whenever they are needed, and with no excuses. While initially it was sad
that Fielder was traded, the Tigers can win without him. A lackluster presence
in the clubhouse may have also cost him his spot on the Tigers. Comments that
he made after the disappointment that was the 2013 ALCS made him look like a
player that did not care that his team just got kicked out of the playoffs.
While there were many ups and downs with Prince Fielder in his time with the
Tigers, this will always be his most memorable moment:
Should be an interesting season!
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