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What does the Prince Fielder trade mean?

By David Cash

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After several confirmed reports, the Texas Rangers  are going to trade Ian Kinsler for the Detroit Tigers’ Prince Fielder.  This was a one for one player trade between the two teams that includes $30 million from the Tigers.  The Tigers will pay the $30 million over 7 years at a rate of $4.29 million a year.

What does the mean for the Texas Rangers?  The Rangers will now have one of the key component they were missing last year, a big offensive bat.  Although Fielder had a down year last year, he should bounce back in 2014.  One reason Fielder had a down year, was because of some personal issues he dealt with through out the season.  If you want to know more about that, you can search for it, its his business, it is in the past now, time to focus on baseball news.

Aug 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder (28) hits an RBI single in the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Daniels has said that Prince Fielder will be the every day first baseman for the Texas Rangers and will also DH some.  This should help keep Fielder in the lineup, he has barely missed a game since 2005. What will happen with Mitch Moreland?  It’s reported that the Tampa Bay Rays have inquired about Moreland.  There is no word yet on what kind of deal the Rays and Rangers could be involved in. It was earlier reported that the Texas Rangers were interested in David Price.  Moreland won’t be enough to along to get the trade done, the Rays could ask for some of the Rangers top prospects such as Joey Gallo or Luis Sardinas. The Rangers did pick up Shawn Tolleson to help the bullpen next year, so the Rangers main focus appears to be getting another solid starter.  So a trade with the Rays does make sense. Another option that has been mention from Jon Daniels is to possibly put Mitch Moreland, Craig Gentry or Jim Adduci in left field to replace David Murphy.

Prince is the offensive power the Rangers need.  And,yes he did slump at time last year throughout the season and in the post season.   Prince did bat very well in 2011 and 2012, he batted .299/.415/.566/.981 with 38 home runs and .313/.412/.528/.940 and 30 home runs respectively.  How does that compare?  Well, Adrian Beltre lead the Texas Rangers in home runs with 30 in 2013.  Prince Fielder should bring plenty fireworks to the ballpark.  He should get 30-35 home runs in 2014.  It could be more, but recent changes to the ballpark has changed the jet stream effect and has reduced home runs in the park.  Also, Fielder was 6th in RBIs in 2013 and has been consistently in the top 10 in RBIs for the past several years.  The additional run support should help the Rangers make a push to win 90+ games again and a run towards a playoff spot or a division title.

Now that first base is locked up, who will be at second.  It will probably be Jurckson Profar, but Daniels stated that he will still need to compete for his job.  No word yet who else is considered for second base, but Joey Gallo or Luis Sardinas could be in the mix.  Both are top Rangers prospect that have done very well in the infield and at the plate.

So over all, who’s where?

Infield

Outfield

Now, that just me being hopeful with a few more big signings, but Jon Daniels is still in the hunt for another big bat and it could very well happen.  Now that someone has done something major this offseason, it could get things rolling with other free agents.

What are your thoughts?

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