OT: Prince Fielder dealt to Texas for Ian Kinsler

Anyone who's against this trade hasn't been watching the Tigers for the past two post-seasons, during which Fielder was positively dreadful. And not just hitting-wise. His whole attitude sucked. Not to mention his base-running and mediocre fielding. Guys with his weight issues, and his attitude issues, rarely get better with age. He peaked a while ago. Detroit was stuck with the ultimate contractual albatross -- until the Rangers inexplicable bailed them out. Thank god. Detroit just improved markedly, in both short-term and long-term ways.  

And now the team has (in addition to a fine second-baseman) a ton of extra cash to spend on players who actually perform. 

Woo! As neat as it was to have another Fielder in Detroit, he was not worth even close to what they were paying him. And considering how awful he has been in the playoffs, I think this is a good move. 

Contract details

Rangers will pay Kinsler $13M in '13, $16M in 2014 and 2015, $14M in 2016 and $11M in 2017. Option for 2018 is $10M with a $5M buyout.

Considering Infante will probably seek $12-$13M per year, its a bit of extra cost for 2 years fora 2nd basemen....but we gain a leadoff hitter and can move Ajax down to 7th.  Or Ajax goes to 2nd and moves Hunter down to 5th (Martinez takes Fielders spot at #4)

It will be interesting to see how Prince does in Texas without a star to pair him with.  Nelson Cruz is a good hitter at times, but he isn't Miggy or the roided-up Braun.    I'm not sure Prince is reliable as your top hitter, he doesn't seem to be able to carry a lineup.  I think it's a good move for Detroit, especially when you consider the $8M you save this year alone.

Still waiting for the final details/ throw ins. Looks like the Tigers solved many issues with this move as did Texas. Dombrowski is looking smarter each year.

Wow....I don't know whether my jaw dropped farther when they signed Prince, or now. 

This is pretty clearly about finding the money to keep Max Scherzer.  That the infield defense will improve and there's now room for Castellanos are side benefits.  Probably not really about second base as Kinsler isn't a huge upgrade over Infante.

Also, as fans I think we're contractually obligated to offer lineup suggestions to the manager, so a good nominal lineup I think would be:

1. A-Jax
2. Torii
3. Miggy
4. Martinez
5. Kinsler
6. Dirks
7. Avila
8. Castellanos
9. Iggy

There might be temptation to want to bat Castellanos higher but I think that's a good starting point for him as a rookie.  You could argue for Kinsler at leadoff but they're very close in terms of OBP, Jackson has more speed, and if Jackson's going to strike out like he's been doing lately I'd rather it not be when guys are ostensibly on base (like they should be for the 5th hitter.)

Not clear that Miggy will move back to 1st.  Kinsler has never been considered a strong defensive second baseman--and with his injury history and age (declining steals--only 15 last year)--he may end up at first base.  In fact, the Rangers serious discussed moving him there last year.  While certainly not a gazelle over at 3rd, Miggy isn't really a better first baseman, defensively.   Leaving Miggy at 3rd gives the Tigers more flexibility--VMart can play there some.  Also, there are almost always decent hitting, fielding challenged first basemen hanging around to supplement a roster.  If they move Miggy to 1st, the Tigers might consider bringing Peralta back at 3rd.

I think its a good move.  It frees up money--presumably for Scherzer--and Fielder has played hard but not well enough to justify his contract.  I expect he will do better in Arlington.  Good luck to him.