O/T, Prince Fielder to Tigers for 9 year deal

[Fred]

So much for using V-Mart as the DH. They used to have the luxury of platooning V-Mart and using their other catcher (Alex Avila - aint so shabby) which gave them some flexibility with V-Mart. There's no way V-Mart takes 1B or DH from Cabrerra or Fielder and they have a pretty good young catcher in Avila. Looks like V-Mart may be in for some reduced playing time. Oddly enough the Tigers signed V-Mart last year to a few year contract for some decent cash. The Tigers must be looking to make a huge push.

[z28jd]

Originally Posted by Fred

So much for using V-Mart as the DH. They used to have the luxury of platooning V-Mart and using their other catcher (Alex Avila - aint so shabby) which gave them some flexibility with V-Mart. There's no way V-Mart takes 1B or DH from Cabrerra or Fielder and they have a pretty good young catcher in Avila. Looks like V-Mart may be in for some reduced playing time. Oddly enough the Tigers signed V-Mart last year to a few year contract for some decent cash. The Tigers must be looking to make a huge push.

He was injured last week, possibly out for the year. Torn ACL

[insidethewrapper]

Since Victor Martinez is out for the year due to injury, it won't be until 2013 that Cabrera, Fielder and Martinez are in the same lineup.

I love this move. The AL gets better in 2012. The Tigers will be a great team to watch. Good pitching and hitting. WS in 2012. If not, it will be fun. Thanks to Mike Illitch , the new George S.

[Fred]

Wow, that is a very expensive replacement bat for V-Mart. Torn ACL... yikes.

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by insidethewrapper

Since Victor Martinez is out for the year due to injury, it won't be until 2013 that Cabrera, Fielder and Martinez are in the same lineup.

I love this move. The AL gets better in 2012. The Tigers will be a great team to watch. Good pitching and hitting. WS in 2012. If not, it will be fun. Thanks to Mike Illitch , the new George S.

Have they scheduled the parade yet?

[7nohitter]

Too many years and too much money. The guy is going to break down with all that heft on his frame. Beware of knee, back and foot problems in the not-too-distant future.

[19cbb]

Verlander wins 30

Now kidding aside, Miggy + Prince = Scary

[novakjr]

Personally, injuries aside, I think that V-mart is an all around better hitter than Prince. I don't expect either player to be great in the long term though. No way do the Tigers keep V-mart after this.. Hopefully, next year with Hafner off the payroll, we'll be welcoming Vic back to Cleveland...

[rainier2004]

Originally Posted by novakjr

Personally, injuries aside, I think that V-mart is an all around better hitter than Prince. I don't expect either player to be great in the long term though. No way do the Tigers keep V-mart after this.. Hopefully, next year with Hafner off the payroll, we'll be welcoming Vic back to Cleveland...

Agreed he's a better hitter than Prince and question both long-term greatness. But Id be more surprised if they victor go after the year he had last year and play 140+ games for all we hear about injuries.

[HexsHeroes]

.

. . . it might serve both as a means to help protect Cabrerra's bat in the lineup, and another building block for a team trying to become a perennial contender.

I look at the acquisition alittle different then some fans. If Jim Leyland's plan is to make sure most of his biggest guns get adequate time to rest during the season, in an attempt to keep them healthier and fresh, then an eventual rotation of Cabrerra, Fielder, Martinez, and Avila might achieve that (where one man sits out each game). Odd man out makes for an extra weapon on the bench in late innings too. Plus, I wouldn't rule out the outside possibility that Victor learns to play alittle third base. He might not be the typical thirdbaseman, but I don't think he would embarass himself either. Not to mention, the man can hit. Detroit's stable of higher-price talent might be a problem other managers wish they had. But only if the egos are checked at the start of season, and positive team chemistry is achieved.

It wasn't too long ago the Tigers were picked to contend for their division, and they damn near surplanted the Royals in the cellar.