While Alex Rodriguez was storming out of arbitration hearings and pleading his case on the New York radio airwaves, one of the biggest blockbuster trades in recent memory is playing second fiddle.
The Detroit Tigers have agreed to send Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers in exchange for second baseman Ian Kinsler and $30 million to offset Fielder's prohibitive salary.
The move signals a shift in philosophy for the Tigers, who assembled a team of mashers that was adept at reaching the postseason, but has mostly fallen flat once there. The acquisition of Kinsler, as well as the trade for Red Sox shortstop Jose Iglesias at the 2013 trade deadline signals a possible new focus on defense for a team that ranked near the bottom in the American League.
"Dave [Dombrowski, Tigers general manager] called yesterday and threw out the concept," Texas GM Jon Daniels said. "We had a little dialogue before on it. From there, David and I had a series of phone calls and both sides were interested and we got the money where both sides could live with it."
Meanwhile, Texas seems to be assuming the Detroit approach by pairing Fielder with another right-handed slugging third baseman, Adrian Beltre. "He fits what we're looking for -- a middle-of-the-order power threat that is durable and plays to win," Daniels said. "He's a good complement with Adrian Beltre in the middle of our order."
Also, the move gives prospect Jurickson Profar a place to flash his tremendous glove, and get consistent at-bats. With Elvis Andrus inked to a long-term deal, the Rangers had a glut of MLB-capable middle infielders.
For the Tigers, the move allows Cabrera to move back to first base, where he became more than competent prior to Fielder's arrival. Cabrera dealt with some nagging injuries down the stretch last season and figures to have a cleaner bit of health away from the hot corner. In addition it clears a path for their own prospect, Nick Castellanos, to make a run at an Opening Day spot.
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