Fielder for Kinsler

I did not see this coming. I am not surprised the Rangers traded Kinsler. It did not make sense to go another year with Profar as a utility guy and ruin his trade value further. So either Kinsler, Profer, or Elvis was going to get traded. But I would have needed a lot of guesses to predict even swap for Fielder.

I am a Kinsler fan but the change in parks will do him no favors. Concerned if he shows up with even more decline in power numbers than he showed this year the fans in Detroit will turn on him. Fielder on the other hand should benefit a lot from the change in parks. And bet Detroit fans will be doing too many comparisions. All I can say to Detroit fans who are listening is you are getting a guy who will give you top effort on a regular basis. He is the type of blue collar player who should be liked and appreciated there. Give him a fair chance.

Now if the Rangers can add a corner OF bat to slot in that 5 slot behind Fielder and Beltre ....

Really a fascinating trade, and I think Detroit is the winner here even though many might disagree. They win huge from a money standpoint by tossing most of Fielder's contract during a year with some good FAs, and they dispense of a guy who was only on the team because he hit well, yet who didn't hit a lick in the playoffs. In return they get a scrappy ballplayer with a .311 career playoff batting average, who fills a need very nicely. I don't think it will hurt Cabrera's hitting one bit, because Martinez is just as dangerous as Fielder in terms of being a tough out, while it will help is defense, because he won't be playing 3B. Only time will tell though...

I dont know how this trade can be a miss for Texas. As Valen pointed out, they clear out space for Profar while adding a potent left-handed power bat....even with his lousy fielding, poor playoff bat, and non-existent (if not terrible) baserunning.

I think the trade is a win for Detroit, and could be a big win if Castellanos is ready to step up at third base. Kinsler opens up Detroit's offense at the lead off spot, making them less dependent on homers as they've been in the past. Cabrera moving over to first from third improves their defense (no matter who takes over). And obviously they free up money for Scherzer, Nathan or Brian Wilson, and a stopgap third baseman in case Castellanos isnt ready.

.....Now if only the Giants could add another outfielder (Choo would be awesome) and a starting pitcher who HASN'T just turned 39.

Have to agree this is a potential win-win for both teams which is what a good trade should be.

One concern I have for Rangers going forward is the back end of Fielder's contract. If he does not continue to put up big numbers all the way through they will be spending a lot of money on a contract they cannot get rid of without paying someone to take it over.

Frustrating thing for me is this trade was necessary because they traded one of my favorites in Davis. This trade is to a large degree an admission they kept the wrong guy and are now giving up on Moreland.

I think the trade is a win for Detroit, and could be a big win if Castellanos is ready to step up at third base. Kinsler opens up Detroit's offense at the lead off spot, making them less dependent on homers as they've been in the past. Cabrera moving over to first from third improves their defense (no matter who takes over). And obviously they free up money for Scherzer, Nathan or Brian Wilson, and a stopgap third baseman in case Castellanos isnt ready.

As a Tiger fan, I agree entirely. Along with freeing up money to pay for extensions for Scherzer (after 2014) and Cabrera (after 2015), this will also allow them to pick up Choo. Pretty sweet deal!

Funny, local media is saying all this clears the way for Rangers to sign Choo to fill the vacated leadoff spot .......

Gentry would play everyday for a lot of teams.

I heard a rumor that said the season ticket holders in Texas sitting behind 1B, will now get a 25% reduction in their prices for having obstructed views...

On a player basis, I think it's pretty hard to argue that Kinsler's production hasn't really declined in the past three years. Walks and power are way down since 2011. Moving to Detroit will hurt those numbers even more. I don't really follow the Rangers much, but it looks like his base stealing stats are getting worse to the point he really should stop trying to steal at all. Detroit fans are getting a good, solid player, but they can't expect anything close to what Kinsler did 2009 or 2011.

Prince did pretty much exactly what I expected he would do moving from Miller Park to Comerica. I expect him to add 10-15 HRs next year, and people will think he's hitting better, but he really won't be. His walks went down a bit this year, which isn't a good sign though. It's funny how he got a reputation as a bad clutch hitter in Detroit, as in Milwaukee he was viewed as a great clutch hitter. I think his near obsession with playing every game actually hurts the team a bit. 162 games is a real grind and Prince carrying all that weight can't act like a 22 year old any more. Texas needs to give him some rest in the summer.

So, as a trade, it's all about the contracts. Prince will be a hot potato for next several years as I think most GMs would be pretty scared to hold the 9th and 10th years of that contract.

"162 games is a real grind and Prince carrying all that weight can't act like a 22 year old any more. Texas needs to give him some rest in the summer"

That is ALL on Fielder. If he cared, he would drop the lbs. If he was a professional he'd drop them.