Fielder’s Fielding Impact on the Tigers

The recent acquisition of Prince Fielder has many present and future implications for the Tigers. One of the primary topics of conversation that developed from that signing and the subsequent reassignment of Miguel Cabrera to 3b is the Tiger’s defense. The fair assumption that most have been making is that the change from Cabrera to Fielder at first base hurts the team defense, that the change from Inge/Kelly to Cabrera at 3b hurts the team defense, and that generally, the team defense is now inferior to where it was a year ago.

Everyone seems to be expecting the worst with this change, specifically for Doug Fister and Rick Porcello, two groundball heavy pitchers. I have heard the sentiment expressed that the Tigers now have three DHs (Cabrera, Fielder, and Young). Highly respected baseball people have wondered aloud just how long the Tigers can ‘survive’ with this arrangement. Many have suggested that Cabrera is very likely to not last at 3B over the course of the entire season. Is it really doom and gloom for the Tigers this season?

Clete Thomas Optioned to AAA

With the Tigers announcement yesterday that Austin Jackson would indeed be the opening day center fielder, this doesn't come as a huge surprise. There is still one spot on the 25 man roster open and the odds on favorite appears to be Don Kelly.

Too bad, I like Thomas. He strikes out way too much, but posts respectable OBP numbers, plays solid defense at all three outfield positions, and can do some work on the base paths. Thomas will never be a star, but could make a decent career as a 4th outfielder.

That said, as utility players go, Kelly does provide fantastic flexibility with the ability to play pretty much everywhere. He's logged time at every position except for center field and catcher in his Major League career.

Offensively Kelly wont add much, I'd expect the same overall performance with the bat as Clete Thomas, though with fewer strikeouts.