For Prince's debut season, we pretty much got what we expected. Home Runs, RBIs, and a laid back smile. The first series against the Red Sox at home his fort year here was epic. He hit his first dingers at COPA and we steamrolled the Sox. Things looked to be pretty on track. He went to the Home Run Derby in Kansas City and made it rain in right field, eventually winning the Derby. Then the playoff chase began and we watched as he helped the Tigers get their work done to hold off the surprise White Sox to win our second consecutive AL Central division Title. 2 Stellar rounds of postseason baseball later, and catching the final out of the ALCS, the Thundercats were going to the World Series. Detroit was poised to claim it's first championship in 28 years.
Then? Nothing. A giant broom with the words "San Francisco" burned into the handle descended from the skies. A ridiculously awesome season, decapitated. A championship, stolen. A Crown, smashed. How could this happen? Why did this happen? Both very good questions. There are the answers you want to hear, then the answers you don't. I did notice that there was a vocal group already calling for Prince's head. I don't usually give these people any thought but given my team just got spanked, I was a little peeved. He just freaking got here. He wasn't the only one that sucked. He'll be better next year. Little did I know, it would be the start of a troubling trend.
This year began pretty well for the Tigers. For a team that lost in a most frustrating way, we looked to be back and ready to roll. Such was the case for most of the year but then a decline happened pretty much across the board. Miggy got hurt, Prince was not hitting, Verlander was sputtering, and bottom lineup guys were non-existent. All of those things could be accepted except one. Prince was the sore thumb, both in the lineup and the Tigers money bags. His price tag became blinding by the time the postseason came around. I consider myself to be a lenient and realistic fellow when it comes to sports. How much I invest my interest is always fluctuating. Despite the teams troubles, I wasn't asking for anyone to be dealt and that includes Prince.
The ALCS came and went, the Tigers were spent, and left feeling that they let this one get away. While I felt the same, I didn't necessarily think w huge roster shakeup was needed. I was more concerned about the leadership and direction of the team. Notice how teams can change with a few key moves that don't involve shipping a player out? That's how I felt about the Tigers. Maybe a new voice could wrestle the team away from their slump in the postseason. Apparently there was more under the surface. The media weren't the most keen about Prince due to his sometimes rude and noncommittal answers and laid back attitude. Then his postgame comments after losing game 6 became glaring. "It's Not Really Tough, Man. It's Over, Bro." Maybe you say those things a few days after losing. But after just walking off the field? Maybe not the best choice. Then there's the fan opinion, which is as useful as jumping into a volcano. We're all fans, we all have our opinions, our gripes and approvals. But the idea of just shipping Prince out of town seemed a bit rash. I didn't think they would do it.
Lo and behold, rumors begin to swirl yesterday that a huge trade was on the table for the Tigers. It was a 1 for 1 deal that would bring Ian Kinsler from the Texas Rangers to play second, whilst sending Prince Fielder deep into the heart of Texas. Then Jon Heyman reports it's validity and then the dominoes began to fall. Tigers send out a press release stating the trade is official. Fielder out. Kinsler in. Looking over the deal, it makes sense. Almost too much sense given how well it works for both sides. Tigers get their Second Base position shored up and save a ton of money to be played with later. Rangers get the lefty power they were seeking, in a par that sure to be enjoyed by Prince, seeing as the right field in Arlington was modeled after the place he hit bombs in as a child. You know the place? Tiger Stadium? Win Win. But for me personally, I'm a little confused and frustrated. Prince was a Tiger for just 2 years. After all the pomp and circumstance surrounding his glorious return to the D, he's done. I liked the guy, and partnering him with Miguel Cabrera made them biggest duo since Maris and Mantle, in my mind. They became the Thundercats, a term I came to be obsessed with, and associated with those two the most. Now, they go their separate ways. Watching Miguel tweet photos of him and his new brother was heartbreaking and emotional, wishing Prince the best in his future endeavors. This trade makes sense for baseball, but not for my heart. In the time I've been a Detroit sports fan, I never thought we were the type of city and organization to cast people out for not being good enough. We've always been here with open arms, welcoming those who had either nowhere to go or needed help. Prince had 1 really solid year and 1 shitty year, combined with 2 sub par postseasons. In my mind, that's not enough to get me to pick up the phone. However, Dave Dombrowski is a maverick GM, one with a sharp mind and his eyes on the future. This deal would not have been done had it not made sense. It was a perfect storm trade, with ripple effects that have yet to be determined. You have to tip your cap to a GM that's able to make a deal that can make you better now and in the future. It just sucks that Prince was the commodity in this one. I'm pretty sure this had nothing to do with him and everything to do with his contract. Comments, attitude, and production can all play a factor in a players fate. Did Prince do himself any favors? Maybe yes, maybe no. But his contract was the big point here. With that in mind, we all remember what makes the world go round. I hate to see my Thundercats split up and it will weigh on my mind, come spring 2014. Tigers Baseball wise, it's a great move that works from every angle. Tigers Baseball fan wise? This was a little too early for me. I wish Prince the best of luck in Texas.
But before I cut this off, for one last time, say it with me:
THUNDER. THUNDER. THUNDER. THUNDERCATS! HOOOOOOOOOOOO
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