Yesterday, the first major trade of the offseason took place. The Tigers traded 1B Prince Fielder and $30 million of his salary to the Rangers for 2B Ian Kinsler. Now this is a major trade in every way. This trade helps both teams in a few ways.
The Tigers-Even the Tigers had to realize that they signed Fielder for too much and for too long. Now it is only a couple years into his deal and he still has seven years left, most of which is not likely to be very productive. They do lose a big power hitter, but one who has struggled in the playoffs the last couple of years. They receive a second baseman in Ian Kinsler who is above average defensively. Kinsler is a good second baseman and speedy enough to lead off; something the Tigers could have used last season. Kinsler gets on base enough to help the lower part of the order produce as well. With Fielder gone, Miguel Cabrera can now move back to playing first base. Also, Victor Martinez can see time there, if Cabrera remains at third base. If Cabrera moves to first, the Tigers could sign a free agent to fill the hole or use one of their top prospects to take over if they feel he is ready. Above all, the Tigers save a lot of money that they can now use to retain their top pitchers for long term contracts. There is definitely more positive than negative for the Tigers in this trade.
The Rangers-While the Rangers trade away their longest tenured player for the second straight season; this time they get an all-star back at least. First base has been a hole for the Rangers ever since they traded away Mark Teixeira six years ago. They now get a first baseman that will likely be around for seven more years. He is a big slugger that will be perfect in the middle of the Ranger's lineup. The Rangers have in house options for Kinsler's replacement at second or they could go after a free agent (Robinson Cano?). They benefit a lot from this trade as well, but I would have to pick the Tigers as the bigger winner.
Meanwhile in the NBA the Utah Jazz are proving to be one of the worst teams ever, the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks are underachieving, the Trail-Blazers are overachieving and the San Antonio Spurs are still great.
The real mystery is the Clippers though. They have played great in some games and terrible in others. Chris Paul is already off to a historic start. He has scored at least ten points and had at least ten assists in each of the first thirteen games. Blake Griffin is scoring over 20 points almost every game and Deandre Jordan is almost certain to have double digit rebounds every game. The Clippers bench has a lot to prove still. Jamal Crawford is doing his thing by scoring and not playing defense. Darren Collison has been good in spurts, but has not shown how quick he can be and has been lacking on defense. Byron Mullens is on pace to be the worst defender of all time, and Antawn Jamison has not left the bench for a single minute to this point. It is now not a question of if but when the Clippers are signing Lamar Odom to help their interior defense. With Mullens and Ryan Hollins as the primary bigs off the bench, the Clipper could use a guy like Odom. I am predicting it. The Clippers have also had the hardest schedule this far so they will only improve in the standings as the season goes on. However, the Spurs, Thunder and the Warriors will be bugging the Clippers until the last day of the season.
Next time, the question everyone is asking. When will Kobe return to the court?
No comments:
Post a Comment