What did the Rangers get in Prince Fielder?

Jon Daniels made the offseason splash Ranger fans were hoping for that never developed last season trading away Ian Kinsler for Prince Fielder this week.  Did the Rangers acquire that left-handed power bat they desperately needed or simply take on a declining player with an awful contract for the next 7 years?

Fielder is a powerful left-handed hitter who is capable of hitting 30 homers and driving in 100 plus RBIs. He ended a streak of six straight seasons of 30 plus homers in 2013 when he only hit 25. He is a remarkably durable player missing only one game in the past 5 seasons! Prince also batted clean up in Detroit providing the crucial protection for 2013 AL-MVP Miguel Cabrera in their lineup. He is likely to be given the same task in Arlington to protect Adrian Beltre batting either clean up or 5th. His left handed bat will be put in between Alex Rios and Beltre in the lineup which is a threat the Rangers haven't had since Josh Hamilton.

Did Fielder's drop in homers in 2013 highlight holes in his swing and disturbing decline in production? There have been multiple reports from scouts within MLB indicating pitchers targeted holes in his swing in 2013 especially during the postseason. There is no question Prince had a down season in 2013 but this was a consistent theme across all teams in baseball in most offensive categories. I am not that concerned about his down season and he is far better suited to play in Arlington as a left-handed power hitter. I think the change of scenary will benefit Prince here, he will not be asked to be a leader in the clubhouse and will settle right into the heart of the lineup putting 30 plus into the home run porch.

Are the Rangers taking on a ton of new money that will prevent them from targeting more players?

Actually, the finances came out to be almost a push for the Rangers when looking at the contracts involved in 2013 including a name that no one has been referencing when discussing the financial implications of the trade.

Prince Fielder cost $23 million in Detroit in 2013.  That is a ton of money and hard for Ranger fans to digest considering it was $25 million a year sent to A-Rod during the Tom Hicks era.

However the Rangers paid a combined $23 million between Ian Kinsler and Lance Berkman in 2013. The team declined to pick up the option on Berkman for 2014 releasing the team from that financial committment.  Projected starting second baseman Jurickson Profar made $491,000 in 2013 which means the Rangers will only be paying an additional $491,000 using the 2013 figures.  Profar is likely to see a slight increase in salary but he is years away from artibration as well as free agency.  I see no reason at all where this trade would prevent the Rangers from targeting any players they wish in free agency or in the trade market.

I was thrilled when the trade was announced and nothing has changed my mind analyzing the player as well as the financial implications.  Ian Kinsler frustrated me constantly with his upper cut swing and wreckless base running.  I was never impressed with him as a leadoff hitter but that is directed at Ron Washington as it is the manager's responsiblity to slot the players in the position they feel can be the most successful. I was suprised Texas could acquire a quality piece like Fielder for Kinsler coming off a sub-par season but the same could be said from the other side.

The Rangers must handle Fielder and Profar correctly to get this team back on track as a contender in 2014.

1. Prince Fielder should be the Designated Hitter, not the starting first baseman.  His defense is poor and there is nothing wrong with Moreland's glove. I was concered that GM Jon Daniels announced post trade that Fielder would play first, I hope this changes during spring training.  Ideally, you want his bat in the lineup without his glove, the DH does exactly that and makes no sense to insist having him play in the field.

2. Slot Jurickson Profar at #8 or #9 spot in the lineup, low pressure situations so the kid can focus on his development. The kid was used incorrectly in 2013 as a super utility guy and counted on to make immediate offensive production in pressure at bats. He has a quick bat and shown some plate discipline but really struggled down the stretch seeing the ball.