It looks like the Tigers solved their DH problem, but broke the bank doing so; they have come to terms with Prince Fielder on a 9-year, $214 million deal. With Victor Martinez out of commission for most if not all of 2012, Fielder and Miguel Cabrera will likely swap duties at first base and DH. Both are so-so defensive first basemen, so there isn't a clear choice on which of the two to DH.
One thing to look at in spring training is whether Cabrera can move back to third base where he played for the Marlins. On days where Alex Avila might be useful as a DH on a day off from catching, you might play with the idea of putting Fielder at first and Cabrera at third; that would also work when visiting the NL and the DH is out of commission.
Also, depending on how bad Cabera's glove work is at third, you might look at playing him there and letting Delmon Young DH, getting someone like Andy Dirks into the line-up to add some speed.
The real fun will begin when Martinez gets healthy. If Cabrera hasn't made third base a regular home, the Tigers might need to look to move Martinez.
Since the contract is long, he needs a diet.
Posted by: Alan | January 25, 2012 at 12:25 PM