Jim Leyland On Prince Fielder: "I Don't Think He's Done That Bad"
By: Jeff Riger
@riger1984
Jim Leyland changing his lineup before game four appeased a lot of Tiger's fans.
Detroit then winning game four made almost everybody happy.
But some fans are still annoyed, agitated or even angry with the production of Prince Fielder.
Fielder is hitting .200 through 4 games in the ALCS with no RBI or homers. He's hitting .242 with no RBI or homers through 9 playoff games this season and he's just .200 with 3 RBI and 1 homer for his entire career as a Tiger in the postseason.
That's 1 homer and 3 RBI in 22 games and 93 plate appearances.
Bottom line, people want more.
Add the stats to the fact that Fielder didn't bother to stop and talk to reporters after game four and people have become downright furious with the first basemen who makes $23 million this year and $24 million the next 7 seasons.
Of course Leyland sees things differently...
"He's got some hits in this series to be honest with you" Leyland said. "People are looking for the dramatics but he's actually got some hits in this series and haven't swung the bat all that bad. I think a lot of people when they think of Prince they relate to the home run, so automatically if he doesn't hit a home run he's not doing something. I don't think he's done that bad."
So what do you think? Is Fielder performing up to your expectations?
Before you answer, listen to the entire Leyland audio clip and then weigh in.
