Tigers Can't Demote Fielder To DH
By: Dennis Fithian
Prince Fielder is struggling defensively wearing a Tigers uniform over this past week.
The Tigers have to live with this defense play in the present and for many years ahead with Fielder at first.
Fielder likes to play every day and he likes to play first. He's the MLB's active leader in consecutive games played after the Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp's streak was snapped at 399 last week. He signed a nine year 214 million dollar contract to play first base for the Tigers. I would have to think that there was a discussion about how he would be used defensively over the years in Detroit and one day at DH. I doubt there was talk of taking him off the field 40 some odd games into his new deal. Also, if Tigers manager Jim Leyland sticks Fielder at DH then who's going to play first base? Miguel Cabrera? Then who's going to play third? Delmon Young has been the designated hitter since his return from suspension. Put Young back out in left? Bench Dirks? Bench Young? Should Leyland do it for a series to send a message? I don't think so. Fielder knows he's' botched a number of plays this past week. Go back and think about it again. The Tigers are set or stuck with Fielder at first for a very long time.
