In case you hadn't already noticed, everything that happens in the world has some connection to the Boston Red Sox. So it should come as no surprise that Detroit's signing of Prince Fielder has a Carmine-tinged thread through it as well. If former Boston catcher Victor Martinez had not torn his ACL, the Tigers would probably not have pursed The Big Vegetarian. With V-Mart's season-ending injury fresh in their minds, the Tabbys had to get more offense to remain the favorites in the AL Central. So, they overspent ($214 million) and over-extended (nine years) the big fella. Otherwise, he likely would have landed a deal in the National League with a far shorter term. Of course, he would also have been out of our hair. As it stands now, the Tigers are yet another obstacle to the Red Sox reaching the post-season. Even if Bud anoints another Wild Card team this year, that means six quality teams (New York, Tampa, Boston, Detroit, Texas, and Anaheim) are vying for only a maximum of five spots—maybe only four. This, of course, does not account for another surprise team or two emerging as contenders (Toronto, for example). So, while it's all connected to Boston, none of it bodes well for Boston.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Prince Fielder Deal Has Boston Angles
In case you hadn't already noticed, everything that happens in the world has some connection to the Boston Red Sox. So it should come as no surprise that Detroit's signing of Prince Fielder has a Carmine-tinged thread through it as well. If former Boston catcher Victor Martinez had not torn his ACL, the Tigers would probably not have pursed The Big Vegetarian. With V-Mart's season-ending injury fresh in their minds, the Tabbys had to get more offense to remain the favorites in the AL Central. So, they overspent ($214 million) and over-extended (nine years) the big fella. Otherwise, he likely would have landed a deal in the National League with a far shorter term. Of course, he would also have been out of our hair. As it stands now, the Tigers are yet another obstacle to the Red Sox reaching the post-season. Even if Bud anoints another Wild Card team this year, that means six quality teams (New York, Tampa, Boston, Detroit, Texas, and Anaheim) are vying for only a maximum of five spots—maybe only four. This, of course, does not account for another surprise team or two emerging as contenders (Toronto, for example). So, while it's all connected to Boston, none of it bodes well for Boston.