A King's Ransom for Prince

In news that came as a shock to everyone in the baseball community, Prince Fielder agreed to a nine-year, $214 million deal with the Detroit Tigers earlier this afternoon.

After the Rangers' signing of Yu Darvish last week, the sweepstakes for Fielder's services became the main attraction of the baseball world. Rumors, some seemingly-reliable (and others completely made up in a desperate ploy for attention) were rampant, and it seemed like the so-called "favorite" to land Fielder changed each day. Would he take a one-year deal to go on the market again next season? Would the Rangers still go after him after landing Darvish? Hypothetical scenarios were abound as everyone waited to see where the former Brewers slugger would land.

In the end, however, Scott Boras was able to pull yet another rabbit out of his hat. A very, very expensive rabbit. Out of the ten free agent contracts worth over $100 million signed since 2007 (including Fielder's), Boras has represented half of them. Many may have poked fun at Boras' marketing tactics with Fielder, including the 73-page brochure he created for "prospective buyers," but it's Boras who is doing all the laughing now.

For the Tigers, Fielder's impact will be immense (not a weight reference), both in Detroit's lineup as well as financially. For starters, with the contracts of Fielder, Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, the Tigers have over $300 million committed to three players who are defensive liabilitites, but some of the best in the game with a bat in their hands.

It was only less than a week ago that we learned Victor Martinez would miss all of 2012 after tearing his ACL in an offseason workout. In a story from the USA Today concerning V-Mart's injury, Tigers president Dave Dombrowski offered this quote that is particularly amusing after today's news:

"Opening Day is not until April 5, we have plenty of time to deal with the situation. We don't have to rush out there and do something immediately. You have to digest things and adjust accordingly."

In terms of "adjusting accordingly," Dombrowski likely pulled off one of the greatest adjustments in baseball history. It's like if you had a BMW that needed to go to the repair shop for a while. You may think "this won't be fun having to take the bus for a while." Until you realize "hey, I'll just buy this Lamborghini instead!"

Jokes aside, Fielder's impact on the Tigers' lineup is one that will scare many teams in the American League. Even after Martinez's injury, it was hard to imagine any team overtaking Detroit in one of the weakest divisions in baseball, if not the weakest. The Royals may be the closest team to the Tiger with their young talent, but it's more than likely that Kansas City is still a couple of years out from even beginning to sniff playoff contention. Ultimately, getting to pencil Cabrera and Fielder (and eventually Martinez) into the lineup each day will be a problem Jim Leyland should enjoy dealing with.

Defensively, Tigers fans may want to be shielding their eyes in anticipation of their club getting the bat back in their hands. As mentioned before, the trio of Cabrera, Fielder, and Martinez may as well be Larry, Curly and Mo on defense, but clearly Detroit believes that the offense they're able to provide will offset what they do in the field. What will be interesting to see is what kind of effect Detroit's defense has on their pitching staff. AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander posted a ridiculous .236 BABIP last season, so one should watch out for the kind of impact the Tigers' defensive blunders have on the type of numbers Verlander puts up. I'm not saying Verlander will turn into Carlos Silva all of a sudden, but it'll at least be something to watch. In all likelihood, it should have a much greater impact on the rest of the pitching staff, particularly with a guy like Doug Fister who doesn't rely heavily on swing-and-miss stuff.

What was most surprising about the contract itself was that the deal does not having any type of opt-out clause. Some had speculated that there was a chance Fielder would take a three-year or other short-term deal, opt out, and then hit the market again when struggling big-market clubs like the Mets and Dodgers regain their financial stability. It turned out that the strategy was not to be, and Boras was able to find a buyer who went all-in to land Prince.

The deal, like Pujols' with the Angels, is likely to look pretty ugly near the end, especially given Fielder's body type and next-to-zero defensive value. But in the short-term, the Fielder signing is one that will make Detroit a legitimate contender for the American League pennant for the foreseeable future.



Finally, I'd like to leave you with the image above (from Sports Illustrated) that has been circulating around the Internet ever since the news of Fielder's signing broke. The photo above is of nine-year-old Prince with his father and former Tiger Cecil Fielder, in the clubhouse prior to the 1993 All-Star Game. I'd like you to look at this photo, paying close attention to the young Prince, and realize that that same person later went on to make over $200 million as a professional athlete. If anything, this is proof that in America, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Especially with Scott Boras on your side.

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Terrell Suggs: American Hero

After yesterday's heartbreaking loss at the hands of the New England Patriots, you had to figure that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs would be in no mood to take flak from anybody looking to provoke an interesting quote on the game. One such person who pushed too many of T-Sizzle's buttons was arch-nemesis and ESPN jackass-of-all-trades Skip Bayless.

What followed was one of the best moments in sports television history and one that makes me proud to be an Arizona State Sun Devil, as seen below:




Skip Bayless, like many ESPN analysts, has a love-hate relationship with viewers. Those who love him would defend his points of view until their dying, while those who hate him are, well, pretty much the other 99% of the world's population.

Whether or not you like Bayless is irrelevant in relation to the bigger issue here. Bayless' entire intention during this clip appeared to be trying to force Suggs into criticize the officiating from yesterday's game. I get it. Athletes do say a lot of stupid things. They sometimes like to criticize the officials whether it's actually their fault or not. Hell, people say a lot of stupid things in general. But when the interviewer goes out of their way to infuse some "drama" into the program, it isn't journalism and it isn't really that much of an interview.

It seems like nowadays, whoever is able to get their point across to the general public is the one who can yell the loudest. Some analysts are so blatantly crossing the line by fraternizing with the team they played with and then proceeding to provide analysis on the game. After the Pats' win, the CBS cameras showed Tedy Bruschi hugging owner Bob Kraft in a suite. I get that it's not easy to break ties with a team that a particular player was so closely associated with. It's human nature to be biased towards these things. Especially in the case of Kraft, who has gone through a tumultuous year after losing his wife Myra to cancer last July. If you want to make a name for yourself providing quality NFL analysis, do that. If you want to celebrate and pop bottles of champagne on the field after a victory with your former teammates, go do that. But don't try and do both while pretending there isn't some sort of conflict of interest.

There are still plenty of great places to get quality analysis that is as close to unbiased as possible. Places like SB Nation are proof that fans and ordinary people are more than able to provide this type of analysis using statistics and unique perspectives. And I think more and more people are developing a better sense of which analysts' words you must take with a grain of salt. Terrell Suggs, as an athlete, took a stand for these people.

Let's hope Skip and others can learn something from it.

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In memoriam: Quality reporting

Earlier this evening, CBS Sports reported that former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno had died at the age of 85. Reports during the afternoon had indicated that Paterno was in serious condition and that family was being called to his bedside to say their final goodbyes.

The only problem with CBS Sports' report was that, you know, Paterno wasn't actually dead.

The carelessness with which this situation was handled is evidence of a more startling trend, particularly on Twitter. As a journalism student, I felt obligated to write down how I feel about this mess.

Much of journalism in the age of social media has become about getting that big "scoop" before anybody else. Online articles and posts are time-stamped, making it easier to prove that you or your network was on the story before any of your competitors. As a journalist, breaking a big story is one of the biggest thrills you can have. It's an adrenaline rush that only those in the field are able to fully understand and appreciate. But just because you can punch 140 characters into a box and press "send" doesn't mean that the actual act of reporting should go by the wayside.

Credibility is all a journalist has to work with. They all begin with a clean slate, but how they decide to go about their job can either build up that credibility or destroy it entirely. And credibility isn't something you find at a garage sale. Some reporters spend their entire lives working to gain enough credibility for people to believe what they say, even if it's only one sentence at a time.

CBS Sports' report of Paterno's death, which apparently originated from the blog Onward State, looks awful in retrospect, particularly because of the sensitivity of dealing with life and death. Literally. But why can't whatever lesson is taken away from this mistake apply to all aspects of journalism through social media?

Just because you can send out the online journalism's version of a retraction, as seen below, doesn't mean that anyone should feel sorry for you or even make them give you a second chance.

To OS followers: Our 8:45 pm tweet about Joe Paterno's death appears to be inaccurate, according to @JayPaterno, who says he's alive. (1/2)
— Onward State (@OnwardState) January 22, 2012

The sad fact is that people, whether journalists or the public, can't handle waiting for information anymore. Relaying or consuming information has become as more about speed than accuracy. We've become a society that has become obsessed with the phenomenon of writing "FIRST!" in the comments section.

It's an easy trap to fall in to. Twitter makes getting information or relaying it easier than ever before. Hell, in some cases, it has even been used to save lives. Twitter in itself is not a bad thing. And there are plenty of reporters and regular people who are able to use Twitter as a viable means for communicating. This is not a condemnation of those people. The issue is that journalism, perhaps more than any other profession, lives and dies by generalizations. If one reporter or news outlet is bad, they're all bad. And if we as journalists start focusing on the speed with which we're able to "report" something, and not on the art of reporting itself, bad things are in store.

My roommate made a comment just the other day that shows a good example of some people's general attitude toward reporters. He said he had been interviewed earlier in the night and remarked "they probably will get the quote wrong anyways. They didn't even say who they were writing for in the first place." As someone who always has and always will have a passion for journalism, comments like those make me sick. Some view journalism as being on life support, and it seems like journalists themselves are the ones who are ripping the power cord from the wall.

Credibility is all that journalists have left. And in today's day and age, it only takes 140 characters to completely destroy it.

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Fast Five: Best rotations in MLB

For the sake of trying something new here at The Sports Pundits, I've decided to introduce a small feature I'm dubbing "Fast Five." Each week or so (don't hold me to it, you know how this usually goes) I'll work to sort out the best of MLB in groups of five. This week, in no particular order, I present to you the five best rotations in the game today. In spite of the title, there will be less Vin Diesel than you may be hoping for.

1. Philadelphia Phillies

A fairly obvious choice for this list, and for good reason. Despite the fact that they'll be losing Roy Oswalt to free agency, having a rotation that features Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels should be able to easily offset the loss. Hamels, who recently agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal to avoid arbitration, is a free agent after the 2012 season and could be playing for another club in 2013. Even non-"Big Three" member Vance Worley became a reliable back-of-the-rotation arm for Charlie Manuel's club, posting a 3.02 ERA in 21 starts. For now, though, he's part of a Phillies club that should once again be the favorites in the NL East. Despite all the additions made by the Miami Marlins, this veteran rotation that featured the highest K/9 and lowest BB/9 should continue their run of success this season.


2. San Francisco Giants

2011 was the "Year of the Brian Wilson Commercial," but much of the reason for the disappointing results from the world champs could be attributed to their struggles at the plate. Ace Tim Linecum had as good of an under-the-radar season as an ace could possibly have, while fellow rotation mates Madison Bumgarner and Matt Cain continued to prove themselves as part of what may be the best young pitching staff in the game. The biggest surprise was undoubtedly the success of righty Ryan Vogelsong, which included an All-Star appearance and a newly-signed two-year, $8.3 million contract. The fifth spot in the rotation is the only spot up for grabs after the trade of Jonathan Sanchez to the Kansas City Royals, but the strength of the Giants' rotation at the top should more than offset whoever they decide on.


3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

While most of the baseball world focused on the Arte Moreno making it rain on Albert Pujols, the Angels' addition of C.J. Wilson to an already-good rotation may just make them the team to beat in the AL West. Ace Jered Weaver was a Cy Young contender for nearly the entire season, while Dan Haren made for one of the best one-two punches at the top of the rotation in all of baseball. Though Wilson may have been slightly overpaid compared to his actual value, having a rotation that features Weaver-Haren-Wilson and Ervin Santana is one to be reckoned with. No matter who becomes the fifth starter, it appears that the battle for the AL West is all but certain to be between the Angels and Rangers.


4. New York Yankees
The Yankees make this list in large part due to the upgrades they've made to their rotation just in the past week alone. They traded top prospect Jesus Montero to Seattle in exchange for Michael Pineda and signed former Dodger Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year, $10 million deal all in the span of 24 hours. Pineda enjoyed a fantastic rookie season with Seattle in 2011, and though it'll be quite the culture shock moving to the Big Apple, he has all the tools to succeed in pinstripes. CC Sabathia continues to anchor the rotation as its ace, and threw over 200 innings for the fifth consecutive innings. At the back of the rotation, Ivan Nova looks to improve upon a solid rookie campaign and Phil Hughes looks like he could take the role as the Yankees' fifth starter. There is even pitching depth in the minors for the Bronx Bombers, as they await the arrival of top prospects Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos. All in all, the vast improvements to the Yankee rotation could mean a 100+ win season is on the way in 2012.


5. Tampa Bay Rays

Having the Rays as one of the best five rotations in baseball may be up for debate, but the talent is undeniable. James Shields, one name who has been floating around in many trade rumors, helps to anchor the top of the Rays' rotation along with former number one overall pick David Price. Top prospect Jeremy Hellickson had a terrific rookie campaign that earned him AL Rookie of the Year honors. But aside from the success the rotation enjoyed in 2011, there is plenty of reason to believe that even better things are on the horizon. The debut of lefty Matt Moore should undoubtedly have all ten Rays fans (sorry, couldn't resist) excited for his future. Moore was a strikeout machine during his time in the minors and throws gas with ease. It's unclear whether GM Andrew Friedman will decide to keep Moore in Triple-A for a while longer to prolong club control, but what is certain is that Moore has as much upside as any pitching prospect in the game today.


Honorable mentions:

Texas Rangers - "I can't believe Yu didn't mention the Rangers!" - every Rangers fan who is about to kill any bit of the hilarity of Yu Darvish puns.

Arizona Diamondbacks - Adding Trevor Cahill from the A's is a great addition to 2011's solid duo of Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson.

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Pineda Deal Benefits Both Clubs

In a move that certainly surprised many people in the baseball community, the Seattle Mariners traded young pitching phenom Michael Pineda and prospect Jose Campos to the Yankees for young slugger Jesus Montero and pitcher Hector Noesi.

The deal is one that makes a lot of sense for both the Yankees and Mariners, particularly because they fill some of the most glaring needs of each club. Pineda gives the Yanks the top-of-the-rotation starter they've been seeking to complement CC Sabathia, while the M's add a young hitter with tons of upside to an anemic lineup.

Up until today, much of the talk of Jesus Montero potentially going to Seattle was centered around the idea of the Mariners giving up Felix Hernandez, or in a deal that nearly happened two seasons ago, Cliff Lee. Instead, GM Jack Zduriencik gives up righty Michael Pineda, who enjoyed a stellar rookie season that included an appearance at the All-Star Game.

The 22-year-old Pineda profiles as a terrific number two starter in the Yanks' rotation behind southpaw CC Sabathia. Though there may be some people who will worry about the big city flair of New York City potentially getting to a young pitcher, it seems like Pineda is well-equipped to handle pressure that comes his way. He is frequently lauded for his work ethic and determination, something that I witnessed firsthand when getting a chance to watch him pitch during spring training.

If there's one thing that may hamper Pineda's chance to succeed in the Bronx, it could be the development of his changeup. Pineda relied almost entirely on his fastball and slider in 2011, something that proved to be devastating to many hitters. He struck out 173 in 171 innings of work, but because his fastball and slider were so effective, he threw changeups for just 2.9% of his total pitches according to Fangraphs. He certainly has the ability to throw them, and I was able to witness him throw several good changeups when watching during his bullpen warmup session in spring training.

Pineda's transition to the big leagues was eased in part by pitching in spacious Safeco Field. Now that he'll be moving into the whiffle ball park that is Yankee Stadium, his ability to develop his changeup, or at the very least turn it into an average or fringe-average offering will be key to his success. I don't doubt that Pineda can have great success in New York, but when facing lineups that are predominantly left-handed like Boston, he'll have a much better chance of success with the development of a solid third offering.

As a side note, 19-year-old RHP Jose Campos, who enjoyed a great 2011 in single-A Everett, has plenty of upside himself and could end up being a big get for Brian Cashman and the Yankees when looking back at this deal in a couple of years. Campos touches the upper-90's with his fastball and could be a fast riser in the Yankees system, much like Pineda was for the Mariners.

For the Mariners, this deal should finally give a reason for fans to stop complaining about the Mariners' lack of activity so far this winter. They've watched the Angels hand out massive contracts to Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson, the Rangers win the posting of Japanese star Yu Darvish, and the A's be, well, the A's.

It's no secret that the Mariners came into the winter looking for offense. They were dead last in the American League in nearly every conceivable offensive category in 2011, and the restlessness of fans who are desperate for a winner on the field has only been getting worse. Here's a summary of the Mariners' wish list entering the offseason:

1. Offense
2. Offense
3. Offense
4. Season One of "The Wire" on Blu-ray
5. Offense
6. Offense

Jokes aside, getting a young hitter of Montero's caliber is huge for the future of the franchise. Though right-handed power hitters have usually struggled at Safeco Field, many believe that a 30 or 35-homer season is well within his reach. It's amazing to think that Montero had been repeatedly discussed as the centerpiece in a deal for both Cliff Lee and Felix Hernandez, yet ends up in a Mariner uniform in a deal for Michael Pineda.

Having a hitter of Montero's caliber to plug into the middle of the M's lineup makes an immense difference, particularly because he'll be under club control for another six seasons. He's likely to spend most of his time DH'ing or playing first base, although how evenly that time is split could be dependent on whether or not Zduriencik decides to trade Smoak if the M's are able to sign that fellow by the name of Prince Fielder.

Not to be lost in the buzz of Montero is the acquisition of Hector Noesi. Even after losing Pineda, having Noesi to plug into the starting rotation will prevent the Mariners from having to go out and overpay for a starter in what is a weak pool of available free agent pitchers. Noesi doesn't have the same upside and likely won't be able to match the production of Pineda, but the move means that the M's are even more confident in their minor league pitching depth. Recent number two overall pick Danny Hultzen has the potential to make the team out of spring training, and Taijuan Walker and James Paxton are some of the most high-upside pitching prospects in baseball.

In the end, this trade works well for both teams. Both the Yankees and Mariners what were arguably the two most glaring needs on their respective rosters, and in the process are able to help themselves both in the long and short-term. Though the Yankees are clearly much better off in the short-term, and could have the potential to win 100 games next season with the addition of Pineda, the M's acquisition of Montero should give plenty of Seattle fans reason to believe that their future is undoubtedly getting brighter.

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