The Texas Rangers are finally getting what they thought they would receive from the Detroit Tigers, when they traded for the massive first baseman Prince Fielder. He is a big man with a big contract and has the potential to be the best hitter the Rangers have on their roster. Not only does he hit for power but for contact as well. Once traded though, Fielder's offensive started to disappear with some believing his struggles to be weight related. Fielder doesn't care about that noise and has shrugged off comparisons to other overweight athletes. This season has started to turn around at the plate, with Fielder's bat getting hot, and in the process, leading the Rangers back into contention.
The reason for the decline with Fielder's offensive became clear -- it wasn't weight related but was a medical issue that had to be dealt with. In the offseason, he had neck surgery to alleviate the pain his powerful swings were causing. Bleacher Report tells of the uncertainty the slugger was going through prior to knowing what was wrong:
"I really did think I lost my skills when I turned 30 last year. Granted, maybe I overreacted. But when you can't do what you're used to doing and what you want to do...It wasn't just the slump. When you can't hit home runs in batting practice, and I was trying, I was worried."
And with the successful surgery behind him Fielder has been able to regain his form and his power at the plate. When asked by a reporter for MassLive.com about a comparison to another overweight player Fielder had this one ready for him:
"My contract is good, my team loves me -- I don't give a sh*t what I weigh."
He is right. As long as he keeps producing and it doesn't affect his health, I don't think the Rangers will care either.
What do you think of Prince's turnaround? Will he be able to help the Rangers make it to the postseason? Tell us your thoughts below.
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