Prince Fielder ready for fresh start with Rangers
By Mike Dyce
The Texas Rangers made a big move for their line up by adding Prince Fielder via a trade from the Detroit Tigers. Fielder was introduced to the media by the Texas Rangers today and he talked a lot about the opportunity for a clean slate..
“Everybody was on me a little bit about my performance, rightfully so,” Fielder said, via ESPN Dallas. “I sucked. I didn’t have to be reminded of it. Hopefully, we can make some memories here.”
In 2013, Fielder batted .279 with 25 home runs and 106 RBIs, but posted career lows in on-base percentage, slugging percentage and homers.
“That’s a pretty good year for sucking,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said.
The Rangers are looking to replace the big bat that left with Josh Hamilton. To symbolize the change and fresh start, Fielder chose a new number ’84.’
“I just wanted a new number — a fresh start, a fresh number,” Fielder said. “Eighty-four is the year I was born. I think it works. That’s as deep as I’m going.”
The favorable right field wall could help Fielder’s numbers rise, and he talked about that as well.
“I just want to play,” Fielder said. “Right field is very nice for me, so I’m definitely going to look into that. I’m happy to be here. I just want to play hard and win some games.”