Fansided

10 biggest MLB surprises in 2015: Hitters

By Connor Muldowney

Aug 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) celebrates his two run home run in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) celebrates his two run home run in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) at the plate against the Toronto Blue Jays at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Rangers won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) at the plate against the Toronto Blue Jays at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Rangers won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

95. . 1B. Texas Rangers. Prince Fielder. 3. player

Prince Fielder took the turn around second base and began his ascension into third base with a face-first dive. By face-first, I mean his body caromed off the ground as he awkwardly dove in safely during the Detroit Tigers’ 2013 postseason run.

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    • Many believed that would be his last dive into a base in a meaningful game during his career as his time with the Tigers ran out following a two-year stay in Detroit. If it wasn’t for his awful performance in the 2013 playoffs, he may still be with the Tigers, but their loss has been the Rangers’ big gain.

    Trading Ian Kinsler to the Tigers for Prince Fielder turned out to be a great deal for the Rangers as they had plenty of young pieces to plug into the infield and to build around the slugger.

    Fielder’s first season in Arlington was a disaster in 2014, however, as he was forced to undergo season-ending neck surgery and it seemed as if the Rangers’ offseason deal was going to be all for naught.

    Was Prince’s career over?

    The 2015 season showed just why he was so coveted as a batter a few seasons ago. Fielder’s power numbers may not be exactly where he wants them to be right now, but hi overall play has been much more impressive this season.

    The 31-year-old designated hitter has shocked the world with solid play in 2015, hitting .313 with 21 homers and 83 RBI as the Rangers may actually make the playoffs.

    Next: 2. Yoenis Cespedes

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