DETROIT (AP) — Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski is confident new first baseman Prince Fielder can stay productive through most if not all of his expensive nine-year contract.
Dombrowski spoke Tuesday as part of a Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association luncheon. When he was asked about Fielder’s $214 million deal with the Tigers, Dombrowski acknowledged the risk but pointed out that the hefty slugger is only 27 and could have six or seven prime years left.
Dombrowski also says he believes Miguel Cabrera can be adequate defensively at third base, where Detroit intends to move him to make room for Fielder.
There are still some unanswered questions for the Tigers, with spring training only a couple weeks away. Dombrowski mentioned a half-dozen in-house candidates to be the No. 5 starter.
