How many debuts am I allowed to credit to Prince Fielder's name? He made his debut in a Tigers uniform today and had double in his only at bat. But this was just an exhibition game. Undoubtedly he will soon pick up his first hit in a Grapefruit League game. And of course, these debuts mean little, because the official debut isn't until April 5 when Fielder takes the Comerica Park field against the Boston Red Sox.
Well, whatever. I'll sort it out by then.
In the meantime, we can note that Prince Fielder doubled to right in his first -- and only -- swing today to drive in Brennan Boesch. Fielder later scored on a single by Delmon Young. At that point, the Tigers starters had all the runs they felt like collecting and mostly non-roster invitees filled out the lineup from the second inning forward.
UPDATE: Video of Fielder's hit. He runs pretty smooth for a big man! (h/t a commenter in the other thread!)
On the pitching side of things, Andy Oliver struck out six in three innings of work. Drew Smyly gave up the Tigers' only run in the fifth. Casey Crosby, Brayan Villarreal and Jose Ortega also pitched.
The other highlight that really matters is the play made by Miguel Cabrera at third.
Miguel Cabrera's first play at 3rd is a hard shot towards line. Nice scoop and throw for the final out in the 1st.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) March 2, 2012
MLive beat writer Chris Iott informs us Fielder's reaction to the play:
"That was sick. ...
"That was nice. It was real nice. He made it look easy."
The Tigers open the Grapefruit season tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves.