The DH Advantage: Prince Fielder

Posted by Wilson on Jan 28, 2012 in Blurbs

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

by David Wilson | Guest Writer |

There’s no denying Prince Fielder can hit. He posted a .981 OPS and batted a career high .299 last year. There’s also no denying that Prince Fielder can’t really field. Last season he had a -0.7 defensive WAR and -5.1 UZR.

The obvious reason to believe the Nationals passed up on one of the best hitters in the game is the presence of Adam LaRoche. Laroche is entering a contract season, as is Michael Morse, who is coming off a breakout season. Where would Fielder play if Washington trusts LaRoche?

In a way this leads right into my point; the National League’s lack of the designated hitter cost the Nats one of the game’s best power hitters.