The Price for a Prince

For a guy who was the poster boy for Topps at season end, has now found a new home in the other big D.

I have to admit I wasn't shocked that Prince was shipped out of town.  The critics --- under-performance, deteriorating skill, and possibly a clubhouse cancer(?), ugly contract, belly flop on over run of third base.

The pros --- ummm.

In the end, Prince's subtraction was of the same necessity of his addition.   VMart blows his knee out in early 2012, Fielder remains on free agent market, the Tigers (desperate for a hitter) pay the price.  Fast forward to the end of 2013, Prince under performs, and he is expendable.  

Prince's 2012 Archives card is the reason I fell back into this crazy hobby, thank you, sir.

Now to Kinsler, what is the true value of a 2B outside of Pedroia & Cano?  Solid, but again, aging, big ugly contract, it will definitely give the 2014 Tigers a whole new look.  Possibly a leadoff option (declining speed & power?).  

Keep it Hot on the Corner, Pat.

Awards Week ---- Rookie of the Year

The second annual Hot Corner Run Down on awards begins today with the Rookies.   Detroit and Boston shared a defensive gem in Jose Iglesias.  Tremendous range and plenty of highlights saved more runs for the Tigers than Peralta's bat would have knocked in and limited range.

The other contenders are Chris Archer and Wil Myers both of Tampa Bay.  I would say Myers may be the favorite, but do not count out Iglesias as he played most of the season and hit well enough to sneak in.

In the NL, Puig should run away with it, but Jose Fernandez and Michael Wacha had impressive seasons.

Keep it Hot on the Corner, Pat.

Twice as Nice!

A couple weeks ago, I lamented over poor luck in two hanger boxes of update, where I had identical packs.

What are the odds? I cursed the hobby (Topps) gods.

Well I chanced luck again with two hangers this week and in the first box contained, count 'em, two Puig's

This hobby can be crazy.

Keep it Hot on the Corner, Pat.

Aus - some

Well, Vegas had the odds on favorite correct, Brad Ausmus, your new Tigers manager.  I don't know what to think.  My hope is we get something more like John Farrell than Bobby Valentine.  I remember Ausmus' time spent (and for the life of me in seemed longer), so we will see. He has been quick to joke about his lack of hitting skill.  Interesting to keep Gene LaMont on board, rumor has it Doug Brocail will become the pitching coach.  Time will tell.  Good luck Coach!

I also realize that I stumbled to 200 with some of my previous posts, not AUSome.

What IS AUSome is getting some PWEs in the mail when you least expect it.

Jeff, 2x3 Hero himself, sent in something slick....

It's not everyday you get some Heritage SP and a hit off your HOT CORNER 9 NEED NOW!

Tomorrow I will share anothe AUSome package sent this way.

Keep it Hot on the Corner, Pat.