Wow, just wow.

Late-breaking news last night that the Rangers traded Ian Kinsler to the Detroit Tigers for Prince Fielder and $30 million. In spite of the talk of possibly trading Kinsler, Jurickson Profar, or Elvis Andrus the news took me by surprise.

When I got this O-Pee-Chee Materials card of Ian Kinsler a week ago in a trade he was the only player featured still with Texas. Now he’s gone and Prince Fielder is on his way in. Probably one of the biggest trades I can remember since Ruben Sierra went to Oakland in a deal for Jose Canseco. Supposedly Texas was expected to make a splash this off-season. Looks like they made it.

Still not sure what I think of the deal. Hopefully it works out well for the Rangers. Kinsler still plays great defense but he has been slowing down on the base paths in recent years. He can also be streaky with his offensive power and has been somewhat fragile with stints on the Disabled List over the past couple of years. On the other hand, he was the undisputed clubhouse leader and an experienced leadoff man.

Fielder looks like he will have trouble with the heat. Of course he also looks like he should be easily injured but he’s missed just one game in the past three seasons. He can’t run at all and only plays average defense at best but his offensive presence in the lineup is heavier than Kinsler’s. He’s also locked in for several more seasons than Kinsler but is more expensive.

What the situation really seems to come down to has little to do with Fielder or Kinsler. Of course the Rangers hope Fielder has some monster seasons for them. If Kinsler tails off, the deal looks decent even if Fielder drops to average. Profar is the key though. If he steps up and performs to his potential, the trade looks good. If he stumbles and Texas develops a hole at second base, the trade looks like folly.