A position-by-position look at the Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants going into the World Series, starting Wednesday night at AT&T Park:
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First Base:
Tigers: Prince Fielder. The son of former Tigers slugger Cecil Fielder was still sitting out there on the free-agent market last winter when Detroit DH Victor Martinez sustained a season-ending knee injury. So the Tigers made a bold move and quickly signed Fielder to a $214 million, nine-year contract. Durable and disciplined at the plate, the hefty bopper provides excellent lineup protection for Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera. Fielder, however, batted only .211 with a homer and three RBIs during the AL playoffs.
Giants: Brandon Belt. A highly regarded prospect when he reached the majors in 2011, the 24-year-old Belt has made steady progress and emerged as the team’s regular first baseman this season. He hit only seven home runs but showed some pop late in the NL championship series against St. Louis.
