Must See TV: Intriguing 2015 Games for Detroit Tigers

May 8, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder (84) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

AUGUST 20, 2015: TIGERS VS RANGERS

The Tigers sold an unusual amount of tickets to a mid-May series against the Texas Rangers. Aside from meeting in the 2011 ALCS, the Tigers and Rangers have never had a rivalry. This all changed last offseason when the Tigers cast aside Prince Fielder and brought in Ian Kinsler.

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While Kinsler faced and fared well against his former mates, including homering in his first at-bat back in Arlington last June, Detroit never got the chance to have a

heartwarming

reunion with Prince.

This was because after a very slow start with an average near .200 and just three homers, Prince’s consecutive games streak ended and his season ended in mid-May with neck surgery. There is no guarantee that Prince will be back for the start of the season, but its a safe bet he’ll be back when the Tigers and Rangers meet up for the first time in 2015 in August at Comerica Park.

With one full year removed from Prince being in Detroit, perhaps it will diminish the negative reception he will receive. Prince was someone who came to the team with such fanfare and joy received a similar level of fanfare and joy when he was shipped out not two years later. A lot of that had to do with his poor postseason play in 2012 and 2013.

A lot of that had to do with his careless attitude after losing the 2013 ALCS (the infamous “I have kids” statement).

It will be interesting to see the reception he will receive. Former Rangers’ players Kinsler, Joe Nathan and Joakim Soria will also be facing their former team, Soria for the first time since the July trade.