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Where's Fielder Going?


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New York (A) 3 votes

New York (N) 3 votes

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San Francisco 2 votes

Seattle 0 votes

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Texas 0 votes

Toronto 0 votes

Washington, DC 1 votes

Edgy DC
Aug 20 2011 03:39 PM

Prince Fielder is a heck of a hitter. He's also an interesting guy, and something of a badass to boot.

But that body can't be something you want to bet on over the long haul

Gwreck
Aug 20 2011 03:43 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

My heart says Milwaukee keeps him (or we get him). My head says an AL team. Who needs a DH and just benched Jorge Posada? Hmmm

metirish
Aug 20 2011 04:13 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Gwreck wrote:
My heart says Milwaukee keeps him (or we get him). My head says an AL team. Who needs a DH and just benched Jorge Posada? Hmmm



Hard to look past this as much as I dislike the thought, I picked the Cubs , just fired Hendry , shitload of bad contracts but it would be a help of a pick up for the new GM .

bmfc1
Aug 20 2011 04:15 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

He's a Boras guy and the Nationals love Boras clients. If he goes to DC, with Strasburg and Harper coming soon, the Nationals will be a force before the Mets are. Lets hope he goes anywhere else.

Edgy DC
Aug 20 2011 04:31 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

I got a notion in my head that he's going to Florida.

Frayed Knot
Aug 20 2011 04:34 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Washiington has Morse and a still-under contract Adam LaRoche at 1B - not to mention the specter of the Werth contract hanging over their heads for the next half-dozen years.
I don't see it.



My first reaction to this question was to say 'Burger King' but then I remembered that Prince is a vegetarian.

metirish
Aug 20 2011 04:56 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Frayed Knot wrote:
Washiington has Morse and a still-under contract Adam LaRoche at 1B - not to mention the specter of the Werth contract hanging over their heads for the next half-dozen years.
I don't see it.



My first reaction to this question was to say 'Burger King' but then I remembered that Prince is a vegetarian.



When I depsond over Bay I think about Werth.

John Cougar Lunchbucket
Aug 20 2011 05:23 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Cubs.

Benjamin Grimm
Aug 20 2011 06:09 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Wild guess here: Pujols to the Cubs, Fielder to the Cardinals.

Frayed Knot
Aug 20 2011 07:02 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Certainly makes sense that the Cubs will go after one or both of Fielder/Pujols.
The new-ish ownership and soon to be new GM (they fired Him Hendry yesterday) might want to clean up some of the bad/lengthy contracts they already have: Soriano, Zambrano, and (to a lesser extent) Aramis Ramirez first. But 1B Carlos Pena is (I believe) on a one-year deal and I don't think the owners will be shy about spending money.

Fman99
Aug 20 2011 07:03 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

I also think he'll end up DH'ing in the Bronx. They've got the checkbook to get it done.

MFS62
Aug 21 2011 08:42 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

San Fran.
They need hitting (d'oh) , the vegetarian thing will fit well with the fans and he will bring back memories of McCovey and Cepeda, together, in the same uniform.

Later

Ashie62
Aug 21 2011 09:11 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Milwaukee

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr
Aug 21 2011 09:13 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

MFS62 wrote:
San Fran.
They need hitting (d'oh) , the vegetarian thing will fit well with the fans and he will bring back memories of McCovey and Cepeda, together, in the same uniform.

Later


This makes some sense.

Gwreck
Aug 21 2011 10:34 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

I don't know about SF. They've still got a ton of dead weight on that payroll:

Zito for 2012 and 2013 at $19.5 M each, plus a 2014 option/buyout
Rowand for 2012 at $12 M
Huff for 2012 at $10 M, plus a 2013 option/buyout.

plus, Lincecum is due for another raise (1 more arbitration year) and Sandoval just reached arbitration as well.

G-Fafif
Aug 22 2011 07:46 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Edgy DC wrote:
I got a notion in my head that he's going to Florida.


And Gaby Sanchez goes where? Other than to blazes in our deepest held wishes, I mean.

smg58
Aug 22 2011 09:56 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Frayed Knot wrote:
My first reaction to this question was to say 'Burger King' but then I remembered that Prince is a vegetarian.


BK does have a nice veggie burger.

I can't imagine that the Brewers won't make every effort to hold on to him, and they're my first choice. But the Yankees will have money to spend. I'm not sure if the Cubs have overcommitted themselves financially but they sure could use him.

Frayed Knot
Aug 22 2011 10:26 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

I don't think Prince is ready to commit himself to being a full-time DH

attgig
Aug 22 2011 10:55 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

i see chicago as #1.
i was thinking of seattle as well...if they're ready to put down tons of money...they NEED offsense.
Baltimore could be a black sheep for a new 1bman as well, though i don't see em putting down the cash.

morse is good for nats.
belt is coming up in sf.
he's not going to agree to dh yet, so no to yanks.

so, st louis (they' get pujols back i think), chicago, or milwakee are the odd on favorites imo.

seawolf17
Aug 22 2011 11:21 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

MFS62 wrote:
San Fran.
They need hitting (d'oh) , the vegetarian thing will fit well with the fans and he will bring back memories of McCovey and Cepeda, together, in the same uniform.

Later

As in, he's big enough that it's like you've got two guys stuffed into one uniform? Got it.

seawolf17
Aug 22 2011 11:21 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Oh, and I voted Yankees because Every Free Agent Signs With The Yankees™.

Ceetar
Aug 22 2011 11:24 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

seawolf17 wrote:
Oh, and I voted Yankees because Every Free Agent Signs With The Yankees™.


yeah but the payoff is small. I prefer to bet the longshot Mets, since No Sluggers Will Play In Citi Field™.

Ashie62
Aug 22 2011 11:43 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Ceetar wrote:
seawolf17 wrote:
Oh, and I voted Yankees because Every Free Agent Signs With The Yankees™.


yeah but the payoff is small. I prefer to bet the longshot Mets, since No Sluggers Will Play In Citi Field™.


That can be rectified.

TheOldMole
Aug 22 2011 02:27 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

I voted Mets, because if he doesn't come to the Mets, what do I care where he is?

Benjamin Grimm
Aug 22 2011 02:35 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Do we want Fielder to come to the Mets? I'd rather stay committed to Ike Davis, although I'm becoming a bit worried that his leg may never be what it was. Moving Ike to the outfield doesn't seem wise if there's a chance he might be gimpy.

Ceetar
Aug 22 2011 02:40 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Benjamin Grimm wrote:
Do we want Fielder to come to the Mets? I'd rather stay committed to Ike Davis, although I'm becoming a bit worried that his leg may never be what it was. Moving Ike to the outfield doesn't seem wise if there's a chance he might be gimpy.


In the broad sense of "wouldn't it be cool to have Fielder on our team" yeah. logistically it does get a little more difficult.

Edgy DC
Aug 22 2011 02:44 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

G-Fafif wrote:
Edgy DC wrote:
I got a notion in my head that he's going to Florida.


And Gaby Sanchez goes where? Other than to blazes in our deepest held wishes, I mean.


Third base or to some team that didn't get Prince Fielder.

Gwreck
Aug 22 2011 02:57 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Benjamin Grimm wrote:
Do we want Fielder to come to the Mets? I'd rather stay committed to Ike Davis, although I'm becoming a bit worried that his leg may never be what it was. Moving Ike to the outfield doesn't seem wise if there's a chance he might be gimpy.


We don't really have a spot for Fielder, as you noted. However, aside from Pujols, he's probably the best available free agent, so I say sign him and then figure out what to do with Davis.

Realistically, I think pitching is a bigger concern for this team but unless Sabathia opts out and we back up the Brinks truck for him, there's not a lot of impact pitching available. So, we improve offense and worry about pitching later. Is a player of Fielder's quality going to be available on the open market next year? I doubt it.

An LF/RF/1B alignment of Duda/Davis/Fielder is going to add value to the team, probably significantly over Bay/Duda/Davis.

Frayed Knot
Aug 22 2011 02:58 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Signing Prince here would state that you believe in neither Ike nor Duda. Yeah, either one could probably play in a corner OF spot but it's hardly an ideal solution.
And if both of them do wind up failing to hit enough (or stay healthy) then first-basemen are about the easiest guys to find. I don't want to break the bank for a 300 pounder entering his 30s just because he's available NOW!!! unless you were convinced that he'd be a Gary-Carter-ish "final piece" which he certainly wouldn't.

Gwreck
Aug 22 2011 03:02 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Frayed Knot wrote:
Signing Prince here would state that you believe in neither Ike nor Duda. Yeah, either one could probably play in a corner OF spot but it's hardly an ideal solution.
And if both of them do wind up failing to hit enough (or stay healthy) then first-basemen are about the easiest guys to find. I don't want to break the bank for a 300 pounder entering his 30s just because he's available NOW!!! unless you were convinced that he'd be a Gary-Carter-ish "final piece" which he certainly wouldn't.


The only downside I see to signing Fielder is that it will cost us a draft pick.
First basemen may well be the "easiest guys to find" but talents such as Fielder are pretty rare.

Obviously, I say this somewhat tongue-in-cheek as I know full well the Wilpons can't afford to sign both Jose and Fielder.

G-Fafif
Aug 22 2011 03:47 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Edgy DC wrote:
Edgy DC wrote:
I got a notion in my head that he's going to Florida.


And Gaby Sanchez goes where? Other than to blazes in our deepest held wishes, I mean.


Third base or to some team that didn't get Prince Fielder.


No 3B in Sanchez's MLB past.

One stadium-opening splash (beyond opening a stadium) would be a grand gesture by the Marlins. Can't see this one given that one of their best young (cheap) players plays the same position.

Edgy DC
Aug 22 2011 05:58 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Gwreck wrote:
The only downside I see to signing Fielder is that it will cost us a draft pick.

Plus the money, plus the risk.

Gwreck wrote:
First basemen may well be the "easiest guys to find" but talents such as Fielder are pretty rare.

And ephemeral. His dad last played over half his games in the field at 30. The Mets don't have a DH spot to fall back on when he can't answer the bell on defense. And they'll be bidding against teams that do. I'm ag'in' it.

Ceetar
Aug 22 2011 11:21 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Actually, it's looking more and more like the Mets won't be risking a draft pick this year. I prefer they sign a type A pitcher, but I'm not sure it's wise to spend type A money on another pitcher either.

Gwreck
Aug 23 2011 12:07 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

There is nobody (save Sabathia if he hits the market) available that is a truly "impact" pitcher. Maybe CJ Wilson.

Frayed Knot
Aug 23 2011 06:07 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Ceetar wrote:
Actually, it's looking more and more like the Mets won't be risking a draft pick this year. I prefer they sign a type A pitcher, but I'm not sure it's wise to spend type A money on another pitcher either.


Signing a 'Type A' FA still costs teams finishing in the bottom half of the standings a draft pick, the difference is that it's a second rounder instead of a first.

Ceetar
Aug 23 2011 07:12 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Frayed Knot wrote:
Ceetar wrote:
Actually, it's looking more and more like the Mets won't be risking a draft pick this year. I prefer they sign a type A pitcher, but I'm not sure it's wise to spend type A money on another pitcher either.


Signing a 'Type A' FA still costs teams finishing in the bottom half of the standings a draft pick, the difference is that it's a second rounder instead of a first.


well true, but the ~55th pick is a big difference than the ~15th. (and of course there's that talk of changing those rules) Certainly not enough to stop you if you really need a player. I'm not sure the Mets needs trend towards signing what's type A anyway though C.C. would certainly be an interesting sign, but of course he's going to get more and longer than he wants. Although I'm tired of saying "That's a horrible contract, it'll bite them near the end" and not having it bite yet. Meanwhile our "It may bite us in the end" contracts trended towards biting in the middle. (or beginning in Bay's case.)

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr
Aug 23 2011 11:43 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

I believe that "It may bite us in the end" contracts are simply called "contracts."

Plus, leaving aside the rationale of "we need one guy" (you REALLY think this team is one guy away, O?)... you can't sign what isn't out there. Which Type A are you overpaying? Pineiro? Javy Vasquez? A 37-year-old Chris Carpenter-- assuming his option isn't picked up-- or Hiroki Kuroda?

TransMonk
Aug 23 2011 11:59 AM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

I don't want anything to do with Fielder as a Met.

I don't think Milwaukee will commit financially to what it will take to keep him. Ultimately, I see him signing a big deal with an AL team. Any NL team that signs him to a big deal will enjoy it for the first few years and then hate it once the checks get bigger but the playing time diminishes. His first leg injury may very well be his last.

Vegetarian my ass.

metirish
Aug 23 2011 12:31 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

I get what you're saying freshly married man but look at these games played(I'm sure you already know this)

http://www.baseball-reference.com/playe ... pr01.shtml

TransMonk
Aug 23 2011 12:46 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

The dude weighs three bills. Carrying around that kind of load takes a toll on the body...especially after any sort of leg injury.

He plays a passable but not anywhere near a stellar first-base and there is nowhere else to hide him should his limited mobility further decrease (which I feel is inevitable).

He is bigger than Mo Vaughn, bigger than Big Papi, bigger than his dad...he's just plain big. He's young enough now that it doesn't matter (in fact, it is most likely the main reason for all of his power). But I'm not sure he'll be able to play D once he crosses into his 30s.

metirish
Aug 23 2011 12:51 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Benjamin Grimm
Aug 23 2011 12:52 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Two pickles??? What a glutton!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr
Aug 23 2011 01:01 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

Monk, you fattist.

RealityChuck
Aug 23 2011 01:03 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

According to this this, he goes nowhere (or, at least, doesn't get a megabucks contract). It doesn't look like there are too many teams that have the money and a need for him.

Why Your Team Won't Sign Prince Fielder
By Tim Dierkes [August 22, 2011 at 10:14am CST]
Scott Boras isn't likely to send client Prince Fielder to play for the St. Paul Saints next year; obviously he'll wind up with one of baseball's 30 teams. Still, there are good reasons for every single team not to give Fielder the megadeal he's expected to seek.

Orioles: The Orioles could probably fit in Prince's salary without raising payroll, but would a new GM jump in with a $100MM+ commitment for a team that isn't expected to compete in 2012? Is there any way they'd win the bidding on a top Boras client? Fielder is not a good long-term signing for the Orioles, who may prefer to give Chris Davis a full season at first base if he continues to avoid labrum surgery. All that said, they will probably at least be in the mix.

Red Sox: This could only work if Fielder replaces David Ortiz as the team's full-time DH, given the presence of Adrian Gonzalez at first. The Sox clearly have bigger concerns and are highly unlikely to make Fielder the game's first $100MM DH.

Yankees: To open up first base, the Yanks would have to trade Mark Teixeira despite his full no-trade clause. Fielder is not clearly better, so don't expect that manuever. While DH is technically possible, it's wise to leave that spot open for Alex Rodriguez, who is under contract through 2017. Plus, starting pitching will be a more immediate concern than offense.

Rays: Something tells me they won't have Fielder taking up half their payroll.

Blue Jays: I expect the first base and DH spots to be filled by Adam Lind and Edwin Encarnacion again; they'd earn a total of $8.5MM next year. However, Lind has been disappointing and the Blue Jays could certainly afford Fielder, if you'd like to dream on it.

White Sox: Paul Konerko is locked in through 2013; Adam Dunn through 2014. In theory Dunn could be dumped, but not for the purpose of Kenny Williams oddly cozying up to Boras for a massive Fielder contract.

Indians: They don't have the payroll space for it, nor does signing Fielder fit with their long-term plan.

Tigers: Miguel Cabrera will occupy first base through 2015, while DH Victor Martinez is signed through 2014.

Royals: Their future is with Eric Hosmer and Billy Butler.

Twins: They have to be worried about Justin Morneau and could have an open DH spot this offseason. Technically the Twins could afford Fielder without raising payroll, but they have needs all over the place and this would not be their style.

Angels: Though he missed all of 2011, Boras client Kendrys Morales should be in the first base mix next year, as well as Mark Trumbo. Bobby Abreu is under contract for '12 as the DH. While the Angels could afford Fielder, it is tough to see Arte Moreno winning that bid. A pursuit of Aramis Ramirez to play third base is more reasonable.

Athletics: I imagine they'd like to see Brandon Allen and Daric Barton compete for first base next year, with a cheap free agent DH signing. Fielder would be hard to fit into the payroll, and the team's outfield uncertainty will likely be a big focus.

Mariners: The Ms would probably like to see Justin Smoak and Mike Carp in their regular lineup. I think they could afford Fielder, but I can't see them making that DH investment.

Rangers: Mitch Moreland, Mike Napoli, and Michael Young will all be back next year unless someone is traded. With a big arbitration class, the Rangers would need to raise payroll just to re-sign C.J. Wilson or sign a comparable starter, so I don't think Fielder fits in financially either.

Braves: They're surely content with Rookie of the Year contender Freddie Freeman.

Marlins: Gaby Sanchez has this spot locked down on the cheap.

Mets: Even with a payroll reduction the Mets should have some money to burn, but not Fielder money while embroiled in a huge lawsuit. Ike Davis' status is uncertain, but that's not going to push the Mets to Fielder.

Phillies: Ryan Howard is signed through 2016.

Nationals: An $8MM Adam LaRoche is not a huge roadblock to Fielder, and Boras will certainly try to get the Nationals involved. While Mike Morse could move to left field, a big extension for Ryan Zimmerman could be preferable to Washington.

Cubs: Boras needs to get the Cubs involved in the Fielder bidding. While the Cubs could afford him, their needs for starting pitching and perhaps a third baseman should be equally pressing. The team's new GM will have alternatives in Carlos Pena, Michael Cuddyer, and Albert Pujols.

Reds: They've got Joey Votto through 2013, plus a lack of payroll space if Brandon Phillips is retained.

Astros: Brett Wallace and Carlos Lee have their flaws, and Jonathan Singleton is a ways off, but it'd be a radical departure for the Astros to go after Fielder.

Brewers: Last year, Fielder reportedly turned down an offer from the Brewers that was similar to Howard's five-year, $125MM deal. Since then the Brewers locked up Ryan Braun through 2020, so they might not be able to make that offer again even if Prince is interested.

Pirates: The Pirates could sign Fielder and still have one of the game's smallest payrolls. I don't think GM Neal Huntington has committed even $20MM total to a player in his tenure, and it'd cost that much for one year of Fielder. It just doesn't seem like his style, but if ownership decides that the team is close they do technically have the need and payroll space.

Cardinals: It's difficult to see Fielder as anything more than a long shot Plan C for the Cards. If Pujols signs elsewhere while Fielder is still on the market, and the idea of re-signing Lance Berkman to play first base doesn't pan out either, I guess the Cardinals could look into Fielder.

Diamondbacks: I think they could afford him, but they have Paul Goldschmidt as their future.

Rockies: They don't have the money for it, and Todd Helton is under contract through 2013.

Dodgers: They'll have an opening, but payroll flexibility is the question. Attendance and payroll will be down, and without a new owner in place by year's end the Dodgers won't be able to bid for Fielder.

Padres: Anthony Rizzo struggled as a rookie, but Jed Hoyer isn't jumping into the Fielder bidding.

Giants: Aubrey Huff is only under contract through 2012, but signing Fielder would make Brandon Belt a permanent outfielder. Maybe that could work, but payroll flexibility will be very limited. The focus may be on signing Tim Lincecum and finding a shortstop and an outfielder or two.

TransMonk
Aug 23 2011 01:14 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

1. Angels
2. Cubs
3. Yankees
4. Brewers
5. Nationals

Frayed Knot
Aug 23 2011 03:23 PM
Re: Where's Fielder Going?

And speaking of the Pirates and long-term deals ... [from above]: The Pirates could sign Fielder and still have one of the game's smallest payrolls. I don't think GM Neal Huntington has committed even $20MM total to a player in his tenure, and it'd cost that much for one year of Fielder. It just doesn't seem like his style, but if ownership decides that the team is close they do technically have the need and payroll space ...

... did they really need to go out and sign Jose Tabata to a six year deal plus several options that could keep him in a Pittsburgh uni thru 2019?!?
I mean he's looking like an OK player and he just just turned 23, plus it's not huge money since it's not a real FA contract but mostly the buying out arb years plus extending a couple seasons into FA territory. But, as of now, he's a .360-ish OBA corner OFer with 4 HRs in 300 ABs this season and less than 800 PAs for his career.

What seemed to be the rush and the timing of it struck me as odd.