Prince Fielder

Jarbel · Post by **Jarbel** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 12:20 am

With teams courting FA's it seems the big guy aint getting any love. Where does Prince end up? As a Brewer fan my prediction is...........................

He'll be a Miami Marlin. When they strike out with Jose Reyes( I think he'll end up being a yankee) and Albert stays in STL they will be desperate and go after the big fellow hard signing him to a 6/140 contract is my prediction. The marlins desperate to make a splash will overpay for him. I also think with kemp and his almost done deal that teams negotiating with Prince will use that as their leverage and Boras isnt going to get what he wants.

Winston's Empire · Post by **Winston's Empire** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 9:35 am

I would love to see Baltimore make a splash and grab Prince off the F/A Pile! That young team could use his huge bat and it would be fun to watch guys like A Jones, Markakis, Reynolds and Wieters have another great bat to help out in the AL East! Plus JJ Hardy would like to see his boy in Orange!

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 2:38 am

The Brewers are reportedly making a new offer to Fielder. Remember, he's already turned down 5/$100M. I think this is a great idea. I've never believed the market would be real strong for Fielder and I've always believed his best option if winning was his top priority was to remain in Milwaukee. I'll say again that I would have no problems with the Brewers dumping Greinke and Marcum and using that money on Fielder going forward.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 2:58 am

Gallardo is awesome, but without Grienke and Marcum, do you think the Brewers can win with Wolf, Narveson, and Estrada in the middle of the rotation? Bring back Chris Capuano?

I would almost want Gamel if the price for Prince was that high.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 3:02 am

Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

Gallardo is awesome, but without Grienke and Marcum, do you think the Brewers can win with Wolf, Narveson, and Estrada in the middle of the rotation? No, but given how bad Marcum was in September and the playoffs and how bad Greinke was in the playoffs I'd rather keep Fielder and try to find some decent pitchers elsewhere. I loved the Greinke and Marcum moves and the Brewers don't get to the playoffs without them but they were awful in the postseason. Given that, I'd rather keep Braun and Fielder together. Greinke will be in the last year of his contract. It's possible he could bring back a decent young starting pitcher at least.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 3:15 am

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

quote:Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

Gallardo is awesome, but without Grienke and Marcum, do you think the Brewers can win with Wolf, Narveson, and Estrada in the middle of the rotation? No, but given how bad Marcum was in September and the playoffs and how bad Greinke was in the playoffs I'd rather keep Fielder and try to find some decent pitchers elsewhere. I loved the Greinke and Marcum moves and the Brewers don't get to the playoffs without them but they were awful in the postseason. Given that, I'd rather keep Braun and Fielder together. Greinke will be in the last year of his contract. It's possible he could bring back a decent young starting pitcher at least. [/QUOTE]Deal. I will trade you Arodys Vizcaino and Randall Delgado for Zack Grienke.

Have your people call my people.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 10:23 am

It sure looks like the Brewers have moved past Prince and there's no way Scott Boras is going to be giving Fielder away on the cheap. Time to move on Brewers fans (including me, a grown adult with a Fielder FatHead in my office):

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/133988118.html

Jarbel · Post by **Jarbel** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 2:35 am

Being a brewer fan Im starting to lose hope also. I think the only chance the crew has if Kemp signs 8/160. That would be the only chance the crew has because honestly has IMO. What i wish Milwaukee would or if they could afford is offer 6/120 -130ish with a 3rd year opt out option. Fielder could opt out at the age of 30 and still get his big deal.

I also think you look at trading Marcum and try to lock up Grienke long term.

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 2:54 am

Looks like Milwaukee hitting coach Dale Sveum might be leaving the Brewers bench to take over as the Cubs manager.

Can Prince be far behind?

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:15 am

Originally posted by Navel Lint:

Looks like Milwaukee hitting coach Dale Sveum might be leaving the Brewers bench to take over as the Cubs manager.

Can Prince be far behind?

Sounds good but can the Cubbies afford it with Soriano, Dempster, Zambrano, Byrd, and Marmol tying up better than $65m and Garza due a pretty big raise in his third arbitration year?

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:20 am

Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

quote:Originally posted by Navel Lint:

Looks like Milwaukee hitting coach Dale Sveum might be leaving the Brewers bench to take over as the Cubs manager.

Can Prince be far behind?

Sounds good but can the Cubbies afford it with Soriano, Dempster, Zambrano, Byrd, and Marmol tying up better than $65m and Garza due a pretty big raise in his third arbitration year? [/QUOTE]They can.

They actually have money to spend after the Pena and Ramirez contracts are off the books. I'm guessing they rid themselves of Derek Lowe size portion of Zambrano's contract over the winter.

Plus, with the buzz surrounding Epstein, Ricketts has intimated a larger payroll.

They're players in the Hot Stove.

Winston's Empire · Post by **Winston's Empire** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:48 am

As much as I want the Cubs to build a farm system and slowly build this team around Starlin Castro over the next 5 years, I really hope to see Prince Fielder in a Cubs Jersey come Spring Training. I do not think Fielder will get the $200 Million - 8 Year Deal deal Boras wants, but I would be happy to get him for $154 Million - 7 Years or $164 Million - 8 Years.

Just 2cents from a Cubs Fan!

Dough, do you think there is a trade market for A Soriano out there if the Cubs ate a bit of the contract?

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 5:26 am

Originally posted by WINSTON'S EMPIRE:

Dough, do you think there is a trade market for A Soriano out there if the Cubs ate a bit of the contract? Soriano has three years left at 18 million per year.

If he were on the market now, he may be comparable to Josh Willingham, and that is probably being too kind. They both hit in the .240's with over 25 homers and both are unsteady left fielders.

Willingham can look for a seven million dollar contract this off season.

In a pure comparison theory, the Cubs would have to eat 33 million of the 54 million that is owed Soriano. And lose Soriano while getting little in return.

Right now, they have no better option for left field. So peddling Soriano becomes a very low priority for Theo.

Theo has to fix that pathetic lineup though. They have Castro, Soriano, Byrd, and Soto, who are almost certain of a starting position next year. None, are a middle of the lineup type hitter.

Their need for Fielder or Pujols is greater than other teams.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 6:10 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

quote:Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

quote:Originally posted by Navel Lint:

Looks like Milwaukee hitting coach Dale Sveum might be leaving the Brewers bench to take over as the Cubs manager.

Can Prince be far behind?

Sounds good but can the Cubbies afford it with Soriano, Dempster, Zambrano, Byrd, and Marmol tying up better than $65m and Garza due a pretty big raise in his third arbitration year? [/QUOTE]They can.

They actually have money to spend after the Pena and Ramirez contracts are off the books. I'm guessing they rid themselves of Derek Lowe size portion of Zambrano's contract over the winter.

Plus, with the buzz surrounding Epstein, Ricketts has intimated a larger payroll.

They're players in the Hot Stove. [/QUOTE]I guess so. If they are satisfied with Darwin Barney at 2B, they still have a hole at third unless they just go with Baker/DeWitt. There is not much out there in FA-land at the position other than the guy they are apparently glad is gone.

Third OFer would be Colvin right now who might be the latest AAAA player. So, they are going to pretty much have to snag someone from the FA pool (DeJesus?). And after Garza and Dempster with Zambrano gone (and I too believe he will be by the end of spring training), you are looking at Wells and Coleman especially if Cashner heads to the bullpen. So that is some more money on middle-of the road FA pitchers.

Not really stating anything new as the Cubs just don't seem to have a lot of in-house options. And choking themselves with another $15-$20M long-term salary means that they will not have many options for many years to come.

[ November 17, 2011, 12:11 PM: Message edited by: Edwards Kings ]

Winston's Empire · Post by **Winston's Empire** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 6:52 am

Ya, its tough. The Cubs need to build from within, but they have to put butts in the seats too. I think Prince is the only FA on the market that would work to fill the seats, put a stamp on the start of the Epstein Era, and work out for at least 5 - 6 years to be sure. I just don't see Pujols going to the Cubs, even if they wanted to overpay for him.

Trading to build this thing back up would work, if they had something to trade with!

Soriano is a huge bust and when he is running around it looks like his fragile little legs are going to break! PED's anyone?!?!

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 6:53 am

The Cubs don't have a leak. If eveluating each position, depression will set in. The dam has burst and it's time to start over. The next three years are building blocks, but at the same time they have to have a representative team on the field.

Fielder gives them a building block and at the least, a player that Cubs fans will embrace and cheer. Right now, there is not a player worthy of that on their roster.

In re-reading that it may seem like I'm dissing Castro.

I'm not. He's a nice player. But a typical fan would not kick themselves if they were at the hot dog stand while Castro was hitting.

Fielder would keep them in their seats.

The Cubs have to start somewhere and in having a high end payroll, they sometimes have to gamble on long term contracts.

Fielder is a good roll of the dice.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:45 am

Originally posted by WINSTON'S EMPIRE:

As much as I want the Cubs to build a farm system and slowly build this team around Starlin Castro over the next 5 years, I really hope to see Prince Fielder in a Cubs Jersey come Spring Training. I do not think Fielder will get the $200 Million - 8 Year Deal deal Boras wants, but I would be happy to get him for $154 Million - 7 Years or $164 Million - 8 Years.

Just 2cents from a Cubs Fan!

Dough, do you think there is a trade market for A Soriano out there if the Cubs ate a bit of the contract? The Brewers offered Prince $100 million over 5 years at the beginning of this season and he rejected it. They easily would go $120 for 6 years, but Prince and Boras are having no part of that. They want $200 million for 8 years, as does Pujols. $25 million per is their target and the Cubs certainly aren't getting him for the prices you list above.

As for the Cubs needing to fill seats, Winston, THEY FILL EVERY SEAT when they lose!!! They're the lovable losers!!! They will have the same home attendance next year with or without Prince in the lineup!!

Theo has said he's working on the 5-year plan. Somehow that doesn't sound like Prince for $200 million, but you never know. Dan is right, though, they are rid of Aramis Ramirez's $16 million salary, so there's room to fit Fielder in. They could certainly do it and build around him, and everyone is right, that would be a great building block. But they'd have to WOW him with a bigger contract than Milwaukee is offering.

Boras will hold tight to his numbers, but the amount of teams who need Fielder and can afford him are running low. Chicago, Florida, St. Louis and Milwaukee seem like the best options. But I think the chances that he returns to Milwaukee are slim and none, which is too bad. I see Melvin going with Mat Gamel at first base if needed and shoring up his pitching staff, both among starters and in the pen again.

Winston's Empire · Post by **Winston's Empire** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:56 am

Greg, I know that they fill every seat no matter what, but I honestly don't think that can last forever in this economy if they don't put a better product on the field. At the end of last year I thought it was announced that ticket prices were staying the same or even being reduced in some spots for 2012 to try and shore up the base. Cubs & Baseball Fan might not need a reason to go to Wrigley (thats reason enough if you ask me), but people do need a reason to turn on WGN. Dough is right, Castro is a good player, but not the type that will make you go CRAZY like a couple booming homeruns to the right field bleachers on a hot summer day!

I can already see the beer flying

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:33 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by WINSTON'S EMPIRE:

As for the Cubs needing to fill seats, Winston, THEY FILL EVERY SEAT when they lose!!! They're the lovable losers!!! They will have the same home attendance next year with or without Prince in the lineup!!

[/QUOTE]It’s probably the economy in general as much as it is anything else, but the Cubs have seen a decrease in attendance each season since 2008 (just over 8% in total.) Back to back losing seasons of 87 and 91 loses doesn’t help.

Dan mentioned the Cubs needing a player to keep the fans in their seats. I agree. Right now the Cubs don’t have that player, and I include Castro when I say that.

Over the last 10 years there have only been a couple of Cubs and a few visiting opponents that I didn’t leave my seat to watch. Sammy Sosa, Aramis Ramirez, Greg Maddux (pitching), Ken Griffey Jr, Albert Pujols. I would put Prince Fielder on that list. I saw Fielder back in 2003 when he was playing in the Midwest League, he was a must watch then, as he is now.

Will the Cubs still sell 90% of the seats next year if they don’t get Fielder or Pujols? Probably.

But I will tell you this. My tickets have gone up between 7 and 13% each season over the last 5 years. However, for 2012 they are going DOWN almost 2% and they are inviting ticket holders to the park the week after Thanksgiving to give us a chance to change our seat location if we want. I can tell you that this is the first time they have done that in a long time. New seats must be coming available now more than at any time in the recent past.

Winston's Empire · Post by **Winston's Empire** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:37 am

Originally posted by Navel Lint:

quote:Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by WINSTON'S EMPIRE:

As for the Cubs needing to fill seats, Winston, THEY FILL EVERY SEAT when they lose!!! They're the lovable losers!!! They will have the same home attendance next year with or without Prince in the lineup!!

[/QUOTE]It’s probably the economy in general as much as it is anything else, but the Cubs have seen a decrease in attendance each season since 2008 (just over 8% in total.) Back to back losing seasons of 87 and 91 loses doesn’t help.

Dan mentioned the Cubs needing a player to keep the fans in their seats. I agree. Right now the Cubs don’t have that player, and I include Castro when I say that.

Over the last 10 years there have only been a couple of Cubs and a few visiting opponents that I didn’t leave my seat to watch. Sammy Sosa, Aramis Ramirez, Greg Maddux (pitching), Ken Griffey Jr, Albert Pujols. I would put Prince Fielder on that list. I saw Fielder back in 2003 when he was playing in the Midwest League, he was a must watch then, as he is now.

Will the Cubs still sell 90% of the seats next year if they don’t get Fielder or Pujols? Probably.

But I will tell you this. My tickets have gone up between 7 and 13% each season over the last 5 years. However, for 2012 they are going DOWN almost 2% and they are inviting ticket holders to the park the week after Thanksgiving to give us a chance to change our seat location if we want. I can tell you that this is the first time they have done that in a long time. New seats must be coming available now more than at any time in the recent past. [/QUOTE]Thats what I am saying. Cubs nation loves the Cubies, but things aren't ALL GREEN in the Ivy!

We know the Yankees Model doesn't work on the North Side of Chicago and its time to get back to the basics. The Cubs don't become instant NL Central Favorites if they sign Prince Fielder, but they give the fans some eye candy to look at as they build the team over the next 5 years.

Heck Andre Dawson Won the MVP on a last place Cubs team in 1987 after coming over from Montreal and they were able to get to the playoffs just a few years after than.

Andre Dawson didn't have Scott Boras as his agent then however and signed a BLANK contract with the Cubs to get them to take him on! HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED!!!!!