Where's Fielder Going?

[G-Fafif]

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.

[Guest Edgy DC]

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]

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]

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

[Frayed Knot]

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]

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.)

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

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]

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]

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/players/f/fieldpr01.shtml

[TransMonk]

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]

[Benjamin Grimm]

Two pickles??? What a glutton!

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Monk, you fattist.

[RealityChuck]

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]

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

[Frayed Knot]

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.