With pitchers and catchers set to report to spring training camps in Florida and Arizona in just a month, the time is now for free agent slugger Prince Fielder to make a decision on his future. And it appears that decision will come down to one of four teams: The Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Nationals would become a playoff-caliber team by acquiring Fielder after trading for A’s pitcher Gio Gonzalez this offseason. However, Washington may not “need” Fielder. The Nats can get by without Fielder, playing Adam LaRoche at first for one more season, then acquiring a center fielder and moving left fielder Michael Morse to first in 2013.
Some members of the Nats’ ownership actually would prefer such a plan, sources say; the team committed $126 million to free-agent outfielder Jayson Werth last offseason and soon might award another major contract to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman.
The Nationals have courted Fielder for months and have had ongoing negotiations, but have waited patiently for the bidding process to unfold.
The Orioles have a huge need for a big bat but, like their local rival, have seemed to downplay their interest. But their biggest issue may be luring Fielder with little immediate prospect of winning.
The Rangers, a team that came out of the woodwork to sign Adrian Beltre last winter, have suggested that they are “unlikely” to sign Fielder based mostly on requests for a deal of eight to 10 years. They are clearly still involved after signing Yu Darvish. Though they don’t seem likely to be the high bidder, they remain hopeful that a chance to be part of one of the game’s great lineups will enhance their chances.
The Rangers were attempting to sign Fielder to a deal for less years than agent Scott Boras was seeking. Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan said recently that Fielder was seeking a deal for eight or 10 years.
The Dodgers could use a public relations boost that signing Fielder would provide. But they have a good first baseman in James Loney – although he could move to the outfielder. But the biggest hang up is that the Dodgers are in the process of being sold, so it’s hard to imagine the team shelling out nearly $200 million on a player with such uncertainty in ownership.
Fielder, 27, who has spent his entire career with the Milwaukee Brewers, has averaged 37 homers and 106 RBI over a full 162-game season. He hit 38 homers with 120 RBI last season, and finished third in the NL MVP voting.
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