Should the Brewers trade Prince Fielder?
The Brewers have Prince Fielder under contract through next season, but they are already being berated with questions concerning an extension. It is only a matter of time now before trade speculation comes knocking on the Miller Park.
Fielder is off to a solid start this season, compiling a .400 average in 5 at-bats. (Okay, kind of kidding about his strong start...)
Fielder has averaged a little over 39 home runs in his four seasons as an everyday starter, and he owns a .284 career average. While Fielder is a great player with tremendous power, he is not the kind of player who necessarily ages well.
Here is Keith Law's take on it:
The other reason, thinking down the road, is he's the type of player who doesn't age well -- patient with power but un-athletic with no defensive value to speak of."
The Brewers are not garnering serious playoff consideration for the next couple seasons, but moving Fielder for a boat load of prospects could pay dividends down the line. Not only does it save them money, but it replenishes a farm system hit by trades (Matt LaPorta), guys getting called up (Alcides Escobar), and injury (Mat Gamel).
Who would enter the mix for a player like Prince Fielder?
While the Orioles may not be willing to part with a top prospect or two for Fielder, the time has come for the Orioles to be more aggressive and make things happen. The fact they still have Brian Roberts after four years of trade speculation (mostly with the Cubs) is a testament to owner Peter Angelos' inability to build a solid team under their financial circumstances.
The Marlins nearly made a move for Manny Ramirez in 2008 before he was traded to the Dodgers, meaning they could still be in the mix for a big name player at some point this season. Also, owner Jeff Loria believes the Marlins can make the playoffs, which has lead to some speculation that Fredi Gonzalez is on the hot seat.
While the Marlins have Gaby Sanchez, who hit .303 in 33-at bats this spring, waiting in the wings, adding Fielder would generate some buzz in Miami and give them another bat who can hit for power and average.
If Chris Coghlan and Cameron Maybin can play to their potential, the Marlins would have a solid offense which would allow them to focus on building up their starting rotation. For the Marlins, it may be a stretch, but right now they are facing steep competition from the Mets, Braves, and Phillies.
Who else could enter the mix for Prince Fielder?
10 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
the way i look at it
it would have to be an american league team. like you said hes not gonna age well. so put him at DH to maybe lengthen his career. a team like the orioles makes sense. maybe the redsox since david ortiz is on the decline
probably 5 or 6 more years
im just saying they shouldnt wait until his knees give out to switch him to DH. they should do it now to prolong his career. besides, hes not a good fielder as it is so switching to DH just makes sense
think the Brew Crew would take Jose Guillen off the Royals hands
for Fielder? Uhh yea thats what I thought, cant help but dream right!
Are we the team to beat in 2010? I sure think so! Go Chiefs.
Options
White Sox
Konerko and Fielder could alternate DH-1B. Kenny Williams is also one of the more creative GMs in baseball. With their lineup of retreads and young players, I also question whether the White Sox will score enough runs. Put Fielder in there and that is a game changer, especially with that awesome pitching staff.
Red Sox
I think the Brewers would want the Red Sox in the mix, if only because they have a good farm system and they tend to be a little impatient and insecure. If their offense struggles at midseason, not impossible to believe with Ortiz’s struggles, I could imagine Red Sox nation making noise about obtaining someone like Fielder. Granted with Beltre at 3rd, they don’t really have room for him.
Mariners
They’ve already spent alot of money on their team. But the question mark remains their offense. Do they honestly think that Casey Kotchman is a #3 hitter? Ultimately, they have sunk so much money into this team, picking up someone like Fielder could be rationalized as being the move that puts them over the top.
Rangers
They have the prospects to trade for Fielder. At first you have a Ryan Garko and possibly Chris Davis, neither of which inspire. Justin Smoak is their hot prospect at first base, but he’s not close to being ready. If the Rangers get impatient, or if the Angels are within striking distance, they could make a move for Fielder.
I can’t see the Orioles, Royals or Marlins making the kind of move to pick up a Fielder. They are too conservative with their money and/or their prospects.
You made some good points.
But I dont think that the rangers could make a move to trade for fielder because they are in a financial predicament. But the other predicitions seem around the right thoughs.
by sal007 on Apr 11, 2010 9:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

by 












