The Capital Times published a story yesterday about the possibility of Brewers first baseman landing with the Boston Red Sox. It is hard to fathom the idea of the Red Sox having Kevin Youkilis, Adrian Beltre, and Fielder, especially with Mike Lowell and David Ortiz still in the fold.
If the Red Sox were to make a serious play for Fielder, what would it cost them?
The Red Sox would most likely have to surrender pitcher Clay Buchholz or a combination of minor leaguers that could include Lars Anderson and Michael Bowden. Anderson actually was just promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket.
The Red Sox have to keep in mind that Fielder will be a free agent after the 2011 season and will certainly seek a deal comparable to Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard.
Howard, who signed a five year, 125 million dollar deal within the past two weeks, has a pretty similar career line to Prince Fielder. In 758 career games, Howard owns a career .279 average and averaged about 50 home runs per season (100 games or more).
Fielder, on the other hand, in 701 career games, owns a .282 career line and has averaged about 40 home runs per season (100 games or more). Howard has an MVP under his belt and a World Series ring, so he definitely has more value in that sense than Fielder.
Howard also owns a .373 on-base percentage and has averaged 191 strike outs per season compared to Fielder, who has averaged a 129 strike outs per season with a .380 career OBP.
This is certainly a tough decision. Fielder will be 26 on May 10th. Howard will be 31 in November. From the looks of it, I'd say Fielder has the upper-hand.
What are your thoughts?