Prince Fielder Talks May Conclude Today By Ben Nicholson-Smith [January 24 at 11:52am CST] There's something close to a final four for Prince Fielder at this point in the sweepstakes for the free agent first baseman. There was lots of buzz about the Nationals, Orioles and Rangers yesterday, though their level of interest remains unclear. Here are the latest updates, with the most recent rumors up top: Fielder is expected to get at least seven years, maybe even eight according to Heyman (on Twitter). ESPN's Buster Olney heard speculation that the Tigers would be a fit on a one-year deal, which would allow Fielder to hit the market next winter, when the Mets and Dodgers could have new ownership (Twitter links). The Rangers believe they are out of the bidding for Fielder, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. Talks have accelerated and could conclude today, according to Nightengale. The Nationals appear to be the favorites to sign the first baseman. GM Dan Duquette said he's not sure the Orioles are that interested in Fielder, according to Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. "Lots of teams are interested in power-hitting left-handed batters, so I guess you can put us in that group," Duquette said. There are indications that four or five finalists for Fielder exist, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com writes. Some say the Nationals are reluctant to offer an “ultra long” deal. One GM wonders if agent Scott Boras will wait until outgoing Dodgers owner Frank McCourt picks a winning bidder for the club, ESPN.com's Buster Olney writes. Boras could then sell the incoming owner on Fielder before the sale of the team becomes official. It's a risky strategy since Spring Training is just a month away and the intentions of the new owner aren't yet known. The Fielder sweepstakes are nearing their conclusion and the Nationals are a leading contender for him, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports. Some members of the Nationals’ ownership would prefer to play Adam LaRoche at first in 2012, then acquire a center fielder and move Michael Morse to first base in 2013, Rosenthal writes.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN A big 1-yr. deal for Prince allows him to hit market next fall, when LAD, NYM might be in better position to bid. Again: SPECULATION. 9:52 AM - 24 Jan 12 via web
We are Fucked. I have tried to be optimistic but he will be a Nat. If he was still a FA 3 weeks from now, I might think otherwise.
I agree. And I tend to think Fielder is the one pushing it. As a fellow spoiled, whiny Socal I can understand the desire to hold out for LA when DC and Baltimore are your biggest suitors. I'm interested in the 1-year offer from the Tigers. I know Milwaukee made a one year offer and the Fielder camp seemed to have no interest... but would a 1-year romp in Detroit, to reminisce about his father's time there, be considered? But bottomline, if Tubby didn't want to be a Dodger, he'd be signed by now.
Well think about it. They've been trying to sign him for how long? I don't think he'd wait out this long unless something was up.
Fielder got 9 years and 214 million I wanted Prince as much as anyone, but we have to agree that at that price, go ahead and be a Tiger lol
I don't want him for 9/214, but ignoring the Price for a second I am disappointed because we have no hope. He have 2 major league caliber hitters on this team.
agreed. we are average at best. being in the NL West won't be an excuse anymore, because like it or not, with Posey coming back, the possibilty of the D-Backs being good, and the always dangerous Rockies, it's anyone's division. And I doubt even if we make the playoffs, we won't make it very far.
There may be some hope in that our payroll is low enough for our new owner to make a huge splash at the trade deadline. At this point we could trade for the biggest name on the block no matter what position he plays.
