The magic number for Prince Fielder could be $200MM, tweets SI's Jon Heyman – $25MM a year over eight years. I don't see that happening, but here's the latest as Scott Boras dines with mystery teams on Fielder's behalf…
- The Brewers are not giving up on Fielder, tweets Heyman. He says owner Mark Attanasio and GM Doug Melvin met with Boras on Tuesday, and Attanasio is mulling what to offer. Attanasio expects a long process. The Brewers have no intention of making an offer Boras can shop to other clubs, tweets Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
- In Parma, Italy last Saturday for a European tour of MLB players, Fielder was asked if he'll be in Milwaukee next year. He joked with the kids, "No, but I don't know where I will go, perhaps to Parma." That's a translation courtesy of ESPN's Keith Law of this article, found via Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.
- Marlins president Larry Beinfest wouldn't rule out Fielder if the Albert Pujols possibility falls through, tweets Heyman. Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said yesterday he wouldn't envision a run at Fielder if he fails to re-sign Pujols.
Quacktastic_Duck
I wouldn’t pay Fielder above 150MM/8yr… but I guess I don’t own a baseball team either.
Lastings
Heavy salary, for a heavy man. What do you expect?
diesel2410
Fielder should NOT be getting Pujols money. Enough said
TXHC
$200mm isn’t Pujols money. I think people are going to soil themselves when they see what Pujols actually signs for.
Dadbodfromseattle
come on fatty lets go to the mariners
User 4245925809
“come on fatty lets go to the mariners”
More like go to the “Marines” and lose that tub of his, cause chances are more of the draft getting reinstated and his ending up in the Army/Marines than getting the 200m Boras is dreaming of.
KyleB
Boras almost always get’s what he wants for his clients…don’t be surprised.
Luis
Stay away M’s!
Sniderlover
Ahaha, seriously? That’s nuts.
But it wouldn’t surprise me if they found a sucker who was willing to give that much.
not_brooks
No one will offer 8/200, but someone wil offer something like 6/160, or something along those lines. Seven years is a slight possibility.
You’ve got to compare Prince to Cecil here, and Cecil was basically done by the time he was 33. Eight years for Prince would be insane. No one is going to offer Prince a contract that’s going to take him into his 35-year-old season.
Quacktastic_Duck
Seriously, I thought the Ryan Howard ‘deal’ was absurd. If I was a team, there is no way I’d be paying 26M+ a year for 6 years of Prince. Unlike SS and CF, big hitting 1B do grow on trees. I am sure that you could replace him with someone for less than 15MM and barely see a drop in prodcution.
not_brooks
You’re absolutely right. And I would add big hitting corner outfielders to your argument.
But…
11 of the 20 highest paid players in 2011 were either first basemen or corner outfielders.
Based on average annual salary, five of the top 10 highest paid players in MLB history were either first basemen or corner outfielders.
Based on the value of the entire contract, four of the top 10 highest paid players in MLB history were either first basemen or corner outfielders.
Just because it doesn’t really make sense doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
Quacktastic_Duck
A good point. Hopefully one considered by owners. I feel like it’d be more difficult to replace a decent corner OF. There are only so many Matt Holiday-esque players and too often is one overpaid in hopes that they are. Crawford, Bay, Werth were clearly overpaid and aren’t worthy to be paid that much.
There are 25+ 1B with a positive WAR of at least 1.0 this past season alone. It’s supposed to be a big hitting position. Surely you can reallocate the 10+MM elsewhere that year on a roster. It’s more than 10% of a budget for most teams.
Javier Salazar
you’ve got to compare prince to cecil here? Why? there is no comparison. Two different people regardless of genetics.
Prince has more than proved himself. He should get paid.
Cubbie
Good point
jordan4giants
Boras is saying he wants a 200mill contract, that means teams are talking in the 130-150 range. Always subtract 25-30% from any Boras statement to obtain actual player value.
Guest 6093
subtract 100% when referencing Rick Ankiel.
jordan4giants
Scott Boras and a GM walk into a bar
Boras: beer please
Bartender: 10 dollars
Boras: That’s a ripoff!
GM: I was about to say the exact same thing
miamiroc
Boras is completely batshit crazy.
jhfdssdaf
*adopt best Scott Boras voice*
Fielder’s power numbers are comparable to those of Pujols. In addition, he is four years younger, assuming Pujols’s age is accurate. Teams can be assured of getting a much better value from Fielder over the length of the contract.
One team has already offered 7 years / $195 million, but for only $5 million more, you get an 8th year of service.
*end Boras voice*
Lefty
I don’t see that happening, but here’s the latest as Scott Boras dines with mystery teams on Fielder’s behalf…This is exactly what I was thinking!
1.) Mystery Team & Scott Boras: It just isn’t a “Happening” free Agency period without those two key ingredients. Speaking of ingredients…it leads me to number two!
2.) Dining, yes Dining! Dining is a big part of Prince Fielders’ life which leads me to number three!
3.) Does Prince Fielder want to be paid 200 million in American Dollars or Hamburgers?!?
Yeah you can say he’s a “Vegetarian”, I don’t believe that for second, but if he is offer him 200 million in crab cake then LOL!
NickinIthaca
Last I heard, crab cakes weren’t vegetarian either…
Lefty
Always, good to see you, Nick!
You forget that Prince could be a Pescetarianism. Therefore, the Maryland Blue Crab would be A – Ok. Also, Prince might like Smith Island Cake to wash down all those vegatables and enjoy Maryland Hospitality!
not_brooks
Prince is actually a vegan.
And it is possible to be an unhealthy vegan. Overeating is basically the same regardless of what you’re eating. And a lot of the vegetarian/vegan foods that imitate meat are absolutely terrible for you because of how high they are in sodium and artificial ingredients.
KyleB
I’ll gladly give you a home run Tuesday for a veggie burger today.
Bryan
I’m seeking $200 MM too. Prince may have a slightly better chance than me, but just slightly.
KyleB
I bet if you had Boras backing you, you might be able to pull in at least $100,000.
slider32
It looks like the Marlins are serious about signing a big free agent. I heard they offered Pujols 9/225, and Reyes 6/90. Know it looks like they will offer Fielder maybe 6/150.
bagjick
I’m not opposed to Attansio mortgaging his future on an 8-yr deal
Kenny St John
the English (albeit rough) translation about Fielder and Milwaukee…”No, but I don’t know where I’ll go, let’s go Parma”
Coppernob
Translation of the Q&A:
Will you beat Bond’s HR Record?
“Do you want the truth? I think about it often”
What do you feel when you hit a HR?
“Just think of what gives you the most pleasure to do in the world, that is what hitting an HR feels like”
Will you stay in Milaukee?
“No, but i don’t know where I will go, maybe to Parma [the Italian town for the Exhibition]
It will be tough as it will take more than $200 million
Lastings
In the article he was also referred to as the FORMER Milwaukee first baseman, found that premature and interesting.
Tyler 20
I get that Fielder is fat, but for a fat guy he stil has some wheels (for a fat guy) and he can still put a charge into one. I dont get why everyone is bashing his weight, hes fat we have known this for awhile.But hell no fatty you arent getting 200 mil
Mikey Roederer
I realize that he is a bigger guy, but at his age a 6-7 yr deal wouldn’t be that bad..He was THE only person to play every game last season, THE ONLY…so obviously it isn’t a factor yet and won’t be for quiet a while
Bryan
I think the problem is that when it does become a factor, the drop off is likely to be more significant.
Victor Woz
When I finally emerged from the dressing room, the children could not believe. Not only were they, but they were all dressed as they are accustomed to seeing them on television, each wearing the uniform of his team: Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners, Florida Marlins.
Seven players from Major League, yesterday afternoon in Parma, available for a workout with our kids. Who arrived in more than 400, between 8 and 15 years, from Italy, they too strictly divided: Bologna, Catania, Bolzano, Vercelli, Florence, Teramo …
The eighth star in the Major, the only undercover as a former player, Bobby Bonilla, who won the World Series in 1997, the group said external: “You and I have one thing in common, we are baseball players.” For very small not exploding with pride.
In its simplicity was a great afternoon of baseball. Something never seen before. To give an idea: the last time that a group of pro ‘Americans had been in Italy was the 1889 (!), When Spalding organized demonstrations in Rome and Naples. This time is called European Big League Tour, organized by Parma Baseball and Studio Ghiretti.
Before it was moved to Utrecht, Amsterdam and Prague, as Rick VandenHurk idea, one of the seven big, pitcher Dutch Baltimore. “When I was a kid in Holland, I dreamed of going to see my idols MLB – said -. Now that I am a bigleaguer I thought about doing this. And in the end was not too difficult to involve other players. ” To each of whom gave a bracelet: “It says:” Bring baseball Olympics “, we want it all.”
So his fellow Orioles, Adam Jones, and then Roger Bernadine (Washington), Dexter Fowler (Colorado), Mike Stanton (Florida) and Grag Halman (Seattle). “I was there in Parma have already been to see my sister,” said the latter, the brother of Naomi, basketball player of our A-1, the former Parma, now in Faenza.
But above all the kids waiting for him, Prince, Prince Fielder, in muscles and tattoos. The star of the afternoon. The former Milwaukee first baseman, All-Star Game MVP last, in these hours in the middle of the market, yet available to answer a thousand questions of children.”Record-breaking home run to Bonds?».”You want the truth? I think we really are. “”What do you feel when home runs?”.”Think what you like doing in the world, here, a boundary is.””You’ll be in Milwaukee?”.”No, but I do not know where to go, perhaps in Parma.”It will be tough: it will take more than 200 million.
Then, totally out of the program, Jones has proposed a kind of home run race. On the mountain the former blue Gian Guido Poma, manager of National Puppy. A thousand people in the stands to do oooh. Fielder Jones beat. And on behalf of all he promised, “We’ll see you next year.”COMMENTS (1)
inleylandwetrust
….wtf
not_brooks
One more thought…
Why does everyone react the same way when the crazy Boras numbers start to come out?
This happens every year, folks. And every year, Boras clients never get what he says they’re worth from the start, but they do get exactly what he expected from the start.
The man is a damn good agent because he knows how to get his clients paid as much as possible. This silly posturing about how this guy is worth what that guy was worth and how this guy is comparable to this Hall of Famer is just part of the act. And that’s all there is to it.
Lefty
The Nationals will sign him for the money he wants! Also, they will get one of the top Free Agent pitchers.
Tyler 20
no
jamesa-2
Unfortunately, SOMEONE will give Fielder more than $20MM per year over the life of an extended contract (6-8 years). Personally, I think they are crazy. Unless he finds a new home with a teammate that matches as well with him in a lineup as Braun did, his production numbers are going to take a it. He’s not the healthiest of players out ther, and his defensive prowess is average at best. When forking over that kind of money, the TOTAL PACKAGE should be what is purchased, not just the bat. What happens if he has a bad month or two at the plate? Pujols can field, so can Tex in NY. Helton could both hit and field in his prime. These guys EARNED big paydays by producing long-term and bringing everything to the game. Fielder is one-dimensional and is one “bad” hard swing at a slider away from being worthless if he pulls something.
drumzalicious
I really don’t think he should get any more than 7/140. He’s a dynamite bat but his weight and probable need to switch to being a DH is whats hurting his value
daveineg
That $200 million figure for Fielder is a joke and Boras knows it. We had how many teams come out and state they weren’t interested? The only teams left that were said to have interest seem to be Seattle and maybe Milwaukee and neither of those clubs will get close to what Boras is throwing out there. Boras threw out a compliment for Brewer owner Mark Attanasio earlier this week. He doesn’t do that without a purpose. He’s worried the market is thin on Prince and he wants the Brewers in there competing to enhance the total.
I figure $132 million over 6, with some sort of vesting option that increases it to $155 million over 7. That’s the top end of what he’ll get.
Serdar Sirin
I can only see an AL team being after him for that many years. At least he can DH for the rest of his career.
LarrySellers
Really going to miss Prince in Milwaukee. All of you clowns calling him fat and saying he doesn’t deserve the $200 mil, well maybe you’re right (yes he is a big guy). But, you will not find a more determined competitor in baseball. The guy plays every single game, and plays it hard. He runs damn well for a big dude, and he can be a 300 hitter along with the power numbers. I will be rooting for Prince anywhere he goes (unless it’s the god-awful Scrubs).
John Michael Bryant
The only team that would offer something that ridiculous are the Nationals.
The_BiRDS
They are writing a check right now.
Dan Kalina
Fielder is worth 8 years, $130 million at the most. He is a enormous individual and that does come around to haunt you later in your career….i.e. Cecil Fielder
Tyler 20
i wud say 160-170 and if he signs w/ an american league team then it might not haunt them so brutally
The_BiRDS
Thats a lot of bread Fielder… I know Boras likes to set the bar high but Fielder is going to be out a job if he is demanding that.
KyleB
After seeing what Prince and Pujols are about to get it makes me feel alot better about the contract the Rangers gave Beltre.
Beltre’s stats were extremely comparable to Fielder’s even after playing 38 games less. Plus, Beltre is one of the best defensive 3B in baseball.
The_BiRDS
How does it make you feel about what Texas gave A-rod?
KyleB
That was a long time ago. New ownership, smart ownership. Still one of the worst contracts ever, no denying it.
Bryan
I was just thinking that I wouldn’t give Fielder more that what Beltre got.
KyleB
We both know he’s going to get close to double the money. If he wants that money he needs to become a better defender.
Barrettman84
Pipedream; Pujols takes the 9yr 207 mill deal from the Marlins.
Actually: Pujols might settle on the 9yr 190mill deal with the Cards.
Fielder.. i’m actually not so sure anymore. I had the Dodgers being the big buyer but after resigning Kemp, that isn’t going to happen anymore. Maybe the Cubs, Nationals, or maybe the Mariners as possible fits for Fielder.
baseball52
Mo Vaughn effect!
ice_hawk1002
the problem is that pujols is likely going to sign first and define fielder’s market.
i think pujols will sign for close to $200mill cause of the whole “best hitter of the decade” mystique that he has going for him. some team is going to overlook the fact that theres no way in hell he continues to produce like that for the next ~10 years. then boras will use fielders age and durability (thus far) as reasons that his client should get more, and there’s probably a good chance that someone will take the bait and give him the $200mill. we know boras will wait all winter if he has to.
i hope the jays stay away from both.
Cubbie
He should not get as much as Albert but should get more than Crawford and definitely more than worth I say probably more than gonzalas also. If the cubs land Albert or prince I’ll be happy cause 1 the are both outstanding players and 2 they both can hit really good at wrigly. I’d rather that the cubs get Albert and if they cant get either of them the cubs should resign pena. (I’d take prince over pena.)