Prince Fielder Rumors

Nationals Not Pursuing Manny

Yesterday, Yahoo's Tim Brown suggested the Nationals and Jim Bowden were "promising everyone they're going to be players in the Manny bidding." However, Bowden sent an email to MLB.com's Bill Ladson today: "We are not pursuing Manny Ramirez." Ladson says the Nationals are still in the market for a lefthanded slugger - Mark Teixeira, Adam Dunn, and Prince Fielder remain on the radar. And despite their abundance of outfielders, they've expressed interest in new Rockie Carlos Gonzalez.   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Fielder, Beimel, Eckstein

Ken Rosenthal is on the scene at the GM meetings, and as usual has all kinds of new info. The Brewers are unlikely to trade Prince Fielder, and reluctant to trade J.J. Hardy or Alcides Escobar. It'd be smart to retain those three players. Rosenthal still likes the Braves as the favorite for Jake Peavy, but wonders if the Cubs or another team could incorporate a third team to get it done. The Cubs will need to spend much of their available money on pitching, which may leave little payroll room for an outfielder like Bobby Abreu. They could backload...   Continue Reading

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Nationals Looking For Cleanup Hitter

According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the Nationals are looking for a cleanup hitter. Their targets: Adam Dunn, Prince Fielder, Matt Holliday, and Mark Teixeira. The Nats probably do not have the depth to pull off a trade for Fielder or Holliday. Teixeira will command a contract in the $150MM range. Of the four, Dunn makes the most sense. He can be had for less than $100MM, and GM Jim Bowden has a history with him.   Continue Reading

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Brewers To Listen On Fielder

According to George King and Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post, the Brewers have informed teams they'll listen to offers for first baseman Prince Fielder. Fielder, 24, hit .276/.372/.507 in 694 plate appearances this year. He's under team control for three more years; his salary will increase drastically as he goes through the arbitration process for the first time this offseason. The article's authors do not see the Yankees as suitors for Fielder, due to his defense and the team's long-term desire to move Derek Jeter to first base after the 2010 season. The Jeter logic seems a little...   Continue Reading

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Week in Review: 10/5 - 10/11

Let's kick things off this afternoon with the week in review... Rich Harden doesn't need surgery, and he also doesn't need to worry about where he's pitching next year. The Cubs exercised his $7MM option this week. That one was a no-brainer, good news for Cubs fans. Elsewhere in the Midwest, the Twins exercised backup catcher Mike Redmond's option for $950K. While that's great news for Twins fans, the bigger story for them is that Delmon Young could be available this offseason. Personally, I think trading a 23-year-old outfielder with that kind of upside would be a colossal mistake. I...   Continue Reading

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Where Could Prince Land?

Prince Fielder will be an intriguing name if he hits the trade market. Many teams will not be able to afford Mark Teixeira, while Ryan Howard is apparently unavailable. So three years of Prince at a reasonable price looks pretty good. Which teams have a vacancy at first base? Orioles. Consolation prize to the Tex sweepstakes? Brian Roberts, George Sherrill, and Melvin Mora would add depth for the Brewers, and Roberts gets you two draft picks if he leaves after the season. Yankees. The Brewers would probably want MLB-ready talent, meaning Phil Hughes. Blue Jays. The Brewers sent the Jays...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Sabathia, Hardy, Manny

Let's take a look at Jon Heyman's column from yesterday. The Yankees will go "all in" for C.C. Sabathia. Heyman sees the Dodgers, Mets, and Giants as other possible suitors. Heyman dismisses a rumor of J.J. Hardy, Prince Fielder, and another player for Matt Cain. He predicts a "feeding frenzy" for Hardy. I'm with Heyman though, I wouldn't be quick to trade him this winter. Heyman talked to a GM who feels the Mets will go after Boras client Manny Ramirez. If the five-year demand is accurate, the list of suitors will probably shrink significantly. Manny quote: "I gotta thank...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Sabathia, Roberts, Cain

Here's a look at the latest column from SI.com's Jon Heyman. One "Yankees person" believes it will take "crazy money" to convince C.C. Sabathia to pitch in New York and in the American League. The following three names are being bandied about in the Yankees' clubhouse for center field next year: Nate McLouth, David DeJesus, and Matt Kemp. DeJesus seems the most reasonable target, though Robinson Cano could be part of a package for Kemp. DeJesus, it should be noted, played a poor center field this year according to the plus/minus system. Heyman doesn't see the Yankees re-signing Jason Giambi...   Continue Reading

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Cain Hopes To Stay

According to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News, Giants pitcher Matt Cain doesn't want to be traded this winter. Baggarly says the Giants don't want to trade him, but "they will have to keep an open mind to add a power hitter to their offense." Baggarly cites the Cain-for-Prince Fielder rumor, noting that the Giants want more than that. Cain can be under contract for the next three seasons, so the Giants should demand more than the Orioles received for Erik Bedard. The Brewers could certainly match up, with a possible surplus of young infielders. Chris Davis and...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Hudson, Ordonez, Fielder, Howard

Let's swing through Ken Rosenthal's latest column. Rosenthal names the Mets, Yankees, Rangers, White Sox, Indians, Rockies, and Cardinals as speculative fits for free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson. Obviously several of those scenarios would involve shuffling players to other positions or trades. The Yankees' infield defense could certainly use the boost. Rosenthal considers Frank Wren's midseason trip to Japan a sign that he might be active in that market. The Tigers may shop Magglio Ordonez for pitching this winter. Maggs will need fewer than 500 plate appearances next year to cause his 2010 and 2011 options to vest. So...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Mets, Brewers, Astros

Ken Rosenthal has a lot to offer in his latest Full Count video: The Mets will prefer to pickup Carlos Delgado's $12MM option rather than buy him out for $4MM. That's a guarantee for a guy who should finish the year around 35-100 despite not contributing for the first two months. According to sources, Manny Ramirez is unlikely to go the Mets. They will more likely focus their spending on pitching. John Maine has a bone spur in his right shoulder. Pedro Martinez and Oliver Perez are free agents. The Mets will need to go after starting pitching. If the...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Cain, Beltre, Burrell, Wigginton

Let's take a look at the latest column from ESPN's Jayson Stark. Stark wonders why no one has questioned MLB's apparent trade deadline extension for the Manny Ramirez deal. Currently the idea of the Brewers swapping Prince Fielder for Matt Cain is just fun speculation. However, it is true the Brewers will listen on Fielder (he is about to get expensive). The Giants are known to like the big first baseman. The hangup is Brian Sabean's reported unwillingness to trade Tim Lincecum or Cain. The Giants also have their eye on Adrian Beltre. The Mariners want starting pitching, but one...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Giles, Dodgers, Indians, Fielder

Ken Rosenthal has a new Full Count video up over at FOX Sports. Here's the highlights: The Red Sox wanted to use Brian Giles in right field against certain right-handers, and shift J.D. Drew over to center field for those games. Giles blocked the trade for family reasons, according to Rosenthal, despite the chance at an increased pay day and an opportunity to play in the postseason. Rosenthal says that while the Dodgers are under pressure to re-sign Manny Ramirez, there may be more pressure to sign Casey Blake after this season. Rosenthal points out that Blake is batting .333...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Sabathia, Teixeira, Ibanez, Giles, Lee

CC Sabathia is 6-0 since getting traded to the Brewers, and naturally his teammates are thrilled to have him. Especially Prince Fielder, who said of his new ace, "I'm like his mini-me." Angels owner Arte Moreno said it was "emotional" for him to trade home-grown first baseman Casey Kotchman, but that he won't regret the move even if new Angel Mark Teixeira leaves as a free agent after the season. He mentioned budding AAA star Kendry Morales as a possible replacement. The News Tribune's Larry LaRue worries that the Mariners won't be able to keep Raul Ibanez after the season....   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Livan, Maddux, Meredith, Fielder

Here are today's links. Live chat today here at 2pm CST. MiLB.com is holding a charity auction with all kinds of memorabilia. Check it out. NPB Tracker takes a look at Japanese closer Hitoki Iwase, who should draw plenty of interest from MLB teams this winter. Trading Greg Maddux to the Dodgers is still possible, though unlikely. There's also word that the Padres "tested the trade value" of Cla Meredith last week. Livan Hernandez is expected to clear waivers today. We know the Rockies have discussed him internally, and Buster Olney speculates the Mets might be interested. The D'Backs are...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Cashman, Fuentes, Braves, Fielder

Time for a new Ken Rosenthal column. Rosenthal reminds us that, among other things, Adam Dunn played with a broken hand for a couple of months in '05. So maybe he does like baseball. It's not fair to criticize a player's passion simply because he doesn't make the right facial expressions or throw tantrums (not saying J.P. Ricciardi did this, but many fans do). Mark Teixeira might be looking for eight years and $160MM. Rosenthal says not to count his hometown Orioles out, though they aren't the most likely suitor. Brian Cashman "seems likely to sign a contract extension" with...   Continue Reading

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Sherman's Latest: Sabathia, Fielder, Marte

The New York Post's Joel Sherman has a host of rumors in his new column. Sherman believes the Indians are leaning toward trading C.C. Sabathia. He names the usual suspects (Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs) but also throws the Brewers into the mix based on the opinion of an "AL talent evaluator." Speaking of the Brewers, Sherman believes Prince Fielder will be available "almost definitely in the offseason" and perhaps even this summer. Doug Melvin says he's not exploring it but never rules out anything. The presence of Mat Gamel and Matt LaPorta plus Fielder's unwillingness to sign long-term could lead...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Young Players, Giles, DeJesus

Jayson Stark's latest Rumblings and Grumblings column is chock full of information. Stark rattles off Dan Uggla, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, B.J. Upton, Justin Upton, Russell Martin, Zack Greinke, Prince Fielder, Felix Hernandez, Jeff Francoeur, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, and Dustin Pedroia as youngsters who do not have long-term deals in the works. With Uggla and Greinke, the opposition seems more on the team's side. With Hamels and Howard neither side wants a long-term deal. With the rest, the player is resisting. The Padres' top trading chip is probably Brian Giles, though a deal would further deplete a weak offense....   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Braun, Holliday, Kouzmanoff, Greene, Sabean

Let's take a look at what is being said about some recent rumors, trades and signings in the Blogosphere... Right Field Bleachers sees the signing of Ryan Braun and Corey Hart to long-term deals as a "must" for the Brewers. Brewers Nation sees the Braun deal as evidence that Prince Fielder will not sign an extension even if the two situations are very different. Oleanders and Morning Glories thinks that if Nats' management was hoping to sign Ryan Zimmerman to a Troy Tulowitzki-type deal, Braun's deal may have raised the bar. Squawking Baseball sees the recent trend in giving long-term...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Braun, Cueto, Pelfrey

An assortment of links... Ryan Braun's agent is in town to talk about extension scenarios with the Brewers. Perhaps the Brewers could get him for slightly more than the $30MM Troy Tulowitzki received. As Tom Haudricourt writes, a Prince Fielder extension seems less likely. The Blue Jays once offered Frank Catalanotto for Johnny Cueto, when Wayne Krivsky was new on the job. Nice try, J.P. Buster Olney believes tonight's start by Mike Pelfrey might determine the likelihood of the Mets pursuing outside pitching help. Claudio Vargas remains unsigned.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Rauch, Fielder, Braun, Garcia

Some links for you to peruse... We suggested on Wednesday that Jon Rauch makes sense for Detroit. That same day, the Washington Post's Barry Svrluga wrote that the Tigers "will watch Rauch very closely." You have to appreciate Matt Morris' candor regarding his salary. We learned on Saturday that the Brewers made offers to sluggers Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. Today the team's owner said talks with both are ongoing. Other multiyear offers have been made, though the players are not known. Tom Haudricourt speculates on Corey Hart, Yovani Gallardo, J.J. Hardy, and Rickie Weeks. Ken Rosenthal sees Freddy Garcia...   Continue Reading

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Brewers Make Offers To Braun And Fielder

When the Brewers renewed Prince Fielder's contract at the beginning of the month, he wasn't happy about it. He told the press, "My time is going to come. It's going to come quick, too." He may have been more right than he knew. The Brewers have submitted multiyear contract proposals to Fielder and Ryan Braun. Each deal would buy out at least one year of free agency and include an option for an additional year past that. No word yet on how much money is involved. Bet on Braun getting at least as much as Troy Tulowitzki -- six years,...   Continue Reading

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Brewers To Focus On Fielder, Braun

Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun form an awesome tandem; the two Milwaukee sluggers could combine for 90 home runs this year. According to Tom Haudricourt, they've been identified as the first two targets for contract extensions. Haudricourt says the Crew will want to buy out at least one year of free agency in either case. Fielder is set to reach arbitration for the first time next year. Scott Boras mentioned "general discussions" with Doug Melvin on the topic. I imagine Fielder's arb years could cost more than $35MM going year to year. Then he'd want at least $18MM for the...   Continue Reading

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Attanasio Wants To Keep Core Together

Brewers' owner Mark Attanasio promises that Milwaukee will do its best to sign its core of young talent to long-term deals. At the same time, he washes his hands of any blame if Prince Fielder is feeling slighted by the $255,000 raise he got in a contract renewal earlier this year. Fielder, second baseman Rickie Weeks, left fielder Ryan Braun, and outfielder Corey Hart form the core of Milwaukee's young team that's expected to contend in the NL Central for years. "[W]e're interested in signing all of our younger players to longer-term deals," Attanasio told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel yesterday. Attanasio...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Papelbon, Fielder, Hamels

Last year, in his final year prior to arbitration eligibility, Ryan Howard was renewed for $900K. This was about twice what the Phillies were required to pay Howard, but significantly less than the reigning MVP thought he deserved. Of course, this year that number has been used as a measuring stick by several young stars that have yet to reach arbitration and are subject to automatic renewals from their clubs. It seems that this year, more than years past, players are voicing their displeasure about the automatic renewals. Prince Fielder is displeased at being renewed for $670K, or about 50%...   Continue Reading

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Fielder Not Happy With Renewal

3:28pm: Fielder gets $670K, to be exact. Doug Melvin was surprised at Prince's public displeasure. 1:46pm: Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Prince Fielder is not pleased with his contract renewal, executed this morning. Rumored to be in the $650,000 range, Fielder's agent, Scott Boras, indicated his client's displeasure. Ryan Howard's $900,000 contract for 2007 was cited as the figure the first baseman hoped to fetch for the season. Fielder made $415,000 last season. According to Haudricourt, the Brewers used a formula they go by for players with zero to three years experience, a formula which they also...   Continue Reading

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Ryan Howard Fallout

Ryan Howard winning a $10MM salary yesterday was kind of a big deal. Let's examine this first-year arbitration record. A source of Jayson Stark's thinks the Phillies would've won had they submitted above Miguel Cabrera's $7.4MM. Seems that even slightly above would've done it, because then Howard losing would've still set a record. Tom Haudricourt talks about how Prince Fielder is now in line for the same $10MM for his '09 salary. And he doesn't see Scott Boras relenting and doing a multiyear deal. Stark adds Ryan Braun, Ryan Zimmerman, and Hanley Ramirez as other young stars who will be...   Continue Reading

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