Rangers president & CEO Nolan Ryan expressed confidence in first baseman Mitch Moreland and cast doubt on the notion that the Rangers will pursue Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols, according to Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
“Making a seven-or-eight year deal for Fielder or Pujols is not something our organization is prepared to do,” Ryan said. “I very much expect Mitch Moreland to be our first baseman next year.”
Some MLB executives say the Rangers would be a fit for Fielder, but the Rangers have made it clear that they’re prioritizing pitching this offseason. The division rival Angels haven’t ruled out pursuing Fielder or Pujols, GM Jerry Dipoto said this week.
Texas' first basemen posted a .271/.331/.422 line in 2011, which was 23rd in MLB in OPS. Moreland's an effective hitter against right-handed pitching and the Rangers have shown they can win in spite of his struggles against left-handers.
Here’s the thing you’re missing. Josh Hamilton was paid HALF of what Prince Fielder was last year. Josh had 78.333% of the RBIs of Prince. Josh will only make a few more million next year, while Prince will make nearly $10M more (an extra ~66%). Will Fielder live up to the value? Does Fielder have any hopes of hitting an extra 66% RBIs? Has ANYONE EVER hit 200 RBIs in a season?
Oh and this Mitch Moreland guy… he’s been in the league for 2 years and his OPS varies minisculely from Fielder’s first 2 years. Oh, and Moreland will only cost $500k next year, about 1/50th of what Fielder will cost. I can live with 40% of the production of Fielder at 2% of the cost.
Oh, but I almost forgot… Fielder hasn’t been great in back to back years… EVER. Good, sure, but not great. Definitely not worth the loss of Moreland + Hamilton.
Right, having a higher career average and slugging% isn’t in the category of Fielder. Oh and maybe you missed 2008. Because only missing 6 games, while hitting .304/.371/.530 isn’t great. Josh Hamilton has 1 year (out of 5) with an OPS under .880, Fielder has 4 (out of 7). Odds are Hamilton will outpace Fielder’s OPS in 2012.
I was going off of his WAR. two years of a war with a 4, and one with an 8. I just kind of put him in the same category of Matt Holliday, he’s a really good hitter but he’s just below that elite level. Fielder for what it’s worth I would just put on the fringe of that elite level.
Also I have a great deal of skepticism for anyone who plays in Arlington just because of how much of a hitters park it is.
People don’t realize how money they are getting from the TV contract and its about winning now and not in 2013 14 15 whatever
Well, if he signed with the angels then he wouldn’t be going to LA…he’d be going to Anaheim.