7:45pm: Boras told Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com that there's no chance Fielder would prefer a short-term deal. "Not only is that inaccurate and delusional, but it seems that some people have gotten into their New Year's Eve stash just a little bit early this year," he said. At least six teams appear to be interested in Fielder, Levine writes. "It appears some baseball people are just bored," Boras said. "That's when you hear ideas like that floated."
5:10pm: MLBTR readers expect Prince Fielder to sign a long-term deal, but some general managers think agent Scott Boras could try something else. Several GMs told Peter Gammons of MLB Network that they think Fielder could agree to a three-year deal worth $26MM per season then return to the free agent market as a 30-year-old (Twitter link).
Albert Pujols signed for $25.4MM per season earlier this month, establishing a record for first basemen. Pujols agreed to his ten-year deal during this year's Winter Meetings, where Boras argued that a long-term deal makes sense for Fielder and his suitors.
"People say ‘why don’t you do a three-year deal?,’" Boras told reporters. "That doesn’t fit anybody’s purposes. The length of contract has a lot to do with an understanding from both sides of what franchise players are and what they mean. The branding part, the media rights part — all of those things go into that and while the initial concept is shorter is better, the reality is with these types of players it’s usually not the best dynamic for the franchise."
It's been three weeks since the Winter Meetings took place, so it's possible Boras and Fielder have changed their approach. Based on Boras' comments and the scarcity of power bats available I still expect Fielder to sign a long-term deal. Fielder hasn't found the offer he's looking for so far, but he's the top free agent available and it appears likely that he will get long-term offers to his liking before the winter ends.
actually he should do that because in 3 years the Angels are going to be hurting for a new first baseman after albert gets stuck as DH with all kinds of injuries and such and we know they’re willing to pay big big bucks
Wont happen. Somehow, Boras will find a 6/7 year deal for him.
Someone will feel left out in the FA Market and will give him 6 to 8 years 160 to 220 somewhere in that range.
6 years, 150mil with a mutual option for a 7th year at 25mil and/or a 5million buyout.
Something like that. Maybe the Jays despite there “no more than 5 years” rule, I can see that.
Ya, it is a huge commitment. But they have the payroll flexibility right now. They would still only be around 100mil. I’m sure that the Jays would be more likely to get involved if the Boras/Prince camp became receptive to the idea of options. however, I doubt Boras goes that route.
Something like that. Maybe the Jays despite there “no more than 5 years” rule, I can see that.
I still think the Nationals and Mariners are the best fits for him. If DC gets him, they would become a legit playoff contender in the NL..
Gonzalez is a walk machine, Nats will regret that one.
Yeah, but he’s still young, and could learn to harness his control. If he does, he could become a great number 2 pitcher for years to come..
I know the price of quality starters is steep, but the walks still scare me on the positive he has an elite curveball.
Yeah, no doubt he’s got great stuff. He should do well in the NL, although Nationals Park isn’t quite the pitcher’s haven that Oakland is..
Do you think there is anyway Nats could have gotten Latos for the Gonzalez package and if so would they have been better off
No. The Padres wanted hitting prospects because they are loaded with pitching prospects.
making outs > walks
He had games last year where he gave up 2 hits and had 6 walks over 7 IP. He’s good.
lots of pitchers who walk a lot of batters don’t give up hits. its part of not being able to throw quality strikes
yeah…that concerned me too until i looked at his high walk games and he has great ability to get out of his jams……that being said it normally would be a little worrisome but he will be fine
He gets enough ground balls and misses enough bats to keep his LOB% high, so the walks don’t make too much of a factor. They’ll regret giving up so much for him, but they won’t regret having him as the number 3 starter in their already strong rotation.
What I like is Strassburg and Harper on the same team what a future they have if they can stay healthy, good for baseball no doubt.
He gets enough ground balls and misses enough bats to keep his LOB% high, so the walks don’t make too much of a factor. They’ll regret giving up so much for him, but they won’t regret having him as the number 3 starter in their already strong rotation.
I still think the Nationals and Mariners are the best fits for him. If DC gets him, they would become a legit playoff contender in the NL..
The old adage applies to Fielder. He and Boras may believe he is worth 25M for ten years, but that becomes a dream, especially when the highest offer he receives is for 6 years 25M. Boras can wait for the ten year contract until the end of 2012, because owners will only pay what they believe he is worth – not what Boras thinks he is worth. If someone is willing to take the risk of ten years, you can bet the farm that it would be for 15M per season. That still equals 150M, regardless how they slice the cake.
i am thinking that albert’s contract is clouding boras’ judgement…..that is why it will be very close to spring training till he signs
Can he still accept Arbitration?
“… it’s usually not the best dynamic for the franchise.”
Since when does Scott Boras care about the good of the franchise? What a tool.
“doesnt fit anbody’s purposes” is a pretty ridiculous statement too, like he knows best. But, i guess he has made millions by just coming up with some BS like that and then convincing a soon-to-be-fired GM that his client is the face of their franchise. This guy has ripped off team after team for expensive years on the end of contracts, and actually believes himself when he says he is trying to serve everyones purpose.
“… it’s usually not the best dynamic for the franchise.”
Since when does Scott Boras care about the good of the franchise? What a tool.
why not 5 years 150mil? That way he gets a very high pay per year, and the team doesnt have to be on the books for 10 years
What team would be willing to commit 30 million a year to one player? The cubs aren’t close enough to being competitive. The Rangers don’t have THAT much payroll flexibility. It is hard to imagine the Jays making that kind of commitment. The Nats? That would be a huge change to their payroll. what happens when stras hits arb?
25 mill per is a max for Fielder I believe
i don’t really think money is of concern for the nats. the lerners are loaded.
why not 5 years 150mil? That way he gets a very high pay per year, and the team doesnt have to be on the books for 10 years
i say he signs for a 6 year 138 plus and option for a 7th year at 25 mil with a 5 mil buyout
If he signs for 3/$78MM this year all he would have to do is match that again in 3 years to make it a worthwhile gamble. If he can produce over the next 3 years(which I think we all consider pretty likely) he would easily get that.
i say he signs for a 6 year 138 plus and option for a 7th year at 25 mil with a 5 mil buyout
If GMs are so concerned about his weight at age 28, why the heck would they want to give him a LT deal at age 30 when he’s older and will have less prime years ahead of him?
Fielder would be smart to take a 6-7 year deal for 23-25 million per season. He’s not going to get anything close to that at age 30.
What kind of contract do you think he’d get at age 30?
He might get a 4/80 deal. Probably more like 3/60 with a vesting option or two. GMs are going to think about what happened to Mo Vaughn among others.
those gm’s should think about that now. im sympathetic to your point of view- im sick of losing and i know you want him on the o’s. and i wont complain if we get him (but i still dont think its the best idea)…
and you should know….albert belle comes to mind which blows me out of the water why angelos would want to do it
Pujols proves that a GM will give an old guy a stupid contract! The Yankees claim they have learned the Red Sox claim the same thing I think the Angels are going to kick themselves for theirs and the Nationals will also learn.
I’m a Rays fan and this has nothing to do with my team but as a baseball fan, I want Prince to go back to Milwaukee. I want some of these guys to start staying with the teams that drafted them.
Curt Flood just did a couple of rolls.
Why?
I wonder that sometimes too. Why is it that we think it is so praiseworthy when a player sticks with one franchise? I’m not sure I understand the “loyalty” argument. Sometimes I think it is just a cheap PR move.
Part of it is an old school thing and part of it people follow baseball teams for years and in some cases generations. At heart I think a lot of hardcore loyalist fans would prefer some consistency in their teams, especially if they are winning teams.
As a Red Sox fan I found comfort over the years in watching Varitek stick around behind the plate every year, and yes I’m aware Tek wasn’t drafted by the Sox but he only played for the Sox in the majors.
I get that…But is it really that strong of an emotion when you know the other guy doesn’t want to go back there? Prince Fielder clearly, under the present circumstances, doesn’t want to return.
I’m a Yankees’ fan, so take cheap shots if you want, but if Derek Jeter said tomorrow “I don’t want to come back next year”….And even if he said this in say, 1999, I would want him gone. Period.
It’s just a strange concept to me to demand someone stay in one place with their career. If I’m at a company and I either don’t like where I live, where my family is in proximity or feel I can make more money at another company, I would be furious if relatives got mad at me for wanting to move. I wouldn’t expect anyone to demand that I stay, that seems so silly in the larger picture.
It was a long day so I can only think of cheap shots right now and I like my Red Sox/yankee insult banter to be intellectual so I can’t think of anything good right now. Remind me and I’ll try again another time.
I do agree overall with what you’re saying. I would have been happy with Papelbon but his interview in Philly suggested he had one foot out the door the moment the season ended which kinda makes me happy he’s gone. I’ll remember the good memories of him but still happy he’s somewhere else. Though I don’t think it’s a matter of Fielder not wanting to return more than he realizes the Brewers could never pay him what he could get elsewhere which to me makes it more business than personal.
I also agree with your analogy. It is kinda funny staying with one place to work for a long stretch of time. The work I do pays best as a freelance “consultant” so I have a tendency to lately change employers often. The strange thing is if I took a more permanent offer I’d make far less. It’s interesting way to look at the issue, thanks for bringing it up.
This conversation was sort of what I was thinking. I understand why fans want players to stick around. It is fun building that sort of bond with players. However, I think it is unfair when fans get mad at players for wanting to move onto another organization. Appreciate the ones who stay, let the others go.
That’s where a salary cap comes into play.
The idea of a franchise player and “branding” might have some validity, but it can also backfire if that the franchise player spends the latter part of the contract creating bad PR because he’s bogging down the team payroll and creating fan hostility by his subpar performance…i.e. Alfonso Soriano…etc.
A “franchise” player to me is drafting a guy and him playing his whole career with that one team. I wanted Pujols to resign with the Cardinals for the same reason that I want Prince to go back to Milwaukee.
I don’t see it as a franchise player when you talk about guys like Soriano, Crawford, Sabathia, A-Rod, etc who play a few years with the team that drafted them and then signing long term with some other team.
Your point is the direct counterpoint to Scott Bora’s view. It’s the idea that a player such as Pujols will continue to be a franchise player for another organization…even if that organization gets little impact from a players former glory years. It’s actually an insult to the fanbase. Fans actually care about winning first and foremost. A team wins and whatever players are on that team BECOME stars. 5 years from now it won’t matter to Angels fans if Pujols is hitting .260 as a DH and the team isn’t winning. They won’t care that the Cardinals got two rings while he was with them.
Puljos has 3 to 4 prime years left at MOST, hes got allot of miles on him LA will regret that signing not even halfway thru it. Boras is a bottom feeder but thats his job to get the most from teams for his clients, so hard to blame him.
Oh no, 3-4 years of .328/.420/.617 with 42 HR and 126 RBI, and then the dreaded “DECLINE”!
I’m sure the Angels will regret it when Pujols’ stat line declines to .300/.390/.550 with a pedestrian 30HR/100RBI…
You’re either a bitter Cardinals fan or a disgruntled Rangers fan.
remember when a-rod was supposed to be awesome throughout his late 30’s? woops
You must be angels fan to hope for 3 to 4 years on 10 year contract
I tend to think that the Angels are banking on Pujols over-producing on his contract in the early years and creating extra value early. There’s something to be said for a player of Pujols status and the extraneous revenue they can create. It’s hard to lock his contract strictly into on-field production. I’m guessing that Pujols is used to drive the cable revenue and expand the latin market in SoCal.
It’s never the same. I can’t believe Pujols took the Angels deal, honestly. I mean….what’s a few million when you’re pulling in 250 big ones? That’s more important than finishing your career in the town you’ve always played in? What a bum!
There were multiple things going on with Pujols and the Cardinals. In a way, I’m glad he let them off the hook. I’d actually give them credit for not tieing up so much payroll in one player. The Cards obviously got the best years of Pujols career. In fact, clearing Pujols off the books might make the Cardinals even better if they invest wisely.
Boras’ branding argument is laughable at best. I wonder if he’s dumb enough to buy into his own BS.
I’d be interested to see if in Boras’ promo book on Fielder whether he mentions Prince’s chiseled physique in comparison to the other legends at 28.
hes just big boned
Yea….like which GM would actually take the time to read that baloney, anyway. They all know about Fielder – the issue is ‘willing to pay how much’ and nothing else!
offers he likes??? How about offers, full stop! Reduce those outlandish demands and teams will start offering.
He is not getting anything less than 7 years. These folks thinking 3 years are out of their mind. Maybe a 3 year opt-out which gives him the best of both worlds.
I will not be surprised if the 3 years rumor was released by Scott Boras to get more teams to call and when they call, he tries to see if he keeps them interested after telling them it will be at least 6 years to get him.
Please read the tweet: General managers reportedly leaked the idea of a three-year deal.
Pujols was reportedly a Marlin then a Cardinal until of course he became an Angel.
I will not be surprised if the 3 years rumor was released by Scott Boras to get more teams to call and when they call, he tries to see if he keeps them interested after telling them it will be at least 6 years to get him.
However, what teams could really use a first baseman that don’t already have one ensconced at that position, and could meet the demands of Boras?
unless it was 3 years 300 million…lmao
Agreed. And I don’t think any smart GM thinks that either.
Borras always drags in out, to get the best offer. Borras always gets the most for his client. Why is anyone surprised?
Doubtful it would happen but has any high caliber FA never signed because the demands were just too outrageous? I’m sure Fielder will sign but the thought of him missing 2012 because Boras is asking for the moon makes me smile.
If it got to the point of Spring Training and he hadn’t signed, there would be teams lining up with 1 year $20Mm+ offers. I don’t think Prince has to worry about not getting a paycheck.
BORASS needs to go home
I think it’s great that no team is a huge player for Fielder, Prince and Boras need to come to the realization that 10/$250 is insane.
Of course it’s insane. But it’ll make the 7-8 year deal he does sign sound more reasonable.
1.3
5.1
1.7
6.4
3.4
5.5
Those arent year by year WARs of a player deserving of “franchise player” tag, especially when you factor in that he’s played 157-162 games every year. Prince seriously had a 1.7 WAR in 159 games in 2008, what a joke. He’s so totally awful at defense his legit (when healthy) comp is Travis Hafner. Total DH in waiting, he actually doesn’t deserve a long term deal. He can mash, but he’s extremely one dimensional. More typical lies from Boras, shameful. So many GMs are dumb and have money to burn they’ll take it, its things like this that are a real black mark on the game.
fWAR or bWAR?
your comment about GMs being dumb would have more punch if one of them had already signed Fielder…
Its going to happen though, Boras always fools em.
Sigh. Wish I was a moderate talent in MLB.
A 3-year deal would surprise me, but a 1-year wouldn’t if it was a high salary, say $30M+ possibly less if it came with a player option with a highish buyout.
Nest year is still a weak first baseman market, Rangers might be more inclined to bid facing potentially losses of both Hamilton and Napoli, Dodgers might have a rich new owner waiting to make a splash, Giants might lose Cain and try to solve their problems with a heavy bat, and a few other variables come to mind. Add to that Fielder would still be young and if he has another MVP caliber year…
Well just saying it’s a thought. Doubt it will happen. Some team will crack and either offer a 7-year deal or offer an embarrassingly high salary for 6.
I think so. I feel the M’s would go for that just to get him, IF Jack thought he couldn’t get it lower and still keep beat the competition.
“Not only is that inaccurate and delusional, but it seems that some people have gotten into their New Year’s Eve stash just a little bit early this year,” he said.
Never heard of a “beer stash” before there Boras.. Im assuming his “stash” is cocain?
Boy, when Boras of all people calls you “delusional”…
Classic!
Where would we all be without little “Web Gems” from Scotty “2 Hotty” Boras like this: Not only is that inaccurate and delusional. Well the only one in the game of baseball who’s delusional is Ed Wade. However, since he’s out as GM, there really isn’t anyone left to say that about! Boras is right about one thing, there are a lot of us that are bored, impatient is a better description, I will let it slide though, so bored is A-Ok!
PS Good Luck on that Mega Contract Boras, I wish you and Fielder all the happiness in the world! Muahz! Who Loves Ya, Baby!
that’s boras talk for “i want 30mill each year on a 3 year deal”
GO AWAY SCOTT BORAS
Hahah Boras! Legend! I wish I had a New Years stash… lol
I bet Fielder gets a 7 year deal worth $190 million which pretty much puts it at $27m per. The only teams I can think of doing a deal like this would be the Nationals, Marlins and Blue Jays. Personally I get the feeling he’s going to go to the Nationals.
You must live on the East Coast. M’s will throw something like that on the table to get him.
Whoever does sign Fielder is going to have that look on their face like ” well there goes the payroll for the next decade”, while Fielder has that big ol lovable smile on his face.
And they’ll be getting 35+ HR and a .890-.900+ OPS for the next 4 years.
Yeah well I’m sure Chicago thought that about Adam Dunn too.
you want a long term deal fielder? well i guess 3 years/300 mm is out of the question <——joke. annotated for the "special" people
It’s interesting that Scott Boras makes presentation binders of his clients. As if the 30 GM’s in baseball have never seen or broken down Prince Fielder ad nauseum.
Scott Boras wants to get a deal…he needs to bold face type at the end of the binder…..”I’m placing a sniper outside of Dunkin’ Donuts. Prince will stay out now”