David Wright

[Little Slide Rooter]

The Brewers are probably not going to do nothing to replace Fielder, if he leaves. They're young and have good pitching, so they're primed to make a run here.

 

Not saying they'll land Wright, but they'll be aggressive finding some sort of replacement.

 

They'll have to raise payroll then, because they don't have any payroll of significance available. Possible, especially since they'll have playoff revenue in some quantity, but far from a guarantee. And even then, you're talking about replacing someone of Fielder's quality just to get back to square one.

How do we explain the fact that they've been trying to extend Fielder (or at least have publicly stated as much)?

 

The notion that Fielder's money is already spent surely doesn't jive with that part.

 

Keep in mind, Fielder is a Boras client, and even if the Brewers are able to somewhat expand payroll, he will hit the open market, and if teams like the Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, and Angels show interest, they'll ultimately price the Brewers out, especially considering the marketability in one of those cities. The Brewers only real shot it if the big market teams all stay out of the bidding.

[Guest]

The Brewers are probably not going to do nothing to replace Fielder, if he leaves. They're young and have good pitching, so they're primed to make a run here.

 

Not saying they'll land Wright, but they'll be aggressive finding some sort of replacement.

 

They'll have to raise payroll then, because they don't have any payroll of significance available. Possible, especially since they'll have playoff revenue in some quantity, but far from a guarantee. And even then, you're talking about replacing someone of Fielder's quality just to get back to square one.

How do we explain the fact that they've been trying to extend Fielder (or at least have publicly stated as much)?

 

The notion that Fielder's money is already spent surely doesn't jive with that part.

 

Maybe they'll up the payroll to keep him. Maybe they are/were trying to get a hometown discount and would have pared back elsewhere if they succeeded. I don't know. Their payroll is about 83 million this year, and without bringing back any of their free agents(which, to be fair, Fielder is the only one of consequence) it'll be about 75 million for about 16 players next year. The point is that something has to give in order for Fielder to come back, or for them to add any major contractural commitment. That could be the payroll going up, it could be trading guys like Hart and Wolf, it could be non-tendering a bunch of guys like Parra, Loe, or Gomez. But something would have to change.

[davearm2]

The Brewers are probably not going to do nothing to replace Fielder, if he leaves. They're young and have good pitching, so they're primed to make a run here.

 

Not saying they'll land Wright, but they'll be aggressive finding some sort of replacement.

 

They'll have to raise payroll then, because they don't have any payroll of significance available. Possible, especially since they'll have playoff revenue in some quantity, but far from a guarantee. And even then, you're talking about replacing someone of Fielder's quality just to get back to square one.

How do we explain the fact that they've been trying to extend Fielder (or at least have publicly stated as much)?

 

The notion that Fielder's money is already spent surely doesn't jive with that part.

 

Maybe they'll up the payroll to keep him. Maybe they are/were trying to get a hometown discount and would have pared back elsewhere if they succeeded. I don't know. Their payroll is about 83 million this year, and without bringing back any of their free agents(which, to be fair, Fielder is the only one of consequence) it'll be about 75 million for about 16 players next year. The point is that something has to give in order for Fielder to come back, or for them to add any major contractural commitment. That could be the payroll going up, it could be trading guys like Hart and Wolf, it could be non-tendering a bunch of guys like Parra, Loe, or Gomez. But something would have to change.

Correct.

 

And their (reported) interest in keeping Fielder indicates they're prepared to make the changes necessary to accomodate a major contractual commitment.

 

I think of it more that they are prepared to make the changes necessary to remain a contender, now that they are one, and still have a lot of good young core players in place. If Fielder bolts, grabbing up a guy like Wright to replace him in the lineup would be pretty close to the best case, no?

[Derwood]

The Brewers are probably not going to do nothing to replace Fielder, if he leaves. They're young and have good pitching, so they're primed to make a run here.

 

Not saying they'll land Wright, but they'll be aggressive finding some sort of replacement.

 

They'll have to raise payroll then, because they don't have any payroll of significance available. Possible, especially since they'll have playoff revenue in some quantity, but far from a guarantee. And even then, you're talking about replacing someone of Fielder's quality just to get back to square one.

How do we explain the fact that they've been trying to extend Fielder (or at least have publicly stated as much)?

 

The notion that Fielder's money is already spent surely doesn't jive with that part.

 

Keep in mind, Fielder is a Boras client, and even if the Brewers are able to somewhat expand payroll, he will hit the open market, and if teams like the Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, and Angels show interest, they'll ultimately price the Brewers out, especially considering the marketability in one of those cities. The Brewers only real shot it if the big market teams all stay out of the bidding.

 

the Yankees, Red Sox and Angels don't need a 1B

[Little Slide Rooter]

The Brewers are probably not going to do nothing to replace Fielder, if he leaves. They're young and have good pitching, so they're primed to make a run here.

 

Not saying they'll land Wright, but they'll be aggressive finding some sort of replacement.

 

They'll have to raise payroll then, because they don't have any payroll of significance available. Possible, especially since they'll have playoff revenue in some quantity, but far from a guarantee. And even then, you're talking about replacing someone of Fielder's quality just to get back to square one.

How do we explain the fact that they've been trying to extend Fielder (or at least have publicly stated as much)?

 

The notion that Fielder's money is already spent surely doesn't jive with that part.

 

Keep in mind, Fielder is a Boras client, and even if the Brewers are able to somewhat expand payroll, he will hit the open market, and if teams like the Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, and Angels show interest, they'll ultimately price the Brewers out, especially considering the marketability in one of those cities. The Brewers only real shot it if the big market teams all stay out of the bidding.

 

the Yankees, Red Sox and Angels don't need a 1B

 

No, but they could always use a DH. Prince will definitely hit the market, Boras will make sure of it. Teams will be interested, and will offer a large amount of money. If the Brewers want to stay in the bidding, they won't be able to do the type of team friendly contract they have Braun and Gallardo on.

[WeGotWood98]

No, but they could always use a DH. Prince will definitely hit the market, Boras will make sure of it. Teams will be interested, and will offer a large amount of money. If the Brewers want to stay in the bidding, they won't be able to do the type of team friendly contract they have Braun and Gallardo on.

 

They're not going to give Prince Fielder the kind of money he'll be getting to play DH/part time 1B. He's a 1B, and those teams that don't need 1B will be in rumors simply to raise the price.

[Derwood]

No, but they could always use a DH. Prince will definitely hit the market, Boras will make sure of it. Teams will be interested, and will offer a large amount of money. If the Brewers want to stay in the bidding, they won't be able to do the type of team friendly contract they have Braun and Gallardo on.

 

They're not going to give Prince Fielder the kind of money he'll be getting to play DH/part time 1B. He's a 1B, and those teams that don't need 1B will be in rumors simply to raise the price.

 

correct. the Yankees will spend their money on pitching. the Angels have plenty of bats to fill 1B and DH. Fielder isn't bumping A-Gon in Boston

[Little Slide Rooter]

No, but they could always use a DH. Prince will definitely hit the market, Boras will make sure of it. Teams will be interested, and will offer a large amount of money. If the Brewers want to stay in the bidding, they won't be able to do the type of team friendly contract they have Braun and Gallardo on.

 

They're not going to give Prince Fielder the kind of money he'll be getting to play DH/part time 1B. He's a 1B, and those teams that don't need 1B will be in rumors simply to raise the price.

 

correct. the Yankees will spend their money on pitching. the Angels have plenty of bats to fill 1B and DH. Fielder isn't bumping A-Gon in Boston

 

This being the case, as I've been saying, The Cubs are essentially the top teams for both Fielder and Pujols, so if they're ready to spemdn the money, one of them should be ours. Again, it's not just a "win now" move, it's more of a cornerstone in a 2-3 year process that should bring the Cubs back to being the NL superpower they were supposed to be all through the '00s.

[Have a seat, Neifi]

Still think Toronto ends up with either Pujols or Fielder. They have money to spend, a hole at 1B, and are apparently itching to make a splash on the FA market this winter.

[mookie]

Still think Toronto ends up with either Pujols or Fielder. They have money to spend, a hole at 1B, and are apparently itching to make a splash on the FA market this winter.

 

I am completely with you on this one. Pretty shocked that the Nationals are apparently not going after either guy. Baltimore is always a possibility. I could see the Pirates being a crazy crazy deep dark horse. I think the Giants will be in the mix as well.

 

I will go on record now and say Toronto gets Pujols and we get Fielder.

[UMFan83]

Still think Toronto ends up with either Pujols or Fielder. They have money to spend, a hole at 1B, and are apparently itching to make a splash on the FA market this winter.

 

I am completely with you on this one. Pretty shocked that the Nationals are apparently not going after either guy. Baltimore is always a possibility. I could see the Pirates being a crazy crazy deep dark horse. I think the Giants will be in the mix as well.

 

I will go on record now and say Toronto gets Pujols and we get Fielder.

 

I dunno. Even if they have all the money in the world, people would simply prefer not to play in Canada. No indications that either of those guys feel that way but its possible.

[davearm2]

No, but they could always use a DH. Prince will definitely hit the market, Boras will make sure of it. Teams will be interested, and will offer a large amount of money. If the Brewers want to stay in the bidding, they won't be able to do the type of team friendly contract they have Braun and Gallardo on.

 

They're not going to give Prince Fielder the kind of money he'll be getting to play DH/part time 1B. He's a 1B, and those teams that don't need 1B will be in rumors simply to raise the price.

Neither of these guys will sign to DH, but that doesn't necessarily eliminate teams like the NYY. Teixeira could be moved to the OF.

[Sammy Sofa]

Fielder has claimed he wouldn't have an issue with being signed to DH.

[XZero771679666304]

Still think Toronto ends up with either Pujols or Fielder. They have money to spend, a hole at 1B, and are apparently itching to make a splash on the FA market this winter.

 

I am completely with you on this one. Pretty shocked that the Nationals are apparently not going after either guy. Baltimore is always a possibility. I could see the Pirates being a crazy crazy deep dark horse. I think the Giants will be in the mix as well.

 

I will go on record now and say Toronto gets Pujols and we get Fielder.

 

I dunno. Even if they have all the money in the world, people would simply prefer not to play in Canada. No indications that either of those guys feel that way but its possible.

 

Toronto is a damned fine city, worlds better than St. Louis.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

They're not going to give Prince Fielder the kind of money he'll be getting to play DH/part time 1B. He's a 1B, and those teams that don't need 1B will be in rumors simply to raise the price.

 

Neither of these guys will sign to DH, but that doesn't necessarily eliminate teams like the NYY. Teixeira could be moved to the OF.

 

It's not going to happen. It's just fun to talk about because they're the Yankees.

 

Fielder has claimed he wouldn't have an issue with being signed to DH.

 

There's no reason for him to say otherwise.

[TruffleShuffle]

teixeira hasn't played outfield in 7 years. come on.

[illiniguy]

teixeira hasn't played outfield in 7 years. come on.

That's as crazy as Albert playing some third base this year... It probably won't happen, but you never know.

[Sammy Sofa]

Fielder has claimed he wouldn't have an issue with being signed to DH.

 

There's no reason for him to say otherwise.

 

Well, it's not unheard of for NL power hitters to insist that they want to still play defense when they're coming up on FA. Fielder has been noticeably blase when pressed about the issue.

[davearm2]

teixeira hasn't played outfield in 7 years. come on.

Because there hasn't been any reason for him to.

 

Do you think he wouldn't be capable of doing it?

[WeGotWood98]

Fielder has claimed he wouldn't have an issue with being signed to DH.

 

There's no reason for him to say otherwise.

 

Well, it's not unheard of for NL power hitters to insist that they want to still play defense when they're coming up on FA. Fielder has been noticeably blase when pressed about the issue.

 

I wouldn't want to publicly knock the Yankees or Red Sox out of the chase for my FA year either.

[WeGotWood98]

teixeira hasn't played outfield in 7 years. come on.

Because there hasn't been any reason for him to.

 

Do you think he wouldn't be capable of doing it?

 

Because he's a really, really good 1B.

 

He's probably capable sure, but it makes no sense to do so. Their OF is doing really well as a group, and with their aging left side of the IF he covers everyone's ass at 1B for the Yankees.

[davearm2]

teixeira hasn't played outfield in 7 years. come on.

Because there hasn't been any reason for him to.

 

Do you think he wouldn't be capable of doing it?

 

Because he's a really, really good 1B.

 

He's probably capable sure, but it makes no sense to do so. Their OF is doing really well as a group, and with their aging left side of the IF he covers everyone's ass at 1B for the Yankees.

Their OF may be doing well, but they're going to have a vacant spot out there next season. Swisher and Jones are both FA's after 2011 (as are guys like Chavez and Posada, their main DHs).

 

The defensive value Teixeira provides at 1B would be more than covered by the offense Fielder or Pujols would add.

 

Hey maybe they'll re-up Swisher and spend on pitching. But going this other route is totally feasible, and also totally Yankee-ish.

[Guest]

The difference defensively betweeen Teixiera at 1B and a real OF in LF and Fielder at 1B and Teixeira in LF would do a lot to mitigate the offensive difference between Fielder and the real OF, to say nothing of the difference in cost.

[davearm2]

The difference defensively betweeen Teixiera at 1B and a real OF in LF and Fielder at 1B and Teixeira in LF would do a lot to mitigate the offensive difference between Fielder and the real OF, to say nothing of the difference in cost.

That's true, but overall the Yankees would be a better team with Tex(LF)+Fielder than Tex(1B)+Swisher/whomever.

 

And cost doesn't often stop the Yankees from upgrading.

[Clem Fandango]

On the topic of what the Brewers will do if Fielder leaves? Replace him with Mat Gamel, probably. Prior to this year he had played 5 total games at 1B since he was drafted in 2005. This year? He's played 100 games there. He's also hitting the snot out of the ball to the tune of a .321/.383/.560 slash line. By moving Gamel to 1B for the first time in his career the last year they have Prince Fielder is a pretty telling sign that they're anticipating Fielder not coming back, and that Gamel will be the solution should they not be able to find an adequate replacement via FA or trade.

 

On the topic of Teixeira in the OF to make room for Fielder, that is stupid. And the fact that it's being actively debated is pretty stupid. If you're going to do dream scenarios of Fielder on the Yankees while Teixeira is still there and you're actually proposing the idea of moving him to LF, you're just bored. If Fielder goes to the Yankees he's DH or nothing. They will not move a gold glove caliber first baseman to LF to make way for a terrible defensive and overweight first baseman when they have a DH position that is currently being occupied by a terrible hitter who probably won't be back next year.