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Article from Jon Heyman on SI.com
1. Orioles. They've used power-hitting but strikeout-prone Mark Reynolds and Chris Davis at first base since trading Derrek Lee, but it isn't certain how sold they are on either one. They tried for Baltimore native Mark Teixeira three winters ago, and there are whispers Orioles owner Peter Angelos may open his checkbook.
2. Cubs. It's hard to say what they might try considering they don't have a GM yet (and aren't likely to hire one this month). But with Carlos Peña a free agent, they would appear to have an opening. They could also take a poke at the NL Central-rival Brewers by stealing their biggest star and set themselves up for three-fourths of a superb under-30 infield, with also 21-year-old shortstop Starlin Castro and 25-year-old second baseman Darwin Barney.
3. Rangers. They already have one of the best three or four lineups in baseball but could really complete it with the addition of Fielder, who'd have to love the Rangers' ballpark. They are not afraid of free agency, as they showed last year by signing Adrian Beltre.
4. Nationals. They are also obviously unafraid of free agency (see Jayson Werth) and have worked extensively with agent Scott Boras in the past (Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon, Danny Espinosa, Alex Cora, Rick Ankiel and Werth). The Lerners, who are thought to be baseball's richest single owners, are acting like they are going to make a push in one of baseball's tougher divisions. Mike Morse can play the outfield, though there remains the question of where Rendon, their top draft pick last June, will play (it would seem that Rendon and Ryan Zimmerman would man first and third base, eventually, though Rendon might be able to play second).
5. Dodgers. It's hard to say whether their bankruptcy will kill their winter. But if Frank McCourt sells some of his many mansions or MLB is fortunate enough to be rid of him, Fielder would be a perfect fit. Actually, the Dodgers might have been competitive this year with just one more big offensive force.
6. Brewers. Some have written them off, but say this for Attanasio: He certainly tries hard. It is believed his first offer, awhile back, was something like $120 million over six years, with the opt out. Fielder is seen as the clear leader on a beloved Brewers team. Attanasio has done a magnificent job maximizing revenues, but of course it would probably still take a stretch to keep Fielder, as he himself suggested.
7. Mariners. They definitely need the offense, and GM Jack Zduriencik and scouting director Tom McNamara absolutely love Fielder after they picked him for the Brewers back when Zduriencik was their scouting director and McNamara the scout. They also have the revenue.
8. Cardinals. Their real effort, of course, is directed at trying to keep their own icon Pujols. They are seen as the favorite to do so, though nothing's certain. If they don't get Pujols, well, they have the spot and the money set aside.
9. Marlins. They're talking about spending big, and Fielder is a Florida product (Melbourne, four hours up the east coast from Miami), so we'll include them here. But they have Gaby Sanchez at first base and other, bigger needs. They aren't exactly used to opening their wallets, either. We'll believe they'll spend when we actually see it.
Orioles lead current favorites for free-agent-to-be Prince Fielder - Jon Heyman - SI.com
1. Orioles. They've used power-hitting but strikeout-prone Mark Reynolds and Chris Davis at first base since trading Derrek Lee, but it isn't certain how sold they are on either one. They tried for Baltimore native Mark Teixeira three winters ago, and there are whispers Orioles owner Peter Angelos may open his checkbook.
2. Cubs. It's hard to say what they might try considering they don't have a GM yet (and aren't likely to hire one this month). But with Carlos Peña a free agent, they would appear to have an opening. They could also take a poke at the NL Central-rival Brewers by stealing their biggest star and set themselves up for three-fourths of a superb under-30 infield, with also 21-year-old shortstop Starlin Castro and 25-year-old second baseman Darwin Barney.
3. Rangers. They already have one of the best three or four lineups in baseball but could really complete it with the addition of Fielder, who'd have to love the Rangers' ballpark. They are not afraid of free agency, as they showed last year by signing Adrian Beltre.
4. Nationals. They are also obviously unafraid of free agency (see Jayson Werth) and have worked extensively with agent Scott Boras in the past (Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon, Danny Espinosa, Alex Cora, Rick Ankiel and Werth). The Lerners, who are thought to be baseball's richest single owners, are acting like they are going to make a push in one of baseball's tougher divisions. Mike Morse can play the outfield, though there remains the question of where Rendon, their top draft pick last June, will play (it would seem that Rendon and Ryan Zimmerman would man first and third base, eventually, though Rendon might be able to play second).
5. Dodgers. It's hard to say whether their bankruptcy will kill their winter. But if Frank McCourt sells some of his many mansions or MLB is fortunate enough to be rid of him, Fielder would be a perfect fit. Actually, the Dodgers might have been competitive this year with just one more big offensive force.
6. Brewers. Some have written them off, but say this for Attanasio: He certainly tries hard. It is believed his first offer, awhile back, was something like $120 million over six years, with the opt out. Fielder is seen as the clear leader on a beloved Brewers team. Attanasio has done a magnificent job maximizing revenues, but of course it would probably still take a stretch to keep Fielder, as he himself suggested.
7. Mariners. They definitely need the offense, and GM Jack Zduriencik and scouting director Tom McNamara absolutely love Fielder after they picked him for the Brewers back when Zduriencik was their scouting director and McNamara the scout. They also have the revenue.
8. Cardinals. Their real effort, of course, is directed at trying to keep their own icon Pujols. They are seen as the favorite to do so, though nothing's certain. If they don't get Pujols, well, they have the spot and the money set aside.
9. Marlins. They're talking about spending big, and Fielder is a Florida product (Melbourne, four hours up the east coast from Miami), so we'll include them here. But they have Gaby Sanchez at first base and other, bigger needs. They aren't exactly used to opening their wallets, either. We'll believe they'll spend when we actually see it.
Orioles lead current favorites for free-agent-to-be Prince Fielder - Jon Heyman - SI.com
