MLB HR Derby

Well tonight's is the HR Derby. Here is who will be in it...

NL:
Prince Fielder, MIL
Matt Holliday, STL
Matt Kemp, LAD
Rickie Weeks, MIL

AL:
Jose Bautista, TOR
Robinson Cano, NYY
Adrian Gonzalez, BOS
David Ortiz, BOS

I think the 3 favorites have to be Bautista, Fielder, and Ortiz. I'm taking Ortiz tonight. He has the perfect swing for this kind of event and has done it before. I also think the AL is going to be way better then the NL (when aren't they), because the only one on that side that I think will make some noise is Fielder. Anyways, event starts at 8pm and should be fun with 2 Red Sox hitting.

Prince Fielder To Nationals?

Buster Onley pointed out today that there is growing speculation around the MLB that the Nationals will be the front runners for Prince Fielder this offseason. He says the main reason is the Nationals recent ties to Scott Boras (Fielder's agent). The Nationals have signed Anthony Rendon, Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, along with Jayson Werth.

While I understand why people would think this I have to question if the Nationals would have the money. We listed the other day the teams that are in debt, and the Nationals were on that list. From a baseball perspective it makes a lot of sense, I just question if they can swing the money to do it. Plus, if Werth was worth $126 million what the hell is Boras going to try to get from the Nationals.

Fielder's price tag has been going down over the last couple years. Not because of his play, but because a lot of the major markets have their first baseman signed up long term (Yankees, Red Sox). I wonder if the Cardinals can't sign Pujols if they could swoop in and have Fielder be a very nice replacement.

Fielder On His Way Out Of Milwaukee

Lately there has been a lot of talk about how Gonzalez and Pujols were affected by the contract signing of Ryan Howard (five-year, $125 million). Basically it set the market, it may have also forced Fielder right out of Milwaukee. The Brewers would love to bring their young slugger back, but it seems far less likely now that Fielder might be able to get around $20 million a year for the next 5-7 years.

I really didn't think they would be able to bring him back, and I think Fielder would like to play for a big market team that has a lot of media coverage (that is just a feeling, no real proof). So, if we entertain the thought that he is out the door you would think the Red Sox would be picking up the phone before the deadline. Some people think they may hold off to get Adrian Gonzalez, but I can really picture this happening. Anyways, here is a list of teams that would most likely be challenging the Red Sox for him...

- White Sox
- Dodgers
- Braves
- Mariners

Fielder Win Homerun Derby

Prince Fielder won the HR Derby last night, which ruined ESPN's boner for Pujols. Fielder was hitting some bombs, but overall it was fucking boring. There is no reason a HR Derby should go on for over 3 hours. In case you missed it here are the highlights...

2009 Homerun Derby Tonight

Well the HR derby is once again upon us, and yet I don't think I could care less. It is damn obvious the AL doesn't give a shit. I mean look who is in it for them...

Nelson Cruz
Carlos Pena
Joe Mauer
Brandon Inge

I mean what a fucking joke. I will probably still watch, but I have to say the HR derby bothers me. First off the baseballs are so juiced it's crazy. It looks like a superball coming off the bat, but enough of my hating lets get to my picks.

The NL squad is...

Prince Fielder
Adrian Gonzalez
Ryan Howard
Albert Pujols

At least the NL put their best players out there. Pujols is obviously the favorite, then Howard, but I am going to have to pick Pena. The guy hits bombs, and I just think he will be all jacked up about being in the event. Call me crazy, but that's my pick (it doesn't hurt he is on my fantasy team).

BMack's Pick: Carlos Pena

Prince Fielder Signs 2 Year Deal

"First baseman Prince Fielder and the Milwaukee Brewers reached a preliminary agreement Thursday on an $18 million, two-year contract (ESPN)."

Prince Fielder has to be happy to get this out of the way. All these young players you are seeing signing these short contract is because they are trying to make some money while not giving up a chance to become free agent (when eligible). Fielder (just like Papelbon) is set to be a free agent after the 2011 contract. So most likely he will sign a 1 year deal for the 2011 season, and then try to make the big bucks in free agency (he will only be 27 years old).

Fielder had somewhat of a down year from his 50 HR year in 2007, but he still hit 34 HRs and 102 RBIs. The RBIs would be higher if he was on any other team, but the Brewers just really lack offense. In the end, Fielder has to be happy that he just increased his contract from $670,000 to $9 million a year.

Oh and just to clear something up. My hatred for the Cecil Fielder does not extend to his son, because he also hates his father...look it up.

Dear God. Please Let This Happen.

"The Brewers will say that Prince Fielder is unavailable, but the Boston Globe speculated that perhaps Milwaukee could be overwhelmed with a package of young players.

One AL talent evaluator told the newspaper, "He makes a lot of sense for Boston. They need a big bat in the lineup, it would combat what the Yankees have done with Mark Teixeira. They could go to their Teixeira plan of moving (Kevin) Youkilis to third and trading Mike Lowell. In this type of package, you can start with Clay Buchholz and go from there." ESPN

This will be perfect on so many levels. Prince Fielder would be a great back-up plan for Teixeira. Not only is the guy ridiculously fat, he can rake. He averages around 30 HRs a year and would be an excellent player to protect Papi in the line-up. Also, Bob despises him, so him becoming a Sox player would just be that much better. I would expect Lowell, Buchholz would headline this trade if it does happen.

Michael Young also asked to be traded after the Rangers asked him to play third. If not Fielder, why not Young?