A friend of Prince Fielder's says the free-agent slugger is very interested in the #Cubs.

A friend of Prince Fielder's says the free-agent slugger is very interested in the #Cubs.

via Ken Davidoff's twitter. If nothing, maybe this gets you excited.

6 months ago wrigleyrocker12 70 comments 0 recs |

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I don't think the Cubs get Fielder

I think Pena will be the Cubs 1b for 2 more years

"For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love." Carl Sagan

by Cubbiegoon on Dec 7, 2011 8:06 PM CST reply actions

how Pena turned down arbitration

A friend once told me: "I don't buy the idea that a team learns anything from a loss, the only thing they learn is how to lose games."---Knight

by Ivy Walls on Dec 7, 2011 8:18 PM CST up reply actions

You can still re-sign a player even if he doesn't accept arbitration

Pena is free to sign with other teams now. That doesn’t mean he couldn’t still sign with the Cubs too.

by SouthernCub on Dec 7, 2011 8:19 PM CST up reply actions

Carlos Pena (B) has decided not to accept the Cubs’ arbitration offer, tweets SI’s Jon Heyman. Cubs president Theo Epstein recently told reporters he did not expect Pena to accept, as he’s likely to find a multiyear deal on the open market.

by Superman on Dec 7, 2011 8:20 PM CST up reply actions

Right

I didn’t say he’s likely to return. Just that it’s still possible.

by SouthernCub on Dec 7, 2011 8:26 PM CST up reply actions

Correct

In the past, arbitration rules meant that the decision to not offer or not accept arbitration meant that the player could not resign until May 1st. This changed a few years ago. Pena can resign w/ the Cubs even though arbitration was rejected.

by dmlichte on Dec 7, 2011 9:34 PM CST up reply actions

That said, I don't think he's likely to return

by SouthernCub on Dec 7, 2011 8:20 PM CST up reply actions

Resigning Pena will "cost" the Cubs a pick

I really doubt the Cubs will bring him back. When he signs with another team, the Cubs will get a supplemental pick. So, even if the Cubs signed Fielder, and gave up their own 2nd round pick, their draft slotting will be better than if they resign Pena.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Dec 7, 2011 9:36 PM CST up reply actions

barf

by Dcr18 on Dec 7, 2011 10:20 PM CST up reply actions

This just in...

Prince Fielder’s friend has also confirmed that the soon to be ex-Brewers slugger also likes long walks on the beach, rainbows and ice cream cones.

Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!

by DKT on Dec 7, 2011 8:23 PM CST reply actions

Many, many ice cream cones.

We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 is going into the Hall of Fame!!

by mrcubsfan on Dec 7, 2011 8:26 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Via rotoworld

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Cubs could land free agent first baseman Prince Fielder with a “Ryan Howard-type offer.”
Howard signed a five-year, $125 million extension with the Phillies last April. If the Cubs could land Fielder, who is a better player and only 27, especially in the same offseason where Albert Pujols gets over $200 million, it would be quite a coup. We have to imagine, though, that other bidders (Mariners?) would be willing to offer more than that. Olney also hints that the Brewers might not be out of it yet.
===

If this happens, I eat crow.

Viva la Cubs Révolution!!!

by Chanman25 on Dec 7, 2011 8:29 PM CST reply actions

We simply have to be able to outbid the freaking Seattle Mariners

And I’d be willing to give Fielder insane dollars if it meant only five years.

by Nunyabidness on Dec 7, 2011 8:34 PM CST up reply actions

we can outbid the Mariners but that doesn't mean we should.

5 years $125 million would be a contract the Cubs can handle. I wouldn’t go beyond five years though (maybe six but only if that is the deal-breaker to not getting this done).

就是今年！

by CubFanInChina on Dec 7, 2011 8:41 PM CST up reply actions

6 x 25 seems to be what the market will bear for Prince

and I could see the Cubs doing that. Just my two cents.

...formerly known as zambranofan

by cubzfan on Dec 7, 2011 8:35 PM CST up reply actions

only 149,999,999,998 cents left to go.

by bdlugz on Dec 7, 2011 9:29 PM CST up reply actions

At that price I think prince might be worth it.

Trade graza for prospects. Trade for Ian Stewart. Ship out Soriano. And pray for some bounce back seasons from many guys.

You never know.

by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Dec 7, 2011 10:42 PM CST up reply actions

If I'm signing prince, I'd want to hold on to garza, too.

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Dec 7, 2011 11:44 PM CST up reply actions

Unless..

You also grab Darvish, which further dries up the market for good SP and drives up Garza’s value.

by EcoGeek on Dec 8, 2011 7:10 AM CST up reply actions

You'd be better off trying to corner the market on frozen orange juice...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 8, 2011 8:11 AM CST up reply actions

You left part of that out. Try to remember what.

Think hard…concentrate.

Step Two: Develop an organizational plan

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 8, 2011 11:49 AM CST up reply actions

Pork is used to make bacon...

…like in a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 8, 2011 12:17 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Hello, Security?

Merry Christmas!

Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!

by DKT on Dec 8, 2011 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 8, 2011 1:04 PM CST up reply actions

I swear that's one of the funniest moments in the movie.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 8, 2011 1:43 PM CST up reply actions

the whole movie is amazing

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 8, 2011 1:46 PM CST up reply actions

unfortunately, the above picture doesn't do justice to the sheer beauty of Billy Ray's smirk in that scene

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 8, 2011 2:46 PM CST up reply actions

Give him eight to ten years

with a three year out clause. That would be the best approach to spur some enthusiasm which is sadly lacking while at the same time giving Fielder an opportunity to re-test the market in a few years. This has been the modus operandi for some top free agents of late. It may work again.

by fsw1972 on Dec 7, 2011 9:06 PM CST reply actions

Only if it is a MUTUAL out clause

I DO NOT WANT Fielder in 8 years on my team unless he really surprises me with his skills at age 35, 36. I would think that he would be an albatross contract at that point. And if it is a mutual out, then, why would you have it at all?

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run FOR Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Dec 7, 2011 9:18 PM CST up reply actions

i have said it before

i would offer 5 guaranteed and the last three as follows

6 player option
7 mutual option
8 team option

Chronologically inept since 2060
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A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 7, 2011 10:15 PM CST up reply actions

I don't understand offering

a player option. If they aren’t worth the deal, you are stuck with them because they will opt in. If you took the risk and signed them to the deal and they play well, they will opt out and become a free agent. The team carries all the risk, and they are guaranteed to get screwed. I cannot imagine a smart GM giving the player an option year after 6 years, it’s just terrible business, imo.

by tomas21 on Dec 7, 2011 10:35 PM CST up reply actions

i agree

but you have to give (player option in year 6) to get (team/mutual option in 7 and 8). And as we saw with Rami it is possible to have the player say no

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 7, 2011 10:37 PM CST up reply actions

An 8 year deal

ton anyone is franchise Russian Roulette. Giving it to an overweight player who might need to DH in 4 or 5 years is just irresponsible.

And an out clause? No free agent is going to sign a deal where the team gets the out clause, and only Jim Hendry gives players out clauses.

by tomas21 on Dec 7, 2011 9:28 PM CST up reply actions

Hmm...

8 years net of 185MM.
2012-15 @ 25MM (100MM guaranteed)
Opt out clause at the end of 2015.
2016-2018 @ 22.5MM per year. (45MM)
Mutual option for ‘19/’20
2019-2020 @ 20MM per year. (40MM)

He’d be only 31/32 at the end of his 4 years guaranteed. I would suspect he would opt out to try to land a 6-8 year deal after that for another 160-180MM in the AL for a team that he can play 1B and DH on.

by ubercubsfan on Dec 7, 2011 9:29 PM CST up reply actions

Five years max

and put a damn weight clause in there. Fat ass.

"It's all in the game, yo"

by Worf on Dec 7, 2011 9:35 PM CST reply actions

i wouldnt mind going 6...he would be 33

and then add two years of team option with higher amount.

by Geo4MVP on Dec 7, 2011 9:37 PM CST up reply actions

He's going to age in fat people years

"It's all in the game, yo"

by Worf on Dec 7, 2011 9:39 PM CST up reply actions

sorry but your extreme opinions on the two

of them are goofy. You’re obsessed with one and hate the other. It doesnt make sense.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 7, 2011 10:10 PM CST up reply actions

One is good

One is fat

"It's all in the game, yo"

by Worf on Dec 8, 2011 8:39 AM CST up reply actions

Two are good.

One is fat.

by Dcr18 on Dec 8, 2011 9:04 AM CST up reply actions

SO Prince is no good??

Also – Albert is not a little guy himself. By 42 he may be the one with a bourbon soaked marinara shirt.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 8, 2011 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

Rule of thumb

However many years a player wants, give him less. If they aren’t willing to bet on themselves, you sure as heck shouldn’t be willing to either.

by tomas21 on Dec 7, 2011 9:43 PM CST up reply actions

Only if you sign a no-profanity clause. Potty mouth.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 7, 2011 9:54 PM CST up reply actions

No censoring The Worf.

by ubercubsfan on Dec 7, 2011 9:55 PM CST up reply actions

you cannot stop the Worf

you can only hope to contain him

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 7, 2011 10:17 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

rec'd :)

"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

by cooliogirl47 on Dec 7, 2011 10:44 PM CST up reply actions

He is very easy to distract, however...

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid. I'm a Sheeple and proud of it!
Spelling and grammar errors are included for creative and artistic reasons.

by eths on Dec 8, 2011 2:38 AM CST up reply actions

I'd hit it

"It's all in the game, yo"

by Worf on Dec 8, 2011 8:38 AM CST up reply actions

So ONLY 5 years to a 27 year old

but ZOMG give 10 years to Pujols because he baseballs God??

confused??

(btw – Id bet their height and weight are close)

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 7, 2011 10:09 PM CST up reply actions

looked it up

no way Albert is only 230 NOT A CHANCE

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 7, 2011 10:12 PM CST up reply actions

The best reason to believe that this could actually happen...

…is that Phil Rogers said on CTL last night that the Cubs weren’t interested.

That being said, would the runs he contributes with his bat neutralize the 40+ errors Castro is likely to make with him as first baseman?

by bluekoolaide on Dec 7, 2011 9:50 PM CST reply actions

I'm still in the group of making Castro learn to throw the ball right rather than catering to his defensive/throwing problems.

by ubercubsfan on Dec 7, 2011 9:52 PM CST up reply actions

He might learn to throw it better

when he knows he can’t just throw it in the general vicinity of first base.

by LT on Dec 7, 2011 9:57 PM CST up reply actions

Though, wouldn't Fielder make a big target to throw to? lol

by ubercubsfan on Dec 7, 2011 9:59 PM CST up reply actions

Wow. I never realized how easy it is to correct defensive problems.

Smooth sailing from here on in!

by bluekoolaide on Dec 7, 2011 11:22 PM CST up reply actions

I'd bet Castro makes under 30 with Prince at first.

He made big strides on defense last year and should continue those improvements in 2012, even if he does have a lesser defensive 1B.

by Dcr18 on Dec 7, 2011 10:30 PM CST up reply actions

I think Prince has so many so called "Teams of Interest"

that Boras will run this out and squeeze years and coin to the max. IMO it will have to be 8 years and about 175M. Just my take.

by Grockcubs on Dec 7, 2011 10:30 PM CST reply actions

Round about 30 or so.

by eths on Dec 8, 2011 2:39 AM CST up reply actions

5 years and $125M...

…that would still give Fielder the chance to sign a 2nd BIG contract when this one expires. Boras probably doesn’t let him think of that tho.

"Keep looking into the past and you'll keep repeating the past" - Some Smart Guy

by Easy Ed on Dec 7, 2011 10:38 PM CST reply actions

No, unfortunately.

Really 3 players on the market. Reyes, Albert and Prince. Boras will jack up the price and years, no question.

by Grockcubs on Dec 7, 2011 11:34 PM CST up reply actions

Prince FIelder’s mother’s sister’s nephew told my Dad’s sister’s niece he was going to sign with the Cubs.

(Of course Prince is his mother’s sister’s nephew and I am my Dad’s sister’s niece)

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 8, 2011 4:52 AM CST reply actions

Prince told you?

Do tell.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 8, 2011 7:35 AM CST up reply actions

I was kidding

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 8, 2011 5:48 PM CST up reply actions

Did you just watch Ferris Buellers Day Off?

Just win the next game...!

by blackhawk24 on Dec 8, 2011 7:56 AM CST up reply actions

I've been thinking and saying to guys here a work

Fielder will be in Cubbie Blue for the next 5-6 years. I stand by that. Look for a $110M-$130M deal in that time span. And I think it’ll be a very, Merry Christmas for the portly young man ex-1B of the Brewers.

Just win the next game...!

by blackhawk24 on Dec 8, 2011 7:36 AM CST reply actions

More of Phil Rogers crap, here he goes again

why doesn’t the Enquirer hire this guy? It’s shameful he has a job for a major paper. I swear he just dreams 95% of the stuff he writes.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-your-morning-phil-agonz-cj-two-dankses-20111208,0,2637175.story

by MikeJW on Dec 8, 2011 8:04 AM CST reply actions

You would think Fielder would want to sign a shorter contract

if he did 4 years = 100+ million – he’d be 31 and in line for another huge payday.

by Hookers or Cake on Dec 8, 2011 9:34 AM CST reply actions

The market may not be as good for him...

…as it is right now. If the Cubs could get him for five years, it’s almost a no-brainer. But I think he wants eight, so they’re going to have to meet in the middle somehow — preferably with option years.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 8, 2011 10:27 AM CST up reply actions