We've read more reports that clubs are in or out on
Prince Fielder than the slugger hit home runs this past season, and that's a lot of ins and outs. The latest buzz suggests nobody is truly out, but perhaps still not aggressive for Fielder at this time. Maybe that means the asking price is too high, or that particular club has other twigs to gather first.
Jon Heyman
tweets Monday that the Chicago Cubs are definitely interested in Fielder, and that the Mariners, Blue Jays and Rangers are also seriously considering the slugger.
The Orioles appear to be a non-factor, at least at this stage, but the Nationals have a shown a willingness to spend big dollars and aren't out of it until Fielder signs elsewhere, despite the fact that they owe first baseman Adam LaRoche $9 million and have to find a way to get Mike Morse in the lineup regularly.
One source tells Rumor Central that the most aggressive team has been Seattle and that 8-10 years may not ultimately scare them away. It seems all involved are waiting for another shoe to drop or for the price to come down.
Meanwhile, GM Doug Melvin confirmed to Tom Haudricourt of the
Journal Sentinel Monday night that the signing of
Aramis Ramirez officially eliminates the Brewers in the race for Fielder. "I think Scott (Boras) understand that," Melvin says