Prince Fielder got “real” with the media yesterday. With the regular season nearing its end, the Milwaukee Brewers All-Star first baseman told TBS in an interview that 2011 is probably his last year with the club.
While this was truly a DUH moment, it has nonetheless carried as one of today’s top stories in the world of sports.
It’s been known for several years that Fielder would be one of the top players in the free agent class of 2011-12. The Brewers have made no real convincing effort to extend Fielder. Among baseball analysts it almost seemed to have been a foregone conclusion that Fielder would be departing Milwaukee.
The question surrounding Fielder this year hasn’t been if he will stay with the Brewers. Instead, people are wondering what extra large jersey the slugger will be donning next season.
So, with all that being said, Fielder’s announcement didn’t have a shock and awing effect on me. But I did find the timing of his words a bit puzzling.
This offseason, the Brewers went out and acquired starting pitchers Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum. The club also brought in late-inning relievers Takashi Saito and Francisco Rodriguez. Combined with the knowledge of Fielder’s upcoming free agency, the moves signaled an all-in push.
Now, with the gamble looking to have paid off, Fielder decides to open his mouth. With the Brewers looking to clinch a National League Central title and preparing for the playoffs, Fielder thought this was the best time to drop some knowledge regarding his future.
While this statement may have little to no impact on the Brewers and their chances in October, I ask the question why now? Why not save your decision until after the season?
Maybe he just wanted to lay it out for fans. Fielder does go on to say that this statement is nothing new and he did only use the word probably.
Regardless of these reports and what he says, it is a fact that Fielder is a large part Milwaukee’s team and specifically the offense. Fielder’s again having a fantastic season, posting numbers above his career average in batting (.294), on base percentage (.407) and slugging (.542) to go with 32 home runs, 33 doubles and 109 RBI’s.
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