Prince Fielder Rumors: Nolan Ryan on Rangers Chances
By Editorial Staff
Yesterday’s Prince Fielder related rumors dealt with multiple clubs including the Blue Jays, Nationals, Tigers and Brewers. Today we’ll focus on the one team other than the Nationals that many feel remain seriously in the hunt for Fielder; the Texas Rangers.
In speaking with Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram yesterday, Bob Simpson, one of the Rangers principal owners, said that his club is “operating at a deficit and will until the new TV contract starting in 2015”. While this doesn’t sound like good news for Rangers fans hoping their club would be able to add a pair of superstars this winter, Wilson said the news “doesn’t automatically mean that Prince Fielder is not an options”.
Wilson noted that the owners do provide their own capital at times to finance certain expenditures. One of the ownership group’s largest goals is to increase the value of the team. It’s hard to argue that Prince Fielder wouldn’t increase a team’s value, just ask Scott Boras.
Simpson told Wilson that he and the owners would be willing to “take a look at” Fielder, but also that the slugger will only become a viable option if his price drops and he would be open to a back-loaded deal.
Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan also shared his thoughts yesterday regarding the Fielder-to-Texas rumors.
Ryan couldn’t deny the fact that Fielder’s an “impressive player” and that “for his body type, he’s very athletic, very strong”.
Ryan also admitted that the Rangers do have interest in Fielder, assuming that Prince can be worked into their budget. Still, with the Rangers recent addition of Yu Darvish and “the position that Scott Boras is taking”, Ryan said that it’s difficult to foresee a Fielder signing happening.
Ryan was able to leave the Fielder-door open a crack, adding that you never really know what is going to happen this time of year. In comparing the Fielder situation to the Cliff Lee trade, Ryan said that “when you think you’re out of something, you get up the next day and find out opportunities exist”.
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