Yesterday we heard from Texas Rangers co-owner Bob Simpson that the door may still be open for a Prince Fielder signing. Now, Simpson has changed his tune a bit, using the words ‘too pricey’ and ‘highly unlikely’ when referring to Fielder. Simpson also noted that he’d rather the Rangers lockup former MVP and soon-to-be free agent Josh Hamilton than sign Fielder this winter. In other Fielder-related rumors, Baltimore Orioles general manager Dan Duquette turned the Prince spotlight back on his club with comments he made yesterday.
In speaking with Brad Townsend of SportsDayDFW.com, Simpson made it sound like Fielder more than likely wouldn’t be joining the Rangers this winter. Simpson said that, given the Rangers “set of cards”, Fielder appears to be “too pricey” at the moment. If that would change Simpson could see the front office looking at Fielder “harder”, but for right now the co-owner said Prince and agent Scott Boras have priced themselves out of what the Rangers can do.
While this has generally been the club’s stance since the offseason began, the Rangers will likely continue to be tied to Fielder until the slugger signs.
Simpson also noted that, if it were up to him, he’d rather the Rangers use whatever money they have to sign outfielder Josh Hamilton to a contract extension. Some have said that the Rangers may ultimately have to decide between Hamilton and Fielder, and at least one of the owners seems to have cast his lot with the former American League MVP.
Meanwhile, a club other than the Nationals and Rangers made Fielder news yesterday.
The Baltimore Orioles have been considered a long shot to land Fielder since the day free agency began. Still, with so much uncertainty surrounding Prince, someone of authority has to say very little to get the rumor mills churning.
O’s general manager Dan Duquette is considered someone of authority, and he made several interesting comments regarding Fielder yesterday. While speaking at Orioles Fan Fest, Duquette made the following statement when asked about Fielder:
"“Are we going to get him? I don’t know. If we don’t, we’ll look for someone just like him.”"
Duquette went on to say that there are some players still available that are attractive to the Orioles because they might be able to sign them as a designated hitter.
What does this mean when it comes to Fielder?
Who knows, but the level of attention the simple comments have produced just goes to show how little people know when it comes to Fielder’s landing spot.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.