According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are pursing ex Brewers’ Prince Fielder and ex Cardinal’ Albert Pujols. Rosenthal states, Cubs “also are acknowledging two emerging realities – a dwindling number of sluggers available in future free-agent markets and the restrictions on spending in the amateur draft under baseball’s new collective bargaining agreement.” So…that’s another reason why the Cubs would pursue the 2 1B sluggers.
The Cubs reportedly are more willing to go long-term with Albert Pujols over Prince Fielder. That does make sense because Fielder is slated to become a DH later in his career. Pujols is a little more than 3 years older than Fielder.
This comes as no surprise, as the Cubs need a 1B and Fielder/Pujols fits the bill. I have to say…Fielder would be a better choice in the long run. Either way, one or both teams will surely hurt in ’12 if they lose their big 1B slugger. That means the Cubs would then jump up in 2012 and compete. The Cubs do need more than just Fielder or Pujols, but it’s a good start and you have to imagine, Team Theo will add more pieces to the team….if that comes in a trade or free agency.
We have not heard the Cubs linked to Pujols much and just Fielder. Probably the reason being that he’ll re-sign with the Cardinals. It’s been reported a few times that he already did re-sign, but were all false reports. So..now you can add the Pujols rumors to the Cubs mix. However, the Cards have offered Albert 9 years/210 million. They made that offer before 2011 season and he declined. Now the Cards will not go up from 9 years/200-210 million, per Jon Heyman.
Buster Olney tweeted this morning that “The mere perception Cubs are after Pujols/Fielder helps the Cubs, to potentially drive up the price for division rivals.”
The Brewers said they are not going to re-sign Fielder and are looking at other options. The Brewers have talked to the agents of Jose Reyes, Aramis Ramirez and Rafael Furcal. In await of Fielder leaving.
The Cubs are not the only team that has interest in both 1B sluggers. Quite a few of other teams are pursuing one or both. The Mariners could have interest in Fielder, the Rangers could pick up the pursuit of both, the Marlins reportedly made an offer to Pujols (around 190 million) and the Nats could have interest in both. Talks with Fielder reportedly hit a roadblock. That could mean the Nats could switch their attention to Pujols.
Jim Bowden of ESPN.com has heard the Cubs would be players in free agency and could make a splash or two. Could one be for Pujols or Fielder? It sure does sound like it could. Team Theo has already spoken to Scott Boras and Prince Fielder has to be brought up. Only time will tell and the rumors ’bout these two have just begun.
O’ My, the Winter Meetings sound like it’ll be fun.
