Prince Fielder Could Be Smash Hit For Nationals
Follow
By DERON SNYDER
Landing left-handed starter Gio Gonzalez was a big move for the Washington Nationals, addressing one of two major goals as outlined by general manager Mike Rizzo.
Prince Fielder wouldn’t address Rizzo’s second objective — an outfield bat, preferably in center field and atop the lineup. But the rotund first baseman is the biggest move possible for Washington or any team in the market for an offensive boost.
Should the Nats sign Fielder, whose age (27) is appealing but whose weight (275 pounds) is worrisome? Could they sign him, satisfying the desired terms of seven or eight years at approximately $25 million per? Would they sign him, making Adam LaRoche expendable and creating a potential logjam at first base in the near future?
If it’s not my money or my headache to make everything fit, the answer is YES!
I know, I know. The Nats already overspent on Jayson Werth last season and topped it off with a no-trade clause. Ryan Zimmerman deserves an extension that will keep him in D.C. past 2013, and it won’t be cheap. LaRoche is due “only” $8 million this year, but his trade value is limited unless he plays and proves his bum shoulder is fully healed.
All of those are sound reasons to pass on Fielder, especially since he wouldn’t solve the Nats’ more-pressing concerns, a center fielder and leadoff hitter.
