If you are a Washington Nationals fan you are most likely aware that the Nats are right in the middle of the Prince Fielder sweepstakes. Yesterday Bill Ladson, the Nats mlb.com writer, reported that according to a baseball source, Nats ownership recently visited with Fielder’s agent, Scott Boras, in the nation’s capital.
According to Ladson’s story it is believed the Nats are in competition with the Mariners and Cubs. There were reports that the Rangers were also in the running for Fielder’s services, but the source believes Texas will stick with Mitch Moreland at first base.
The source indicated that Nationals ownership will make the final decision on whether the club signs Fielder. It’s not known how many years or how much money Washington is willing to give Fielder.
Some people in the baseball universe believe Boras is just using the Nats to drive up the price for the other teams in the great Prince Fielder sweepstakes. I think the Nats have a legitimate shot at Fielder as the Nats have been able to work out deals with Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper and Jason Werth who are all clients of Scott Boras.
This past season, Fielder hit .299 with 38 home runs and 120 RBIs for the Brewers. During his seven years in Milwaukee, Fielder has a career batting average of .282 with 230 home runs and 656 RBIs.
I believe Washington baseball fans will embrace the 5’10 and 275 lb. Prince Fielder if he signs with the Nats. If Fielder does play for Washington next season he will follow a couple other extremely large and popular players from Washington’s past like the 6’6” and 285 lb. Adam Dunn, who hit 76 home runs in his two season with the Nats and the 6’7 and 275lb. Frank “Hondo” Howard, who blasted 237 home runs in seven season with the Washington Senators.
