so, who are the serious players in the pujols-fielder sweepstakes?

[Cobain's Ghost]

the money teams - the yankees, red sox, and phillies - are out; they all have pricey first basemen who are locked up for awhile.

the dodgers and mets are in a financial shambles, and are probably not in a position to offer mega-contracts.

so who is willing and able to pay these guys?

any chance they sign shorter term contracts so they can re-enter the market when the large market money teams might be in better position to pay them what they're worth?

[joncarlos]

LAA, CHC, WSH... apparently the Marlins are in on Pujols too. STL, but I don't think they would go after Prince if they couldn't get Albert.

[Erik]

And STL of course.

What is MIL gonna do? Go with Gamel?

[joncarlos]

And STL of course.

What is MIL gonna do? Go with Gamel?

I believe that the primary option is putting Hart at 1B. And I'm not sure what that means for the OF or for Gamel.

[joncarlos]

Now the Mariners are rumored to be in on Prince as well.

[Gregg]

I don't know if the Cubs are in. It has been very quiet.

[chancellor]

And STL of course.

What is MIL gonna do? Go with Gamel?

It's rare I disagree with JC, but I believe Gamel will start the year at 1B should the Brewers not be able to re-sign Prince. Hart is below average in RF, but not horrific. Gamel is frightening defensively wherever he plays, but sadly enough, will probably be a defensive upgrade on Fielder at 1B. If Gamel proves to be a AAAA player, then the Brewers will probably move Hart to 1B and make changes in the OF. But I really think the Brewers will give Gamel a chance to fish or cut bait.

To the question at hand, I believe the teams in on Pujols will be StL, ChC, LAA, SF, and possibly Wash and Sea. Fielder will be the same group plus the Yankees and a slight chance for the Brewers. If the years and dollars are big enough, Prince will happily DH, no matter what twaddle he's throwing out there about having to play defensively.

[Bob Kohm]

Fielder will be the same group plus the Yankees and a slight chance for the Brewers.

Almost no chance that the Yankees are in on Fielder. The only realistic chance (and a very fleeting one at that) is if the Yankees trade Montero for a top of the rotation starter. Cashman has held onto Montero this long (and rightfully so, IMO), so unless the Giants suddenly make Matt Cain available for a Montero led package, he will get 400ABs at the Yankee DH next year to go with another ~100 as catcher and the Fat Prince will have to find a different kingdom.

[mgwiz22]

The Marlins will make him an offer, if they haven't already, but probably not one good enough to sign him.