Sources within the Chicago White Sox organization, on the condition of anonymity, have indicated that GM Kenny Williams is talking to the Milwaukee Brewers about a blockbuster trade that would send powerful first baseman Prince Fielder to the Sox.
In exchange, the Sox would send a package of young players. While Williams has not publicly acknowledged interest in Fielder (that would be tampering anyway), he did have this to say to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin:
“Well, if there’s an opportunity to win a World Series, you got to do what you got to do sometimes—within reason,” Williams said. “But it’s got to be, you have to have a real opportunity. I think we have an opportunity.”
The Sox clearly see themselves as having a chance to contend in the AL Central all season now, and the aggressive Sox GM is willing to trade the future for a shot at winning right now.
It has been widely speculated that the Sox are interested in Adam Dunn, but Fielder would certainly fit the bill very nicely, as the powerful lefty bat they’re craving.
Fielder has a .260/.385/.481/.866 slash, with 17 homers, and just turned 26 in May.
Meanwhile, the Brewers figure to be out of the race this year, and they are privately concerned about Fielder’s salary demands and his weight.
Fielder’s body type isn’t ideal for long-term success, but it certainly isn’t unprecedented to have a fat ballplayer continue to rake into his 30s.
Um, anyone remember a kid that went by the nickname of “Babe”?
He makes $11M this year and with a strong finish, will likely receive a hefty increase going forward.
But remember, this a guy who hit 50 homers in 2007 and 46 last season. His career OBP is .381, so, like Dunn, he draws walks, but with a few less strikeouts.
Fielder averages 131 Ks per 162 games, while Dunn averages 180. He is also about 4.5 years younger.
So what kind of package will lure the Brewers into moving Fielder to the Sox?
Well, they are reluctant to trade Gordon Beckham, despite his slow start to the season. But that shouldn’t be a deal breaker, as the Brewers have a young shortstop in Alcides Escobar and a second base prospect in Brett Lawrie.
But they are apparently willing to move prospects such as Jordan Danks, Tyler Flowers, Dan Hudson, or Dayan Viciedo.
According to ESPN’s Keith Law, Milwaukee has the 26th ranked farm system, so they need the boost that a trade like this could bring.
In fact, this deal makes so much sense that it could not possibly happen. Or could it?
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
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