Saturday, December 4, 2010

The First Base Market

If the Red Sox sign Gonzalez, the Great First-Base Market of the 2011-12 offseason would be reduced to Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.

Gonzalez’s extension, though, probably would have a greater effect on Fielder, virtually ensuring the Brewers cannot re-sign him — not that they ever had much of a chance.

Pujols’ yardstick is Alex Rodriguez’s 10-year, $275 million contract with the Yankees — different stratosphere.

Fielder, 26, is two years younger than Gonzalez and boasts a higher career OPS-plus — that is, his OPS adjusted to his league and ballpark.

His body type and below-average defense will alarm some clubs, but in an era of decreasing power, he still will have great value. And if the Cardinals sign Pujols, he could end up the only first baseman on the open market.

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