Texas Rangers: Why Prince Fielder Might Be Waiting on Yu Darvish

The Texas Rangers are in the middle of negotiations with their prized pitcher from Japan, Yu Darvish. Although they are early in the negotiation process, reports of his time in Arlington and early negotiation demands seem to set the course for other alternatives.

In the middle of all the Darvish excitement, I think Ranger fans and media personnel alike might have overlooked the possibility of not being able to sign the Japanese ace.

If the reports from Gerry Fraley of Dallas Morning news are true, Darvish is reportedly seeking a five-year deal worth $20 million annually.

For that kind of money, "Yu" can take stuff that elsewhere. (Bad joke, I know, but if you're ever bored, go look up #yujokes on Twitter).

All jokes aside, would the Rangers be wise to invest $150 million in a guy they don't know can pitch with a bigger ball, every fifth day instead of six and the adjustment of a hitter's ballpark in a town know for scorching heat?

That would put the very kind of expectations I felt the Rangers eliminated with all the variables they had in place when the courting of Darvish began.

Being the highest paid pitcher to ever come out of a country and into the highest level of professional competition is going to come with expectations, no matter which way you spin it. But $20 million a year is exactly the same amount the Philadelphia Phillies gave to some guy named Cliff Lee. 

If you are the Rangers, are you comfortable giving that kind of money knowing that Lee will always be the comparison?

My guess is no, and although in no way does his original asking price reflect what Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan are ultimately going to offer the Japanese star, it could become that a deal just might not be in the cards.

If that's the case, could Prince Fielder be waiting for the Rangers' situation to flesh itself out?

As the second biggest free agent this offseason, his name hasn't exactly been floating around as one making visits and demands from teams. With the Washington Nationals emerging as the favorites just a few days ago, speculation that Prince would join them in the NL East was high.

But that talk has quieted down, and it wouldn't surprise me if Prince is waiting on the Rangers to decide where he wants to drop bombs next season.

Why wouldn't Scott Boras want to get a client the most money possible? If the Darvish deal falls apart, the Rangers would see the $51.7 million bid they put in to the Nippon-Ham Fighters returned and potentially $80-$90 million in what they would have spent on Yu available for other overtures.

If you don't think Boras knows the Rangers potentially have $140 million burning a hole in their pockets, think again.

Even without Darvish, they have a full rotation, and in turn, trade chips like Mitch Moreland and David Murphy if they wanted to go after another proven starter or even bolster the bullpen. 

Whatever happens, expect to see one of these guys in a Ranger uniform come April. If they can drive Darvish down to around $75 million laden with incentives, then I don't think they have the firepower to make a play for Prince.

But if not, it sets up a very intriguing bidding war with the Nationals, Seattle Mariners, and whoever else wants to get in on the best remaining left-handed power stick.  

All you "Tweeters," make sure to follow me. Straight sports and song lyrics. Fair warning. 

Follow @DowntownEG