A Win for Prince Fielder and the Milwaukee Brewers

After the Milwaukee Brewers ended their playoff run in the 2008 season, much was written about where Prince Fielder would be in the beginning of the 2009 season. Many journalists felt that it was in the Brewers' best interest to trade the young slugger for pitching and to also avoid a possible nasty arbitration battle.

Fielder is represented by the toughest negotiator of them all, Scott Boras. Many felt that Brewers' GM Doug Melvin would end up in an arbitration hearing because it appeared that the two sides would be too far apart to come to an agreement.

But after the two sides submitted their figures, they were only $2 million apart as the Brewers gave a figure of $6 million and the Boras/Fielder team asked for $8 million. The two sides threw some ideas around and came to an agreement.

On Friday evening, the Milwaukee Brewers announced a two year contract for Prince Fielder reportedly worth $18 million. By doing this, the Brewers ensure their young slugger a big league salary, lineup protection for Ryan Braun and the relief that the two sides don't have to discuss a contract in the next off season.

Is Fielder worth $18 million over two years? I believe so. In his last three full major league seasons Fielder has racked up 112 home runs, 302 RBI and 100 doubles. I will take that production from the fourth spot in the lineup. But that's not all that Fielder brings to his game. Fielder is considered a team leader on and off the field with his passion for the game, out spoken nature, and lead by example approach to playing baseball.

In 2009 I think Brewer fans can expect much of the same from young Prince. He seems to be pretty consistent in his numbers and seems to be comfortable with his decision from last year to change his diet. I would expect Fielder's numbers to be around a .274 batting average with 35-40 home runs and about 110 to 115 RBI.

So with most of the bigger obstacles out of the way, what's next for the Milwaukee? The Brewers seem to be content with their starting rotation as it currently stands. Now they can look forward to the First-Year Player Draft. With departing free agents such as Brian Shouse, CC Sabathia, and Ben Sheets, the Brewers will have as many as seven picks before the end of the second round.

The draft seems to be the Brewers strength when it comes to building their organization. That strength also keeps Brewers fan's hopes high as they continue their success under current owner Mark Attanasio. I expect fan support to be high again this year as they have already sold over one million tickets. The Brewers eclipsed the three million in attendance mark in 2008.