MLB Free Agents 2012: Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols Pack Punch to Offseason

The World Series, of course, means that a great deal of drama will hit the field soon, but it all means the delightful rumors of the offseason are around the corner. This winter will be one of the best ever. 

Two of the best sluggers in baseball are about to become free agents. The stampede you hear are general managers and owners that would do anything to land either one. 

Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder don't just represent two players that are coveted by other teams. They represent key cogs whose departure would cripple their current squads. 

The Brewers were brutally close to going to the World Series, but were bested by the St. Louis Cardinals in the end. They both represent the two best clubs in the National League, and their destinies rely on what will happen in just a few short weeks. 

Albert Pujols famously silenced himself from discussion of free agency this year. Those talks will heat up as soon as the final out is recorded in the World Series. Some in the media believe that Pujols may actually switch to the team he is facing this week. 

Phil Rogers of The Chicago Tribune views the Texas Rangers as the most likely suitor besides the Cardinals for Pujols' services. 

A coup of that nature would certainly make the Rangers the Yankees of the west as they pilfer one of the best hitters that game has ever known. 

CBS Sports reports the Orioles and Mariners could even make a move on Fielder or Pujols. With the big market teams tied up financially, Fielder and Pujols may have to play for a smaller market team. 

If not, they will certainly be players in what is sure to be a wild sweepstakes for star players. This is one year where we are not short of marquee names to discuss in the offseason. 

For weeks, we will decipher whether the Cardinals or Brewers can survive in a world without their sluggers. My thought is only one team is mandated to keep their slugger in tow. 

The Brewers can get like talent at other parts of the lineup. The Cardinals simply can't replace a player like Pujols. A once in a generation player needs to be re-signed. 

If the question is about money, St. Louis needs to take that notion off the table. This is going to be a heated offseason with two of the best in the business ready to test the waters, and the waters will be rocking.