Prince Fielder Will Be Making a Mistake If He Leaves Milwaukee Brewers

Prince Fielder has had a solid start to his career. He is one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. As a Milwaukee Brewer, Fielder has hit 230 home runs over seven seasons. In four of those seasons, Fielder has driven in over 100 runs. Fielder also is one of the most popular players in Milwaukee along with Ryan Braun.

Alas, with one of the most anticipated MLB free-agency periods in recent memory coming up, Fielder is poised to pack his bags and move towards greener pastures. He is the latest example of a small-market superstar looking to the bright lights of a bigger market. Recent history has shown that this could be a huge mistake.

Several players who have had a small market eating out of their hands have tried to go to the New Yorks and Bostons of the world, only to be saddled with ego-crushing criticism.

Last winter, Carl Crawford was in the same situation that Fielder is in now. Crawford was the face of the Tampa Bay Rays during their dark years. His blazing speed, great defensive play and hitting prowess made him a fan favorite until Evan Longoria showed up.

Whether it was his ego not letting him share the spotlight with Longoria or his desire to receive a big contract, Crawford bolted the franchise he once built to play for the Boston Red Sox.

Crawford's production took a major tumble in a Red Sox uniform this year. Crawford got off to a very slow start, and the fans jumped all over him at every turn. Crawford easily turned in the most disappointing season of his MLB career, hitting just .255 with 18 stolen bases, his lowest totals since his rookie year in 2002.

All of it could have been avoided if Crawford had stayed a Ray. Granted, the Rays didn't have enough money to pay Crawford (or anybody else on their team for that matter), but if they did, what would have happened? He could have owned Tampa Bay. They would have erected a statue of him outside of whichever ballpark the Rays are playing at in 10 years, but instead he took the money and ran to Boston.

This is where Fielder comes in. If Prince has a change of heart in the near future, he could be linked with Ryan Braun as one of the best one-two combinations in MLB history. He could also take his place beside other Brewer greats like Paul Molitor and Robin Yount and live in Brewer history forever.

It would be a winning situation for all parties. Prince would get his money and his fame, while Brewer fans could keep one of their favorite players.

Fielder will probably leave Milwaukee sometime within the next two months, and maybe he'll do well wherever he takes his talents. However, Prince should realize the opportunity he is leaving behind.