Ryan Braun: Milwaukee Brewers Should Retain Prince Fielder with Braun Out

The Milwaukee Brewers may be without star outfielder Ryan Braun following a failed drug test that will most likely result in a 50 game suspension. Without Braun, the Brewers will be without their best hitter and reigning National League MVP.

The loss is even more detrimental as the Brewers' other offensive star, Prince Fielder, is testing the free-agent market. With these recent developments, however, the Brewers must retain Fielder for 2012.

Last season, the Brewers were one of the most dangerous teams in Major League Baseball. They were not able to come through and eventually lost to division rival St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS.

Without Braun, the Brewers will be in much trouble the first 50 games of the season. If they were to also lose Fielder this offseason, people could pretty much write off the Brewers from the get-go. That is why the Brewers must do what they can to bring back Fielder.

There is no doubt that Fielder is going to cost the Brewers a ton of money, and now that it appears Fielder has gained tremendous leverage, there is no chance Milwaukee receives any type of hometown discount.

Fielder has many suitors, and his price will only go up following Albert Pujols' massive 10-year, $254 million deal from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

If the Brewers intend on contending next season, they will need to cough up some money in order to retain Fielder.

Moreover, the NL Central shouldn't be that hard to win. They were right there just a season ago, and now without Pujols in St. Louis, this is the Brewers' division to lose.

It will remain to be seen what unfolds with Braun, as he will likely appeal his case. Whether or not he wins the appeal, the Brewers need to get that safety net set up immediately and re-sign their big left-handed slugger.

If the Brewers fail to do so, they will likely have a very hard time making noise in the weak NL Central next season.