MLB Rumors: Mariners Must Ink Prince Fielder to Long-Term Deal

The Seattle Mariners have to open up their wallets and sign Prince Fielder if they want to become, and stay, a contending team.

They cannot let money concerns limit their offer in this instance. This move will pay off in the long run and produce valuable results on and off the field.

To their credit, Seattle is definitely interested.

The Rumors

The Mariners have reportedly made an offer.

On his blog on CBS Sports, Heyman mentions the Nationals and Orioles as having also pitched a financial amount to the beefy slugger. 

He notes the Cubs, Rangers, Blue Jays, Marlins and Brewers have also been mentioned as potential landing spots for Fielder.

Breaking the Bank

As Heyman points out, there are likely financial constraints limiting the Mariners' offer. Seattle needs to extend that budget, open up the wallets and make sure they are not outbid for Fielder.

The Mariners are not a high-rolling team like some of those interested in Fielder. However, they aren't a small-market team that should be bullied out of negotiations by the big spenders.

Seattle has shied away from breaking the bank on any one player in recent years, and isn't a big fan of long contracts.

There is a time and place for everything though, and this is that time and place for the Mariners.

It Takes Money to Make Money

The Mariners may be worried about hamstringing their budget by extending themselves with a large contract for Fielder. What they need to realize is that the budget is in the process of being hamstrung anyways.

The earning power of this franchise is dwindling.

Last season the Mariners were 21st in attendance with 1.9 million attendees. In 2010 they were 19th drawing 2.1 million. In 2009 they were 18th with 2.2 million. In 2007 they were a lower 20th, but drew more people at 2.3 million.

Notice a trend? The Mariners have struggled to stay competitive and their marketability is plummeting.

Now, let's contrast that number with 2001. That season they tied MLB's record for most wins in a regular season. They also led the majors in attendance with 3.5 million tickets sold.

There is money for the franchise to make if they can field a winner, and there is money to be lost if they don't.

The Mariners have a strong group of pitchers led by Felix Hernandez and Michael Pined and some decent, young talent like 2B Dustin Ackley, 24, 3B Kyle Seager, 24, and OF Trayvon Robinson, 24.

What this team is sorely lacking is a big bat for the center of the lineup and a big name that will excite fans to get the team rolling and this franchise making money.

Why Fielder Makes Sense

The Mariners need an infusion of offense and pop. Last season they were 25th in home runs and dead last in runs scored.

Prince is the best available bat on the market, he is an accomplished slugger and is still relatively young at 27 years old.

His enormous size has many questioning his prospects for a long career. However, he is one of the most durable players in the game and has only missed one game in the last three seasons. While playing with the American League M's he would be able to extend his career by playing DH.

There is also nothing in his numbers to suggest he will be declining any time soon.

Check out his career stats.

The Mariners play in what is typically regarded as a pitcher's park. However, that park heavily favors left-handed hitters. Fielder would have no problem producing there.

All of this combines to make Fielder as a safe, long-term signing and the best the Mariners are going to find. He would reshape this lineup, give it the power it has lacked for years and excite a trodden fan base.