MLB trade rumors have Brewers slugger Fielder in Yankees pin stripes

It’s no surprise to see smoke surrounding Milwaukee Brewers’ slugger Prince Fielder following Tuesday’s 2011 MLB All-Star game heroics. You know how the saying goes; if there’s enough smoke there’s a fire somewhere. In Fielders case, it’s the hot stove kind over trade rumors that Fielder would look good in New York Yankees Pin Stripes. The Yankees could use some additional pop in their lineup, something Fielder would provide.

Of course the Brewers would not be willing to shop him unless they could improve their chances of winning the National League Central; or in what we call – addition by subtraction. The Brewers want to keep Fielder, but with 2011 the final year of his contract, might not think he’s worth the kind of money he and his super-agent Scott Boras will demand.  Then again it’s unlikely the Yankees would want to give up too much if it’s a rent-a-player kind of deal.

The Brewers have been active since the break, as buyer rather than seller. Currently locked in a three-way battle with the Cardinals and Pirates for the NL Central lead; they could use help and got it, striking a deal with New York Mets reliever Francisco Rodriguez, better known as K-Rod.

The K-Rod deal had some interesting twists; one of them, his admitting the Brewers was among the names on his 10-team no-trade list. What made this trade possible was the re-working a portion of his $17.5 million vesting option for 2012. The good news for Rodriguez is he is practically guaranteed the job as closer upon his arrival. K-Rod has joined the Brewers in Colorado.

Getting the discussion back to Fielder, remember, it’s all rumor but that’s what makes baseball fun. Purists are always General Manager-wannabes. If the Brewers season goes South over the next two weeks its highly possible they might deal their First Baseman, especially since his contract ends following the season. The Brewers organization needs to get something out of him considering the chances the walks in October. It’s expected Fielder will draw big money; possibly more than the Brewers will be willing to pay.