While the Texas Rangers have had to see C.J. Wilson walk out that door to a big payday in Anaheim, most of their focus this offseason has been on replenishing a deep pitching staff with an ace frontline starter. With no pitcher fitting the description available, the question has been asked in regards to redirecting focus towards a power position that's lacking...power in Texas.
Should the Texas Rangers take a long look at Milwaukee Brewers' first baseman Prince Fielder? ESPN's Buster Olney dreams up the scenario nicely:
And then there is (Prince) Fielder. President Nolan Ryan has said repeatedly that he doesn't see the Rangers being a fit for the first baseman, but all around the majors, Texas is viewed as the most natural option for the slugger, who would fit them in so many ways. Like Pujols, Fielder might be better served signing with an AL team because as he gets older, he could transition into a designated hitter.
Olney's thoughts on joining an already loaded Rangers lineup:
Fielder might drive in 140-150 runs a year in that lineup, on that team, and he would likely really enjoy being part of that group, which is similar to the excellent culture that the Milwaukee Brewers developed. But will the Rangers write the check, as they engage the Angels in an AL West version of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry? We'll see.
Its in Nolan Ryan's hands, just like the ball he held on the mound. Will he pitch for the power, or will he nibble the corners this off-season?
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