Yep, the best reason for signing Fielder is that not only do you get (if there is no crash-and-burn) a predictably large payout from the big guy and then you have to go with all the young guys you have. They're cheap and good and this strategy maximizes (out of necessity) their playing time. I like that.
The same might well be said for an Ethier deal, however. For half the salary over a shorter period of time you get practically the same performance (OPS+) every other year. He too, means you put all those young guys on the field.
I can live with either.
Although I'm not sure if anybody has mentioned it, part of the Fielder strategy might well be what ownership intends to do with Ichiro after '12. If there is no intent to sign him...of if such a signing comes with a sweet discount...the Fielder, in effect, gets much cheaper.
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