Fielder, Pujols, and some other dudes…

We’ve previously looked at the free agent starting pitchers and outfielders. I know you’ve been anxiously awaiting it. So here’s our preview on free agent infielders. This is where the big time players are. There are MVPs, All-Stars, and future Hall of Famers on this list. Its not every year you have a class like this. Here we go!

Prince Fielder is a big dude who is going to get some big money. He’s only 28, so teams will be offering multiple years for his services. Fielder isn’t a good defender or base-runner, but if he hits .400 wOBA, he’ll more than make up for his deficiencies. CBS Sportsline thinks he’ll go to the Mariners, Orioles, Brewers, or Nationals. Personally, I think the list of possible suitors will be longer than that.

Albert Pujols chose not to negotiate with the Cardinals prior to this past season, and it may have cost him. He is still the best hitter of this generation (maybe ever, debate for another day), but he is coming off his worst season.* Pujols will be 32 next season, and is very athletic for his size and age. It is very difficult to tell if he will continue to be one of the best hitters in baseball into his late thirties. But in the short term, it’s unlikely that he will regress even further than last season, and he may even return to his normal offensive output. Either way, the Cardinals, Cubs, or Rangers are going to have one of the greatest ever on their team next season.

*Actually his worst season was his only season batting below .300 and he hit .299. And it was his only season below .400 wOBA and he was at .385. He had 5.1 WAR in his worst season! This guy is unbelievable. 

Jose Reyes is the prize shortstop of the market and probably the third most sought after free agent this offseason. He is coming off his finest offensive season, and many people think he might get a Carl Crawford-type deal. I think that is interesting, and the only reason there is a comparison is because of their similar skill sets. I don’t see him having a Carl Crawford-like season in 2012. He may not maintain his 6.2 WAR, but he is still a very talented player well worth the price he’ll cost. CBS thinks he will go to the Giants, Mets, or Nationals.

Next Tier

David Ortiz (DH)

Carlos Pena (1B)

Derrek Lee (1B)

Aramis Ramirez (3B)

Jimmy Rollins (SS)

These names look like the 2005 All-Star team, not 2012 All-Star team. They are all likely going to be overpriced for the amount of production they will provide. Ortiz had a surprisingly good season last year at the age of 35, his best since the Red Sox last won the World Series, but can he maintain it much longer? Lee is coming off a very poor season, can he rebound? Ramirez is the only one of these players who I can see being more than an average offensive player this season, if he stays healthy. Apparently he is looking for a multi-year deal, but teams should be careful not to expect much production from the 34 year old 3-4 years from now.

Others

Jim Thome (DH)

Jamey Carroll (2B, SS)

Mark Ellis (2B)

Aaron Hill (2B)

Jerry Hairston (2B, SS)

Kelly Johnson (2B)

Greg Dobbs (3B)

Nick Punto (2B, 3B, SS)

Wilson Betemit (3B)

Edwin Encarnacion (3B)

Rafael Furcal (SS)

Marco Scutaro (SS)

Clint Barmes (SS)

Ramon Hernandez (C)

Jorge Posada (C)

Rod Barajas (C)

Kelly Johnson and Aaron Hill were so interchangeable that Arizona and Toronto traded the two players and no one noticed. Jim Thome does a great Paul Bunyan impression, although he just agreed to a deal with the Phillies today. In all seriousness, these players are very valuable. They are the complimentary pieces that make team competitive. These are the types of players that provide hustle and much needed grit.

Speaking of grit, B4B is putting our head down and rounding third base full steam ahead. We’ve got home plate in our sights with part 4 of our free agency series. We will preview relief pitchers next. Stay tuned.