Designation... Hitter

Games Played: 993 to 844

At Bats: 3512 to 3082

Runs Scored: 566 to 551

Hits: 988 to 877

Doubles: 198 to 221

Triples: 9 to 7

Home Runs: 227 to 201

Run Batted In: 649 to 640

Base on Balls: 561 to 530

Stolen Bases: 15 to 6

Batting Average: .281 to .284

Strike Outs: 777 to 651

Slugging Percentage: . 537 to .554

On Base Percentage: .388 to .388

On Base + Slugging Percentage: .925 to .942

The figures posted above reflect those of 2 key free agents this coming fall. These numbers are compiled as of the 2006 season through the stats as they stand at 12:20pm EST. The numbers on the left are those of a younger player about to hit free agency for the first big payday of his career. The numbers on the right are those of a free agent looking to get one last contract. Both will seek large contracts. Both are considered liabilities in the field. Both would make for excellent DH's for teams in need. Who would you rather have?

All this time I have thought that Prince Fielder would wind up in the AL. I mean, just look at the man. He is his father in the making. David Ortiz needs to stay in the AL. He offers nothing to an NL club short of poor defense. So now the question is, what teams need a DH in the AL and who would be willing to pick up these studs?

The way I see it, there are 5 teams that both are in need of a DH next season and can actually afford to pay for these guys. They are as follows: Boston, Toronto, Chicago, Texas and Anaheim. For once the Yankees are not in need of a big money guy. They already have both Jeter and A-Rod ready to become a DH any day now.

The Boston Red Sox are likely to re-sign David Ortiz. Though I personally believe it is time to move on, there are far too many mitigating factors that contribute to the decision to bring him back. So, that knocks down the Prince Fielder field to just 4 teams.

The Texas Rangers I believe are going to sign Albert Pujols. Read my blog from months ago and you'll see that. There goes all of their money and ability to bring in Fielder. Down to 3 teams.

Oh yeah... Chicago was really smart and locked up Adam Dunn through 2014. Forgettable move. The field is down to 2.

Toronto or Anaheim? The Angels did not make the free-agent splash that many thought they would last season. Instead they have started taking on a bunch of dead weight and bad contracts (e.g. Vernon Wells.) Which leads me to believe they won't be viable contenders.

Toronto is looking to compete with the big boys in Boston and New York. Jose Bautista has been a beast for them for the past 2 seasons. They have solid young pitching. They need one more big bat. Enter Prince Fielder. The tree headed race in the east just became 4. You heard it here first.