While fans of the Milwaukee Brewers are looking forward to the 2010 season, the majority of them are more worried about what could potentially happen after the 2011 season: Prince Fielder's departure.
In four full seasons with the Brewers, Fielder has cemented his place as one of the best power hitters in baseball. In that time, he has hit 158 home runs and knocked in 443 runs.
Fielder became the youngest player in baseball history to hit 50 home runs in a season at age 23 in 2007.
While his production slipped in 2008, he bounced back in 2009, setting team records in RBI (141) and walks (110). He also hit a career high .299, missing out on .300 by one hit. It was a hit that could have come on his final at-bat last season had Cardinals manager Tony La Russa not intentionally walked him.
Fielder has turned himself into a complete hitter. More importantly, he has become a solid defensive first baseman. A one-time liability, Fielder now makes plays around the bag to save his teammates from errors.
No player on the roster is more important to the success of the team in 2010 than Fielder. His bat is invaluable, and the team has no long-term replacement for him should he become injured.
Can fans expect the same production from Fielder this season as he has given them over the past four? Absolutely.
There's no reason to think that Fielder won't hit at least 40 home runs this season.
The key for his run production will rest on the shoulders of Rickie Weeks, Ryan Braun and whoever hits second in the batting order. If Fielder continually steps into the batter's box with runners on base, he could very easily lead the league in RBI again.
More importantly, the Brewers need someone to be productive in the fifth spot in the order to give Fielder protection. The likely candidates for that slot are Corey Hart and Casey McGehee. Teams will pitch around Fielder a lot, and the Brewers must make teams pay. If they don't, the offense will struggle to score runs and protect a still suspect pitching staff.
Fielder will continue to draw a high number of walks, which will help him hit near .300 again. While hitting .300 isn't out of the question, .290 is more realistic. The walks will keep his on-base percentage around .400, and his slugging percentage should be right around .600.
Two times in his career Fielder has finished in the top five in MVP voting. 2010 should be no different. In fact, if the Brewers manage to make the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, look for him to win the award.
Prince Fielder is one of the more special players in the game. He will continue to hit home runs at an alarming pace and drive in runs by the bushel.
The Milwaukee Brewers and their fans truly have something special in the 25-year-old Fielder. Although he may not be with the team for too many more seasons, everyone should enjoy his powerful bat and the joy he plays the game with.
Will Fielder hit his way right out of Milwaukee? Perhaps. If he does, that will mean a lot of wins for the Brewers, and that should be the most important thing to fans in the long run.
To read more by Jesse Motiff, click here .
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