I hear about teams "back-loading" contracts all the time, but rarely, if ever hear about teams front-loading contracts. I'd definitely love the Cubs (or Rangers) to go after Fielder if they can get a somewhat favorable contract, if that's even possible with a Boras client.
Why not offer Fielder around 8 years, $200M and front load it at around $28M for a few years, and then tail it off to end around $20M in year 8 when he is still only 34? He'd still be averaging $25M per season for the life of the contract, which is more than fair in my mind. That way you're at least mitigating some of the risk that his size could hamper his production and mobility down the road, sooner than alot of players. Also, if he's making less later in the contract, he could still POSSIBLY be traded to an AL team to DH, if it comes to that. As far as monetary advantages to Fielder, he gets the advantage of the time-value of money, assuming he has someone "wisely" managing his money.
Just my brainstorming since everyone here at work has already left for Christmas.
[This message has been edited by Theo is a Touchdown (edited 12/16/2011 9:34a).]
Why not offer Fielder around 8 years, $200M and front load it at around $28M for a few years, and then tail it off to end around $20M in year 8 when he is still only 34? He'd still be averaging $25M per season for the life of the contract, which is more than fair in my mind. That way you're at least mitigating some of the risk that his size could hamper his production and mobility down the road, sooner than alot of players. Also, if he's making less later in the contract, he could still POSSIBLY be traded to an AL team to DH, if it comes to that. As far as monetary advantages to Fielder, he gets the advantage of the time-value of money, assuming he has someone "wisely" managing his money.
Just my brainstorming since everyone here at work has already left for Christmas.
[This message has been edited by Theo is a Touchdown (edited 12/16/2011 9:34a).]