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I wish I had something useful to add to this discussion of the Prince situation but I really don't.
1. The Werth deal is already an albatross . . . since there is a not insignificant chance Prince's deal also becomes an albatross that would almost crush the Nationals for the next 7-8 years! That's assuming the 4-5 years of sweating off all that salary and a few extra years just to rebuild from the flaming wreckage. If you think FA's were reluctant to go to DC before, imagine what they'd be like after another half decade of suck.
2. Have more cost-effective options in Morse and LaRoche short term and maybe Zimmerman long term. I'm a little less concerned about Zim having to move, Brooks Robinson was an excellent defensive 3B into his late 30s. Of course he won't be all world like he is now but he would at least not destroy the value of his bat through atrocious defense. If 2011 is Morse's real level of production going forward then that's a lot of cash for what would amount to a miniscule upgrade (Prince v. Morse 2012 only)
3. Shorter term is better. 5 years is better than 6. 10 is right out. We already have a front row seat to the destructive properties of such a mistake (watching the Phils flounder with Ryan Howard's contract)
On balance, I'd say pass. Mostly because any deal that would be palatable for the Nats would be a major disappointment to Prince. And I can imagine an unhappy Prince eating his way out of town right quick.
And even with Prince, it wouldn't solve the major offensive problem the Nats have . . . OBP at the top of the order.
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I love the idea of Fielder in the lineup, but it does not meet the immediate need of a leadoff outfielder. We also haven't seen the lineup play healthy with LaRoche. Getting LaRoche back this year is like you already signed a free agent but you don't have to pay for him. I'm also weary of paying for Fielder when we'll be one big arm short come playoff time. I don't see Strasburg exceeding 160 innings. It's not smart to jeopardize the long-term for this year. Maybe the Nats could pass on Fielder this year and pick up Hamilton next year. Outfield would then be Werth, Hamilton and Harper with Morse moving to first base.
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