So, the latest contract news from the Brewers is that Doug Melvin offered him a 5 year $60 million conrtact, and he said no.  That dwarfs Braun’s record deal and he still said no.  You’re 24 years old and you turn down $12 million a year?  Remember this is a baseball contract so it’s guaranteed.  Plus, he’d be 29 and in his prime when that contract’s done.

Either that or he’d have eaten himself right out of MLB.  Last year, this 5′ 11″ first baseman weighed 260 pounds and was 3rd in NL MVP voting.  This year, he became a vegetarian, now weighs 280 pounds and is 4th in NL All Star voting at 1st base alone.  His home run totals are way off of last year’s pace, his RBI’s has tumbled, his slugging percentage is down and his on base percentage is down.  Oddly, his batting average is about the same.  Oh, and the NL last year’s worst fielding first baseman is on pace to commit as many errors this year as last.  Did I mention he turned down a guaranteed $12 million/year?

I like Prince.  I think his bat in the lineup makes it easier for Braun because pitches have to pitch to him.  Fielder has also assumed a more leadership role in the clubhouse.  But, all that withstanding, I’d rather pay a starting pitcher $12 million/year because they have more influence on wins over the course of a season.  Just look at last night as the perfect example.  Suppan had a terrible outing and gave up 6 runs in the first 2 innings.  The Brewers offense only came up with 5 for the game.  A starting pitcher getting that kind of jack is more more reasonable to me than a short, ever-expanding first baseman with a good bat.

So go ahead, Mr Melvin.  Work the 3 way trade to send Prince to New York, Sabathia to Milwaukee and a bunch of prospects to the Indians.