Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder is set for free agency this winter and his presence in New York this week to face the Yankees has spurred some speculation. "Man, I'd hate to think how many he could hit in this bandbox," a major league scout said while watching Fielder in batting practice at Yankee Stadium. "If I'm the Yankees, he's the guy I sign, even with (Mark) Teixeira here. Put Fielder in this lineup as the DH and they might never lose." Fielder's left-handed swing appears made for Yankee Stadium and if any team can afford his likely $25 million annual price tag, it's the Yankees. However, with aging skill players like Alex Rodriguez, New York is unlikely to spend that much money on a player to fill their DH spot.

The Mets are struggling financially and flirting with the idea of reducing their payroll before the trade deadline, but they may have a shot at signing this winter's biggest free agent. Former Yankees star Cecil Fielder told The New York Daily News that he could see his son signing with the Mets. "I don't think the Yankees are gonna get him," Fielder said. "But I think if everything goes well on the other side, the Mets are one of those teams that if they get that situation all squared away, they could get him." Prince Fielder is represented by super agent Scott Boras. The father and son have had their differences over the years, and the elder Fielder described their current relationship as "really mute."

Speculation has mounted that the wrist injury of Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols could have an impact on his next contract. It is believed that Pujols, who will turn 32 before next season, will have trouble landing anything longer than a six-year contract. As time progresses, it appears as though Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder may surpasses Pujols as this winter's top free agent. Fielder is four years younger and enjoying an MVP season.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has made an attempt to end speculation that Jose Reyes could be the team's next shortstop, whether it be later this season or in the winter. "That's just not going to happen," he said. Reyes will be a free agent after the season and the Mets could opt to trade him prior to the July 31 deadline in order to ensure getting something in return substanial. "We have an everyday shortstop in Derek Jeter," Cashman said. "And I think we have an everyday shortstop that would be playing for a lot of clubs in Eduardo Nuñez. The Yankees don't have a need now or in the future for a shortstop. "But we do need a setup man."

There is growing speculation that the Nationals will target first baseman Prince Fielder when he becomes a free agent. The slugger will hit the market in the fall. Washington first-round pick Anthony Rendon and the two other selections on Day 1 of this month's First-Year Player Draft were Scott Boras clients. Stephen Strasburg is a Boras client, and so is Bryce Harper, and so is Jayson Werth. Boras also represents Fielder.

The Pirates have taken a look at Scott Kazmir, who was released by the Angels last week after a horrible stint with their Triple-A club. Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington didn't divulge whether the talks were serious or a non-issue at this point.

Despite saying last week that it would be hard for the Reds to keep him in town, infielder Brandon Phillips says his first choice would be a contract extension from the club. Phillips has a $12 million option for 2012 in his contract. "I told the Reds and the whole world this is where I want to be," Phillips said. "If it doesn't happen, I'm going to be very, very disappointed. I feel like I've made this a second home. I bought a house here. This is where I want to be, man. The fans just took me in. "I feel like I need to stay here and give back. Hopefully, it happens. If it doesn't happen this year, I feel in my head and my heart, it's not going to happen."

Mets shortstop Jose Reyes says he isn't changing his representation despite reports that he had met with super agent Scott Boras about his impending free agency. Peter Greenberg represents him currently. "I'm happy with Peter," Reyes said. "There is no chance I'm going to change my agent." Reyes indicated he has no strategy in place for his next contract. "We're not thinking about that yet, because [Greenberg] wants to let me play," Reyes said. "Don't worry too much about what's going on with my contract in the middle of the season. "I don't want to put that kind of stuff in my head when I'm playing, but we'll see what happens. I just want to continue to play." Reyes admitted "a couple" of agents have contacted him offering their services. Such contact is permitted under major league rules.

Tom Seaver believes the Mets need to have a solid plan in place to replace shortstop Jose Reyes if they don't retain him. Seaver, a three-time Cy Young winner, was traded to New York in the middle of his career. Reyes will be a free agent at the end of the season and has been the subject of constant trade rumors all year. "Unless you have a game plan to go in a different direction, you can't get rid of him. He's too good," Seaver said. Seaver made it clear that he was not advocating for the Mets to sign Reyes or let him go. He simply stated that the Mets need to be prepared to deal with the loss.

Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips admitted in a lengthy interview with ESPN.com that it's going to be hard for him to remain in Cincinnati. "It's going to be hard to keep me here ... I'm not trying to break the bank. I'm just trying to be fair. I don't want Jayson Werth money or CC Sabathia money," he said.