On the field, Prince Fielder is one of the most-feared sluggers in the major leagues, with many noteworthy accomplishments during his first three seasons.
But off the field, Fielder is a young family man, with a wife and two small children, and plans for the future. In other words, there's a lot to be said for financial security at this time for the Milwaukee Brewers' star first baseman.
It was with that backdrop that Fielder came to terms on a two-year, $18 million contract, buying out his first two years of arbitration eligibility. The Brewers finally made that deal official Friday, just before Fielder took part in "Bob Uecker's Winter Warm-Up" at The Riverside.
"It's a load off of me because my family is taken care of," Fielder said.
"Everybody says, 'You're going to make money soon' but it's different (from his side). You still have a little stress because you never know what's going to happen and you won't be able to take care of your family."
Fielder, 24, received a $1 million signing bonus and salaries of $6.5 million in 2009 and $10.5 million in 2010. He can earn an additional $250,000 each season if he reaches 500 plate appearances.
It's a quantum leap from his $670,000 salary of a year ago, which Fielder openly complained about when the club renewed his contract without an agreement. That unhappiness led many to think negotiations would be contentious in Fielder's first winter of arbitration but it proved to be just the opposite.
General manager Doug Melvin said it took only "three or four conversations" with agent Scott Boras, known for tough negotiating, to strike the deal.
"This is what we wanted to do," Melvin said. "Now, he doesn't have to worry about his contract this year or next year. He can go out and play and have fun.
"We felt this was the right thing to do for our organization and the right thing to do for Prince."
The timing was right for Fielder, who has batted .278 with 114 home runs and 312 runs batted in over 513 games for the Brewers, with a .370 on-base percentage and .533 slugging percentage. The two-year deal still leaves one year of arbitration before he becomes a free agent after the 2011 season.
As for his contract complaints of last spring, Fielder said, "I think all of that was kind of handled in this. It's a fair deal for both me and the Brewers.
"I'm happy. That's all that matters. Hopefully, this gives me peace for a long time just to know that things will be all right. For me, it takes a lot of stress off my shoulders. Now I can just go out and play."
Brewers leftfielder Ryan Braun, who signed an eight-year, $45 million deal last season, said he felt more relaxed with that security and expected the same for Fielder.
"It's obviously well deserved," Braun said. "Financial security goes a long ways. I know it did for me. I'm sure it will for him. It eases your mind a little bit.
"With $18 million, he'll be good for the rest of his life, no matter what happens."
Counsell will return: When the Brewers declined to exercise the $3.4 million option for 2009 on backup infielder Craig Counsell's contract, the general assumption was that their association was done.
As it turned out, the door was left open for Counsell's return, culminating Friday with a one-year, $1 million deal. The Brewers did not announce the agreement because Counsell had to complete a physical examination to make it official.
"We probably won't have an official announcement until after the weekend," Melvin said.
Counsell, a native of Whitefish Bay, had overtures from the New York Mets, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners but remained interested in staying with his hometown team. He got back to Melvin and a deal was worked out that fit the Brewers' budget.
"I always kept the door open," Melvin said. "He said he had a couple of opportunities but wanted to know if I had any interest. I told him it had to be the right fit for us."
In his second consecutive season with the Brewers and third overall in 2008, Counsell played in 110 games, including 30 starts at third base, 19 at short and 11 at second. He batted only .226 but drew 46 walks and compiled a .355 on-base percentage, one of the highest on the team. He also had just three errors.
"He's still a very good defensive player and he can play three infield positions," Melvin said.
"He has an edge to him. He wants to win. He prepares himself in the right way. Other players see that he's always ready."
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