Indeed. That's a big outlay considering Cabrera's there but with V-Mart out and Verlander likely to only be there for a few more years the window is now. Their division is looking a bit weak and getting home should see them home again.
Does anybody think this figure will be topped? No NL team is going to go that long without the DH role so that means it's back to the Orioles (surely can't compete with that), Mariners (surely too expensive) and Rangers. If I was the Rangers I'd do it because Pujols will tail off before Fielder and Hamilton is too injury prone to be looking towards him for the next five years (he's also a couple of years older than Prince).
I think the Mariners would be better waiting a couple of years for when the Rangers and Angels start to slow down whilst their pitching matures along with Montero. Build for two years time, particularly because the Royals are supposed to be primed for a run in 2013 if their prospects work out.
Fielder at the Tigers could make the AL postseason exciting next year if it's the Yankees/Red Sox, Tigers, Rangers, Angels get through.
