 The race for the best free agents is underway
 By DAVID LEBLANC
 Staff Writer
 PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 15, 2011
 With the end of the baseball season behind us now, the teams are already preparing for next year and the years to come. The top free agents are on the move, but the real question is what major league teams will land the whales? And what teams will go home empty handed?
 With names like Jose Reyes, Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Beltran, CJ Wilson and Mark Baurle looking for a new home this is sure to be a surprising winter meetings. However, questions still seem to linger regarding whether first basemen’s Albert Pujous’s and Prince Fielder’s future as well.
 Jose Reyes is one of the NL’s top leading contenders for the MVP in the national league, yet will he still be playing in New York next year? Sources say that the top three contenders for the 28 year old shortstop are the Brewers, tigers and Marlins. Reyes batted 292 with 16 triple and 39 stolen bases. A player like Reyes is certainly a difference maker.
 Another Playmaker is Prince Fielder. The All-star game’s MVP is looking to leave Milwaukee. Yet does his home rest in Baltimore? CBS-sports doesn’t believe so. What about Albert Pujous? So where else can these young talented first baseman’s’ go exactly? And what teams can support his large contract.
 The problem with baseball today is there is no salary cap like in most of the other professional sports. So will these high profile players end up on teams like the Red Soxs or Yankees? Maybe even the Phillies. The problem with teams like this is they all already have a solid First Baseman. With names like Mark Teixeira, Ryan Howard and Adrian Beltre, whose left to sign Fielder and Pujous?
 In a money driven league where players like Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujous demand big compensation, who can take on these contracts? Take Jose Reyes for instance. Posing as a huge threat on the base path and a solid glove at shortstop, he does in fact demand to be paid higher than other shortstops like Rafael Furcal or Sean Rodriguez. But the main question for these players and their agents is where is the money?
 Baseball has become more of a job rather than a hobby. We all understand that they’re professional athletes. Yet is that why they began playing at a young age. We all dream of becoming professional baseball players at one point in our lives, but where did it start? When our parents signed us up for T-ball was it about the money? Or was it because it was a game that we enjoyed playing? By no means am I taking away from the players’ ability to capitalize on their talents. But at some point, don’t you have an obligation to your fans and supporters?
 For instance, C.J. Wilson is the top pitcher in the free agent market. After making his big league start in a Texas Rangers uniform, and carrying them to two consecutive World Series appearances, doesn’t he owe the fans his loyalty?
 What about Albert Pujous? I understand that when you are one of the few “elite” players in the MLB, you are owed some form of compensation that distinguishes between you are the everyday players. But does that make it right to leave your legacy behind for money? I guess it comes down to loyalty and morality.
 No matter what will happen in the winter meetings, it’s sure to be a delight. As a fellow sports fan to sit back and watch the discussions unfold. It gives all baseball fans something to look forward to until next April when Opening Day is back!
