"Only a fool would say the Brewers will not miss Prince Fielder. He is a freak-of-nature hitter, one of about two of his kind at the moment in the major leagues.

Only a fool would say the Brewers could have done something to re-sign him. Even with Miller Park and revenue sharing and top-10 attendance, the Brewers will never be able to do anything about their standing as MLB's smallest media market.

Consequently, the Brewers' local radio/TV money, which always will separate them from the outrageous spenders, always will be relative sofa-cushion change. It is a wonder they can afford one $100 million contract with Ryan Braun. Another $200 million contract? Let's just say the Wharton School of Business might advise against financial suicide.

Moving on, a rational person could conclude that the Brewers will be fine as they prepare this week for their first spring training in a long time without Fielder."