Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune speculates that Prince Fielder may end up playing for the Red Sox or White Sox by the end of July.

Rogers knows Milwaukee would love to keep their first baseman, but in the wake of Ryan Howard’s five-year, $125 million contract extension, Fielder may be too pricey for the small market Brewers.  Keep in mind that Fielder is 4 1/2 years younger than Howard and will be a free agent after the 2011 season so he can test the open waters.

Rogers suggests that a package “built around pitching and Triple-A first baseman Dayan Viciedo” would certainly get Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin’s attention. Rogers also throws out Gavin Floyd, Daniel Hudson and Sergio Santos as names that the White Sox could throw towards Milwaukee. He adds that if the White Sox could get rid of Alex Rios and his huge contract (to the Brewers or another team), they could sign Fielder to a long-term contract rather than having him as a 1 1/2 year rental.