It’s official, the Texas Rangers have signed Japanese standout pitcher Yu Darvish to a 6-year $60 million deal. The contract was completed with just minutes remaining before the 5 p.m. signing deadline.

Having won the Darvish sweepstakes, and completing a deal, the Rangers fill a hole in its starting rotation created by C.J. Wilson departing to Los Angeles to play for the Halos.

Rumors swirled naming Darvish the most coveted piece for the Rangers this offseason, while talks about Prince Fielder simmered on the back burner.

Fielder’s market has been slim at best this winter, but his agent, Scott Boras, said he was unlikely to sign before Jan. 17. Well, Jan. 17 has come and gone, and still no sign of Fielder signing anywhere.

Washington has been linked to Fielder this offseason, as have the Marlins, Orioles, Brewers and Mariners.

Fielder would be unlikely to go to a non-contending team, despite his desire to sign a lucrative contract.

Of the teams listed previously, the Brewers makes the most sense for the Prince. Management has talked about giving him $25 million a year, but the years weren’t there. So, should Fielder decide he wants to earn anywhere from $25-30 million this season, a 1-year deal seems like a smart choice, then test the market next season.

One team that should consider the services of Fielder is the reigning World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals.  Sitting with a 35-year-old Lance Berkman at first base next season and no long-term plan beyond the 1-year $12 million contract extension he signed makes them a legitimate possibility…if management would consider it.

Why not offer four or five years at $25 million per? He’s younger than Pujols, left-handed and is every bit as talented with the lumber. He would provide a middle-of-the-order threat, and would fulfill the missing offense Albert Pujols left behind. Slide Beltran back to center field, move Berkman back to right field.

Yes, you’re right. That would be sacrificing quite a bit defensively to add offense.

The Cardinals could handle a hit on defense, due to such an explosive offense, though. With a 3-4-5-6 punch of Matt Holliday, Fielder, Berkman and David Freese (in any order you please) it would be worth having mediocre or just above average defense. That’s not even mentioning Allen Craig.

The club has the money, it’s just an issue of want-to.