Atomic RoadRunners

Brewers owner Mark Attanasio said that he won’t set any “artificial deadlines” for talks on a contract extension for first baseman Prince Fielder. “Prince has said he wants to be here, we have said we would love to have him here and we know our fans would love to have him here,” Attanasio said Saturday. “There is no timetable, no pressure on either side. I know you guys have seen Prince and he’s pretty relaxed. I think I’m pretty relaxed.” The Brewers have already engaged Fielder’s agent Scott Boras in some casual conversations about a contract extension. Fielder, who doesn’t turn 26 until May, figures to land a mega-deal if he hits free agency, however he remains under team control through the 2011 season. (Rotoworld)

There will be some heavy competition for the fifth spot in the Padres’ rotation. “We’ve got much more pitching depth than we’ve had,” said Padres manager Bud Black, who will have to choose between Mat Latos, Wade LeBlanc, Cesar Ramos, Tim Stauffer and Sean Gallagher. It’s worth noting that Stauffer and Gallagher are out of options, although the latter will almost certainly stick around in the bullpen if he doesn’t make the rotation. (Rotoworld)

Reds manager Dusty Baker responded to Chris Dickerson’s frustration about wanting a chance to start in center field. “He had the job before Stubbs,” said Baker. “He’s in the running, he’s going to play. But you can’t take away what Stubbs did at the end of the year last year. You can be disappointed all you want to, but he allowed Stubbs to get his foot in the door.” Dickerson batted .275/.370/.373 with two home runs, 15 RBI, 11 stolen bases and 31 runs scored while supplying excellent defense — adequate production — but sprained his left ankle last August, affording Drew Stubbs an opportunity in center field. Stubbs responded with eight home runs and 10 stolen bases in just 43 games. He opens spring training as the favorite to be the starting center fielder. (Rotoworld)