Brewers’ slugger Prince Fielder says the 8-year, $45 million deal signed by teammate Ryan Braun doesn’t bother him and won’t have any bearing on his negotiations for a new deal.

We’ll see if he — and the rest of Milwaukee’s young nucleus — feels the same way when they begin throwing salary figures around during the next few years.
Braun had a big year last season when he was named NL Rookie of the Year, but eight years of guaranteed money is a big risk. What if he gets hurt? What if he turns out to be a one- or two-year wonder?

More important, where does it set the bar for future deals with Fielder, Corey Hart, Rickie Weeks and J.J. Hardy?

Under the current system, these players aren’t eligible for free agency until they have six years of major league service. But, if they feel under appreciated — and underpaid — after that time, there’s a chance Braun may be counting his money as he plays with a new cast of characters down the road.

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