Early predictions on possible deals for top 10 free agents

[HMFFL]

Early predictions on possible deals for top 10 free agents

Here are the top two, click the link to see the rest.


Early predictions on possible deals for top 10 free agents, including Hamilton, Greinke, Upton

By Jon Heyman | Baseball Insider
September 22, 2012 12:51 pm ET

38 | Comments

Josh Hamilton will likely have to settle for a five-year deal with the Rangers instead of 10. (Getty Images)

It's never too early to look at the upcoming free-agent market (at least not here, it isn't).

As an opener, we asked one American League executive for his predictions on possible contracts for 10 of the best free agents and likely free agents.*

(*Jake Peavy is likely to become a free agent, as the White Sox don't plan to pick up his $22 million option as reported here; the same is true for Kevin Youkilis, as the White Sox also aren't planning to pick up his $13 million option.)

Here are his predictions, along with additional comments of my own.

1. Josh Hamilton, Rangers OF (Prediction: $150 million, five years)

That $30-million-a-year guarantee would represent a record, eclipsing Alex Rodriguez's $275 million, 10-year contract (though A-Rod also has $30 million in historic homer bonuses). Considering the talent, that guess may not be too far off. Hamilton is said to want to be paid like an elite player, and he probably will be, though it's hard to imagine him getting the length of the Joey Votto, Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder deals considering Hamilton's history. Even in another brilliant year (42 home runs, 123 RBI), he's had bouts with a sinus headache and chewing tobacco. The Rangers haven't been one of those teams to go for the crazy lengths, so he'd likely have to settle for five years to stay ("if that," one person in the know said about the Rangers intentions). One thing that could hurt him is that the Dodgers don't appear to be in need of an outfielder.

2. Zack Greinke, Angels SP (Prediction: $125 million, six years)

The executive started with the idea that the Brewers already tried at least $100 million for five years, and went logically from there. Greinke always has his own ideas, and one person who knows him said a few months ago he believed the Braves, Angels and Cardinals were the best fits, though the Cards seem well-stocked for pitchers. The Dodgers are a threat to get anyone good, and Nationals GM Mike Rizzo tried to lure Greinke two years ago with a similar $100 million bid. So that's two for basically the same price he's turned down. One thing about Greinke we know: he won't go to a team unless he's convinced they are ready to win.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/jon-h ... -lohse-etc

[Pharmcat]

considering the yankees arent buyers given their 2014 plan, that might hurt some peoples value to drive up their contract