1. Josh Hamilton: Orioles. Hamilton wants to get paid, the Rangers don't really want him and it's beneficial for him to play in the AL if we figure he will get a long term deal where he will need some time at DH in the future. With that said, the Orioles made a nice little run this year but their current roster (and bullpen) ran significantly above expectation. To make it back this year they have to upgrade their roster and signing Hamilton will do just that. They could also upgrade the rotation slot as they really don't have a #1 or #2 starter, but we'll get to that later.
2. Zack Greinke: Angels. The Angels traded Ervin Santana and bought out Dan Haren's contract making him a free agent. After last year's spending spree and the emergence of Trout, I don't think the Angels are trying to rebuild or save money and they clearly need some pitchers, and good ones at that. Zack Greinke is a good one and had a HOF-esque year in 2009 but since then he's merely been very solid. He might get paid as if he strung together a few 2009 type seasons in a row, but anyway you slice it the Angels need him.
3. Michael Bourn: Nationals. The Nationals haven't been shy about spending money, have showed earlier than expected returns and need a center fielder. Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth can play the position (at least literally) but Bourn in center puts everyone in their appropriate slots in the outfield. The Nationals are already very good, they might be great in 2013.
4. B.J. Upton: Phillies. Shane Victorino is a free agent and while I don't see the Phillies retaining his services, with an aging roster still in win-now mode they need a replacement. Enter B.J. Upton. Bossman Jr might be one of the more frustrating players to watch given the tools he has and the results he produces, but those results are still a net positive. He plays the position (CF) well, has great speed, a surprising amount of pop and can take a walk. He struggles to make consistent contact and you'd like a higher BABIP given his speed, but Upton has been a solid player for the Rays the last few years and he should continue to replicate that production for the next few years and I'm saying it's on the Phillies.
5. Nick Swisher: Red Sox. I'm going on a little bit of a limb on this one but Cody Ross is a worse player than Swisher and is asking for a good sum of money. If he Ross leaves the Red Sox will have a hole in RF and money to spend, let's see if the curse of the Swish becomes a thing.
6. Anibal Sanchez: Tigers. His initial struggles in the American League might cause some teams to worry about Anibal but the Tigers had prime seats for his success in the playoffs this year. Anibal has been one of the more underrated starters in baseball the last few years which should make his price-tag reasonable and I say he stays in Detroit.
7. Dan Haren: Yankees. If you want my opinion, I feel Dan Haren will be the bargain of the top-tier-ish free agents and I think the Yankees will be able to sign him to an expensive but two-year deal that expires when they would like to get under the $189 million cap without spending the luxury tax after 2014.
8. Angel Pagan: Giants. The Giants don't want to pull another Aubrey Huff, over paying for a veteran after a World Series victory, but they need a CF and I think Pagan will sign for a reasonable price. Also, if Anibal Sanchez is one of the more underrated pitchers, Angel Pagan has to be considered one of the more underrated hitters as above average hitting, quality fielding center fielders don't really grow on trees, or ticket oaks.
9. Hiroki Kuroda: Yankees. This just makes too much sense. However, if the Yankees get Haren like I'm guessing, and retain Kuroda they will have to make a trade. I suspect Hughes and/or Nova might be in a deal for a younger position player. Total speculation, but that's the point of this post. If I'm the Yankees I overpay in a trade for Chase Headley.
10. Shane Victorino: Braves. The Braves are a smart, well-run team. They bought low on Michael Bourn, they will probably pass on resigning him now and they will replace his production with another buy low, this time from Hawaii.
10. Shane Victorino: Braves. The Braves are a smart, well-run team. They bought low on Michael Bourn, they will probably pass on resigning him now and they will replace his production with another buy low, this time from Hawaii.
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