Highest paid Free Agents?

[clidwin]

Alright GMs, which RFAs & FAs do you believe will have a great payday in the free agent market.

[Colby]

Alright GMs, which RFAs & FAs do you believe will have a great payday in the free agent market.

Sources close to me are saying that Paul Konerko is looking for a long-term deal that the Phillies may be unable to match.  Look for this to happen in the next two weeks.  Konerko could land in Detroit, Tampa, Toronto, L.A. (Dodgers), San Francisco, Atlanta, Arizona, Seattle, or either of the teams in Chicago.  Those are the teams with the money this winter.  The Rays, Tigers, and White Sox are all poised to turn into winners this year.  The world series champion Dodgers, as well as playoff contending Braves and Blue Jays may be good fits as well.  Atlanta could steal the show as they look to out-hit the Phillies in the NL East.

[Mr.TradeKing]

Early reports out of Atlanta are that the Braves' management is  looking to add 1-2 big bats this off-season in hopes of a deep playoff run. However, no names of possible targets have been leaked from the front office.

~MTK

[lp815]

My prediction is Paul Konerko, Manny Ramirez, Josh Beckett, and Derrek Lee are the top contracts this season (in millions per year).

Decent MI's seem like a tough catch, so Freddy Sanchez and Orlando Hudson might be receiving decent multi-year deals also.

[BHows]

Colby's assertion of teams not being able to re-sign their RFAs made me reexamine that pool but, at this time, I don't think I'll get too involved. I place a lot of value (maybe too much) on draft picks and prospects and I don't see many RFAs that are worth that price.
I agree with Jake-Probably Konerko and Beckett will draw the most attention.

[Dan Wood]

Word out of Cincinnati is that the Reds will be on the side lines for this years free agency bidding wars. After being very active during last years FA, the Reds GM feels that no one signed during the off-season will be worth the money and years that they will receive. Depth is definitely lacking unless you like guys about to file for AARP.

Konerko and Beckett will probably receive the biggest contracts, but with many teams with many holes to fill (just like Jake's mom), bidding on mediocre talent will reach epic proportions. The Reds are content with their core, and are looking forward to using their #15 overall pick on high ceiling talent. Plus, the Reds owner has tightened the purse strings despite a relatively successful season in 2010.

[lp815]

but with many teams with many holes to fill (just like Jake's mom)

ooooo, that's a good zing.  That guy got slammed!

[Mr.TradeKing]

but with many teams with many holes to fill (just like Jake's mom),

The Cincinnati Reds? 

~MTK

[Mr.TradeKing]

On a serious note, I am afraid that due to the lack of talent in this years Free Agent pool, that many mediocre talents will receive inflated contracts simply because they are the best available. I'm not sure of the implications this could hold for the league down the road if we begin paying mediocre talent the same as top shelf talent. 

~MTK

[Dan Wood]

The Cincinnati Reds? 

~MTK

Beckham will just have to stand directly behind second base to try and make up for a lack of a second MI. I have faith in Bacon though.