Free Agent Possibilities.

        With the Phillies missing out on the guy they wanted most this off season B.J. Upton, they're still a few guys left in the market that I think can suit the phils perfectly. On Wednesday night, it was confirmed that  Upton would sign a 5 year 75 million dollar deal with the NL EAST rival Atlanta Braves. The Phillies and Braves were in a bidding war, but it looked like Ruben Amaro Jr's best offer was 5 years 55 million, so Atlanta won their guy.

        With Upton in Atlanta, Michael Bourn will not return as their center fielder and could have a reunion with the Phillies this season. Bourn was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 2003 amateur draft and played just 2 seasons with them until he was traded to the Houston Astros, which brought Brad Lidge to the Phillies.  That deal worked out because Lidge was perfect and won the world series in his first year. Recently Bourn has been providing stolen bases, runs scored, and became a decent lead off hitter in Atlanta. Bourn has been linked to the Phillies this off season and in my opinion I don't think we need another guy who strikes out 125+ times a season.

        Next on the list is Josh Hamilton. Hamilton declined the Texas Rangers qualifying offer of 3 years 33 million, and is hoping to receive close to 7 years 160 million dollars. Hamilton has been an RBI machine, home run hitter, base stealer, and he has a strong arm in the outfield. Ruben Amaro is known to make a splash during free agency and at the trade deadline, so look for the Phillies to sign Hamilton and don't worry too much about his off the field events, just be amazed what this guy can do on the field.

        Reunited and I don't think it would feel so good. The man I am talking about is Shane Victorino. Shane was a big part of the World Series championship in 2008 and is a threat in all areas. The problem is he is trying to hit home runs every at bat like Ryan Howard. He is starting to remind me of Willie Mays Hayes from  the "Major League" movies. Trying to hit a home run, but evidently popping up and striking out. Although he knows the organization well, and he's a great outfielder, I don't think the phils will bring back the Flying Hawaiian.

        The last 2 guys on my list is Cody Ross, and Angel Pagan. Cody Ross is a right handed hitter who can provide some power which we've been lacking and can knock in close to 100 runs. Angel Pagan who is coming into the market as a world champion, had a solid year and will probably make some decent money. Out of these two, I would want Pagan who is a switch hitter, and has good speed on the bases and can score plenty of runs.

        Out of these guys, My first choice is Hamilton. If we can't get him, and we go for Bourn, I would hope RAJ brings in maybe Victorino or Pagan to play right field, and then we could use Darin Ruf in left field. From what others are saying, I am actually comfortable with Frandsen as our everyday third basemen and look forward to seeing him become a big part of this organization. Lets hope with all this talk Ruben makes the right move that will bring the World Series trophy back to Philadelphia.

Jimmy "the Fish" Forte (Beat Reporter for the Sports Goombah's)