There have been reports going around on twitter that Ruben Amaro Jr. has offered free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton a monstrous 3 year deal worth 80 million dollars. As of right now this is the best offer Hamilton has received from anyone. The Seattle Mariners offered 3 years 60 million but appear to be out of the race. At this point the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies are his likely landing spot. Who will give the most money? well I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Last week the Phillies got their everyday starting center fielder in Ben Revere from Minnesota. Revere is making a little more than 500,00 dollars, which gives the Phillies some room to work with, by bringing in a corner outfielder and a setup man. A couple days later the Phillies sent Josh Lindblom and Lisalverto Bonilla to Texas in exchange for 3rd basemen Michael Young, a guy who has been on Amaro's radar since 2010. Young was owed 16 million dollars and the Rangers ate 10 million to help the Phillies. This is where the story gets interesting.
Michael Young and Josh Hamilton are best friends. Cliff Lee was apart of the world series run Texas made back in 2010 where they were defeated by the San Francisco Giants. Lee developed a good friendship with Josh, and I believe Young and Lee could be a reason why Hamilton might choose Philly. If Ruben makes the big splash and signs the power hitter, the Phils would become immediate contenders for the World Series title.
Could you imagine how many home runs Hamilton would hit at Citizens Bank Park? My guess would be close to 40. Josh is a left handed hitter, which causes some concern for the organization considering we have Utley and Howard, making the 3, 4, 5 hitters all lefties. There shouldn't be a concern however, because Hamilton can crush righties and lefties. If Hamilton lands in Philadelphia the projected lineup for opening day would look like this:
1. Jimmy Rollins (SS) (Switch)
2. Michael Young (3B) (Right)
3. Chase Utley (2B) (Left)
4. Ryan Howard (1B) (Left)
5. Josh Hamilton (LF) (Left)
6. Erik Kratz (C) (Right)
7. Darin Ruf (RF) (Right)
8. Ben Revere (CF) (Left)
9. Roy Halladay (P) (Right)
With this lineup you have to remember that our everyday catcher Carlos Ruiz is suspended for the first 25 games of the season because of violating the league's drug policy. I can see Amaro going for a low end 5th starter to replace Vance Worley and also an 8th inning guy to setup closer Jonathan Papelbon. Pitchers and catchers are reporting in 2 months and hopefully we will see some new guys in red pinstripes.
Jimmy "the Fish" Forte (Beat reporter for the Sports Goombahs)
Follow me on twitter: @jimmyfort28
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