Jon_Vilma
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>If you think baseball's big-dollar splurge is nutty this offseason, well, you ain't seen nothing yet. Consider that many executives think this year's class of free agents is among the worst in recent history. Imagine what is to come in future years for the likes of Miguel Cabrera, who will be eligible for free agency after the 2009 season and may become baseball's next $200 million player."There will be a market correction, inevitably, but I don't think it'll come next year," said one NL GM. "A lot of the teams that bid high and came up short, like the Phillies, will still have money to spend next winter. I don't think the money will stop flowing until 2008, at the earliest."Some other players who will benefit from baseball's explosion:Carlos Zambrano, Chicago CubsThere is wide-ranging speculation on what Barry Zito will get in this market in the next few weeks, with executives guessing somewhere from $75 million to $100 million. But whatever Zito gets, Zambrano could -- and should -- ask for more, considering that at 25 years old, he's younger than Zito, and more dominant. If he were to opt for free agency next fall, he would be the focus of the biggest bidding war for a pitcher in baseball history. The <u>Red Sox</u> might be looking to replace Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, the <u>Yankees</u> will have tons of money to spend with Randy Johnson and others set to drop off their payroll, and the <u>Mets</u> will still need a frontline-type starter. All of the big-market teams will be in play, plus the <u>Cubs</u>.So Chicago would be well-served to hand a blank check to Zambrano now, before Zito signs, because whatever seems outrageous now will look like a bargain next fall.Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle MarinersSigned for $11 million in '07, Ichiro has averaged more than 225 hits per season in six years since landing with Seattle. And he's a plus defender with speed. If J.D. Drew can get a deal of more than $70 million, Ichiro may get something in the area of $50 million.Andruw Jones, Atlanta BravesHe's been part of our major league consciousness for so long that we sometimes forget he's not even 30 years old yet. There are concerns about Jones' conditioning, and whether he'll be able to continue as a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder. But he's improved as a hitter, driving in 257 runs in the last two years, and unless he shows real physical regression next season, Jones will draw whopper offers from Boston or some other large-market team next fall, especially now that Vernon Wells has signed.Jake Westbrook, Cleveland IndiansHe is steady and reliable and will get a surprisingly lucrative deal in next year's market, perhaps something north of $50 million over four years.Jason Jennings, Houston AstrosThe Astros traded for Jennings, and now they need to sign him. Like Westbrook, he could be in line for something along the lines of $50 million to $60 million.David Eckstein, St. Louis CardinalsAfter the 2004 season, he was the top shortstop who didn't get the kind of big deals landed by Orlando Cabrera ($32 million) and Edgar Renteria ($40 million). But he continues to show that despite his unorthodox throwing motion, he can be among the most productive and reliable shortstops in the game -- and then there are the championship intangibles that he adds. Could be in line for a payday of more than $25 million next fall, when he is scheduled to hit the market.Jermaine Dye, Chicago White SoxHe'll be the 2007 version of Carlos Lee, as a righty-hitting corner outfielder and RBI machine, but he's more attractive, for a couple of reasons. First, he's a much better outfielder than Lee, and secondly, he's won a World Series MVP. He figures to get an eight-figure salary, for four or five years, if he stays healthy next season.Joe Nathan, Minnesota TwinsHe makes $5 million in '07, and his $6 million option for '08 is a no-brainer, given the rocketing cost of relief pitchers. He could hit the market at more than $10-$12 million annually, if he stays healthy.Other players with contractual options for '08 that now look like no-brainers, considering the current market: Michael Young ($5 million), Bobby Abreu ($16 million).</div>
