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Report: David Garrard Signs With Miami Dolphins – NFL – NESN.com

by on March 20, 2012

If your team wasn’t caught up in a quarterback controversy on Monday, then it wasn’t trying hard enough.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard is back in the mix now and has signed with the Miami Dolphins, according to the Florida Times-Union.

Garrard last played for the Jaguars in 2010 but was released just before last season after back surgery. he did not play in 2011.

The Dolphins are reported to be courting Alex Smith, a free agent after leading the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC title game last season under new coach Jim Harbaugh. Smith visited the Dolphins on Sunday.

Miami was also part of last week’s talks with Peyton Manning, who signed with the Denver Broncos, and has been mentioned as a possible landing site for Tim Tebow, now the No. 2 quarterback in Denver.

Miami’s quarterback last year was Matt Moore, who played for the Carolina Panthers for four seasons before joining the Dolphins. he remains under contract for 2012.

Garrard played for Jacksonville his entire career, from 2002 through 2010, taking the starting job in 2007. he is a 61.6% career passer with 89 touchdowns and 54 interceptions.

Peyton Manning picks Denver Broncos; Tim Tebow status cloudy

by on March 19, 2012

So Denver it is.

Peyton Manning, the most prominent free agent in NFL history, finally made his big decision Monday.

And the Denver Broncos won the prize of lofty new expectations.

Manning, who turns 36 on Saturday, instantly pushes Tim Tebow out of a starting job and assumes his quest to win a second Super Bowl with the franchise hoping to repeat the glory it achieved more than 13 years ago with John Elway.

Manning informed the Broncos early Monday that they could begin negotiations with his agent, Tom Condon, according to ESPN, citing multiple people, and the Associated Press based on a person with knowledge of the discussions. Manning also phoned representatives of other finalists, the Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers, with his decision.

Manning, Condon and Broncos decision-makers were unavailable Monday, but that did not prevent the news from traveling fast.

“It’s a great place for him,” Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers told news reporters who had gathered outside the team’s headquarters. “I don’t think that he made a bad decision. I think he made a great decision. hopefully we can prove him right.”

When the Indianapolis Colts released Manning after 14 seasons March 7, the Broncos were considered a mystery team in the equation. yet Manning began his methodical tour, which included meetings with at least five teams, in Denver.

Manning also met with the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins and worked out for the Broncos, Titans and 49ers to show the teams where he stands after missing last season recovering from three neck surgeries.

According to the Denver Post, the Broncos were prepared to offer a deal similar to Manning’s last pact with the Colts, a five-year, $90 million contract.

In Denver, he stays in the AFC and takes over a unit that had an 8-8 record in winning the AFC West crown last season behind Tebow.

“Basically, he can really take us to another level,” Broncos running back Willis McGahee said during a radio interview. “We were young, and I think those guys got the jitters out of them last year, even though we did go to the playoffs. It was a certain something that we were missing … that general to take charge in tough situations, and I think he brings that to the table.

“And once those guys see him out there, I think they’re going to rise to the occasion and have a breakout year.”

Still, questions persist. among them:

How good of a fit will Manning be with the Broncos coaching staff?

If it’s good enough for the savvy Manning, it is tough to argue that he won’t mesh well with coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and the rest of the staff.

There might not be a more coachable player in the NFL than Manning, even as he heads into his 15th season. Tony Dungy recently recalled what Manning told him on his first day as Colts coach: “I want to be coached.”

That said, Manning is used to essentially being a coach on the field, having called plays at the line of scrimmage for years. that mental edge is crucial to his greatness and something the coaches will have to factor into their system.

It’s worth noting that Fox, who figured out how to get the best out of Tebow last season, has a history of adapting well and quickly preparing new and young players.

Was Elway a key factor?

If anybody could convince Manning that he could finish his career as a champion, it would be Elway — the Broncos executive vice president and former quarterback who won Super Bowls at 37 and 38 in the final two seasons of his Hall of Fame career.

Elway and Manning have a strong relationship, and it probably wasn’t difficult for Elway to sell Manning on the benefit of an aging quarterback playing for a balanced team.

As great as Elway was, he didn’t win a championship until running back Terrell Davis came to town. now, with Manning positioned to write his final chapters, the support he can get from a rushing attack that ranked No. 1 in the league last season and a stout defense could make the quest for another ring a bit easier.

Will Tebow be traded?

Various news media outlets indicated the Broncos don’t intend to keep Manning and Tebow. and of all the teams that were bypassed in the Manning sweepstakes, the Dolphins might be the biggest losers and yet the best fit for the former Florida star.

The Titans have Matt Hasselbeck, arguably the NFL’s best free agent acquisition last season, and a quarterback of the future in Jake Locker. the Cardinals have Kevin Kolb, who has the benefit of a full offseason after last year’s lockout limited his ability to prepare.

Yet the Dolphins’ fallback was signing Jacksonville Jaguars castoff David Garrard, who is quite a drop-off from Manning, to a one-year contract Monday night.

“They didn’t say for sure they were bringing another guy in, but they said it’s a possibility, whether in the draft or whatever,” Garrard said in a phone interview with the Associated Press.

Still, maybe Miami can make a splash by trying to swing a trade that would pave the way for the magnetic Tebow to return to his home state.

Remember where Tebow’s rise began last season? Miami. It was the Dolphins’ first sellout of the season. Bring him back, and Tebow would surely sell tickets and appeal to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross‘ celebrity factor.

But Tebow will need to continue to develop as a passer. Stay put, and there’s an excellent tutor. either way, so much for the contention expressed by Elway after the Broncos’ playoff loss that Tebow had earned the opportunity to enter training camp as the starter.

When can Manning get to work with his new teammates?

There used to be a time when a big free agent addition could sign his deal and proceed to camp out at his new team’s headquarters, immersing himself in the playbook. not anymore.

With the new collective bargaining agreement, Manning can’t begin to have meetings with the Broncos coaching staff until April 16, when the team’s offseason program begins. Because he’s rehabbing from an injury, he can’t hit the field until May 2.

Instead, Manning will have to organize workouts away from the supervision of coaches for a few weeks. that probably won’t be too difficult as players likely will want to make a statement about where the team is headed.

What are some of the challenges awaiting Manning?

After all those years of playing home games in domed stadiums, Manning will have to deal with the elements in Denver, where it has snowed as early as September.

Then again, Manning won his only Super Bowl in a steady rain in Miami. the thin air will undoubtedly increase the velocity of his throws, which can’t be a bad thing as questions surround his arm strength after the neck injury.

But the real issue might be who is on the other end of those passes. Denver’s receiving corps is thin, with little in the way of proven talent beyond 2010 first-round pick Demaryius Thomas. the leading receiver last season, Eric Decker, caught 44 passes for 612 yards. and Eddie Royal left to sign with the San Diego Chargers.

Beyond Manning’s task of establishing his rhythm in a new environment with new teammates, an intriguing set of challenges rests with the schedule. by winning their division, the Broncos earned a first-place schedule, which means Manning will face some of his old friends with the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, in addition to a matchup with the New Orleans Saints. and an opponent that used to be such a pain to Manning — the Chargers, whom he is 4-5 against in his career — comes twice a year in the AFC West.

Are the Broncos the team to beat in the AFC West?

a double-digit victory season with a healthy Manning would seem to be at the low end of expectations.

Manning guided the Colts to at least 10 wins 11 times. whether he can produce that consistency in a new environment is part of the challenge.

In any event, Chargers general manager a.J. Smith — no big fan of the Mannings after brother Eli snubbed his franchise coming out of college — and coach Norv Turner can’t be thrilled about the signing. San Diego owned the division for a few years but could never get over the hump. now comes Peyton.

Peyton Manning picks Denver Broncos; Tim Tebow status cloudy

Forbes says Spanx’s Sara Blakely, of Clearwater, is world’s youngest self-made female billionaire – Tampa Bay Times

by on March 10, 2012

fifteen years ago and still in her 20s, Clearwater native Sara Blakely had an idea for a line of pantyhose that smoothed her clothes but left legs and feet bare for open shoes.

Who knew that concept would transform her into the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire?

Forbes magazine so anointed her Wednesday in publishing its annual list of the world’s billionaires. Blakely is not only on that list but on Forbes’ cover.

"I can’t hear that I am on that list without laughing," Blakely said in a phone interview from new York City. "I can’t help but think of the days when my job was to cold call people in Clearwater to try and sell them fax machines and how many of them said ‘No, no, no.’ "

When Blakely sought a patent attorney in the late 1990s to help copyright her idea for a product saucily called Spanx, he scoffed, asking "Am I on Candid Camera?"

"For the first year, everyone was telling me I was crazy," Blakely said. now everyone’s telling her she’s rich. Crazy rich.

Blakely, now 41, is the sole owner of her private, debt-free Spanx shapewear company in Atlanta. Forbes credits Blakely’s shapewear company for "reinventing the girdle."

The youngest woman to join this year’s list without help from a husband or an inheritance, Blakely is now part of a tiny, elite club of American women worth 10 figures on their own. among them: TV phenom Oprah Winfrey ($2.7 billion) and current HP (and former eBay) CEO Meg Whitman ($1.4 billion).

on Wednesday, Spanx public relations’ team was inundated with media calls for Blakely. she wrapped up a BBC interview before calling me at her hometown paper. she is scheduled to appear Thursday morning live on both CBS’ This Morning and ABC’s Good Morning America. an interview with Diane Sawyer of ABC’s World News will be broadcast Friday, she said.

Hitting $1 billion in net worth seems to be the entry fee to a new level of fame.

Years before Spanx, Blakely graduated from Clearwater High School and then Florida State University in 1993. she considered going to law school but instead drove to Disney and tried out to be Goofy. she was 2 inches short of the 5-foot-8 height requirement. then she worked seven years for Tampa office equipment firm Danka Business Systems. It was a "humbling experience" that Blakely says helped toughen her sales skills and laid a foundation for the success of Spanx.

"I was given four ZIP codes in Clearwater and a cubicle and told to sell $20,000 worth of fax machines a month," she recalled. That, plus a standup comedy hobby that she used to market the Spanx name in funny ways, would help get her business off the ground.

Blakely was transferred to Atlanta — Tampa Bay’s big loss, in hindsight — where the Spanx firm would later be founded.

now the Spanx line of 200 different body-shaping undergarments can be found in 35 countries and stores ranging from Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom to Saks Fifth Avenue and the Sports Authority. (There’s also a line of Spanx for men.)

Blakely is one of 1,226 billionaires on this year’s global list. she just squeezed on to the rankings along with 73 others with a net worth of $1 billion.

Blakely lives with her husband and son in Atlanta but also owns a home in La Jolla, Calif., and a Central Park West apartment in Manhattan. Blakely bought property last year on Clearwater Beach for a future home so that she can be near her mother and grandmother, as well as many childhood friends.

"There’s still a close-knit network of friends there for me, but we never talk about money," she said. "When they see the Forbes story, they’re going to say ‘Oh my God.’ "

Did Blakely even realize she was a billionaire before Forbes told her? yes, she said. "but Forbes putting it on paper makes it more real."

this is probably the start of something new. We’re going to see a lot more women entrepreneurs on the Forbes billionaire lists in the coming years.

Blakely wants to help nurture that trend. Her advice to young women with an entrepreneurial itch?

"Trust your gut," she said. Blakely purposely did not tell anyone about her initial legless pantyhose idea for an entire year because she did not want to have to defend it or be talked out of it. It took two years just to persuade a hosiery mill to even make an initial run of her product.

That, she said, is one reason Spanx exists.

"Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know," she counsels. "That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else."

this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Sara Blakely. Her humor-tinged biography on the Spanx website may say it best: "Putting her butt on the line pays off!"

Contact Robert Trigaux at trigaux@tampabay.com.

NFL combine notes: Former Browns coach Romeo Crennel thrilled to get a second chance as an NFL coach « The Chronicle-Telegram – Lorain County’s leading news source

by on February 26, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — Romeo Crennel was back at the podium Saturday at the NFL scouting combine.

It’s a position reserved for general managers and head coaches, and it seemed doubtful Crennel would ever make it back to head coach after being fired in Cleveland. But he excelled as interim coach in Kansas City last season and was retained.

“A lot of times you don’t get second chances in this business,” he said. “You just go along and you try to do the best job you can at the job that you have. If you do that and people take notice, then they give you chances.

“So I’ve got a second chance and I’m going to try to do it better than I did the first time around.”

Crennel is 64 years old, so a second shot wasn’t guaranteed. Especially after he went 24-40 with the Browns from 2005-08.

“You never really know in this business,” he said.

Crennel, who replaced the fired Todd Haley, beat the undefeated Packers and finished the season strong, is thrilled to get a second shot. he said he learned from the time in Cleveland.

“Just the experience itself (helps),” Crennel said. “Try to avoid quarterback controversies, for one. I think that’s key.”

Crennel went through four starting quarterbacks in four seasons — Trent Dilfer, Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. he was criticized for flipping a coin to decide who’d start a preseason game during the 2007 battle between Anderson and Frye.

“I’ve sat in the chair before and can anticipate some of the things that will happen,” Crennel said. “I’m more prepared to deal with what happens.”

Crennel hired Brian Daboll to be his offensive coordinator with the Chiefs. Daboll held the job for the Browns under Eric Mangini in 2009 and 2010 and with the Dolphins last season.

“I know what he’s about, I know how hard he works, I know how thoughtful he is,” Crennel said. “I’ve seen his career grow from the time where we were in new England when he was just a young whippersnapper.”

Browns want Benard back

The Browns will try to re-sign defensive end Marcus Benard even if they don’t give him a restricted free agent tender, a league source said.

The source said a final decision hasn’t been made whether to offer a tender, which guarantees a one-year contract and makes it harder for the player to sign elsewhere. Profootballtalk.com reported earlier in the day the Browns don’t plan to make Benard a tender offer, so he would become an unrestricted free agent. Free agency begins March 13.

Benard is rehabilitating from injuries, including a broken hand, suffered in a motorcycle accident in October. The other injuries were never revealed. he played four games as a backup before the accident with two tackles and a half-sack.

Despite being placed on the reserve non-football injury list for the last 12 games of 2011, the Browns decided to pay him the remaining $370,000 of his salary.

Benard, 26, was an undrafted rookie in 2009 and led the team with 7 1⁄2 sacks in 2010 as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. he moved to end last year when the Browns switched to a 4-3.

Power outage

Ohio State left tackle Mike Adams bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times Friday, a disappointing total.

“That’s not acceptable for that position, not even close,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said.

Michigan center David Molk led the offensive linemen with 41 repetitions.Adams said he’s met with the Browns and they asked him about playing right tackle. He’s been projected as a first-round pick and could be available for the Browns at No. 22.

In good company

NFL Network analyst Brian Billick, who won a Super Bowl as coach of the Ravens with Dilfer as his quarterback, loves Stanford’s Andrew Luck, who’s the prohibitive favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the draft.

“I think Andrew Luck is the most dynamic quarterbacking talent to come out since John Elway, as a prospect,” Billick said, referring to the Hall of Famer who was the No. 1 pick in 1983. “I think Andrew Luck has more credentials, fewer questions about him, than anybody since John Elway.”

Billick is also a fan of Baylor’s Robert Griffin III.

“Very intrigued by him,” he said. “This is the best throwing athlete I’ve seen come out in awhile.

“Far better than Michael Vick, in my opinion. Far better than Cam Newton. This guy has as pure a throwing motion for an athletic quarterback. clearly has the intelligence to transition. Will translate into the NFL very well.”

Extra points

Former Browns center Hank Fraley was in town and is looking to get into coaching. he played for the Browns from 2006-09 and spent 2010 with the Rams. he was out of the league last year.

• OSU receiver DeVier Posey was asked the best piece of advice he received before the combine.

“To make sure I bring food in my book bag so I could have a snack, because you get really hungry,” he said.

Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com. Fan him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

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'Wanderlust' Co-Writer Ken Marino on Casting Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston (Video)

by on February 22, 2012

Marino, who also appeared in MTV's the State and Starz’s Party Down, isn’t only a star in the film, but a co-writer. He wrote the project with director David Wain. the duo also penned 2008’s Role Models.

PHOTOS: 'Wanderlust' Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals

At the premiere for Wanderlust, Marino told THR that he and Wain were roommates in college. “And we just have a good time together and we make each other laugh,” he said.

“we just sit in a room together and start banging out stories,” he said. “if he makes me laugh, then it goes in. if I make him laugh, then it goes in. if we read it again later on and it still makes us laugh, then it stays in.”

Universal’s comedy, produced by Judd Apatow, reunites Aniston and Rudd, who appeared on Friends together, and also starred in 1996’s Object of My Affection. In Wanderlust, they play a married Manhattan couple who move to a hippie commune after George loses his job.

VIDEO: Jennifer Aniston on Her big Screen Reunion with Paul Rudd in 'Wanderlust'

“we had Paul in mind when we started writing it, and Jen was kind of on our dream list,” Marino said of casting the two leads.

“When they stepped into it, their instincts and their choices were spot on,” he added.

Aniston also spoke to THR at the premiere, saying that it was a joy to work with her friend Rudd again. “we just have a true affection for each other and I just feel honored any time I get to work with him," she said.

Wanderlust, which also stars Malin Akerman, Alan Alda and Kathryn Hahn, opens in theaters on February 24.

Twitter: @Beccamford

Celebrity Guest List For Whitney Houston’s Funeral

by on February 18, 2012

Dear Whitney, I know your spirit is all over in the air. I know you are rejoicing as well as singing in the heavens to all the other angels. And I know you will read this message I am sending to you. I’m getting ready to watch your home-going (funeral live). I sat up last nite downloading several of your uplifting beautiful songs just listening to that magnificent voice our Father God blessed you with. I have always been a huge huge huge fan of you and your work. I 1st heard your music when my oldest brother used to play your song “Just the Lonely Talking Again”. To this day that song by far is my all-time favorite. as I type this I am crying and I love you so much Whitney Elizabeth Houston. Truth be told you “were the greatest love of all”! Bobbi Kristina is going to be a phenomenal woman because her mother was indeed phenomenal. you had done a great job not only raising her, but a great job while you were loaned to us here on earth. now you are free of all pain, hurt and sorrow. you “Angel You”! I wii meet with you in heaven later in life and I will have the blessing of you singing to me in person & spirit forever & ever. it will never end. you have always been my role model/big sister. I love you Whitney and enjoy being in heaven. We all thank you for touching our lives in the remarkable way that you have

Nina BrownChicago, IL

Precisely why It is advisable to Purchase Males Tee shirts On-line

by on February 17, 2012

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Why is my EFC from my FAFSA so high?

by on February 15, 2012

Why is my EFC from my FAFSA so high?

My mother just completed the FAFSA for me and was given an EFC of 6871. as far as I’m understanding, this is saying for the 2012-2013 year my mother will be able to approximately fund $ 6871 of my college tuition.

However, this doesn’t make sense. I’m the only dependent of my mother right now (my brother has graduated college), and there’s only 2 of us living in an apartment, but she makes less than $ 50,000 per year. I don’t have a job nor do I have any significant money.

As far I see, this number makes me ineligible to receive grants from the FAFSA, so I can only get loans. How financially challenged does a student have to be to get grants? my mother and I certainly won’t be able to supply over $ 6,800 per year, if anything. neither of us have money saved up for my tuition, and the only money I have so far is academic scholarships which as far as I know don’t count towards the EFC.

Why is my EFC from my FAFSA so high?

AT&T Wireless Promotional Codes

by on February 7, 2012

In today’s competitive consumer oriented market every consumer is looking for that next great bargain. so how you are supposed to figure out which is the best wireless plan for your mobile phone? when choosing the best wireless plans there are several factors that you should consider.

Getting the best deal is always important, even for wireless services such as AT&T Wireless. Well known fact is that many consumers do not know enough to ensure that they got the best value of money deal. one must do a little research before purchasing the cell-phone plans for AT&T wireless service plans. as it is evident that it is not every day’s job that we buy a new cell phone when we know that not every handset is going to work with an AT&T wireless plan.

Best way to ensure regular savings is to look for promo codes, such as an AT&T wireless promotional codes. these promotional codes are discount coupons that one can use to get discount on AT&T wireless services and cell-phones compatible to AT&T wireless services.

There are various promotional codes enabling you to save money on purchasing the cell phone for your wireless services. these codes are Free and published on a regular basis to avail a discount on AT&T wireless Plans.

Just like a regular coupon, an promotion code may come with different stipulations or limitations. The first thing to know is that most of these codes come with a validity period. Promo codes can only be used until its expiration date, even if that date is not readily apparent. The basic rule of thumb is to consider using it as soon quickly as possible or one is risking that promo code to expire without any notice.

Just like coupons, there may be terms and conditions that must be met when using any given codes but they all are easy to understand and easy to navigate, mostly because promotion codes are meant to provoke/entice instant revenue.

AT&T Wireless Promotional Codes

MLB Free Agency: 10 Players Who Need Huge Contract Years

by on February 3, 2012

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Season Stats: .288/.339/.416, 12 HR, 65 RBI, 158 games played

Despite being one of the core players for the Dodgers, Loney is one of those guys who is more or less playing for his job and a new contract.

The glove work on defense has always been there, but the power that was expected to develop on Loney’s frame has never appeared.

His 65 runs batted in last season were his lowest total in the last five years and a good example of the power deficiency.

With inconsistent performance and low power numbers for a corner infielder, it’s not a given that the Dodgers will re-sign Loney. But it is likely, since L.A has no other proven options to put at first base, and he will probably end up costing relatively little for a player of his talent level.

That being said, Loney has one last chance to squeeze a multi-year contract out of the Dodgers.

Jason Miller/Getty Images

Season Stats:  .224/.285/.422, 10 HR, 32 RBI, 71 games played

After being released and then re-signed by the Indians, it is apparent that Grady Sizemore is on a short leash in Cleveland.

The talented outfielder’s once quickly rising career has been derailed by perennial injuries, and teams that otherwise would’ve taken a chance on him were scared off.

One of the last true five-tool players before he got hurt, it’s likely that Sizemore would have achieved 40 home runs and 40 steals if he had stayed healthy, having already reached the 30-30 milestone.

But with significant injuries the last four years, he is lucky that the Indians were willing to take him back.

Anything approaching his first few years in the league would be a boon for Grady. If he can stay healthy and perform, it would probably be enough for at least a two- or three-year deal, and more importantly, save his career.

J. Meric/Getty Images

Season Stats: .243/.331/.429, 23 HR, 81 RBI, 153 games played

B.J. Upton has been continually linked to trade rumors the last several years, and that probably will not change this season.

Although .243 is a low average for a player of Upton’s caliber, 2011 was a good year for him.

Strong power numbers and 36 stolen bases went a good ways to demonstrating the potential that Upton has, and that younger brother Justin has been showcasing.

The character concerns about lack of hustle are still present, but it would seem that B.J. is maturing, and with Desmond Jennings ready to take over in center field, Upton would do well to impress in 2012, increasing his stock for a multi-year contract in free agency or a potential trade.

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Season Stats: .254/.340/.499, 24 HR, 77 RBI, 118 games played

The former White Sox slugger is headed to a year full of deflating power numbers as he moves to cavernous Petco Park.

Combine the change in scenery with a relative lack of protection in the lineup besides fellow newcomer Yonder Alonso, and you can see why Quentin is perhaps the guy most in need of a contract year before he starts to languish away in San Diego.

Petco is a notoriously pitcher-oriented park, but the saving grace for the 29-year-old Quentin may be that he is a right-handed hitter with power to left, shown by the fact that all of the home runs he hit last year in Chicago were to left field.

Quentin is looking for one last lengthy contract before his power starts to go downhill, but San Diego is the worst place he could have started looking.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Season Stats: .298/.346/.536, 25 HR, 94 RBI, 121 games played

We could see a contract to rival those of Pujols and Fielder when Josh Hamilton becomes eligible for free agency next offseason.

We could also see a similarity develop between Pujols and Hamilton in terms of their contract situations.

The Texas slugger has said that he will discuss an extension right up to spring training, and this could create difficulties for the Rangers, as they envision a much more conservative deal than Hamilton’s camp is said to believe in.

I could see this playing out just like the Pujols situation, with Josh leaving Texas to go to the highest bidder. 

Despite the injuries and addiction problems, Hamilton has been a premier player his whole career, and his stat line each season only adds weight to that.

There is no doubt that he will be a $100-million man with his next contract, but a full, healthy year played with comparable stats to last year could push his price closer to $200 million.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Season Stats: .292/.368/.421, 11 HR, 62 RBI, 135 games played

Andre Ethier isn’t in the best of situations.

With the McCourt bankruptcy and divorce fiasco and the team in the process of being sold, there isn’t a lot of money to go around.

A knee injury, poor second-half performance and what amounts to career lows in home runs and RBI don’t help Ethier’s case in aiming for a new contract with L.A . 

Whoever becomes the new owner of the Dodgers will probably be throwing ample amounts of money around, and Ethier, along with James Loney, are playing for their continued stays in Los Angeles.

Ethier has a long way to rebound after last season, notably hitting only .220 against left-handed pitching. 

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Season Stats: 12-11, 1.08 WHIP, .217 BAA, 2.88 ERA, 221.2 innings pitched

It’s shocking that after all the years he has been with the Giants, all the games with no run support and win-worthy gems tossed out the window, Matt Cain wants to come back! 

There is a good chance that the Giants will be able to get Cain on a long-term deal and for less than $20 million a year.

It would be wise to lock up the workhorse of a top rotation, especially when Lincecum seems to want to test the waters of free agency.

On the other hand, if Cain were to hit the market, it’s expected that he would get much more than the $77.5 million contract of C.J Wilson.

Cain has received Cy Young votes in previous years. an improvement to 15 wins total, which is significant considering the state of the San Francisco offense in the past, would make a big payday virtually assured, regardless of whether Cain chooses an extension or free agency.

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Season Stats: .254/.345/.427, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 102 games played

With the Mets in the middle of a historic salary dump and financial disaster like the Dodgers, David Wright has been a hot name mentioned as the next to leave new York.

It remains to be seen whether the club will pick up Wright’s option for 2013, but the signs point to him being a Met for the foreseeable future.

After an injury-plagued season and with the Mets in a fire sale, Wright’s value is at an all-time low.

Teams don’t want to give anything for him in a trade, despite five seasons of 25-plus HR and 100-plus RBI.

New York wants to keep Wright, and he wants to stay in new York. If Wright can produce anywhere near his ’06-’08 levels, he will reestablish himself as one of the premier third basemen in the game and prove worthy of a $100 million contract

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Season Stats: .279/.322/.421, 10 HR, 59 RBI, 143 games played

Aybar already had a career year in 2011, but he may need something similar this season.

His job status may be up in the air with the rise of Jean Segura through the Angels’ minor league system.

The value is there—the fifth-year shortstop posted career highs in home runs, runs batted in and stolen bases, and he continued a career trend of great contact hitting.

And the addition of Albert Pujols will make the entire lineup better. Up-and-down production throughout Aybar’s time in the majors is a significant concern, however, and an encore of his 2011 performance would be just the thing needed to lock up an extension and a starting job.

MLB Free Agency: 10 Players Who Need Huge Contract Years

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