Sports Then and Now

While the 2012 MLB season has come to a close, general managers across baseball are busy planning for next season, and the 2013 class of free agents presents some names of intrigue for sure.

Here are five names that GMs would love to add this off-season.

 1. Josh Hamilton: Texas Rangers

While there is no question that Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton will demand attention this offseason as a free agent, opinions have varied widely as to his value.

A former AL batting champion and MVP Award winner, Hamilton leads the majors as of Aug. 30 with 112 RBI, but after a torrid start to the season has cooled considerably. Injuries are always a concern, and teams may be wary of committing $100 million or more to a player with a sordid past.

 2. Michael Bourn: Atlanta Braves

Center fielder Michael Bourn has been everything the Braves wanted thus far in 2012—a .283 average, nine HR and 55 RBI (both career highs) and an NL-leading 37 stolen bases.

Bourn’s agent is Scott Boras, who almost always encourages his clients to test the free agent waters. The Braves would love to keep Bourn long-term, but the Washington Nationals are known to have a huge interest in his services. It very well could come down to a bidding war.

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