Money line

A version of this story appears in the Feb. 6 issue of ESPN The Magazine.

Already tired of talking about Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols? ESPN Insider's Jim Bowden, a former big league GM, ranks next year's free agents in order of how much he'd pay them if he were sitting in the front office.

Matt Cain
RHP
San Francisco Giants
Age: 27

Why he'll stay: Few players are a better fit for their home park than Cain, a fly-ball pitcher with a 3.12 career ERA at AT&T Park. Plus, the Giants have built their recent success on pitching.

Why he'll leave: Tim Lincecum will hit the free agent market a year later, and the Giants may not be able to afford both guys. I see each as an ace, but the club will likely choose Timmy.

Chance he leaves: 50 percent

Bowden's bid: Six years, $132 million

Possible fits: New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers

Cole Hamels
LHP
Philadelphia Phillies
Age: 28

For more of Bowden's thoughts on top free agents, become an ESPN Insider today!

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Jim Bowden

Baseball, Insider

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• Senior baseball analyst for ESPN Insider
• Former GM of the Reds and Nationals
• Author of "The GM's Office" blog