2012 Expected Eagles Contracts

The Olivet Killer Eagles plan on signing 6 contracts this season in order to get 3 extensions, not sure if they'll use all 3 or not but it seems like a nice thing to have come trade deadline. The way the draft went more players were taken with 2012 in mind than 2013 but over the years it's never a bad thing to go into the winter meetings with bodies to trade. No matter what, a 26th round selection could be had for ANYONE. So here are the speculated contracts, subject to change before the first pitch of the season after roles are determined in spring training.

5 year: Hanley Ramirez
This is putting faith in a return to form for Ramirez, but I trust he will. Wont ever go 30/50 but 20/30 is likely, and hitting 3rd in the lineup his RBI opps will definitely be there with Reyes running around the bases, and runs should be plentiful hitting .300 in front of Stanton.

3 year: Jose Bautista
The debate is whether or not Jose Bautista has 5 strong years in him at age 31. Its likely that he does, however if that is the case he'll still get 4 years with the team counting the extension, and will be a lot easier to trade if he doesn't.

3 year: Yovani Gallardo
To get 3 extensions I have to sign at least two 3 year contracts because I only have three 2 years available. Ive said time and time again that I wouldn't sign a pitcher to a 3 year deal but at least he's only 26 and should improve. I hope I don't regret this one.

2 year: Yadier Molina
Not a typical contract, but makes sense for a couple of reasons. 1.) Every good catcher was drafted this year and will be given a contract so this will give me the option to not draft one next year, who would probably be worse than Molina anyhow 2.) I expect his bat to continue to catch up to his glove. Catchers peak years are in their 30s, its not crazy to think he'll be able to repeat 2011.

2 year: David Robertson
Could have taken the Broskey route and given him a 3 year, however I don't think thats a good idea. I would have contracted him either way but it sounds like Girardi has all but decided its Robertson's job to lose if Rivera goes down this year and next year after Rivera is likely to retire.

2 year: Jeff Francoeur
Another iffy one, but i have faith that he'll be able to hit well enough to justify a contract for at least one more season. We sometimes forget he hit 29 homers and drove in 100 runs for Atlanta only a few years ago.

Honorary Team Captain: Chipper Jones
Chipper was a nickname given to me as a sophomore in High School by my Varsity baseball coach. He wanted me to move over to 3b from SS and I balked at the idea but once he convinced me that "Chipper did it" I was open to the move (Hey, are you listening Hanley?) After that and throughout high school I was called Chipper by everyone and now it comes full circle with Chipper ending his career with the Olivet Killer Eagles, hopefully getting him an eMLB Championship Ring as a parting gift