The Los Angeles Dodgers were recently purchased for more than two billion dollars. It's the most money that's ever been spent on a sports team, and Magic Johnson - the most visible part of the new ownership group - has said that he intends to begin recruiting free agents in the future the very second he can begin recruiting free agents.

Currently set to become a free agent next fall is one Cole Hamels. Hamels, who hails from San Diego, California. It's not hard to see Hamels leaving Philadelphia for Los Angeles, if Hamels and Philadelphia can't come to terms on an extension. About that, here's Ken Rosenthal:

There have been no substantive talks between the sides in the last three weeks. Hamels is unlikely to sign for less than market value - and market value for a left-hander of his caliber is five or six years at $20 million plus per season. The Phillies remain in a box. Hamels, 28, is the youngest of their aces. Lefty Cliff Lee turns 34 on Aug. 30, and righty Roy Halladay turns 35 on May 14..

Recently, it was reported that the Phillies know how much Hamels will cost per year, and that they can afford it. The issue is the number of years, with Hamels wanting more than the Phillies are willing to give. If that's true, it seems like there could be a compromise, maybe/probably with vesting options and the like, and we aren't exactly accustomed to the Phillies losing impact players, but as long as progress isn't being made, other suitors can lick their lips. That's gross, I'm sorry for writing that. Cole Hamels might become a free agent. Okay.