Phillies' outfield to-do list

WHAT PHILS WILL DO:

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. hasn't met an offseason or a trade deadline where he hasn't made a big splash. With a long list of outfielders available, there is plenty of big-splash potential.

Amaro also has some money to burn after cutting ties with Hunter Pence and with a TV contract looming in the near future.

With all of that said, don't bet against Amaro landing one of the big fish in free agency. With centerfield being an absolute need, B.J. Upton and Michael Bourn would qualify as a typical Amaro big splash.

WHAT PHILS SHOULD DO:

While trying to sign Cole Hamels long term and plan for 2013, Amaro had to dump Shane Victorino, Hunter Pence and Joe Blanton to clear salary. The jumbled payroll was a result of overpaying in the past. (See: Papelbon, Jonathan).

Rather than have history repeat itself by overpaying for a Michael Bourn, B.J. Upton or (gasp!) Josh Hamilton and then not having any flexibility for moves in the future, Amaro should do what he failed to do last winter and raid the bargain bin.

Josh Willingham and Jason Kubel were among last winter's overlooked free agents. Angel Pagan could fit the same description this offseason, and in bang for your buck, isa better option than Bourn in centerfield.

Couple Pagan with a capable corner outfielder - Torii Hunter is not getting younger, but does have pop and a Gold Glove - and the outfield is better on offense and defense.