Grade their offseason

[Megatron]

While the MLB offseason still has roughly two months left before pitchers and catchers report, almost every big name on the free agent market (save for Adrian Beltre) have been signed somewhere. So, barring any big trades (which are possible) I think it's time to address everyone's offseason. I will try to give my thoughts on as many teams as I can, but I shall start off with the team I know best: the Detroit Tigers.

Key Additions: C/DH Victor Martinez, RP Joaquin Benoit
Key Losses: SP Jeremy Bonderman, OF Johnny Damon
Positives: The Tigers did what they had to do this offseason, and that was to address their key needs:
1) Getting a bat to protect Miguel Cabrera
2) Getting some relief help
3) Solidify the left side of their defense

The Tigers did all three of those things, signing Victor Martinez to a long term deal, along with regaining Magglio Ordonez for a one year deal, who had a nice bounce back season before having an ankle injury in July. Joaquin Benoit also had a stellar season in Tampa Bay, and should be a staple in the back end of the bullpen setting up Jose Valverde this year. They also kept fan-favorite Brandon Inge at third and Jhonny Peralta (who at first seemed to be a few month rental) at SS, which means that 3/4s of their infield is now set for the upcoming years with those two and MVP candidate 1st Baseman Miguel Cabrera. There will be a Spring Training battle for 2nd Base between Carlos Guillen, Will Rhymes, and Scott Sizemore, and for one of the outfield spots between Brennan Boesch and Ryan Raburn. Other then those two spots, the Tigers everyday players should be set for 2011.

Negatives: While I was happy with their offseason, despite having quite a large amount of payroll coming off of the books this offseason, the Tigers didn't really hand out any offers to some of the bigger free agents (Lee, Dunn, Crawford, Werth). While I didn't think they had a shot at Lee or Crawford, Dunn was clearly affordable, when you look at his contract (4 yr/$56mil) compared to the Tigers biggest signing, Martinez's (4 yr/$50mil). Dunn is a better power hitter and could've given some great protection behind Cabrera, since you would've had two guys capable of being 40 HR threats each year back to back. While Martinez is by no means a bad hitter and can give Alex Avila some days off, Dunn would have been the better option as a hitter and could possibly play a few games at first or in the OF. Other then that, there's not much more I think the Tigers could do, except possibly add a back end rotation guy (which they still can). Their top 3 rotation is set with Verlander, Porcello, and Scherzer, but they're putting a lot of faith in Phil Coke (who was in the bullpen last year) and Armando Gallaraga to give them some good innings. I still don't rule them out of going and getting someone for a cheap price to possibly move Coke back to the bullpen.

On a 1-10 scale, with 1 being 'awful' and 10 being 'great' the Tigers get: 7. The Tigers didn't get shut out in the offseason, filling out all of their needs, but they didn't make a huge splash. They filled their needs and did what they had to do, but there's still some spots that have question marks (2B, LF, lefthanded specialist in pen). It's clear the Tigers are putting some of their eggs into the farm and hoping that some guys (Raburn/Boesch, Sizemore/Rhymes, LHP Daniel Schlereth/Robbie Weinhardt) can give some productive seasons. The Tigers are capable of being a threat in the AL Central, but I'd still put the Twins ahead and the White Sox probably as well, considering their additions. They should be a threat, but some guys may need to pan out well for it to happen.

Also, everyone is welcome to grade whoever they want, this just isn't limited to me.

Next up: Philadelphia Phillies.

 

[People's Champ]

The Phillies signed a lot of guys to minor league deals, but did make one huge splash. They signed the biggest free agent on the market in Cliff Lee. A surprise move made by the Phillies as they weren't seen as being a team interested in bringing him. I'm sure this move was stemed by what happened in the playoffs, and this solidfies their rotation as one of the best in baseball. (The Giants aren't far behind, if they are at all. After much thought, I still think I might take the Giants rotation, but that's for another time)

The offense didn't need much upgrading, as they have a great offense who just ran into a great pitching staff. Lee gives them another ace, and they should be favored to go to the World Series and represent the NL.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I would the Phillies a 8, as the getting Lee makes their rotation one of the best, and arguably the best in baseball. It was that big of a move.

Next Up:Boston Red Sox

 

[Father Uncle Oscar]

The Red Sox have had nothing less than a great offseason to this point. From Adrian Gonzalez to Bobby Jenks just a couple days ago, the BoSox have made every positive move they could have made.

It all started with the acquisition of Gonzalez. Gonzalez has "always wanted to play in Boston," and he'll get a huge oppertunity after the retirement of Mike Lowell. I see nothing but positive impact from this acquisition. Adrian's athletic, he's got a nice bat, and he can get it done wherever he is. I loved this move since the announcement, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will step up.

I'll give my BoSox an 8, though. Other than those 3 pick-ups (Carl Crawford as well), they havn't done anything. Sure, Gonzalez was huge and Jenks could probably pick up the pitching performance that struggled late last year, but other than that we were silent. And silence is the last thing we need coming out of a non-playoff season. Who knows? Those 3 moves might have been all we needed. That and we're just too banged up. Varitek and Pedroia seem very injury-prone as of late, but the Sox have shown that they can work around it.

Up next: San Francisco Giants

 

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Philadelphia Phillies:
Key Additions: LHP Cliff Lee
Key Losses: OF Jason Werth, RHP Jamie Moyer, RHP J.C. Romero
Positives: The Phillies didn't have a lot of names added from a team that won it's 4th straight NL East title, but they did get the biggest fish in the pond of both pitchers and hitters, with that being Cliff Lee. With Lee, they have one of the most hyped rotations and have the potential to be one of the most dominant staffs of all time. 4 15 game winners isn't out of the question, which would be quite an accomplishment. With the foursome of Halladay (reigning Cy Young winner) Lee (08 Cy Young winner, undefeated in the postseason until the past WS) Roy Oswalt (who was the ace of the decent Astros teams just a few years back) and Cole Hamels (who was the MVP of the 08 WS). Their hitting takes a slight hit by losing Jason Werth, but they are prepared to put in Baseball America's top rated prospect, Domonic Brown, who is thought of as a 5 tool player. Needless to say, barring many injuries, this team is playoff bound again, thanks to both a strong rotation and a strong offense. Hell, this appears to be the best team in recent Phillies seasons (yes, even above the 08 Champs).

Negatives: While Brown shouldn't have any problem filling in for Werth's spot, you have got to expect at least a slight dropoff in clutch hitting. Werth was one of their top players, but now the pressure will be more on Utley, Rollins, and Howard to get the big hits (which I think they can do). Other then that, this team doesn't have many flaws. Their bullpen with Lidge, Madson, and Contreras is a very strong back end. The loss of Romero also hurts their depth, but when their big 4 are constantly going deep into ballgames you don't need a whole lot of depth.

On a scale of 1-10, the Phillies get: 9. Yes, the addition of Lee alone is worth a 9. Especially when Werth was their only loss. I'd take good pitching over good hitting anyday of the week. Plus, the offense doesn't have many holes, should Brown be as good as he is regarded (which I think he will be). The addition of Lee, for a fair price (he went for less then had he gone to NY or stayed in Texas) warrants a 9.

Up next: Tampa Bay Rays.

 

[Davi323]

Does losing Bonderman and Damon really count as losses, Megatron? LOL. Seems to me it could be addition by substraction. I do agree that the Tigers have had a good offseason, not spectacular, but they did address some key needs...especially when it comes to protecting Miguel Cabrera in the lineup by putting some hitters around him. If the Tigers had exercised their option on Magglio Ordonez, meaning he would have been owed 15 million dollars, I wouldn't have been so upbeat, but by allowing him to be a free agent, and then signing him back for only 10 million was a good move. Anytime you can sign a guy for 2/3rds of what you were paying him before is a good thing. The Tigers freed up a lot of money with expired contracts, and still have money to spend...I am not convinced that they are done making moves, but Dombrowski is simply waiting for the right opportunity.

 

[Megatron]

Does losing Bonderman and Damon really count as losses, Megatron? LOL. Seems to me it could be addition by substraction. I do agree that the Tigers have had a good offseason, not spectacular, but they did address some key needs...especially when it comes to protecting Miguel Cabrera in the lineup by putting some hitters around him. If the Tigers had exercised their option on Magglio Ordonez, meaning he would have been owed 15 million dollars, I wouldn't have been so upbeat, but by allowing him to be a free agent, and then signing him back for only 10 million was a good move. Anytime you can sign a guy for 2/3rds of what you were paying him before is a good thing. The Tigers freed up a lot of money with expired contracts, and still have money to spend...I am not convinced that they are done making moves, but Dombrowski is simply waiting for the right opportunity.

The only reason I really put those two up is because they received significant playing time last season. I get what you mean, and I agree with it. Bonderman hasn't been all that special since his injury, and was replaceable, while Damon simply couldn't bring the production that he had at NY to Detroit. I think Raburn would do just as good of a job (if not better) for a much cheaper price and has better legs under him (Damon certainly isn't young).

And yes, re-adding Magglio for $5 million was quite nice, since he was doing quite well and I'd give him another shot, especially since he wants to be here (he said he wanted to retire as a Tiger).

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Tampa Bay Rays:
Key Additions: RP Joel Peralta,
Key Losses: OF Carl Crawford, RP Dan Wheeler, 1B Carlos Pena, RP Rafael Soriano, RP Joaquin Benoit, RP Grant Balfour, SS Jason Bartlett
Positives: Yikes. Clearly, the Rays are one of the teams that didn't benefit much from this offseason. This team was built to win for last year, as it was quite clear that they weren't going to be able to afford all of their key parts from last years team when they were planning on cutting their $70 million payroll in '10. They do still have Evan Longoria (who might be on the shortlist for possible MVP candidates with a strong '11 season) and David Price (who finished #2 in the Cy Young), along with some other nice names. However, for these guys to be a contender again next year, they're going to have to go back to the farm and hope some guys pay off (like they did in 08 with Longoria, Price, etc.) and find guys that will play for cheap.

Negatives: Well, for one Carl Crawford, long being the face of the franchise, not only left, but signed to their rivals the Red Sox. Also, a lot of their parts from their strong bullpen last year (Soriano, Benoit, Wheeler, Balfour) are all pitching somewhere else. While the Rays are losing all of their players, the Red Sox have added many weapons and the Yankees are still the Yankees. Like I said, they're going to have to rely on a lot of young guys and journeymen to try and fill in the bullpen for them.

On a scale of 1-10, the Rays get: 1.5 Not a good offseason for these guys at all. Their biggest loss, clearly, will be Crawford, although those 4 bullpen arms will hurt more then people might think. They appear like they will have a down season, even with Longoria and a talented starting staff there. The only reason they didn't fall down to '1' was because they did make an addition, albiet a small one with RP Joel Peralta. I don't see them having much of a chance staying ahead of either the Sox or Yankees and, frankly, with the way they finished, I think Baltimore could shock a lot of people and sneak up on them. It's clear the Rays were planning on 2010 or bust, so anyone expecting great things out of them this year should probably get their eyes checked.

Next: Los Angeles Dodgers

 

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Los Angeles Dodgers:
Key Additions: SP Jon Garland, SS Juan Uribe, RHP Matt Guerrier
Key Losses: OF Reed Johnson, OF Scott Podsednik, C Russell Martin, LHP George Sherrill
Positives: The Dodgers, despite going through a rough divorce between owners Frank and Jamie McCourt, made a few nice deals this offseason. They stole two guys, Jon Garland and Juan Uribe, that were very responsible to their divisional rivals, the Padres and Giants, successes last season. In order to win the NL West, you're going to need some good pitching, the Giants and Padres proved that last year, and some timely hitting. For the Dodgers, their pitching staff was the main reason why they were as respectable as they were. I believe it is the time for Clayton Kershaw to step it up this year and prove that he can be the ace of this staff. He had a good season last year (2.91 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) and he has all the tools to make the step as an all star next year, which will be his 4th full year in the majors. Garland will be able to provide some depth for the rotation, as well, which also features Ted Lilly (who was great in the 70 innings he played for the Dodgers after being traded over), Hiroki Kuroda (who was better then his stats showed) and Chad Billingsley (who was better last year, stats wise, then he was in his all-star season). The bullpen is a little bare, but Matt Guerrier, who did very well in Minnesota, should provide some help, along with Hong-Chih Kuo and Kenley Jansen. While Jonathan Broxton will more then likely be the closer to start off the year, don't be surprised if Jansen is moved there if Broxton struggles (which he did throughout 2010). Overall, with the additions of Garland + Guerrier and the upside of Kershaw and having Lilly for a full year should make this rotation stronger in 11.

Negatives: The Dodgers were one of the worst run-producing teams last year, 21st overall (along with 24th in slugging) and didn't get one of their biggest needs, a big run-driving in hitter. Yes, Juan Uribe will be an upgrade over Jamey Carroll, but can he bring in 100+ like they need? Doubtful. So, unless Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, or James Loney can step up, their run producing struggles will continue.

Look at it this way, when they were a playoff team the two years prior to this one, did they have a dangerous run producer in the middle of the lineup? Yes they did, and his name was Manny Ramirez. While it was clearly the right move letting Manny go during the trade deadline, the Dodgers have done themselves no favors in not getting a big hitter in the middle. That is always the ultimate equalizer to great pitching. Look, I like Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, but the Dodgers would have greatly benefited from acquiring someone like Jayson Werth this offseason. He could've been that missing piece that made this team a playoff contender again. Without someone who can drive in the runs when needed, I can't see this team finishing with more then maybe 85 wins, which may be good for 3rd in the division.

On a scale of 1-10, the Dodgers get a: 5. While I do like all three of their big additions, I think their still a big hitter away from being a serious contender in the NL West. I think this team has a lot of talent in the rotation that can carry them into contention deep into September, but it may require them getting a big bat (like they did in 08 with Manny) during the trade deadline to really be any type of threat.

And let's not downgrade the switching of managers. Don Mattingly has been a Torre disciple for a few years now, so they have to hope that he doesn't follow Torre's way out and brings some energy into this team that Torre seemed to lack last season. I do like the move, because Joe just seemed like he wanted out and change was needed, but in his first year of his first managerial job, it'll be very interesting to see how he handles many things (like their first long losing streak, spats in the clubhouse, etc.). If everything performs out right for the Dodgers and everyone they need to produces, they could challenge the Giants for the NL West crown and threaten the 90 win mark. At Worst, they're the 4th best team in the division. It just all depends on how well this pitching staff performs and how much clutch hitting they can get. Like I said, I expect maybe 85 wins and a 3rd place finish, at best.

Up next: Oakland Athletics

 

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Oakland Athletics
Key Additions: DH/OF Hideki Matsui, RHP Rich Harden, LHP Brian Fuentes, RHP Grant Balfour
Key Losses: OF Jack Cust, RHP Ben Sheets, 3B Eric Chavez
Positives: The pitching staff, which is what the A's are keen to build upon, got stronger in both the rotation and bullpen this year. The A's are lead by stud pitchers Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez, and Dallas Braden. Also, before he went down with an injury, Brett Anderson was a good pitching piece as well. That means that if Rich Harden, who's always seem to have had health problems, pitches the way he did the first time around in Oakland, the Athletics could have a top 5 rotation in baseball. And no, I'm not even exaggerating that. With only their big 3 healed for the majority of the year they were a .500 ballclub, so if Harden can produce better then what they expected with Ben Sheets last year, they can be a darkhorse playoff contender. Or, if Harden does good and the A's are struggling, they can use him as a trade chip to try and get some more nice young prospects. It looks like a low cost, high reward type of gamble.

Not only did the starting rotation improve a tad, but the bullpen received quite a nice makeover. With Andrew Bailey locked in at the closers spot, along with solid arms Brad Ziegler and Craig Breslow, the A's added depth with righty Grant Balfour (who was critical for Tampa last year), and lefty specialist Brian Fuentes (who was critical for Minnesota last year). Two guys that were on playoff teams last year have joined up to give the team some needed experience. With those 5, you have a few options for your 7-8-9 innings. Another player or two (options such as Jerry Blevins and Vin Mazzaro (who started 18 games last year)) could shape up this pitching staff, as a whole, as the best in the league. That is, if everyone lives up to their expectations.

Hideki Matsui being added as a big bat in the middle of the lineup helps as well, because it takes some pressure off of Daric Barton and Kevin Kouzmanoff.

Negatives: However, while on the topic of the Athletics offense, it will remain to be the teams weak point throughout. Last year, their top RBI man was Kouzmanoff, who only had 71 total. While the Colliseum is wide and very much a pitchers park, they're going to need a few guys to get up there in at least 80 RBI total to make a playoff push. I understand the Athletics mindset: build a strong rotation and have many guys from the pen close the deal, and hope the offense can scratch by enough runs for a win. To be fair, this isn't a bad strategy. I mean, look who won the World Series this year, and look at what their mindset was (hint: same thing). The thing was, though, they still got those clutch hits when they needed them most, whether it was from Aubrey Huff, Edgar Renteria, Andres Torres, Buster Posey, or someone else, they stepped up. That's what the A's will need if they think they're going to challenge Texas and Anaheim for the West Crown: fantastic pitching and good hitting.

But, to be honest, I don't know if I can see these guys coming out and producing enough runs each game. The A's are going to have to win a lot of 2-0, 3-2 games. They have a decent top of the lineup with Rajai Davis (who did get 50 steals last year), Pennington, Ellis, Matsui, Barton, and Kouzmanoff, but not one of them hit .300 in over 100 games last year, and only 2 (Davis and Ellis) hit above .275. They're gonna need some guys to get on base to bring those runs in, and that may require a deadline deal to give them a chance.

On a scale of 1-10, the Athletics get: 5. Not a bad offseason, but not a great one either. I do like them adding to the strength of the team, which is that rotation. But with only Matsui being their key addition on the everyday lineup, to a team that was 23rd in total runs scored, I still see them having trouble to bring in a lot of runs. This team could be anywhere from 1st to 3rd in the division, depending on how Harden, Anderson, and the bullpen pans out. Should they all do well, I think they could sneak up on Texas and take the division. Should they not and are average at best, you'll be seeing them at 81-81 again at the end of the year. I expect Braden, Cahill, and Gonzalez all to pitch well, so if Harden and Anderson can do just enough to get 15 total wins together, they'll be a playoff team.

At the end of the day, I'm going to put these guys above the Angels, but below the Rangers slightly. This looks like a 90 win team, but I think they may finish only a few games behind, just because of the lack of big game experience for most of these players.

Up next: Cincinnati Reds

 

[Megatron]

Cincinnati Reds
Key Additions: SS Edgar Renteria, OF Fred Lewis
Key Losses: SS Orlando Cabrera, LHP Arthur Rhodes
Positives: The Reds will be returning most of the key parts of a team that won them their first divisional title since 1995. The only starter that won't be returning appears to be shortstop Orlando Cabrera, and even then, Paul Janish (who played 82 games spread out through the infield) and World Series MVP Edgar Renteria should do a formidable job of filling in that role. Other then that, should they get the same production from key guys, they'll be in playoff contention the whole year. For the most part, there wasn't much need for improvement. They play in a hitter friendly ballpark and were top 5 in runs, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. For them, the offense will win them games.

However, I think their pitching will also improve to the solid mark they were at last year (12th in ERA, 13th in Quality Starts and WHIP, and 11th in Opponents BA) for a few reasons: 1) Edinson Volquez will finally be healthy. While he's only made 21 starts in the past two seasons because of injury issues, he's only 27 and had a great 2008. If he can duplicate that, he'll give them a great rotation with Johnny Cueto and their other young arms like Mike Leake, Homer Bailey, and Travis Wood. 2) They have depth. I mentioned 5 of their potential starters in the last three sentences, but let's not forget that they also have Bronson Arroyo, who's pitched very well for the stadium that he normally pitches in. And 3) They will gain another year of experience. Leake, Wood, Bailey, and Aroldis Chapman are all younger then 25 years old. This staff could surprise people and make their way into the top 10 in some of the main categories.

The Reds also had a nice addition of Fred Lewis, who'll get time in any 3 of the outfield spots when guys need a day off because he can play all 3 spots well. Plus, he's got great speed and can be used as a pinch runner in key situations.

Negatives: According to the depth chart that I'm using, the Reds might be lacking slightly in depth in the pen. While Cordero will be a solid closer, and Chapman will be their 8th inning guy, they're going to miss Arthur Rhodes, an all star last year, more then they may think. They can really only go 3 or 4 deep, right now, so some guys will have to step up and fill in that role. There don't appear to be many other holes on this team, unless a major injury happens (such as Votto going down). Otherwise, I see this team in playoff contention throughout the year.

On a scale of 1-10, the Reds get: 4. It wasn't a bad offseason, but it wasn't a great one. The Reds know that the thing they need most is for these players to mature a bit, not new players. So, they made some small, quiet deals, that may pay off big time in the postseason, should they get there. We know Renteria is clutch when it comes to the playoffs, so he could be big there. Other then that, I see this being a 90 win team and it'll be a three horse race between them, St. Louis, and Milwaukee (yes, the Brew Crew. More on them later). This team is built for long term success with all of the players that they have, so everyone in the NL should watch out. Again, there wasn't much noise for them, but they didn't need much.

Up next: Chicago White Sox