Milwaukee Brewers: C+
Players in: Neal Cotts, Corey Knebel, Adam Lind, Chris Perez, Luis Sardinas, Dontrelle Willis
Players out: Jeff Bianchi, Zach Duke, Marco Estrada, Yovani Gallardo, Tom Gorzelanny, Lyle Overbay, Mark Reynolds, Francisco Rodriguez, Rickie Weeks
Comments: Milwaukee? More like MEHwaukee, am I right? The Brewers didn’t really make waves this winter, and their biggest move was trading their best starting pitchers to the Rangers. Oh. Stealing Adam Lind from the Blue Jays to play first base was a great move, and to be fair, it’s not as if there were many areas were Milwaukee could upgrade at a reasonable cost. This wasn’t a great team last year, and won’t be a great team this year no matter what they did this offseason.
Minnesota Twins: C-
Players in: Torii Hunter, Ervin Santana, Tim Stauffer
Players out: Jared Burton, Chris Colabello, Chris Parmelee
Comments: The Twins more than likely won’t be all that great this year…so they bring back Torii Hunter for a farewell season and devote way too much money to Ervin Santana? Seems right. Given the lost years by both Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano in 2014, why would you have a make a couple of big splashes this offseason? Just seems silly to me.
New York Mets: D
Players in: Michael Cuddyer, John Mayberry Jr.
Players out: Bobby Abreu, Jeremy Hefner, John Lannan, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Eric Young Jr.
Comments: I’d like to give the Mets a big fat F, but at least they didn’t lose any key players this offseason. But really, signing John Mayberry Jr. and giving up a draft pick to sign Michael Cuddyer are your biggest moves of the winter? C’mon, man. Do better.
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 05: Andrew Miller #48 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during Game Three of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on October 5, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
New York Yankees: B-
Players in: Scott Baker, David Carpenter, Nate Eovaldi, Didi Gregorius, Garrett Jones, Andrew Miller, Chasen Shreve, Justin Wilson
Players out: Zoilo Almonte, Manny Banuelos, Francisco Cervelli, Shane Greene, Derek Jeter, Shawn Kelley, Hiroki Kuroda, Brandon McCarthy, David Phelps, Martin Prado, David Robertson, Ichiro Suzuki
Comments: Brian Cashman didn’t waste any time rebuilding his bullpen. Seriously, you lose Shawn Kelley and David Robertson and replace them with David Carpenter, Andrew Miller, Chasen Shreve, and Justin Wilson? That’s awesome. But the Yankees rotation is still a mess – they added only Nate Eovaldi while losing Shane Greene, Hiroki Kuroda, Brandon McCarthy, and swingman David Phelps. You win some, you lose some, but given the Yankees’ aging offense, they could have done more to upgrade their rotation heading into 2015. If the health of C.C. Sabathia and company doesn’t hold up, it could be a loooooong year in the Bronx.
Oakland Athletics: C+
Players in: R.J. Alvarez, Chris Bassitt, Billy Butler, Tyler Clippard, Ike Davis, Kendall Graveman, Jesse Hahn, Brett Lawrie, Sean Nolin, Josh Phegley, Marcus Semien, Joe Wendle, Ben Zobrist
Players out: Daric Barton, Kyle Blanks, Alberto Callaspo, Josh Donaldson, Adam Dunn, Jonny Gomes, Luke Gregerson, Jason Hammel, John Jaso, Jon Lester, Jed Lowrie, Brandon Moss, Derek Norris, Nick Punto, Daniel Robertson, Jeff Samardzija, Geovany Soto, Michael Ynoa
Comments: Did any team have more turnover this winter than the A’s? I almost want to give Oakland an “incomplete” grade because we have no idea how this club is going to perform this year. They’ve got a whole new infield in Ike Davis, Ben Zobrist, Marcus Semien, and Brett Lawrie. They lost three starters, two to free agency and one to trade. They’ve got plenty of new bullpen arms as well. Their returns in some of the trades seemed a little weak, but combined, it all makes a little more sense. All in all, I have no idea what to make of Oakland’s winter. So, we’ll split the difference with their grade.
Philadelphia Phillies: B
Players in: Chad Billingsley, Paul Clemens, Jordan Danks, Jeff Francoeur, Aaron Harang, Ben Lively
Players out: Mike Adams, Antonio Bastardo, Reid Brignac, A.J. Burnett, Marlon Byrd, Tony Gwynn Jr., Kyle Kendrick, Brad Lincoln, Wil Nieves, Jimmy Rollins
Comments: The Phillies didn’t do *everything* they needed to do this winter, but they *did* do pretty well overall. Managing to trade both Jimmy Rollins and Marlon Byrd for solid returns was an easy task for Ruben Amaro. Letting A.J. Burnett and Kyle Kendrick walk was also inspired. Aaron Harang and Chad Billingsley were nice buy-low rotation options for the Phillies as well. They did what they needed to do, and while the team will be awful in 2015, at least they’re working towards the future.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 25: A.J. Burnett #34 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the second inning in a game at Citizens Bank Park on August 25, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates: B+
Players in: Antonio Bastardo, A.J. Burnett, Francsico Cervelli, Pedro Florimon, Corey Hart, Brad Lincoln, Radhames Liz, Steve Lombardozzi, Clayton Richard, Sean Rodriguez
Players out: John Axford, Clint Barmes, Ike Davis, Jeanmar Gomez, Russell Martin, Gaby Sanchez, Travis Snider, Edinson Volquez, Justin Wilson
Comments: Yeah Russell Martin walked, but the Pirates weren’t going to be able to bring him back considering the money he wanted. The team added some versatile bench pieces in Steve Lombardozzi and Sean Rodriguez, a couple of interesting relievers in Antonio Bastardo and Radhames Liz, a new backstop in Francisco Cervelli, a new first baseman in Corey Hart, and rotation depth in A.J. Burnett. Pittsburgh didn’t exactly break the bank to sign any of these guys, but you don’t need to spend money like crazy to upgrade your roster. The Pirates may not be truly better than they were a year ago, but they’re still contenders in the NL Central.
San Diego Padres: A
Players in: Clint Barmes, Tim Federowicz, Shawn Kelley, Matt Kemp, Brandon Maurer, Will Middlebrooks, Brandon Morrow, Wil Myers, Derek Norris, Ramiro Pena, James Shields, Justin Upton
Players out: R.J. Alvarez, Everth Cabrera, Jeff Francoeur, Max Fried, Yasmani Grandal, Jesse Hahn, Jace Peterson, Rene Rivera, Joe Ross, Burch Smith, Seth Smith, Tim Stauffer, Eric Stults, Trea Turner
Comments: I mean…this is ridiculous. San Diego’s offseason shows just how much of a mess they were in six months ago – A.J. Preller revamped the club’s outfield and added to their pitching staff, and the team *still* doesn’t have an infield worth a damn. There was nothing worth a damn on this team at all, minus the rotation. All of a sudden, they’re contenders! It’s absurd. Kemp-Myers-Upton looks like one hell of an outfield, and when you throw in Will Middlebrooks and Derek Norris, the Padres suddenly have a competent looking offense. Add in James Shields to a solid rotation, and Shawn Kelley, Brandon Maurer, and Brandon Morrow to a good bullpen, and this team looks real interesting.
San Francisco Giants: C
Players in: Nori Aoki, Cory Gearrin, Casey McGehee
Players out: Tyler Colvin, Brandon Hicks, Michael Morse, Pablo Sandoval, Marco Scutaro
Comments: Ah yes, Brian Sabean’s favorite offseason plan in motion: standing pat. Seriously – the Giants re-signed Ryan Vogelsong, Jake Peavy, and Sergio Romo, and were good with significant pitching additions. They added Nori Aoki to complement Gregor Blanco in left field. They traded for Casey McGehee to somehow try to replace Pablo Sandoval. And…that’s about all, folks. The Giants will still be good in 2015, but there were significant changes they could have made this winter…and they didn’t.
SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 04: L to R: GM Jack Zduriencik, Nelson Cruz, and manager Lloyd McClendon of the Seattle Mariners pose for a photo as Cruz is introduced to the media during a press conference at Safeco Field on December 4, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners: B+
Players in: Nelson Cruz, J.A. Happ, Justin Ruggiano, Seth Smith
Players out: Chris Denorfia, Corey Hart, Brandon Maurer, Kendrys Morales, Michael Saunders, Justin Smoak
Comments: Not a bad winter from Seattle, though it was a quiet one. A year after they should have signed him, the Mariners pulled the trigger on Nelson Cruz. J.A. Happ is a nice depth acquisition, but Michael Saunders may have been too high of a price. But no matter – Seattle replaced Saunders in the outfield with the newly-acquired platoon of Seth Smith and Justin Ruggiano. No square pegs for these round holes in Seattle – everything just fits.
St. Louis Cardinals: A-
Players in: Matt Belisle, Jason Heyward, Mark Reynolds, Carlos Villanueva, Jordan Walden
Players out: Daniel Descalso, Mark Ellis, Tyrell Jenkins, Justin Masterson, Shelby Miller, Jason Motte, Pat Neshek, A.J. Pierzynski, Shane Robinson
Comments: Another smart, under the radar winter from the Cardinals. Ho hum. The Cardinals had starting pitching to burn, and Shelby Miller was well worth the return of Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden. Matt Belisle and Carlos Villanueva could easily claim bullpen spots, and Mark Reynolds is a nice power bat off the bench. All the Cardinals really lost was a rental in Justin Masterson and some expendable bench parts and relievers.
Tampa Bay Rays: C
Players in: Ronald Belisario, Asdrubal Cabrera, Alexi Casilla, Juan Francisco, Ernesto Frieri, Kevin Jepsen, John Jaso, Rene Rivera, Daniel Robertson, Burch Smith, Steven Souza
Players out: Yunel Escobar, Ryan Hanigan, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Joyce, Jose Molina, Wil Myers, Joel Peralta, Cesar Ramos, Sean Rodriguez, Ben Zobrist
Comments: Juan Francisco was the best signing of the winter. That is all.
OK, now let’s get serious. Tampa Bay had a plan in mind, but I don’t think they executed it too well. They switched out some bullpen arms that did well for them with bullpen arms of questionable quality. They gutted themselves up the middle. And yet, the Rays are…well, they’re roughly the same team as they were a year ago. Just like the A’s, I have no idea how things are going to work out for the Rays. But at least Oakland kept their management structure in place with Bob Melvin and Billy Beane – Tampa Bay lost both Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon this winter. Their losses could be felt more strongly once the season begins.
SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 27: Yovani Gallardo #49 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park August, 27, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
Texas Rangers: B-
Players in: Anthony Bass, Kyle Blanks, Carlos Corporan, Ross Detwiler, Kyuji Fujikawa, Yovani Gallardo, Ed Lucas, Juan Carlos Oviedo, Anthony Ranaudo, Nate Schierholtz
Players out: J.P. Arencibia, Scott Baker, Neal Cotts, Corey Knebel, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Alexi Ogando, Alex Rios, Robbie Ross, Luis Sardinas
Comments: There wasn’t a lot the Rangers could do this winter because of their long term contract commitments and the ugly injury issues that plagued their 2014, but they made the best of a bad situation. Yovani Gallardo will provide some all important middle of the rotation depth for a team that went through 15 starting pitchers a year ago. Throw in the bullpen depth acquired, and really, Texas did about as much as you could expect without eating a ton of money to move contracts.
Toronto Blue Jays: B+
Players in: Daric Barton, Chris Colabello, Andy Dirks, Josh Donaldson, Marco Estrada, Russell Martin, Michael Saunders, Justin Smoak
Players out: Melky Cabrera, Juan Francisco, Anthony Gose, Kendall Graveman, J.A. Happ, Casey Janssen, Brett Lawrie, Adam Lind, John Mayberry Jr, Brandon Morrow, Sean Nolin, Colby Rasmus, Sergio Santos
Comments: Will another great offseason from the Blue Jays result in them actually breaking through to the Postseason? Well, maybe. The Josh Donaldson trade was a masterstroke for Alex Anthopolous, but I think the Jays are gambling a bit with their left and center field spots – I’m not sure Dalton Pompey is quite ready, and I don’t know what to make of Michael Saunders. As for the Russell Martin signing, it could end up blowing up in Toronto’s faces further down the road…but we’ll deal with that when it happens. As for now, the Jays will keep rolling out a solid team that got only better this winter. Could this finally be the year?
Washington Nationals: A
Players in: Heath Bell, Mike Carp, Yunel Escobar, Casey Janssen, Joe Ross, Max Scherzer, Ian Stewart, Trea Turner, Dan Uggla
Players out: Asdrubal Cabrera, Tyler Clippard, Ross Detwiler, Pedro Florimon, Scott Hairston, Adam LaRoche, Ryan Mattheus, Nate Schierholtz, Rafael Soriano, Steven Souza
Comments: Speaking of great offseasons…the Washington Nationals did it again. Adding Max Scherzer to their rotation makes their starting five *the* best in the game as opposed to *one of* the best in the game. Yunel Escobar will likely be a solid upgrade at second base over Asdrubal Cabrera and Danny Espinosa. Casey Janssen might not be a perfect replacement for Tyler Clippard in the pen, but he’s a lot cheaper. Before the offseason, the Nats were the favorite in the NL East. After the offseason, they could be the favorite in the National League.
