XSBL Offseason Report Cards Anaheim – The Angels lost two key players in Jarrod Washburn and Phil Nevin to free agency, while trading away Troy Glaus in a cost-cutting move. They did get younger with the additions of prospects Henson and Almonte. However, fans are still puzzled by trading first base phenom Casey Kotchman and trading for Carl Everett when the team is trying to get younger. Arizona – The D’backs did not sign a single free agent this offseason but were very active in the trade market. In a single day, Arizona traded away 1B Erubiel Durazo to LA for a first rounder and the fading-fast Tino Martinez as well as acquiring Jose Cruz Jr, Richie Sexson, and Chris Singleton. They only lost one everyday player from last season, Erubiel Durazo. Arizona looks in good shape to improve on last year’s disappointing season. Atlanta – The Braves were far and away the best team in the regular season last year, winning a franchise record 111 games. But, as is their tradition, they choked in the playoffs. The Braves ignored the old adage, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” and were very active in the offseason, acquiring Mark Redman, Jimmy Haynes, and top pitching prospect Jose Acevedo. They bolstered their bullpen with the signing of Latroy Hawkins as well and shored up second base with Ray Durham. While some fans were angered at the trading of the legendary Tom Glavine, the Braves have managed to get younger and better at the same time. While it may hard to top last year’s win total, the Braves appear to be in great position to capture the NL Pennant. Baltimore – Baltimore finished under .500 for the fifth year in a row and that trend doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon, based on their off-season moves. They traded for the 38 year-old Mark McLemore and signed unknown first baseman D.T. Cromer. While they have some very good young pitching prospects on the horizon, the Orioles have major holes in their lineup and its hard to imagine them contending for anything but the top pick in next year’s draft. Boston – The defending World Series Champion Red Sox (that still doesn’t sound right) didn’t have a lot of money to work with this off-season but managed to make a one major move, trading for former 20-game winner Kevin Brown. They also acquired crafty lefty Mike Remlinger to help in the bullpen. While their farm system is nearly barren and their cash reserves depleted, the Sox are the front-runners to represent the AL in the World Series once again. Enjoy it while you can, Sox fans, because after this season it may be a long time until the Sox are competitive again, with Lowe, Pedro, Nomar, Brown, and Damon all due for big raises. Chicago White Sox – The ChiSox were thought to be favorites to win AL Central last year, but instead stumbled to a 95 loss season, their worst since 1976. They made some debatable moves as well this off-season. They traded away ace Mark Buerhle to the Blue Jays, and sent starting left-fielder Carlos Lee to the Braves. They did acquire Javier Vasquez from the Cards and Craig Biggio from the Blue Jays, and signed Dave Roberts. These should help make the White Sox improve marginally from last year’s debacle, but is this team close to contending in the AL Central? Top Prospects Borchard and Rauch provide some hope, but it doesn’t appear so.
Chicago Cubs - Although they made no major acquisitions, the Cubbies were busy this offseason. They picked up two Free Agent catchers in Mark Johnson and Brad Ausmus. In a trade that smells like a "Bagwell for Larry Anderson" deal, the Cubs sent Chad Hermansen to the Rockies in exchange for marginal relievers Chris Nichting and Todd Jones. A rarity in baseball, the dual salary dump, occurred with the Minnesota Twins when Todd Hundley was shipped out for David Ortiz. Chicago traded for Denny Neagle in a deal with Tampa Bay. Although Neagle has seen better days, he and the rest of the Cubs will try to catch lightning in a bottle for the second year in a row.
Cincinnati Reds - The Reds continued to revamp their team during the 2002 offseason. While active during the regular season, Cincy stepped it up a notch, making several major trades. Out are Jimmy Haynes, highly touted prospect Jose Acevedo, Bruce Chen, and star centerfielder Ken Griffey, Jr. In come aging ace pitcher Tom Glavine, starter Kevin Millwood, setup man Felix Rodriguez, and prospects Dustin McGowan and Arturo McDowell. These trades helped lower the Red's payroll for 2003. They responded to this newfound financial flexibility with a gift to Juan Encarnacion; a 4-year contract totaling $8.4 million. Although Cincinnati did upgrade their team, the Big Red Machine they are not. A .500 finish is the best their fans can hope for this year.
Cleveland Indians - The Tribe were relatively quiet this offseason, making only one trade. Pitcher Glendon Rusch joins the team for 2003, coming over from Milwaukee. Cleveland did upgrade its bullpen with the addition of Rolando Arrojo and Mike Fyhrie. Shane Spencer signed with the Indians and will probably compete for one of the outfield spots. The Indians, despite their weak division, will be in for another rough year.
Colorado Rockies - The Rockies were cutting payroll left and right during the offseason. Financially strapped, the team felt it necessary to deal major contributors from last season such as, 1B Carlos Delgado and RF Larry Walker. They added several top pitching prospects including Richard Stahl, Josh Towers, and a legitimate ace in Jason Johnson. The baseball world expects great things from Jack Cust and the rest of their prospects, but not this year. The Rockies placed themselves in a position to compete in a few years down the road, but will run into the roadblock known as inexperience in 2003.
Detroit Tigers - The Tigers market dropped to average after the 2002 season as more and more people vacate the "Worst City in America." Not having a lot to work with, Detroit made some nice acquisitions this offseason. John Halama, playoff hero of the Boston Red Sox, signed. Rick Reed also joined the Tigers along with Mike Timlin to ensure that their 2003 pitching staff will improve. These improvements come with a scouting upgrade. Pat Gillick has moved on from Seattle to help rebuild the Tigers. There is hope for them yet.
Florida – Coming off an 83 win season the Marlins were quiet this offseason; their only major move was acquiring Carlos Lee from the Braves. They also signed Benny Agbayani to a 3-year deal. With their good young pitching the Marlins have an outside shot at winning the wild card this year.
Houston - The Astros appeared to take a major step back this offseason. The team stepped into the role of farm system for the Toronto Blue Jays. They traded future ace Roy Oswalt to the Jays for cash and two marginal prospects. They also traded their best reliever Octavio Dotel to Toronto in a separate deal for two prospects. They traded for Billy Koch and gave up Jason Lane and Greg Miller. They also signed Homer Bush to a $6 million deal and brought in Mike Sirotka to replace Oswalt. The 'Stros do have some good prospects in Chris Burke and Jason Sager but money talks (Loudly) and good players walk in Houston. They do not appear to be a threat in the NL Central this year or anytime soon if they continue to follow this path.
Kansas City – The Royals haven’t had a winning season since 1994 but they appear to be on the right track. They traded overpriced and over-rated first baseman Mike Sweeney (.722 OPS) to Texas for 17-game winner Chan Ho Park and quality prospect Ryan Dittfurth. They also signed a few role players who can help out. They do have a very solid rotation but major question marks around their lineup. If they can generate some offense, they have a shot at the wildcard.
Los Angeles – LA was one game away from winning the World Series last year and their offseason moves may have put them over the top. They acquired Vladimir Guerrero and Scott Rolen from the Expos in the biggest deal of the offseason in exchange for Steve Cox, Odalis Perez, Pat Burrell, and two prospects. They then replaced Cox with budding star Erubiel Durazo. The signing of Vicente Padilla is sure to improve their already NL-leading ERA. Rolen and Vlad will help improve LA’s anemic offense from last year. LA has greatly improved last year’s NL Pennant-winning team.
Milwaukee – The Brew Crew suffered through a 99-loss season in 2002, the worst in franchise history. It was clear they had some work to do coming into the offseason. There was considerable head scratching throughout the league when they handed Brandon Duckworth (6.06 ERA) a $20 million contract. They then traded 35-homer man Richie Sexson for a couple good prospects. They then dumped 17-game loser Glendon Rusch and his $3+ million salary on the Indians in exchange for Alex Escobar. They also acquired underachieving closer Matt Anderson and 40 year-old Edgar Martinez whose position should be "Wheelchair." In exchange they sent borderline prospect David Krynzel. The Brewers have made some moves to win in the future, but it once again will be a long summer in Milwaukee
Minnesota – The defending AL Central Champs appear to gearing up for a run this year, while sacrificing the long-term fortunes of the club. They acquired ace pitcher and 19-game winner Mike Mussina from the Yankees in exchange for Eric Milton and top pitching prospect Adam Johnson. They then swapped 2B’s with Cincinnati, reacquiring solid 2B Todd Walker. They acquired former World Series MVP Livan Hernandez and 3B Vinny Castilla from the Rays in exchange for promising talented 3b Corey Koskie. In a continuing trend they gave up former #1 overall pick Joe Mauer in exchange for 15 game winner Kaz Ishii. The Twins appear to have one of the best rotations in baseball, front to back, and this makes them the clear front-runners to repeat in the AL central.
Montreal – The Expos responded to threats on contraction with their best season since 1996. With the lowest payroll in the league Les Expos finished only two games out in the wild card. They let go 16 game winner Masato Yoshii and traded away franchise player Vladimir Guerrero and 30 homer man Scott Rolen to the Dodgers for Pat Burrell, Odalis Perez, Steve Cox and two top prospects. They also acquired Jason Kendall from the Cards and signed Raul Mondesi for a bargain contract. Look for the Expos to improve slightly and capture the wild card in the NL East
New York Yankees – The Yankees suffered through their worst season since 1992 and The Boss was demanding changes for this season. Showing no regard for financial restraint, the Yankees increased their payroll to $94 million by signing Michael Barrett, Melvin Mora, and Jarrod Washburn to a combined $18+ mill per season. While these signings are sure to improve the team, were they worth that much money. After all, Washburn was 11-14, Barrett’s OPS was .733, and Mora hit .232 in part-time duty. Nevertheless, with the Yankees seemingly never-ending pool of money, they can afford to throw that kind of money around. They also traded away Mike Mussina, Jorge Posada, and Drew Henson, among others. They acquired Troy Glaus, first base prospect Casey Kotchman, and Eric Milton. While this Yankee team looks better on paper, only time will tell.
New York Mets – The New York Mets struggled through another disappointing and turbulent season, finishing below .500 for the first time since 1996. To top it all off, their general manager was fired during the off-season amid charges of racism. It is clear a complete overhaul was needed here. Failing to sign a free agent, the Amazin’s made four key trades. Out are Mo Vaughn’s hefty salary and waistline, and in is future hall-of-famer Raffy Palmiero. Also acquired was Brian Jordan, off his best season ever, for mediocre lefty Shawn Estes. Also acquired were Jacque Jones and Scott Spiezio. With a new GM and a new attitude, the Mets look to improve and potentially challenge for the wild card
Oakland - The A's asked a lot of players to the Free Agency dance, but most decided to go with other teams. Plan B resulted in signing 1B Olmedo Saenz, and OF Randy Winn. The A's shored up their shaky closer situation by trading for flamethrower Billy Wagner. Unfortunately, they did lose Ray Durham and it is unknown whether he can be adequately replaced. Oakland, a good team last year and should be a winner again.
Philadelphia – After nearly capturing their first division title in 8 years in 2001, the Phillies plummeted back to mediocrity in 2002. Gone are A.J. Hinch, Jeremy Giambi, and Vicente Padilla, all too rich for the Phillies blood. The Phils acquired 13 game winner Kenny Rogers from Texas. Also coming to the city of brotherly love is Todd Zeile and the nearly $6 million remaining on his contract. They also signed free agent Mark Bellhorn (.303 OBP) to a $6 million contract. A franchise in desperate need of direction, the Phillies will contend for the basement in the NL East.
Pittsburgh – The Pirates lost 90 games for the 4th time in five years, and did practically nothing to turn this around. Oh, they gave all-star Cliff Floyd and his 47 homers $50 million. Floyd and the rest of the league responded with, "Seriously?" But rarely does one player turn a franchise around (Mark Messier excepted). The Bucs do have some good young pitching that does provide hope for the future, but this team does not pose any significant threat this year in the NL.
San Francisco – The Giants made a huge splash by bringing CF Ken Griffey Jr. back to the West Coast. After losing Cliff Floyd, this helps shore up a potential weakness in the outfield. They only lost Felix Rodriguez and a prospect, and then they later signed Juan Gonzalez as a free agent. Unfortunately his best position is DH. Other significant acquisitions were 2B Carlos Baerga, and World Series loser Rod Beck. The Giants pitching returns almost intact, but only time will tell if they can compete with the powerhouse and archrival Los Angeles Dodgers.
San Diego – The Pads made the biggest splash in the hot competition in the NL West by acquiring MVP snub Alex Rodriguez. By acquiring A-Rod and blowing up their farm system, they get a massive contract but the best player in the game in his prime. Also, the Padres got LF Brian Daubach from the Mariners for peanuts. After all of this trading, the Padres did little in free agency, acquiring RP Curtis Leskanic, 1B Scott Hatteberg, and SP Bryan Rekar. With a decent lineup anchored by A-Rod, and young but nasty pitching, the Padres hope to contend this year.
St. Louis - After narrowly losing to the eventual World Series runner-up Dodgers in the ALDS, the St. Louis Cardinals figured that having five ace pitchers wouldn't win in the playoffs. With that in mind, they started to assemble a ridiculous lineup. With the acquisition of Larry Walker first, they got an All-Star outfielder on the downside and gave up top prospect Shin-soo Choo. Then they sent young and talented LF Albert Pujols to the Blue Jays for Shannon Stewart, Kelvim Escobar, and the mercurial John Rocker. After that, they received their dominant closer in Keith Foulke for one of their many aces, Javier Vazquez and a reliever. Then the big trade was for 1B Carlos Delgado, one of the feared hitters in the NL. They gave Colorado young pitcher Dan Haren, aging OF Brian Jordan, 1B prospect Chris Duncan, and P Scott Williamson. The Cards then bolstered their relief corps by sending starting C Jason Kendall to Montreal for Dicky Gonzalez and TJ Tucker. David Eckstein was the next acquisition, coming for Woody Williams. With the newly revamped lineup to complement their Schilling, Morris, Gagne trio, they look to get over the hump this year.
Seattle – The Mariners ended last season as Derek Lowe's slave, losing to the eventual champion Red Sox in the ALCS. First they looked to upgrade their catcher, shipping Dan Wilson and some prospects for C Josh Paul and utility man Jose Valentin. After this they overpaid for Marty Cordova, buying him for $4 million. They then gave LF Brian Daubach away for free, while acquiring their solution to second base in Craig Counsell and Tony "I can't believe someone values me this much" Graffanino. Injury prone LF Rondell White was signed to a cheap deal, as was 16-game winner SP Masato Yoshii. Seattle looks to ride the cheap role player method all the way to the World Series.
Tampa Bay – The Devil Rays have suffered through the worst couple seasons in the history of baseball. First their owner attempted to kill the franchise by giving away their best players and draft picks. After suffering through ownership turmoil, the Devil Rays finally were bought by someone with a dream. A long shot of a dream, but a dream nonetheless. The Devil Rays then went to clearing payroll by losing SP Denny Neagle, and getting some decent prospects in return. Then the D-Rays made the trade of the off-season, acquiring the always solid 3B Corey Koskie from the Twins for Livan Hernandez and 3B Vinny Castilla. Koskie gives the Devil Rays a young centerpiece to build around and someone that can attract fans, not that many will come anyways. The D-Rays didn't have much to work with, but acquiring Koskie gives hope for the future.
Texas – The Rangers off-season began with a bang, acquiring Mike Sweeney from the Royals for Chan Ho Park and a prospect. Then they swapped Rafael Palmeiro with Mo Vaughn, cutting some payroll. The fire sale began in earnest after that, with the trading of Kevin Brown to Boston for two high quality prospects. Billy Wagner was then traded to Oakland for Billy Koch and some prospects. Top prospect Xavier Nady was traded to Houston, for a minor league pitcher, as was RP Nelson Cruz. Texas then traded Hall of Famer Alex Rodriguez to San Diego for a package of prospects, the centerpiece being SP Jake Peavey. In free agency, the Rangers bough SP Joel Pineiro, RP Kerry Ligtenberg, Jeff Shaw and Cliff Politte. They then traded Politte for draft picks, and traded the freshly acquired Mike Sweeney to Colorado for prospects, including top prospect Dewayne Wise. Then the Rangers shopped Billy Koch to Houston for a couple of prospects, further bolstering a great farm system. Texas plans on building a dynasty that will last a long time, if their prospects pan out like they hope.
Toronto – When the Jays deal with the devil expired when the Devil Rays swept them, keeping them out of the playoffs, the team figured it might actually want to improve its team. With a rather weak lineup, the Jays went out and traded LF Shannon Stewart, CL Kelvim Escobar, and John Rocker for the young and talented OF Albert Pujols. The high priced but nasty Octavio Dotel was acquired to fortify the bullpen, with only meager prospects given in return. The Blue Jays then bought Roy Oswalt to complement Cy Young winner Roy Halladay to form the vaunted Roy squared duo. However, Toronto has to take Craig Biggio and his massive and unwanted salary. The Blue Jays then turned around and unloaded Biggio to Chicago. Next, with the massive amount of money the Jays made last season, they bought RP Luiz Vizcaino from the Brewers, making the bullpen a strength. A third ace was then acquired in the controversial Mark Buerhle trade. Toronto had to give up promising young C Kevin Cash along with cash. The Blue Jay's big free agents were Phil Nevin, who will play first base, and CL Mike Williams. Matt Clement was also signed to complete the rotation. Now with a powerful team, will the Blue Jays be able to compete in the heated AL East with the Red Sox and Yankees?
Compiled by Seattle, L.A., and Atlanta
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