It's the most optimistic time of the year. Pitchers and catchers report soon, and that means fans of every team can start dreaming up World Series aspirations right now.
That might be easier for some fans than others. As usual, the offseason saw plenty of player movement. Teams with already strong rosters, like the Chicago Cubs, fortified their clubs for serious World Series runs, while teams desperate to contend, like the Arizona Diamondbacks made big splashes and shocked the baseball world.
While both of those teams greatly improved, not all offseasons are created equal. No one denies the Cubs are in a great position to contend, but some would argue the Diamondbacks didn't do enough to solidify their roster.
Thankfully, we here at The Stew have you covered. With spring training about to begin, we've decided to grade each club's offseason. Which teams will receive a celebratory pizza party for getting straight "A"s, and which have to re-take the offseason this summer after flunking the first time around? Let's find out!
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
KEY ADDITIONS: Mark Trumbo, Hyun-soo Kim
KEY LOSSES: Wei-Yin Chen, Gerardo Parra
Most of the Orioles big adds don't show up above because they managed to re-sign a key number of their own free-agents. Chris Davis, Darren O'Day and Matt Wieters all returned to the club after it looked like at least two would be gone. Trumbo is an exceptional power hitter, but his low average and lack of walks limits his upside. The Chen loss is huge. The team did not sign a replacement, and will head into the season with their rotation being the biggest question mark. If they happen to pull off a late deal for Yovani Gallardo or Dexter Fowler, as the rumors have stated, they'll look much better.
GRADE: C-
BOSTON RED SOXKEY ADDITIONS: David Price, Craig Kimbrel, Carson Smith
KEY LOSSES: Wade Miley, Rich Hill
It may have initially seemed silly that the 78 win Red Sox went all-in during the offseason, but they've put themselves in a strong position this season. The young core is in place with Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts, while the old guard, David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia, continue to produce. The pitching, which was a huge problem last year, will greatly benefit from Price and a full season of Eduardo Rodriguez. Plus, there's no way Hanley Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval and Rick Porcello will be that bad again, right?
GRADE: A
NEW YORK YANKEES
KEY ADDITIONS: Aroldis Chapman, Starlin Castro, Aaron Hicks
KEY LOSSES: Chris Young, Justin Wilson, Adam Warren
Chapman gives the Yankees an embarrassment of riches in the bullpen. And, due to MLB's current investigation into a domestic issue that took place in October, he came at a highly discounted price. Castro is a solid bounce back candidate, and should shore up a large weak spot from last year. The rotation still has injury and depth issues, and New York did little to address those. And while it would have been tough to get younger without losing immediate talent, New York is still highly reliant on aging, injury-prone veterans on offense.
GRADE: B-
KEY ADDITIONS: Aroldis Chapman, Starlin Castro, Aaron Hicks
KEY LOSSES: Chris Young, Justin Wilson, Adam Warren
Chapman gives the Yankees an embarrassment of riches in the bullpen. And, due to MLB's current investigation into a domestic issue that took place in October, he came at a highly discounted price. Castro is a solid bounce back candidate, and should shore up a large weak spot from last year. The rotation still has injury and depth issues, and New York did little to address those. And while it would have been tough to get younger without losing immediate talent, New York is still highly reliant on aging, injury-prone veterans on offense.
GRADE: B-
TAMPA BAY RAYS
KEY ADDITIONS: Corey Dickerson, Logan Morrison, Brad Miller
KEY LOSSES: Jake McGee, Asdrubal Cabrera, John Jaso
Dickerson is the main addition here, and should be a productive hitter if he can adjust to life away from Coors Field. Morrison and Miller were promising prospects once upon a time, but that has long passed. The Rays didn't really lose any parts. They should be able to weather the loss of McGee, and Jaso spent most of the season injured anyway. The loss of Cabrera should hurt unless Miller proves to be useful. They didn't lose much, but they didn't gain much either.
GRADE: D+
KEY ADDITIONS: Corey Dickerson, Logan Morrison, Brad Miller
KEY LOSSES: Jake McGee, Asdrubal Cabrera, John Jaso
Dickerson is the main addition here, and should be a productive hitter if he can adjust to life away from Coors Field. Morrison and Miller were promising prospects once upon a time, but that has long passed. The Rays didn't really lose any parts. They should be able to weather the loss of McGee, and Jaso spent most of the season injured anyway. The loss of Cabrera should hurt unless Miller proves to be useful. They didn't lose much, but they didn't gain much either.
GRADE: D+
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
KEY ADDITIONS: Drew Storen, , J.A. Happ, Jesse Chavez
KEY LOSSES: David Price, Ben Revere
Most of the Blue Jays prolific offense (or is it offence), returns for 2016, so it's hard to be mad about the lack of additions on that end. The rotation, though, will be severely damaged by the loss of Price. Marco Estrada returns, but no one expects him to be as good in 2016. And while Happ looked like one of the best pitchers in the majors for a few months last year, it's tough to know whether those skills will translate away from Pittsburgh.
GRADE: C-
Most of the Blue Jays prolific offense (or is it offence), returns for 2016, so it's hard to be mad about the lack of additions on that end. The rotation, though, will be severely damaged by the loss of Price. Marco Estrada returns, but no one expects him to be as good in 2016. And while Happ looked like one of the best pitchers in the majors for a few months last year, it's tough to know whether those skills will translate away from Pittsburgh.
GRADE: C-
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
KEY ADDITIONS: Todd Frazier, Brett Lawrie, Alex Avila
KEY LOSSES: Jeff Samardzija, Alexei Ramirez, Trayce Thompson
The White Sox found ways to improve without parting with their top three prospects. On top of that, their biggest loss, Jeff Samardzija, is coming off a terrible season. While Frazier is a giant upgrade at third, and Lawrie should provide league-average production at second, the club will still open the year with big holes at major spots. Tyler Saladino isn't expected to hit at short, Avisail Garcia hasn't proven much in right and Adam LaRoche needs to find a fountain of youth. Strides were made, but the team didn't go far enough.
GRADE: C
KEY ADDITIONS: Todd Frazier, Brett Lawrie, Alex Avila
KEY LOSSES: Jeff Samardzija, Alexei Ramirez, Trayce Thompson
The White Sox found ways to improve without parting with their top three prospects. On top of that, their biggest loss, Jeff Samardzija, is coming off a terrible season. While Frazier is a giant upgrade at third, and Lawrie should provide league-average production at second, the club will still open the year with big holes at major spots. Tyler Saladino isn't expected to hit at short, Avisail Garcia hasn't proven much in right and Adam LaRoche needs to find a fountain of youth. Strides were made, but the team didn't go far enough.
GRADE: C
CLEVELAND INDIANS
KEY ADDITIONS: Mike Napoli, Rajai Davis
KEY LOSSES: Chris Johnson, Mike Aviles
With that rotation, the Indians should have done everything possible to upgrade their holes on offense. It's not often you get a trio like Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar at the top. The Indians, however, aren't a big spender. Davis was brought in as a cheap replacement for Michael Bourn, and the team is hoping Napoli's second half surge was not just small sample craziness. Having Francisco Lindor for the entire season is the main draw here, but that didn't happen during the offseason. The Indians might emerge as a strong contender anyway, but it will be because they had a solid core in place. Not because of their offseason moves.
GRADE: D
KEY ADDITIONS: Mike Napoli, Rajai Davis
KEY LOSSES: Chris Johnson, Mike Aviles
With that rotation, the Indians should have done everything possible to upgrade their holes on offense. It's not often you get a trio like Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar at the top. The Indians, however, aren't a big spender. Davis was brought in as a cheap replacement for Michael Bourn, and the team is hoping Napoli's second half surge was not just small sample craziness. Having Francisco Lindor for the entire season is the main draw here, but that didn't happen during the offseason. The Indians might emerge as a strong contender anyway, but it will be because they had a solid core in place. Not because of their offseason moves.
GRADE: D
DETROIT TIGERSKEY ADDITIONS: Justin Upton, Jordan Zimmermann, Francisco Rodriguez
KEY LOSSES: Alex Avila, Rajai Davis
The Tigers responded to winning just 74 games by going all-in during the offseason. On the surface, it makes sense. The team's current core is getting older. Justin Verlander has shown signs of decline the past few seasons and Miguel Cabrera went on the disabled list for the first time in his career. At the same time, it's incredibly risky to double-down. But if you're going to employ that strategy, grabbing consistent performers like Upton and Zimmermann is logical. The Tigers may not have done enough to truly contend, but they've put themselves in the conversation.
GRADE: B-
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
KEY ADDITIONS: Ian Kennedy, Joakim Soria
KEY LOSSES: Johnny Cueto, Ben Zobrist, Ryan Madson
Any team that wins the World Series is bound to suffer some casualties. Cueto wasn't great with the club, but he's still a significant loss. Zobrist and Madson were actually effective with the team, and they'll be missed as well. Re-signing Alex Gordon was the strongest move of the offseason, both from a production standpoint and a morale standpoint. The Kennedy signing was a bit of a head-scratcher, but he's at least a solid, mid-rotation guy. The Royals will be worse entering 2016, but it might not matter in the long run.
GRADE: D+
KEY ADDITIONS: Ian Kennedy, Joakim Soria
KEY LOSSES: Johnny Cueto, Ben Zobrist, Ryan Madson
Any team that wins the World Series is bound to suffer some casualties. Cueto wasn't great with the club, but he's still a significant loss. Zobrist and Madson were actually effective with the team, and they'll be missed as well. Re-signing Alex Gordon was the strongest move of the offseason, both from a production standpoint and a morale standpoint. The Kennedy signing was a bit of a head-scratcher, but he's at least a solid, mid-rotation guy. The Royals will be worse entering 2016, but it might not matter in the long run.
GRADE: D+
MINNESOTA TWINS
KEY ADDITIONS: Byung-ho Park, John Ryan Murphy
KEY LOSSES: Torii Hunter, Aaron Hicks
After a surprising season in which they won 83 games, the Twins didn't do anything to improve the club in the offseason. The Park signing is interesting, but no one knows how he'll play coming over from Korea. The team didn't lose much talent, so that's a positive. The club's inactivity makes some sense considering the team is built on youngsters and prospects, but that rotation is still a big weakness.
GRADE: D-
KEY ADDITIONS: Byung-ho Park, John Ryan Murphy
KEY LOSSES: Torii Hunter, Aaron Hicks
After a surprising season in which they won 83 games, the Twins didn't do anything to improve the club in the offseason. The Park signing is interesting, but no one knows how he'll play coming over from Korea. The team didn't lose much talent, so that's a positive. The club's inactivity makes some sense considering the team is built on youngsters and prospects, but that rotation is still a big weakness.
GRADE: D-
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST
HOUSTON ASTROS
KEY ADDITIONS: Ken Giles, Doug Fister
KEY LOSSES: Scott Kazmir, Chris Carter, Oliver Perez
The Astros return virtually the same core that made it to the playoffs in 2015. That bodes well for them in 2016, though the team really didn't do much to improve during the offseason. Giles certainly helps, and could gain more national attention now that he's with a team that should win a lot of games. Fister is much more questionable, and the rotation would greatly benefit from him returning anywhere close to form. The Astros are a good team, they just didn't do much this offseason.
GRADE: C-
The Astros return virtually the same core that made it to the playoffs in 2015. That bodes well for them in 2016, though the team really didn't do much to improve during the offseason. Giles certainly helps, and could gain more national attention now that he's with a team that should win a lot of games. Fister is much more questionable, and the rotation would greatly benefit from him returning anywhere close to form. The Astros are a good team, they just didn't do much this offseason.
GRADE: C-
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
KEY ADDITIONS: Andrelton Simmons, Yunel Escobar
KEY LOSSES: Chris Iannetta, David Freese
The Angels entered the offseason with a major need at both second base and corner outfield, and both of those spots remain unfilled today. Todd Cunningham may start in left and Johnny Giavotella is slated to get reps at second. That's less than ideal. Simmons is a phenomenal defensive shortstop, but leaves something to be desired at the plate. The club didn't suffer many major losses, so that's a reason to celebrate?
GRADE: D
KEY ADDITIONS: Andrelton Simmons, Yunel Escobar
KEY LOSSES: Chris Iannetta, David Freese
The Angels entered the offseason with a major need at both second base and corner outfield, and both of those spots remain unfilled today. Todd Cunningham may start in left and Johnny Giavotella is slated to get reps at second. That's less than ideal. Simmons is a phenomenal defensive shortstop, but leaves something to be desired at the plate. The club didn't suffer many major losses, so that's a reason to celebrate?
GRADE: D
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
KEY ADDITIONS: Ryan Madson, Rich Hill, Jed Lowrie, Khris Davis
KEY LOSSES: Brett Lawrie, Jesse Chavez, Drew Pomeranz
The Athletics made some additions, but all of them come with significant risk. That's the game you play when you can't afford to increase your payroll. Madson and Hill looked resurgent last season, but anyone telling you they can predict their numbers is lying. Lowrie and Davis can be solid players, but they have flaws and aren't going to be superstars. Lawrie was probably the biggest loss, but that's nothing to be too concerned about. The A's did OK ... or maybe they did great if Madson and Hill are for real. Honestly, we're not sure.
GRADE: C-
KEY ADDITIONS: Ryan Madson, Rich Hill, Jed Lowrie, Khris Davis
KEY LOSSES: Brett Lawrie, Jesse Chavez, Drew Pomeranz
The Athletics made some additions, but all of them come with significant risk. That's the game you play when you can't afford to increase your payroll. Madson and Hill looked resurgent last season, but anyone telling you they can predict their numbers is lying. Lowrie and Davis can be solid players, but they have flaws and aren't going to be superstars. Lawrie was probably the biggest loss, but that's nothing to be too concerned about. The A's did OK ... or maybe they did great if Madson and Hill are for real. Honestly, we're not sure.
GRADE: C-
SEATTLE MARINERS
KEY ADDITIONS: Wade Miley, Adam Lind, Nori Aoki, Steve Cishek
KEY LOSSES: Mark Trumbo, Carson Smith, Logan Morrison
The Mariners didn't add any stars, but all four players above should at least be league-average. The same can be said for Leonys Martin. Those contributions should add up if new manager Scott Servais can figure out ways to effective platoon certain pieces. The loss of Smith will be big. Few relievers can post a 32.4 percent strikeout rate. The team made solid strides overall, even if none of the players they brought in are eye-popping.
GRADE: B-
KEY ADDITIONS: Wade Miley, Adam Lind, Nori Aoki, Steve Cishek
KEY LOSSES: Mark Trumbo, Carson Smith, Logan Morrison
The Mariners didn't add any stars, but all four players above should at least be league-average. The same can be said for Leonys Martin. Those contributions should add up if new manager Scott Servais can figure out ways to effective platoon certain pieces. The loss of Smith will be big. Few relievers can post a 32.4 percent strikeout rate. The team made solid strides overall, even if none of the players they brought in are eye-popping.
GRADE: B-
TEXAS RANGERS
KEY ADDITIONS: Tom Wilhelmsen, Justin Ruggiano
KEY LOSSES: Mike Napoli, Leonys Martin
The Rangers will return pretty much all the players who won the division last season, and that's good. But their offseason was hardly inspiring. That's not really a bad thing, as it would have been tough to make a big upgrade on offense or in the rotation. We can't totally punish them for realizing they have a solid, deep club, but the inactivity was a little strange.
GRADE: C-
KEY ADDITIONS: Tom Wilhelmsen, Justin Ruggiano
KEY LOSSES: Mike Napoli, Leonys Martin
The Rangers will return pretty much all the players who won the division last season, and that's good. But their offseason was hardly inspiring. That's not really a bad thing, as it would have been tough to make a big upgrade on offense or in the rotation. We can't totally punish them for realizing they have a solid, deep club, but the inactivity was a little strange.
GRADE: C-
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
ATLANTA BRAVES
KEY ADDITIONS: Ender Inciarte, Erick Aybar, Dansby Swanson
KEY LOSSES: Andrelton Simmons, Shelby Miller, Cameron Maybin
The Braves are rebuilding and everyone knows it. So, grading them for the offseason is somewhat tough. The major-league roster wasn't really fortified. Aybar is a fine player, but won't be a part of the next Braves contender. Inciarte might be on a future winner, but has to prove last year wasn't a fluke. Many of the Braves big additions are prospects. Given the team's trajectory, that was the right thing to focus on.
GRADE: B-
MIAMI MARLINS
KEY ADDITIONS: Wei-Yin Chen, Edwin Jackson, Chris Johnson
KEY LOSSES: Henderson Alvarez
Chen is the clear standout here. He's a solid pitcher and should, at the very least, be a reliable third starter for the club. Bringing him in also addresses a major need, as the rotation is a huge question mark. Other than that, there's not much going on here. Alvarez could be a loss if he's healthy, but no one knows whether that's the case.
GRADE: C
Chen is the clear standout here. He's a solid pitcher and should, at the very least, be a reliable third starter for the club. Bringing him in also addresses a major need, as the rotation is a huge question mark. Other than that, there's not much going on here. Alvarez could be a loss if he's healthy, but no one knows whether that's the case.
GRADE: C
NEW YORK METS
KEY ADDITIONS: Neil Walker, Asdrubal Cabrera, Alejandro De Aza
KEY LOSSES: Daniel Murphy, Kelly Johnson
So, the biggest addition is definitely outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, but he doesn't technically qualify since he was on the team at the end of last season. Still, bringing him back was a huge move for the franchise, especially after it seemed he was a certainty to sign elsewhere. Walker and Cabrera aren't big names, but will provide value. The Mets did well to supplement their fireballing pitching staff with solid offensive additions.
GRADE: B+
KEY ADDITIONS: Neil Walker, Asdrubal Cabrera, Alejandro De Aza
KEY LOSSES: Daniel Murphy, Kelly Johnson
So, the biggest addition is definitely outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, but he doesn't technically qualify since he was on the team at the end of last season. Still, bringing him back was a huge move for the franchise, especially after it seemed he was a certainty to sign elsewhere. Walker and Cabrera aren't big names, but will provide value. The Mets did well to supplement their fireballing pitching staff with solid offensive additions.
GRADE: B+
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
KEY ADDITIONS: Jeremy Hellickson, Charlie Morton, Vincent Velasquez
KEY LOSSES: Ken Giles
Giles was shipped out in order to fortify the minor-league system, which is the right move considering the current state of the franchise. Velasquez should contribute in the majors this year, though, and he's a guy to watch. The rest of the additions don't inspire confidence, but the Phillies aren't a team that should be going out and spending on expensive free-agent veterans. The Giles deal will wind up being a good thing, but not immediately.
GRADE: C-
KEY ADDITIONS: Jeremy Hellickson, Charlie Morton, Vincent Velasquez
KEY LOSSES: Ken Giles
Giles was shipped out in order to fortify the minor-league system, which is the right move considering the current state of the franchise. Velasquez should contribute in the majors this year, though, and he's a guy to watch. The rest of the additions don't inspire confidence, but the Phillies aren't a team that should be going out and spending on expensive free-agent veterans. The Giles deal will wind up being a good thing, but not immediately.
GRADE: C-
WASHINGTON NATIONALSKEY ADDITIONS: Daniel Murphy, Ben Revere
KEY LOSSES: Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister, Denard Span, Drew Storen
Murphy is a solid hitter, but he's not the guy everyone saw during the playoffs. The biggest benefit of signing him is that Anthony Rendon will shift to third base full-time, and won't have to worry about moving positions. Revere is solid, but limited. His additions gives Michael A. Taylor more time to develop if needed. Otherwise, Revere becomes a valuable fourth outfielder. The losses seem pretty devastating, though that's somewhat misleading. Both Fister and Span were injured last season. Storen and Zimmermann will hurt, though. Zimmermann may have regressed a bit, but he's still an above-average pitcher who can eat innings. Storen was really excellent until he broke his thumb.
GRADE: C-
NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
CHICAGO CUBS
KEY ADDITIONS: Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist, John Lackey
KEY LOSSES: Starlin Castro, Dan Haren, Fernando Rodney
The Cubs doubled-down on their surprise contention by picking up one of the best outfielders on the market and one of the most consistent middle infielders. Oh, and John Lackey is now their third best pitcher. You can quibble about the team's depth behind Lackey in the rotation, but it's tough to really find a weak spot on the roster. Castro was the biggest loss, and he was replaced with Zobrist, who's a better player right now.
GRADE: A
CINCINNATI REDS
KEY ADDITIONS: Jose Peraza
KEY LOSSES: Aroldis Chapman, Todd Frazier
The Reds are clearly selling off players for the future, but the returns in their major deals don't inspire a ton of confidence. Peraza will get a shot to prove he belongs in the majors this season, but scouting reports are mixed. The team didn't need Chapman, but his value has crushed by a pending investigation for a domestic issue. There wasn't much to like here.
GRADE: D-
KEY ADDITIONS: Jose Peraza
KEY LOSSES: Aroldis Chapman, Todd Frazier
The Reds are clearly selling off players for the future, but the returns in their major deals don't inspire a ton of confidence. Peraza will get a shot to prove he belongs in the majors this season, but scouting reports are mixed. The team didn't need Chapman, but his value has crushed by a pending investigation for a domestic issue. There wasn't much to like here.
GRADE: D-
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
KEY ADDITIONS: Chris Carter, Aaron Hill
KEY LOSSES: Adam Lind, Khris Davis, Jean Segura, Francisco Rodriguez
If the Reds wanted some pointers on how to rebuild the right way, they might want to look at their new GM David Stearns' Brewers. Sure, the major-league additions aren't inspiring, but the consensus is that the club did well dealing Davis and Segura. Those deals won't have an impact on the major-league club for years, so the short-term future is bleak. They did well to acquire future talent, though.
GRADE: C+
If the Reds wanted some pointers on how to rebuild the right way, they might want to look at their new GM David Stearns' Brewers. Sure, the major-league additions aren't inspiring, but the consensus is that the club did well dealing Davis and Segura. Those deals won't have an impact on the major-league club for years, so the short-term future is bleak. They did well to acquire future talent, though.
GRADE: C+
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
KEY ADDITIONS: Jon Niese, John Jaso, Neftali Feliz
KEY LOSSES: Neil Walker, J.A. Happ, Aramis Ramirez
Once again, Pittsburgh failed to make any huge moves in free agency. Niese is fine, and was expendable in New York. Unless pitching coach Ray Searage can work his magic again, Niese will be a decent back-end starter. Jaso and Feliz are lottery tickets. If both can stay healthy, maybe there's something there. Happ could be a big loss unless he was another Searage creation and last year was a fluke. The team will miss Walker.
GRADE: C-
KEY ADDITIONS: Jon Niese, John Jaso, Neftali Feliz
KEY LOSSES: Neil Walker, J.A. Happ, Aramis Ramirez
Once again, Pittsburgh failed to make any huge moves in free agency. Niese is fine, and was expendable in New York. Unless pitching coach Ray Searage can work his magic again, Niese will be a decent back-end starter. Jaso and Feliz are lottery tickets. If both can stay healthy, maybe there's something there. Happ could be a big loss unless he was another Searage creation and last year was a fluke. The team will miss Walker.
GRADE: C-
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
KEY ADDITIONS: Mike Leake, Jedd Gyorko, Seung-hwan Oh
KEY LOSSES: Jason Heyward, John Lackey, Mark Reynolds
St. Louis has weathered big losses before, and will probably do so again. Still, they aren't going to fully replace Heyward of Lackey, no matter how good Stephen Piscotty, Randal Grichuk and Marco Gonzales turn out to be. Leake seems like the prototypical Cardinals pitcher during the Dave Duncan era. He isn't flashy, but he'll somehow post a 3.00 ERA. Gyorko is a part-time player and no one knows what to expect from Oh.
GRADE: C-
KEY ADDITIONS: Mike Leake, Jedd Gyorko, Seung-hwan Oh
KEY LOSSES: Jason Heyward, John Lackey, Mark Reynolds
St. Louis has weathered big losses before, and will probably do so again. Still, they aren't going to fully replace Heyward of Lackey, no matter how good Stephen Piscotty, Randal Grichuk and Marco Gonzales turn out to be. Leake seems like the prototypical Cardinals pitcher during the Dave Duncan era. He isn't flashy, but he'll somehow post a 3.00 ERA. Gyorko is a part-time player and no one knows what to expect from Oh.
GRADE: C-
NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
KEY ADDITIONS: Zack Greinke, Shelby Miller, Tyler Clippard, Jean Segura
KEY LOSSES: Ender Inciarte, Dansby Swanson, Aaron Hill
What an offseason! The Diamondbacks announced their presence with the Greinke signing, and then proceeded to go all-in with the Miller trade. They may have given up way too much future talent, but Miller helps now, and that's precisely what the club was looking for. Clippard should be useful as long as his peripheral decline last season doesn't stick. Segura is more of a wild card. Outside of Inciarte, the team didn't lose any major-league contributors. They may not have done enough to make the playoffs, but they've put themselves in the conversation.
GRADE: B+
COLORADO ROCKIES
KEY ADDITIONS: Gerardo Parra, Jake McGee, Mark Reynolds
KEY LOSSES: Corey Dickerson, John Axford, Wilin Rosario
What an offseason! The team entered the offseason with outfield as its biggest strength, and then confused everyone by signing Parra. While that led to the Dickerson trade, it was odd that the Rockies wanted to pick up McGee in that deal. The team could have tried to build their minor-league system, but chose to get a closer. At least they managed to sign Reynolds. He's not exciting, or even good, but he'll hit moonshots in that park.
GRADE: F
KEY ADDITIONS: Gerardo Parra, Jake McGee, Mark Reynolds
KEY LOSSES: Corey Dickerson, John Axford, Wilin Rosario
What an offseason! The team entered the offseason with outfield as its biggest strength, and then confused everyone by signing Parra. While that led to the Dickerson trade, it was odd that the Rockies wanted to pick up McGee in that deal. The team could have tried to build their minor-league system, but chose to get a closer. At least they managed to sign Reynolds. He's not exciting, or even good, but he'll hit moonshots in that park.
GRADE: F
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
KEY ADDITIONS: Scott Kazmir, Kenta Maeda, Yasiel SierraKEY LOSSES: Zack Greinke, Juan Nicasio
It's easy to focus on the Dodgers failures this offseason. Greinke left, and the team missed out on all of the top flight arms. In the end, they supplemented the rotation with both Kazmir and Maeda. Both should be effective, but neither will adequately replace Greinke. Los Angeles didn't really need to make a ton of big additions anyway. The offense is mostly intact, and Hyun-Jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy will return to the rotation at some point during the year. People wanted them to do more, but they are still in good shape.
GRADE: B-
SAN DIEGO PADRES
KEY ADDITIONS: Alexei Ramirez, Fernando Rodney, Drew Pomeranz
KEY LOSSES: Justin Upton, Craig Kimbrel, Ian Kennedy
After going all-in last season, the Padres dialed it back. Ramirez, Rodney and Pomeranz are modest additions. They might help, or they might just be stopgaps. The losses are pretty huge. Upton and Kennedy brought back draft picks. Kimbrel, however, got them some much-needed prospects.
GRADE: D
KEY ADDITIONS: Alexei Ramirez, Fernando Rodney, Drew Pomeranz
KEY LOSSES: Justin Upton, Craig Kimbrel, Ian Kennedy
After going all-in last season, the Padres dialed it back. Ramirez, Rodney and Pomeranz are modest additions. They might help, or they might just be stopgaps. The losses are pretty huge. Upton and Kennedy brought back draft picks. Kimbrel, however, got them some much-needed prospects.
GRADE: D
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
KEY ADDITIONS: Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija, Denard Span
KEY LOSSES: Mike Leake, Nori Aoki
Cueto was mostly bad over the final three months of the season, but his track record is far too strong to suggest he's suddenly lost it. Samardzija isn't as certain to bounce back, but it's tough to imagine he'll be worse than he was last year. You can argue the team spent too much on the wrong pitchers, but there's little doubt they'll improve the club in 2016. Span is a great get if healthy, but that's unclear at this time. Losing Leake and Aoki hurts, but the Giants are still in great shape.
GRADE: B+
KEY ADDITIONS: Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija, Denard Span
KEY LOSSES: Mike Leake, Nori Aoki
Cueto was mostly bad over the final three months of the season, but his track record is far too strong to suggest he's suddenly lost it. Samardzija isn't as certain to bounce back, but it's tough to imagine he'll be worse than he was last year. You can argue the team spent too much on the wrong pitchers, but there's little doubt they'll improve the club in 2016. Span is a great get if healthy, but that's unclear at this time. Losing Leake and Aoki hurts, but the Giants are still in great shape.
GRADE: B+
No comments:
Post a Comment