After a slow start to the off-season, some MLB teams have seen a major overhaul, as weaker teams have added star players in order to become contenders, old favourites seek to regain their powerhouse status, and mid-level teams look to take the extra step to make a push for the playoffs. A lot of players have changed hands over the past few weeks, but it would take me days to consider the significance of each free-agent signing. Instead, I will outline the major players that have signed with new teams, and discuss their significance to their new team. (Position players only)
Position Players
2 - Robinson Cano (New York Yankees ---> Seattle Mariners): Despite the signing of Beltran, among other free agents, the Yankees lost one of the best second basemen in the game in Robinson Cano. Apparently Cano's asking price of $270 million dollars over 10 years was too steep, even for the Yankees. If the Mariners want to become a contender and build their team around a superstar there's no better player than Robinson Cano. I think they'll still miss out on the playoffs because of the tough AL West division they're in, but they took a solid step finding a key player that they can build a team around.
3 - Shin-Soo Choo (Cincinnati Reds ---> Texas Rangers): Choo had a great season with the Reds in 2013. Although he didn't put up huge HR or RBI numbers, Choo had an off-the-charts OBP of .423. He fills a hole for the Rangers, who are going all in after signing Choo and trading for Prince Fielder. It's clear the Rangers are heading into 2014 with one goal, winning the World Series.
4 - Mark Ellis ( L.A. Dodgers ---> St. Louis Cardinals): He may not be the biggest signing thus far, but the Cardinals still believe that Ellis has a few good years left in him. He's getting up there in age at 36, but I think he'll fill a nice hole for the Cardinals, who always find a way to win.
5 - Jacoby Ellsbury (Boston Red Sox ---> New York Yankees): Jacoby Ellsbury gives the Yankees a defined lead-off hitter and center fielder. This will give the Yankees the option to move Brett Gardiner - who is a good players in his own right - to one of the corner outfield positions, while not relying on him as their only speedster in the lineup. I'm interested to see how he'll be greeted by Red Sox fans when he returns to Fenway as a member of the Yankees.
6 - Curtis Granderson (New York Yankees ---> New York Mets): Granderson may be switching teams, but he doesn't have to travel far to find his new home. He has left the Yankees for their in-state rivals who are going through a rebuild of their own. This isn't a huge loss for the Yankees with the signing of Ellsbury, but it's a good signing for the Mets who need veteran players who can still make an impact.
7 - Corey Hart (Milwaukee Brewers ---> Seattle Mariners): Another good signing by the Mariners, Hart brings a veteran presence to the M's that they need in order to groom younger players. He's also been an MLB all-star twice in his career.
8 - Brian McCann (Atlanta Braves ---> New York Yankees): I'm starting to feel repetitive...nonetheless, here's another good signing for the New York Yankees. They haven't really had a solid, stable catcher since the days of Jorge Posada. McCann gives them exactly that. The Yankees have an aging pitching staff that will see some younger arms come into play this year, having a veteran catcher to help them along will be key.
9 - Nate McLouth (Baltimore Orioles ---> Washington Nationals): He's not the biggest name on the list, but he adds some depth to the outfield of a Washington team that underachieved last season. He's a solid fielder, and his speed can give other teams fits on the base-paths, and he has no problem stepping into the lineup at any point, whether he's batting leadoff or hitting ninth.
10 - Justin Morneau - (Pittsburgh Pirates ---> Colorado Rockies): Another name that may not make some people's list, unless your Canadian. It's nice to see Morneau has found a home somewhere. Although he's seen his best days, and his stats have declined over the past few years, Morneau can still be an effective player in his own right. He's put up more than 70 RBI in his past 3 seasons between the Twins, and a short stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
11 - Jhonny Peralta (Detroit Tigers ---> St. Louis Cardinals): Peralta gives the Cardinals something they need desperately, an every day shortstop. No disrepect to Pete Kozma of course, but Peralta is a significant upgrade. The Cardinals are looking for a more defined infield, instead of the weird rotation they've had over the past few seasons. They're off to a good start with the signings of Peralta and Ellis.
12 - A.J. Pierzynski (Texas Rangers ---> Boston Red Sox): This is a good signing for the Red Sox. They already have an experienced lineup, and it became more experienced with the signing of Pierzynski. After losing Salty to the Marlins, the Sox needed a good veteran catcher to help their pitching staff along.
13 - Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Boston Red Sox ---> Miami Marlins): I'm a little bit baffled as to why the aforementioned "Salty" would leave the World Series champs for the usually last place Marlins. Then I remember he was born in Florida. This signing is significant because it gives the Marlins their only other notable name outside of Giancarlo Stanton. Some athletes love playing close to home, can you blame them?
There it is. For a full list of free-agent signings in the MLB thus far, check out ESPN's list of signings at:
http://espn.go.com/mlb/freeagents
Next week I'll highlight pitchers that have changed hands and how they can help their team. For now, let me know which players you're excited to see on their new team, and if you feel up to it, give me a follow on Twitter @burnsy004
No comments:
Post a Comment