MLB Hot Stove
Here is breakdown of a team by team Important moves via trade/free agent signings during the off season. And I have graded the teams based on their current moves. Let's see where my man, Billy Beane, fared. Leave some comments....
AL East
New York Yankees:
Additions:
RP: Kyle Farnsworth FA
RP: Mike Myers FA
C: Kelly Stinnett FA
Losses:
RP: Tom Gordon FA
The Yankees improved themselves slightly. Gordon wasn’t reliable in the post-season and is now 38 years old. They were able to sure up Gordon’s set-up role with a much younger Kyle Farnsworth, although, he has failed in Chicago, but flourished in Detroit and as a closer in Atlanta, not exactly big markets. So the big question is, can he thrive in NY? I am uncertain about that. Mike Myers is a good lefty out of the pen, but also 36yrs old. Kelly Stinnett is a down grade from Flaherty as a back up catcher, but that doesn’t mean too much.
Final Grade: C
Boston Red Sox:
Additions:
P: Josh Beckett (traded)
RP: Guillermo Mota (traded)
RP: Mike Timlin (resigned)
3B: Adam Marte (prospect)
2B: Mark Loretta (traded)
Losses:
RP: Mike Myers FA
SS: Edgar Renteria (traded)
C: Doug Mirabelli (traded)
The Red Sox failed to trade Manny at this point, which I believe would be a bad decision, and they also have been unsuccessful at locking up Johnny Damon to a long term deal. But I believe Damon will eventually land in Boston. I really like the deal they made for Beckett and Mota. Beckett is only 25 years old and gives the Red Sox rotation a pitcher who can shut down any team at any time. Only negative, he has a chronic blister problem on his right hand, his pitching hand, and has been on the DL 5 times during his brief career. Mota was one of the best relief pitchers in the game with the Dodgers, but then he was unable to meet expectations after he was traded with Paul LoDuca to the Marlins for Brad Penny during the 2004 season. But I believe Mota can be an excellent set up man for the Red Sox. I also believe the Red Sox stole Loretta from the Padres. Loretta has been a very good second baseman the last 3 years, although he is 36 years old and was injured last season. But when played, he was very good.
Final Grade: A-
Baltimore Orioles
Additions:
C: Ramon Hernandez FA
RP: LaTroy Hawkins (trade)
Losses:
RP: B.J. Ryan FA
RP: Steve Kline (trade)
Orioles scored a very good catcher off the free agent market, but they lost too much. They traded away a good relief pitcher in Steve Kline and got LaTroy Hawkins in return. Hawkins was unable to live up to expectations when he signed with the Cubs as their closer, and that is nice. He was actually atrocious. Then Hawkins was traded to the Giants, and stunk it up there. So in other words, Giants made out on that deal. Then they also lost B.J. Ryan to the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency. Now they are without a closer. They lost too much and got back minimal. And now Miggy is looking for a trade because he sees no direction with this team. Neither do I.
Final Grade: D
Toronto Blue Jays
Additions:
P: A.J. Burnett FA
RP: B.J. Ryan FA
1B: Lyle Overbay (trade)
Losses:
P: Dave Bush (trade)
OF: Gabe Gross (trade)
Yes, the Blue Jays overpaid for Burnett and B.J. Ryan, but they needed to. They now have a pitcher who can compliment Roy Halladay in the starting rotation and now have a formidable starting rotation with Ted Lilly, Gustavo Chacin and Josh Towers at the back end of the rotation. Overybay gives them a power bat who can hit 50+ doubles a season and approximately 20 HRs and someone who can now protect Vernon Wells in that lineup. This also allows J.P. Ricciardi to explore options with Eric Hinske and Shea Hillenbrand by trading them for either pitching or possibly even another big bat.
Final Grade: A
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Additions:
3B: Sean Burroughs (trade)
Losses:
P: Dewon Brazleton
Not much happening here, but I don’t think this is a major risk, after all, Brazleton was their opening day starter last year and was forced to head down to the minors, which didn’t sit well with him. Burroughs had a rough season last year, and now is added to this already crowded infield but should be the starting 3B with Aubrey Huff at 1B and Jonny Gomes at DH. TB has a lot of room with a very young and very talented, but crowded, outfield. It will be interesting to see if they trade one of them, as well if they trade Julio Lugo to make room for B.J. Upton.
Final Grade: C
AL Central
Chicago White Sox
Additions:
1B/DH: Jim Thome (trade)
1B: Paul Konerko (resigned)
IF: Rob Mackowiak
Losses:
OF: Aaron Rowand (trade)
RP: Demaso Marte (trade)
1B/DH: Frank Thomas FA
DH: Carl Everett FA
I think the White Sox didn’t need to make too many changes to their team, and that is exactly what they did. They did take a risk on Jim Thome by trading away Aaron Rowand, but they are OK with that because they have the young CF prospect Brian Anderson who they want to play every day. The Phillies are paying a good portion of Thome’s contract. I have heard that Thome is extremely healthy, and if he can return to 85% of the form he was in 2004, he provides the White Sox a legit power hitter behind Konerko.
Final Grade: A-
Minnesota Twins
Additions:
2B: Luis Castillo (trade)
Losses:
J.C. Romero (trade)
They lost J.C. Romero who is a very good relief pitcher for a few minor leaguers. I don’t like that trade but their bullpen is so strong where they can part with him. But they did trade for 2B Luis Castillo who will lead off in front of Shannon Stewart. Castillo has lost a step, but he can still steal bases. The reason why he wasn’t stealing as many bases the last 3 years is because he wasn’t leading off anymore and batting behind Juan Pierre. But if Castillo can stay healthy, he helps out that lineup tremendously. This is a trade that sort of went under the radar because of all the other big names that were traded away by Florida, but Castillo could and I believe, will, have a major impact on this team. He is a gold glove caliber defender and playing on turf should also help him start stealing bases once again. The Twins also offered Jacque Jones arbitration and are waiting to see what happens with that. And they are interested in Mike Piazza as a DH and part time Catcher and it is also reported that they are also interested in Nomar Garciaparra. We’ll see how the rest of the off-season plays out.
Final Grade: B
Detroit Tigers
Additions:
RP: Todd Jones FA
P: Kenny Rogers FA
Losses:
N/A
I believe Dave Dombrowski is wasting his money on Kenny Rogers. He signed the 41 year old to a 2 year deal. Just gave him too much. But Rogers will eat up innings and will give them a chance to win games, but I just think they should have signed him to a 1 year, incentive laden deal. As for Todd Jones, they needed a closer, and even at 38, he can do the job, as he did a fine job with the Marlins last year. But there are other areas of concern that they need to address such as 1B, OF and another Starting Pitcher.
Final Grade: C
Cleveland Indians
Additions:
P: Paul Byrd FA
RP: Bob Wickman (resigned)
Losses:
RP: Bobby Howry FA
Not too many moves made by the Indians, but they didn’t have too many moves to make. They are a mid market team and they would like to resign Kevin Millwood, but that looks highly unlikely right now. They lost out on the Trevor Hoffman bid, but they did a good job resigning Bob Wickman to remain as their closer. Signing Paul Byrd was a decent move, but people are saying it’s a wash for when they eventually lose Millwood, which I think is absurd. The loss of Millwood can be big. But who knows, maybe they can bring him back.
Final Grade: B (will either go up or down based on Millwood)
Kansas City Royals
Additions:
RP: Elmer Dessens FA
P: Mark Redman (trade)
Losses:
N/A
It’s like the old saying, things can only get better when you’re at the bottom. They traded for Mark Redman, who could be a clubhouse cancer, but a decent pitcher and possibly someone who can work with this young pitching staff. They need a veteran presence in the clubhouse especially with the starting pitching, because their self esteem is shot by losing so frequently early in their career, most notably, Zach Greinke. They are looking to unload Mike Sweeney, which is the only true bright spot in that lineup, other than Matt Stairs. But this team is not improving in the standings.
Final Grade: D+
AL West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Additions:
RP: J.C. Romero
Losses:
C: Bengie Molina
P: Jarrod Washburn
Sured up their already top notch bullpen by adding J.C. Romero. But declined arbitration on Molina and Washburn. They are ready to allow Molina’s brother Jose, and/or Josh Paul to take over at Catcher. Washburn wore out his welcome and wasn’t able to live up to his 2002 post season that he displayed. They are still looking to add a big bat with either Mike Sweeney or possibly Manny Ramirez. If they do that, their final grade will shoot up astronomically. Right now, its just average because their bull pen was already very good.
Final Grade: B
Oakland Athletics
Additions:
P: Esteban Loaiza FA
RP: Jay Witasik (resigned)
Losses:
1B/DH: Scott Hatteberg FA
1B/DH: Erubiel Durazo FA
RP: Octavio Dotel FA
Hmmmm…I am scratching my head on the 2 additions. 1) Why would Billy Beane sign Loaiza to a 3 year/$21 mil deal? He isn’t worth it. He could have thrown out that extra cash to someone like Hudson, Mulder, Tejada instead. I don’t like the signing at all due to the terms of the contract. Loaiza could make a formidable #5 starter, but they already had that in Kirk Saarloos. (Although there is rumor of Saarloos and Joe Kennedy being traded to the Dodgers for Milton Bradley, which would be worth it.) Then I do not understand why they would resign Jay Witasik. He absolutely stinks. They could have picked up a reliever in the free agent market or else brought someone up from the minors. That would have been more feasible. Losing Durazo and Dotel is a good thing, but losing Hatteberg I don’t like that much. But I understand the move, because there really isn’t a place for him to play. But he was a very serviceable player during his 3 years in an Oakland uniform. They get a bad grade right now, unless they do trade for Bradley or sign Mike Piazza or Frank Thomas to an incentive laden 1 year contract.
Final Grade: D-
Texas Rangers
Additions:
OF: Brad Wilkerson (trade)
OF: Termell Sledge (trade)
Losses:
2B: Alfonso Soriano (trade)
I believe the Rangers will not hold onto Brad Wilkerson and will in turn trade him to possibly Toronto for pitching. Soriano is a big loss in that lineup, but they wanted to shed the payroll. Rangers have not improved themselves at all, as they failed on the Josh Beckett deal where he was to be traded for Hank Blalock.
Final Grade: D-
Seattle Mariners
Additions:
N/A
Losses:
RP: Shigetoshi Hasegawa FA
Util: Pokey Reese
Seattle still has not made any significant moves whether it be letting big names go or signing a big name, such as Kevin Millwood. Until then, I will have to give them an incomplete.
Final Grade: Incomplete
AL East
New York Yankees:
Additions:
RP: Kyle Farnsworth FA
RP: Mike Myers FA
C: Kelly Stinnett FA
Losses:
RP: Tom Gordon FA
The Yankees improved themselves slightly. Gordon wasn’t reliable in the post-season and is now 38 years old. They were able to sure up Gordon’s set-up role with a much younger Kyle Farnsworth, although, he has failed in Chicago, but flourished in Detroit and as a closer in Atlanta, not exactly big markets. So the big question is, can he thrive in NY? I am uncertain about that. Mike Myers is a good lefty out of the pen, but also 36yrs old. Kelly Stinnett is a down grade from Flaherty as a back up catcher, but that doesn’t mean too much.
Final Grade: C
Boston Red Sox:
Additions:
P: Josh Beckett (traded)
RP: Guillermo Mota (traded)
RP: Mike Timlin (resigned)
3B: Adam Marte (prospect)
2B: Mark Loretta (traded)
Losses:
RP: Mike Myers FA
SS: Edgar Renteria (traded)
C: Doug Mirabelli (traded)
The Red Sox failed to trade Manny at this point, which I believe would be a bad decision, and they also have been unsuccessful at locking up Johnny Damon to a long term deal. But I believe Damon will eventually land in Boston. I really like the deal they made for Beckett and Mota. Beckett is only 25 years old and gives the Red Sox rotation a pitcher who can shut down any team at any time. Only negative, he has a chronic blister problem on his right hand, his pitching hand, and has been on the DL 5 times during his brief career. Mota was one of the best relief pitchers in the game with the Dodgers, but then he was unable to meet expectations after he was traded with Paul LoDuca to the Marlins for Brad Penny during the 2004 season. But I believe Mota can be an excellent set up man for the Red Sox. I also believe the Red Sox stole Loretta from the Padres. Loretta has been a very good second baseman the last 3 years, although he is 36 years old and was injured last season. But when played, he was very good.
Final Grade: A-
Baltimore Orioles
Additions:
C: Ramon Hernandez FA
RP: LaTroy Hawkins (trade)
Losses:
RP: B.J. Ryan FA
RP: Steve Kline (trade)
Orioles scored a very good catcher off the free agent market, but they lost too much. They traded away a good relief pitcher in Steve Kline and got LaTroy Hawkins in return. Hawkins was unable to live up to expectations when he signed with the Cubs as their closer, and that is nice. He was actually atrocious. Then Hawkins was traded to the Giants, and stunk it up there. So in other words, Giants made out on that deal. Then they also lost B.J. Ryan to the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency. Now they are without a closer. They lost too much and got back minimal. And now Miggy is looking for a trade because he sees no direction with this team. Neither do I.
Final Grade: D
Toronto Blue Jays
Additions:
P: A.J. Burnett FA
RP: B.J. Ryan FA
1B: Lyle Overbay (trade)
Losses:
P: Dave Bush (trade)
OF: Gabe Gross (trade)
Yes, the Blue Jays overpaid for Burnett and B.J. Ryan, but they needed to. They now have a pitcher who can compliment Roy Halladay in the starting rotation and now have a formidable starting rotation with Ted Lilly, Gustavo Chacin and Josh Towers at the back end of the rotation. Overybay gives them a power bat who can hit 50+ doubles a season and approximately 20 HRs and someone who can now protect Vernon Wells in that lineup. This also allows J.P. Ricciardi to explore options with Eric Hinske and Shea Hillenbrand by trading them for either pitching or possibly even another big bat.
Final Grade: A
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Additions:
3B: Sean Burroughs (trade)
Losses:
P: Dewon Brazleton
Not much happening here, but I don’t think this is a major risk, after all, Brazleton was their opening day starter last year and was forced to head down to the minors, which didn’t sit well with him. Burroughs had a rough season last year, and now is added to this already crowded infield but should be the starting 3B with Aubrey Huff at 1B and Jonny Gomes at DH. TB has a lot of room with a very young and very talented, but crowded, outfield. It will be interesting to see if they trade one of them, as well if they trade Julio Lugo to make room for B.J. Upton.
Final Grade: C
AL Central
Chicago White Sox
Additions:
1B/DH: Jim Thome (trade)
1B: Paul Konerko (resigned)
IF: Rob Mackowiak
Losses:
OF: Aaron Rowand (trade)
RP: Demaso Marte (trade)
1B/DH: Frank Thomas FA
DH: Carl Everett FA
I think the White Sox didn’t need to make too many changes to their team, and that is exactly what they did. They did take a risk on Jim Thome by trading away Aaron Rowand, but they are OK with that because they have the young CF prospect Brian Anderson who they want to play every day. The Phillies are paying a good portion of Thome’s contract. I have heard that Thome is extremely healthy, and if he can return to 85% of the form he was in 2004, he provides the White Sox a legit power hitter behind Konerko.
Final Grade: A-
Minnesota Twins
Additions:
2B: Luis Castillo (trade)
Losses:
J.C. Romero (trade)
They lost J.C. Romero who is a very good relief pitcher for a few minor leaguers. I don’t like that trade but their bullpen is so strong where they can part with him. But they did trade for 2B Luis Castillo who will lead off in front of Shannon Stewart. Castillo has lost a step, but he can still steal bases. The reason why he wasn’t stealing as many bases the last 3 years is because he wasn’t leading off anymore and batting behind Juan Pierre. But if Castillo can stay healthy, he helps out that lineup tremendously. This is a trade that sort of went under the radar because of all the other big names that were traded away by Florida, but Castillo could and I believe, will, have a major impact on this team. He is a gold glove caliber defender and playing on turf should also help him start stealing bases once again. The Twins also offered Jacque Jones arbitration and are waiting to see what happens with that. And they are interested in Mike Piazza as a DH and part time Catcher and it is also reported that they are also interested in Nomar Garciaparra. We’ll see how the rest of the off-season plays out.
Final Grade: B
Detroit Tigers
Additions:
RP: Todd Jones FA
P: Kenny Rogers FA
Losses:
N/A
I believe Dave Dombrowski is wasting his money on Kenny Rogers. He signed the 41 year old to a 2 year deal. Just gave him too much. But Rogers will eat up innings and will give them a chance to win games, but I just think they should have signed him to a 1 year, incentive laden deal. As for Todd Jones, they needed a closer, and even at 38, he can do the job, as he did a fine job with the Marlins last year. But there are other areas of concern that they need to address such as 1B, OF and another Starting Pitcher.
Final Grade: C
Cleveland Indians
Additions:
P: Paul Byrd FA
RP: Bob Wickman (resigned)
Losses:
RP: Bobby Howry FA
Not too many moves made by the Indians, but they didn’t have too many moves to make. They are a mid market team and they would like to resign Kevin Millwood, but that looks highly unlikely right now. They lost out on the Trevor Hoffman bid, but they did a good job resigning Bob Wickman to remain as their closer. Signing Paul Byrd was a decent move, but people are saying it’s a wash for when they eventually lose Millwood, which I think is absurd. The loss of Millwood can be big. But who knows, maybe they can bring him back.
Final Grade: B (will either go up or down based on Millwood)
Kansas City Royals
Additions:
RP: Elmer Dessens FA
P: Mark Redman (trade)
Losses:
N/A
It’s like the old saying, things can only get better when you’re at the bottom. They traded for Mark Redman, who could be a clubhouse cancer, but a decent pitcher and possibly someone who can work with this young pitching staff. They need a veteran presence in the clubhouse especially with the starting pitching, because their self esteem is shot by losing so frequently early in their career, most notably, Zach Greinke. They are looking to unload Mike Sweeney, which is the only true bright spot in that lineup, other than Matt Stairs. But this team is not improving in the standings.
Final Grade: D+
AL West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Additions:
RP: J.C. Romero
Losses:
C: Bengie Molina
P: Jarrod Washburn
Sured up their already top notch bullpen by adding J.C. Romero. But declined arbitration on Molina and Washburn. They are ready to allow Molina’s brother Jose, and/or Josh Paul to take over at Catcher. Washburn wore out his welcome and wasn’t able to live up to his 2002 post season that he displayed. They are still looking to add a big bat with either Mike Sweeney or possibly Manny Ramirez. If they do that, their final grade will shoot up astronomically. Right now, its just average because their bull pen was already very good.
Final Grade: B
Oakland Athletics
Additions:
P: Esteban Loaiza FA
RP: Jay Witasik (resigned)
Losses:
1B/DH: Scott Hatteberg FA
1B/DH: Erubiel Durazo FA
RP: Octavio Dotel FA
Hmmmm…I am scratching my head on the 2 additions. 1) Why would Billy Beane sign Loaiza to a 3 year/$21 mil deal? He isn’t worth it. He could have thrown out that extra cash to someone like Hudson, Mulder, Tejada instead. I don’t like the signing at all due to the terms of the contract. Loaiza could make a formidable #5 starter, but they already had that in Kirk Saarloos. (Although there is rumor of Saarloos and Joe Kennedy being traded to the Dodgers for Milton Bradley, which would be worth it.) Then I do not understand why they would resign Jay Witasik. He absolutely stinks. They could have picked up a reliever in the free agent market or else brought someone up from the minors. That would have been more feasible. Losing Durazo and Dotel is a good thing, but losing Hatteberg I don’t like that much. But I understand the move, because there really isn’t a place for him to play. But he was a very serviceable player during his 3 years in an Oakland uniform. They get a bad grade right now, unless they do trade for Bradley or sign Mike Piazza or Frank Thomas to an incentive laden 1 year contract.
Final Grade: D-
Texas Rangers
Additions:
OF: Brad Wilkerson (trade)
OF: Termell Sledge (trade)
Losses:
2B: Alfonso Soriano (trade)
I believe the Rangers will not hold onto Brad Wilkerson and will in turn trade him to possibly Toronto for pitching. Soriano is a big loss in that lineup, but they wanted to shed the payroll. Rangers have not improved themselves at all, as they failed on the Josh Beckett deal where he was to be traded for Hank Blalock.
Final Grade: D-
Seattle Mariners
Additions:
N/A
Losses:
RP: Shigetoshi Hasegawa FA
Util: Pokey Reese
Seattle still has not made any significant moves whether it be letting big names go or signing a big name, such as Kevin Millwood. Until then, I will have to give them an incomplete.
Final Grade: Incomplete
posted by Mark D. Miller at 1:15 PM
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