1. Royals-Bolstering their starting rotation by trading for James Shields, Wade Davis and Ervin Santana: Kansas City drastically improved their starting rotation by adding these three pitchers in the offseason. James Shields is a legitimate ace that will give Kansas City 200 innings and will notch 15 wins if the Royals’ offense can give him run support. Wade Davis, along with Shields, comes over from Tampa Bay and will become a part of Kansas City’s rotation. Davis was a solid reliever in 2012, but was fairly successful as a starter in his previous 2 years with the Rays, so Davis should be able to make an immediate impact as a starter for the Royals. Finally, Ervin Santana is a pitcher that was brought over from the Angels; his numbers weren’t great last year, but if he is able to make the necessary adjustments, he will be a solid number 3 starter for the Royals.
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| Angel Pagan |
2. Giants-Resigning OF Angel Pagan and INF Marco Scutaro: These
moves are very significant for the defending World Series Champions. Although
Pagan and Scutaro aren’t household names for baseball fans across the country,
these two players were very instrumental in the Giants winning the World Series
last year. With these two players resigned and back as the 1-2 punch in the
Giants’ lineup, San Francisco will be just as competitive in 2013 as they were
in 2012.
3. White Sox-Signing INF Jeff Keppinger to a 3-year deal: By
bringing in Keppinger as the new 3rd baseman, the White Sox now have
a .300 hitter at the top of the lineup who just so happens to be a solid
defender. Why Keppinger wasn’t as valuable on this year’s free agent market is
puzzling for multiple reasons. First, Keppinger is an outstanding hitter who
has produced results in both the National and American League; sure he’s not
the typical power 3rd baseman, but he’ll give you multiple quality
at-bats night in and night out. Finally, he’s cheap: the White Sox signed him
for $4 million per year, which is not the type of money teams spend on a .300
hitter.
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| Shin-Soo Choo |
4. Reds-Acquiring Shin-Soo Choo from the Cleveland Indians:
Sure, Drew Stubbs was an excellent center fielder for the Reds the last couple
of seasons, but his declining batting average over the last 4 years was not
helping the offensive attack for Cincinnati. Choo adds another power threat to
the Reds’ lineup, but Choo also gives Cincinnati an excellent defensive
presence in center field. Choo possesses one of the best throwing arms in the
game and his range will be good enough to cover the small outfield territory in
Great American Ball Park.
5. Phillies-Signing RHP Mike Adams to a 2-year deal: The
Phillies bolstered an already strong bullpen by adding veteran reliever, Mike
Adams. For $6 million per year, Adams is a fairly cheap setup man for Phillies
closer, Jonathan Papelbon. With Adams and Papelbon closing out games in
Philadelphia, the Phillies will have no problem finishing games in 2013, and
for years to come.
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| Joel Hanrahan |
6. Red Sox-Signing SS Stephen Drew and Acquiring RHP Joel
Hanrahan from the Pittsburgh Pirates: After having much disappointment last
year with multiple closers, the Red Sox brought in a proven closer from the
Pirates, Joel Hanrahan. Hanrahan will provide the Red Sox with the reliable
closer they were so desperate for a year ago. Hanrahan is a two-time All Star
and should be very successful in Boston. Drew was signed after having a decent
year with Oakland in 2012. He’s not the best offensive shortstop in the game,
but he’ll be a reliable defender and will improve on his offensive numbers from
a year ago as he comes back from an ankle injury he suffered a few years ago.
7. Angels-Acquiring LHP Jason Vargas from the Seattle
Mariners: Being a reliable starting pitcher is what Vargas brings to the table
for the Angels. He’s staying within the division so he’ll be familiar with
opposing hitters. He has good stuff and will give the Los Angeles 200 quality
innings, plus he adds another quality arm to an already lethal starting
rotation that includes Jared Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Tommy Hanson and Joe Blanton.
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| Brandon McCarthy |
8. Dbacks-Signing RHP Brandon McCarthy to a 2-year deal:
After resurrecting his career in Oakland, McCarthy should fit in well with the
Diamondbacks in 2013. Although he suffered a serious head injury at the end of
last season, McCarthy will be a solid number 2 starter for Arizona. McCarthy’s
numbers should improve as he heads to a division filled with pitcher-friendly
ballparks. With the addition of McCarthy to a rotation that already includes
Ian Kennedy, Trevor Cahill, and Wade Miley, Arizona will have a very deep
starting rotation in 2013.
9. Rangers-Signing RHP Joakim Soria to a 2-year deal: Coming
off Tommy John Surgery that kept him sidelined all of 2012, Soria is a risky
sign for the Texas Rangers. Although this was a high-risk sign for Texas, the
Rangers could have a solid back end of the bullpen if Soria returns to form. If
Soria can become the type of pitcher he was in Kansas City, Texas will have 2
proven closers (Joe Nathan) easily capable of closing out games in 2013.
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| Denard Span |
10. Nationals-Acquiring OF Denard Span from the Minnesota
Twins: With the addition of Span to the Nationals outfield, Washington now has
one of the best all-around defensive outfields in baseball. Span is a pesky
leadoff hitter who will set the table for Harper, Werth and LaRoche. Span also
provides more speed to the top of Washington’s lineup, and will become an
instant stolen-base threat. With Span’s offensive ability to hit for average,
Washington now possesses a high-quality leadoff hitter.
-Hayden Carter
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