MLB Trade/Free-Agent News: Is Your Team Better or Worse Heading into 2012?

Spring training is underway, and I must confess that I'm having a hard time coming down from the high of free agency.  So many unexpected twists and turns occurred and combined with the expanded playoff format, it has become even harder to separate the men from the boys in both leagues.

Take the Los Angeles Angels, for example.  They signed Albert Pujols to a 10-year contract and also landed C.J. Wilson and will surely make a run for a World Series.  Yet, is it enough to pass the Texas Rangers in the division race?

On a contrasting note, the Houston Astros got a new owner in Jim Crane and were unable to dump any of their bad contracts.  The most they did was trade Mark Melancon to the Boston Red Sox for Jed Lowrie, so it's looking like another bleak season in that part of the Lonestar State.

In fact, let's take a look at each MLB team and see how they fare following the offseason: better, or worse?

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks entered the offseason as the reigning NL West champs, missing just one offensive piece to potentially get them over the hump.  They did indeed sign a key bat in Jason Kubel, who is expected to be the everyday left fielder.

However, GM Kevin Towers made a peculiar move when he traded top pitching prospect Jarrod Parker and outfield prospect Collin Cowgill to the Oakland A's for Trevor Cahill (pictured), who horribly regressed after a breakout 2010 season.  He is currently penciled in as the No. 3 starter and for all we know, a change to the NL could prove to be a blessing for him.

Still, Cahill carries a big question mark with him and until the season starts, the Diamondbacks are just about looking the same as they did last season, even with the addition of Kubel's powerful lefty bat.

Verdict: Better, but only slightly

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have one mission going into the 2012 season: don't suffer another epic collapse in September.  The team has a glaring need at shortstop and over the offseason, rumors swirled about the possibility of either Jair Jurrjens or Martin Prado being dealt to fill that void.  No such move was made and now the battle for the position is between veteran Jack Wilson and top prospect Tyler Pastornicky (pictured).

No matter how you look at it, the position battle here is a case of skipper Fredi Gonzalez picking his poison.  Wilson is 34 years old and essentially a defensive replacement at this point, while Pastornicky is 2-for-21 with three strikeouts in seven spring training games.

GM Frank Wren had one simple task this offseason, to get a new shortstop, and he couldn't even use the surplus of pitching to get one.  Combine that with team owners who aren't willing to put a lot of money into the team, and the Braves' season is looking bleak.

Verdict: Worse

Baltimore Orioles

Given how he is the GM of a team that isn't likely to do particularly well this season, GM Dan Duquette was not shy about making moves during the winter.  He signed international studs Wei-Yin Chen and Tsuyoshi Wada and got rid of dead weight in trading "ace" Jeremy Guthrie to the Colorado Rockies for starter Jason Hammel and right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom.

Duquette also brought in a solid bat in Wilson Betemit, who could be a solid option off the bench and he may also see some spot starts.

That said, while the Orioles' offseason wasn't great, it wasn't absolutely awful either.  The team is moving in the right direction by having youngsters be at the core and while they won't make the playoffs this year, they can only move on up.

Verdict: Better, but with a long road ahead.

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox desperately needed a makeover after last year's horrendous finish, and team management immediately made the right move in getting rid of Terry Francona and bringing in Bobby Valentine.  Even though Theo Epstein stepped down as GM to take a job with the Chicago Cubs, his replacement Ben Cherington did a fine job of filling in the holes.

Shortly after All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon left to join the Philadelphia Phillies, Cherington pulled the trigger and traded outfield prospect Josh Reddick to the Oakland A's for outfielder Ryan Sweeney and another All-Star closer, Andrew Bailey.  Given the inconsistency of Papelbon in the past, Bailey will prove to play a big role in the team's future.

Still, there was a hole in right field, so the team went out and signed Cody Ross to a one-year contract.  He may not seem like much, but the small dimensions of Fenway Park will be kind to his swing.

The only real bad move that Cherington made, arguably, was sending switch-hitting shortstop Jed Lowrie to the Houston Astros for Mark Melancon.  Sure, Lowrie's no gem, but he's definitely a better option than Nick Punto and/or Mike Aviles.  Yet, despite that, the Red Sox got the job done this winter and will contend per usual.

Verdict: Better

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs' offseason can be described in two words: complete overhaul.  They hired a new front office crew in Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, and brought in a new manager in Dale Svuem.  Then came the hard part: retooling the roster.

Epstein & Co. went on to acquire first base prospect Anthony Rizzo from the San Diego Padres and also signed David DeJesus to play right field.  Most importantly, however, they dumped some ginormous dead weight in volatile pitcher Carlos Zambrano.

That may not look like much of an offseason on paper, folks, but trust me.  Losing Zambrano alone is enough to label the Cubs' winter as good.

Verdict: Better

Chicago White Sox

There's no other way to say this.  The 2011 season was a great disappointment for the Chicago White Sox as they finished third in the AL Central after beginning the season as contenders.

As a result, GM Kenny Williams entered the offseason in full-on rebuilding mode as he made some moves that were highly questionable.  He made one predictable trade in sending outfielder Carlos Quentin to the San Diego Padres, but he got practically nothing in return.  He then sent hard-throwing closer and fan favorite Sergio Santos to the Toronto Blue Jays, also for practically nothing.

And, somewhere in the middle of all this, Williams decided to sign average "ace" John Danks to a five-year, $65 million extension instead of looking to extend the more effective Gavin Floyd.

Oh, and let's not forget replacing outgoing manager Ozzie Guillen with former White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura, who has no managerial experience.  Combine all of that with some decisions that are, essentially, complete gambles (moving Chris Sale into the starting rotation, starting the untested Dayan Viciedo and Alejandro De Aza in the outfield), and it's looking like another bleak season on the South Side.

Verdict: Worse

Cincinnati Reds

Now that the NL Central is rid of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, the higher ups at the Cincinnati Reds front office are probably doing a happy dance.  GM Walt Jocketty made some key moves this year in trading Travis Wood to the Chicago Cubs for Sean Marshall, but that's only the start of it.

The move of the offseason was trading outfield/first base prospect Yonder Alonso and pitcher Edinson Volquez to the San Diego Padres for Mat Latos (pictured), adding some much-needed help to the front of the rotation.  The young right-hander will have an adjustment period after leaving the pitcher-friendly confines of Petco Park, but he will still play a big role in the team's quest for the NL Central crown.

Throw in the signings of Ryan Ludwick to be a fourth outfielder and Ryan Madson to be the closer, and the division is Cincy's to lose.

Verdict: MUCH better

Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians had a very quiet offseason, as GM Chris Antonetti did very little to the team's roster.  Save for trading for Derek Lowe and signing Casey Kotchman, it was a very quiet winter for the Indians.

Still, the signing of Kotchman will prove to be a key decision for the Indians.  He proved to be one of the steals of the year in 2011 as he hit .306 with 10 homers and 48 RBI in 146 games for the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Indians need an upgrade at first base, and badly, seeing as how Matt LaPorta has not lived up to his potential thus far and Kotchman can do some work with the bat, not to mention play some great defense.

Verdict: Better

Colorado Rockies

Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd kept himself busy during the winter, as he turned the team into definite contenders for the NL West.  Not only did he trade outfielder Seth Smith to the Oakland A's for a decent pitcher in Guillermo Moscoso, but he also acquired Marco Scutaro from the Boston Red Sox.

On the free agent market, O'Dowd signed veteran Casey Blake to play third base and also brought in Michael Cuddyer (pictured) on a three-year deal.  Given the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field, Cuddyer should have a phenomenal year.

However, let's not forget that the Rockies traded closer Huston Street to the San Diego Padres and also acquired aging catcher Ramon Hernandez and the underachieving Jeremy Guthrie.  Both could prove to be dead weight.

Still, as a whole, the offseason wasn't bad for Colorado.

Verdict: Slightly better

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers only made one move this offseason, signing the highly touted Prince Fielder to a nine-year, $216 million contract.  Seeing as how the team is going to be without Victor Martinez all season and needs some offensive help outside of Miguel Cabrera, I think it's obvious how they look entering the 2012 season.

Verdict: Better

Houston Astros

The Astros are in rebuilding mode, so one would think that new owner Jim Crane and new GM Jeff Luhnow would make a point to dump two bad contracts in pitcher Wandy Rodriguez and outfielder/first baseman Carlos Lee.

Instead, all they did was trade Mark Melancon, who actually did well for Houston last year, to the Boston Red Sox for Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland, both of whom are hit or miss.  Thus, it's looking like another season of 100-plus losses.

Verdict: Worse

Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals are so close to returning to contention, but the moves GM Dayton Moore made this offseason seem like a step backward.  He traded outfielder Melky Cabrera, who had a great 2011 playing for KC, to the San Francisco Giants for Jonathan Sanchez.

Sanchez isn't bad by any means, but he walks way too many hitters and isn't a staff ace by any means.  By trading away a top hitter for a mediocre pitcher, I don't see the Royals doing much in terms of improvement in 2012.

Verdict: Worse

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels made two big splashes this winter, as they spent over $300 million on Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson.  Pujols adds some much needed power to a lineup fueled by smallball, while Wilson joins an already talented starting rotation.

New GM Jerry DiPoto also sent pitcher Tyler Chatwood to the Colorado Rockies for catcher Chris Iannetta.  This wasn't necessarily a bad deal, but it's not a great one either.  Iannetta's home run total will surely drop now that he's swapped Coors Field for Angels Stadium.

Still, it's obvious where this verdict is going.

Verdict: Better

Los Angeles Dodgers

Not even an impending ownership change could stop Dodgers GM Ned Colletti from having a busy offseason.  He upgraded the rotation with Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano, both of whom had decent 2011 seasons.

On the offensive side, he signed devoted veterans Mark Ellis and Jerry Hairston, Jr.

These signings aren't bad, but they also aren't enough to put the Dodgers over the top.  Despite having a strong second half, their offense still needs some help outside of Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier and in the rotation, all arms after Clayton Kershaw are unpredictable.

Verdict: Worse

Miami Marlins

The Marlins had one of the busiest offseasons out of all the teams in baseball.  Normally reputed as stingy, owner Jeffrey Loria broke the bank.

Not only did he bring in Ozzie Guillen to be manager, but he wasn't shy in luring free agents to the team either.  By bringing in shortstop Jose Reyes and pitchers Mark Buehrle and Heath Bell, the Marlins could very well make a run for the NL East in 2012.

Verdict: Better

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers were dealt a big loss this offseason as star first baseman Prince Fielder left to join the Detroit Tigers.  That means that Mat Gamel will likely start the season at first base and while his minor league numbers were solid, he is still largely untested on the major league level.

To compensate for the loss of offense, GM Doug Melvin went out and signed former Chicago Cubs All-Star Aramis Ramirez (pictured) to a three-year, $36 million deal.  Ramirez is good, but he's also turning 34 this summer and probably only has one good season left.

The Brewers won the NL Central last year, but this season, they'll be fighting for a playoff spot.

Verdict: Worse

Minnesota Twins

Last year was a heavy disappointment for the Twins, as Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau both missed a great deal of time with injuries and the team finished last in the NL Central after winning the division in 2010.  The entire season was essentially played by a bunch of youngsters.

Sure enough, team owner Jim Pohlad brought back Terry Ryan to be GM on an interim basis, yet the moves made since his return are highly questionable.

First off, signing 38-year-old Jamey Carroll to a two-year deal to be the starting shortstop is a move that makes almost zero sense.  On top of that, they signed power-hitter Josh Willingham to a three-year, $21 million deal.  For those who are unaware, the Minnesota Twins play in the freakishly pitcher-friendly Target Field.

Throw in the signing of the mediocre Jason Marquis, and the Twins could be in for another long season.

Verdict: Worse than last year...ouch!

New York Mets

It must really suck having Sandy Alderson's (pictured) job now, as the New York Mets' ownership is marred in a Bernie Madoff-related lawsuit and pretty much can't spend any money on making the team better.

To give a better idea, the Mets' offseason was highlighted by the following: trading outfielder Angel Pagan to the San Francisco Giants for outfielder Andres Torres and right-handed reliever Ramon Ramirez, and signing Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch to one-year deals.

Simply put, the team is in a downward spiral and unless a miracle occurs, they'll finish in the NL East cellar.

Verdict: Worse

New York Yankees

The Yankees were having a relatively quiet offseason until GM Brian Cashman pulled off one of his legendary surprises.  In a move that shocked the teams' fans (myself included), he traded the team's top hitting prospect in catcher Jesus Montero to the Seattle Mariners for hard-throwing second-year pitcher Michael Pineda.

On the very same day, the Yankees also signed Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year deal worth $10 million.  Throw in A.J. Burnett being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates just before spring training, and the Yankees' rotation is looking like one to beat come the start of the season.

Oh, and let's not forget the stacked lineup.

Verdict: Better

Oakland A's

Once again, A's GM Billy Beane had a busy offseason.  Not only did he trade Trevor Cahill to Arizona for Jarrod Parker and other prospects, but he also dealt Gio Gonzalez to the Washington Nationals for pitching prospect Brad Peacock, catching prospect Derek Norris and others.

But wait, there's more! 

Beane also traded pitcher Guillermo Moscoso to the Colorado Rockies for Seth Smith, closer Andrew Bailey to the Red Sox for Josh Reddick, and also found time to sign pitcher Bartolo Colon and outfielder Manny Ramirez (pictured) to free agent contracts.

Yet, the biggest splash of all was the team landing Cuban sensation Yoenis Cespedes, who was signed to a four-year, $36 million deal.

It's unclear how long each of the newly acquired players will remain with the team, but chances are that they have the potential to do a solid job for now.  Given the balance of veterans and youngsters, I'd say the A's are looking decent.

Verdict: Slightly better

Philadelphia Phillies

The key to a team having ongoing success is having young players gradually take over for aging veterans.  In the Phillies' case, they seem to be going with the mantra "experience over youth."

Of the team's projected regulars, both in the lineup and the starting rotation, nine are over the age of 30.  On top of that, 31-year-old closer Jonathan Papelbon was signed to a four-year deal worth $50 million while all other closers signed one-year deals.  This mistake could easily come back to haunt the team.

Throw in power-hitting first baseman Ryan Howard missing the start of the season as he recovers from a torn Achilles' tendon, the fact that the Phils had the best record in baseball last year yet lost in the NLDS, plus they will soon be on the decline given the age of this roster, and the future looks murky.

Verdict: Worse, slowly and painfully

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates had a relatively quiet winter, their biggest move being the signing of infielder Clint Barmes to a two-year deal worth $12 million.  Besides that, they sent two low-level prospects to the New York Yankees for A.J. Burnett (pictured), who is out until at least late May after fracturing his orbital bone during batting practice.

Still, the team managed to make one big move before the start of the season, as they signed All-Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a six-year, $51.5 million extension.  That said, Pittsburgh could soon be back to its winning ways.

Verdict: Slightly better

San Diego Padres

The Padres are on the verge of an ownership change and as a result, are basically strapped, financially.  This offseason, new GM Josh Byrnes did his best Billy Beane impression in trading away top young players for either the same thing or prospects.

The most notable deal of the winter was trading star pitcher and staff ace Mat Latos to the Cincinnati Reds for Yonder Alonso (pictured), Edinson Volquez and others.  Shortly afterward, he sent first base prospect Anthony Rizzo to the Chicago Cubs for Andrew Cashner.

That said, it's hard to believe that the Padres will remotely contend this year.  They traded away one prospect who could become an absolute beast, all because a player who could very well bust in Petco Park could take over at first base.

Verdict: Worse

San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants had one need entering the offseason: enhanced offense.  GM Brian Sabean got just that when he dealt Jonathan Sanchez to the Kansas City Royals for Melky Cabrera, who is expected to be the team's starting left fielder.  Last season, the 27-year-old hit .305 with 18 home runs and 87 RBI while also stealing 20 bases as the Royals' leadoff man.

The power numbers will probably decline in the pitcher-friendly AT&T Park, but he'll still do a good job of bringing some much-needed pop to the Giants' lineup.  Angel Pagan could also provide some valuable at-bats out of the No. 2 spot in the lineup.

On top of that, the pitching staff headed by Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain is due for another good season and if everything falls into place, the Giants could be back in the playoffs again.

Verdict: Better

Seattle Mariners

Even though the Seattle Mariners made a huge deal in acquiring heavy-hitting Jesus Montero (pictured) from the New York Yankees, they still took a big gamble.  As good as he is, he only has 61 career at bats and his power could suffer in the hitter-friendly Safeco Field.

On top of that, the rest of the Mariners' regulars include an aging Ichiro Suzuki and a bunch of guys who are hit or miss.  In the rotation, there isn't much behind Felix Hernandez.

Thus, I'm anticipating another last-place finish.

Verdict: Frustratingly worse

St. Louis Cardinals

The obvious answer here is worse, but let's hold our horses for a second.  Sure, the Cardinals lost a big piece in Albert Pujols, but they're still more than capable of defending their World Series title in 2012.

First, Adam Wainwright is back after missing all of 2011 to recover from Tommy John surgery.  Second, switch-hitting Carlos Beltran was signed to a two-year deal to play right field.  Once postseason hero Allen Craig comes back from injury, he could very well take over in right as Beltran moves to center.

Besides those two signings, the team is very much still the same.  The only real cause for concern is first-time manager Mike Matheny, but he can adapt his approach to the team and vice versa.

If you ask me, this team looks just as good if not better than last year's.

Verdict: Better

Tampa Bay Rays

If there's one team that's happy about the new playoff format, it has to be the Tampa Bay Rays.  They easily have the best young pitching staff in the league and with Matt Moore (pictured) becoming a full-time starter, they could seriously make a run at the AL East crown.

On top of that, Luke Scott could prove to be a solid left-handed option at DH for a team that does not make a habit of spending a lot of money.  The team that won the AL Wild Card last year is still very much intact, albeit with one key tweak, so this team is looking about the same.  No better, no worse.

Verdict: Inconclusive

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers have been to the World Series and lost the past two seasons, and this year they will look to finally come out on top.  Yet, they'll have a hell of a time doing so as there have been some decisions made thus far that could easily come back to bite them.

First, there was moving Neftali Feliz from the closer's spot to the starting rotation.  Then, staff ace C.J. Wilson left via free agency.

Yet, the biggest doozy of them all was team owner Nolan Ryan and GM Jon Daniels spending a grand total of $111.7 million to acquire Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish, who has not played one MLB game.  Throw in the oft-injured Joe Nathan as the new closer, and some fans are surely going, "WHY?!?!?!"

Verdict: Worse

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have a new look and a new attitude entering 2012, and some offseason acquisitions may fuel it.  GM Alex Anthopoulos did a great job in practically stealing closer Sergio Santos (pictured) from the Chicago White Sox and then signing Francisco Cordero to a one-year deal to be the setup man.

Save for those two moves, it was a quiet winter north of the border.  Yet, that's not a bad thing.  The Jays' lineup looks great and the pitching staff from last year is intact, so the new playoff format could give them a leg-up in getting back to the postseason.

Verdict: Better

Washington Nationals

At first glance, the Washington Nationals look like a sleeper team of 2012.  However, let's analyze their offseason.

They traded some top prospects to acquire lefty Gio Gonzalez (pictured), a talented pitcher who doesn't give up many runs, but tends to walk a lot of hitters.  GM Mike Rizzo subsequently inked him to a five-year, $42 million extension.

Rizzo then went out and signed the unpredictable Edwin Jackson to a one-year deal worth $11 million.

As much upside as the Nats have, those two moves were kind of bone-headed, and I didn't even mention Rizzo also bringing in Brad Lidge.  Unless Gonzalez and Jackson both do complete 180s and have great seasons, the Nats could easily find themselves on the outside looking in, and I mean for the long-term.

Verdict: Worse