MLB Trade/Free-Agent Grades: Report Cards for Biggest Offseason Acquisitions

The first month of the 2012 MLB season is over, and while there is still a ton of baseball to be played, already fanbases will inevitably start to dissect their team's offseason decisions.

With that in mind, here is my first-month grade for each of the 42 biggest offseason acquisitions based on their performance to this point.

To clarify, these are the 42 biggest acquisitions based on how they were perceived entering the season, not the 42 biggest in terms of impact thus far.

For example, while Jason Hammel (3-1, 1.97 ERA) has been terrific for the Orioles so far this season after coming over from the Rockies in the Jeremy Guthrie deal, he is not on this list. Guthrie, on the other hand, is on this list despite his early season struggles and injury. 

I only included players currently playing in the majors, so no high-performing prospects who were acquired in the offseason in the Anthony Rizzo (.384 BA, 7 HR,  23 RBI at Triple-A) mold are on this list either.

I also did not include players who re-signed with their old teams, like David Ortiz and Jimmy Rollins, as they were not acquisitions in the traditional sense.

With that clarified, here are my grades on the 42 biggest offseason acquisitions. These grades will undoubtedly be far different come season's end, but this is where they stand as of now based on expectations for the player entering the season.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Sign 1B Albert Pujols

Terms: 10 years, $240 million

Stats: .217/.265/.304, 0 HR, 4 RBI

So far the Angels' major offseason acquisition has done absolutely nothing, and the team has limped to an 8-15 start.

Much was made of his slow start and down year last year, but through the same number of games (23) last season he had a line of .250 BA, 7 HR and 17 RBI, so this is a new level of bad. 

Still, you have to give one of the greatest hitters of all time the benefit of the doubt and can't go with a flat-out "F" on this grade, but you can get awfully close.

Grade: D-

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Sign SP C.J. Wilson

Deal: Five years, $77.5 million

Stats: 5 GS, 3-2, 2.70 ERA, 30 K's, 33.1

C.J. Wilson certainly can't be blamed for the Angels' slow start, as he has lived up to the expectations that came along with his big contract.

In fact, the trio of Wilson, Jered Weaver and Dan Haren has been terrific, yet the team continues to struggle.

Grade: A

Oakland Athletics Sign CF Yoenis Cespedes

Terms: Four years, $36 million

Stats: .250/.333/.476, 5 HR, 19 RBI

Opinions on how Yoenis Cespedes would adapt to life in the MLB ranged from instant All-Star to instant demotion. He has held his own and leads the team in HR and RBI, and is second in batting average despite hitting just .250.

He couldn't have started hotter, hitting three homers with seven RBI through his first four games, but he has settled in as the team's biggest run-production threat and should only improve.

Grade: B+

Oakland Athletics Acquire RF/DH Seth Smith

Deal: Acquired from Colorado Rockies for SP Guillermo Moscoso and SP Josh Outman

Stats: .197/.351/.295, 2 HR, 5 RBI

After averaging a line of .275/16/55 the past three seasons in a platoon role in Colorado, Seth Smith finally looked to have an everyday gig lined up in Oakland.

However, early season struggles have once again landed him in a time share. Until he starts to consistently produce, his role will continue to shrink.

Grade: D

Toronto Blue Jays Acquire RP Sergio Santos

Deal: Acquired from Chicago White Sox for SP Nestor Molina

Stats: 6 G, 2-for-4 SV, 9.00 ERA, 7.2 K/9

A converted infielder, Sergio Santos has only been pitching since 2009, yet the Toronto Blue Jays bought into his breakout season last year and acquired him to be their closer.

Luckily they also signed veteran Francisco Cordero, as Santos blew a pair of save chances early before landing on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation.

Grade: D

Milwaukee Brewers Sign 3B Aramis Ramirez

Terms: Three years, $36 million

Stats: .214/.264/.381, 2 HR, 10 RBI

Signed to pick up some of the run-production slack, Aramis Ramirez has gotten off to a slow start. He has still driven in the fourth-most runs on the team despite his struggles.

He has heated up of late, going 10-for-31 (.323 BA) over his last eight games. His batting average should continue to climb towards respectability in the weeks ahead.

Grade: C

St. Louis Cardinals Sign RF Carlos Beltran

Terms: Two years, $26 million

Stats: .256/.376/.462, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 5 SB

Signed as Albert Pujols' replacement of sorts, with Lance Berkman shifting from right field to first base following his addition, Carlos Beltran was a low-risk signing at just two years.

He has cooled a bit after a very hot start, but he has been solid so far. The former 30-30 man has been running more, as he already has one more steal than he did all of last year.

Grade: B

Chicago Cubs Sign RF David DeJesus

Terms: Two years, $10 million

Stats: .250/.352/.303, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 13 R

David DeJesus has given the Chicago Cubs the closest thing to a leadoff hitter they have had in years. He has gotten on base at a decent clip and leads the team in runs scored.

Thought of as a bounce-back candidate following a down year, DeJesus has looked like the player of old more times than not this season and should continue to improve his peripherals.

Grade: B

Arizona Diamondbacks Acquire SP Trevor Cahill

Deal: Acquired from Oakland Athletics with RP Craig Breslow for SP Jarrod Parker, CF Collin Cowgill and RP Ryan Cook

Stats: 4 GS, 1-2, 3.70 ERA, 16 K's, 24.1 IP

Trevor Cahill is just two years removed from an 18-8 season. He is still only 24 years old locked up through 2015 on a bargain contract, with options for 2016 and 2017.

It cost the Arizona Diamondbacks one of the game's top pitching prospects in Parker, but they still have a wealth of pitching talent in the farm system. Looking to compete now, this move filled a need.

Also, Breslow (10 G, 2.38 ERA, 11.1 IP) has settled into a setup role and is putting up terrific numbers as well.

Grade: B+

Arizona Diamondbacks Sign LF Jason Kubel

Terms: Two years, $16 million

Stats: .333/.400/.528, 3 HR, 12 RBI

Many questioned the Arizona Diamondbacks' signing of Kubel, as it pushed 25-year-old Gold Glove winner Gerardo Parra to the bench.

However, with Chris Young on the disabled list, the depth brought on by signing Jason Kubel has become an immediate asset. It does not hurt that he is putting up terrific numbers so far.

Grade: A

Los Angeles Dodgers Sign SP Aaron Harang

Terms: Two years, $12 million

Stats: 5 GS, 1-2, 5.72 ERA, 30 K's, 28.1 IP

Aaron Harang earned a multi-year deal after a resurgent 2011 season when he went 14-7 with a 3.64 ERA while calling home the pitcher's paradise that is PETCO Park.

However, early on this season he has looked much more like the pitcher who struggled to an 18-38 record and 4.71 ERA over his final three seasons in Cincinnati.

He's been one of the lone blemishes on what has been a terrific start to the season for the Dodgers, and they are no doubt regretting that second year already.

Grade: D

Los Angeles Dodgers Sign SP Chris Capuano

Terms: Two years, $10 million

Stats: 5 GS, 3-0, 2.73 ERA, 29 K's, 29.2 IP

For $1 million-per-year less than what the team signed Aaron Harang for, the Dodgers also added Chris Capuano to fill out the back end of their rotation.

Out of the majors in 2008 and 2009, and used primarily as a reliever in 2010, the Mets took a chance on Capuano last season. He went a respectable 11-12 with a 4.55 ERA while earning $1.5 million.

He has been stellar through five starts so far, and he has recorded quality starts in each of his last three outings.

Grade: A

San Francisco Giants Acquire LF Melky Cabrera

Deal: Acquired from Royals for SP Jonathan Sanchez and SP Ryan Verdugo

Stats: .300/.366/.422, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 14 R

The Giants swapped "occasionally brilliant but more times than not wild" Jonathan Sanchez for Melky Cabrera in hopes of jump-starting their offense with him as a table setter.

Cabrera is coming off a career year in 2011 when he hit .305/18/87 and 20 SB with the Kansas City Royals. Still just 27 years old, he is just entering his prime. 

Grade: B+

Cleveland Indians Acquire SP Derek Lowe

Deal: Acquired from Atlanta Braves with cash for RP Chris Jones

Stats: 5 GS, 4-1, 2.27 ERA, 9 K's, 31.2 IP

Due $15 million in the final year of his contract, the Braves shipped the 39-year-old sinkerballer and $10 million to the Indians for a career minor leaguer. This freed up a rotation spot for one of their young pitchers and saved some money in the process.

Derek Lowe led the NL with 17 losses last season while posting a 5.05 ERA, so the Indians expected him to be little more than a veteran presence and an innings-eater. Instead, he has been the staff ace and one of the better pitchers in the American League. Time will tell how long that holds up, but for now, the deal looks great.

Grade: A

Seattle Mariners Acquire C/DH Jesus Montero

Deal: Acquired from New York Yankees with SP Hector Noesi for SP Michael Pineda and SP Jose Campos

Stats: .259/.271/.420, 4 HR, 13 RBI

Looking to bolster their stagnant offense, the Seattle Mariners gave up rookie sensation Michael Pineda to acquire top Yankees prospect Jesus Montero.

He has all the makings of a future superstar, and he has been the Mariners' most consistent run-producer so far this season. He looks more like a DH who occasionally catches than he does a catcher at this point, but he should only continue to get better with the bat moving forward.

Grade: A

Miami Marlins Sign SS Jose Reyes

Terms: Six years, $106 million

Stats: .220/.293/.341, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 6 R

Jose Reyes is coming off a career year in which he won the NL batting title with a .337 average, although he still spent some time on the shelf, playing in just 126 games.

Looking to make a splash, the Miami Marlins opened their wallets and likely overpaid for an injury-prone player coming off the best year of his career. He has struggled early, as have the Marlins as a whole; both the player and team have fallen well short of expectations to this point.

Grade: D-

Miami Marlins Sign RP Heath Bell

Terms: Three years, $27 million

Stats: 8 G, 2-for-5 SV, 10.80 ERA, 6.8 K/9

Seeing as he was the only closer in baseball to save at least 40 games in each of the past three seasons, and given what Jonathan Papelbon signed for, it seemed as though the Miami Marlins got a relative bargain in signing Heath Bell.

However, he has been perhaps the worst closer in baseball to this point. While he still looks to have the support of manager Ozzie Guillen at this point, he could be in jeopardy of losing ninth-inning duties with another bad outing.

Grade: F

Miami Marlins Sign SP Mark Buehrle

Terms: Four years, $58 million

Stats: 5 GS, 1-4, 3.34 ERA, 19 K's, 32.1 IP

After 12 seasons and 161 wins pitching for Chicago, Mark Buehrle parted ways with the Chicago White Sox for the opportunity to be part of the wide-scale overhaul the Miami Marlins made this offseason.

So far, he has been victimized by a poor supporting cast. He registered quality starts in each of his first four outings but was spotted just two runs of support over three losses.

Grade: B+

Miami Marlins Acquire SP Carlos Zambrano

Deal: Acquired from Chicago Cubs with cash for SP Chris Volstad

Stats: 4 GS, 0-2, 3.24 ERA, 18 K's, 25 IP

Owed $18 million in the final year of his contract, the Cubs jumped at the opportunity to unload the never-ending headache that had become Carlos Zambrano.

They shipped him to the Marlins along with $15.5 million, but so far, Zambrano has certainly been worth the $2.5 million that the Marlins are paying him. Most important of all, he has stayed out of the headlines and simply gone about his business.

Grade: B

New York Mets Sign RP Frank Francisco

Terms: Two years, $12 million

Stats: 10 G, 5-for-6 SV, 7.71 ERA, 9.7 K/9

Signed as a low-cost solution to the New York Mets' closer vacancy, Frank Francisco saved 17 games last season for the Toronto Blue Jays. It was just the second time in his career he tallied double-digit saves.

He started the year off with a bang, as the Mets opened the season with a sweep of the Atlanta Braves and he picked up the save in all three games.

That was followed by another scoreless outing. Since then, he has allowed at least one run in five of six appearances, as his ERA has climbed to dangerous heights.

Grade: C-

Washington Nationals Acquire SP Gio Gonzalez

Deal: Acquired from Oakland Athletics with SP Robert Gilliam for SP Tom Milone, SP A.J. Cole, SP Brad Peacock and C Derek Norris

Stats: 5 GS, 2-1, 1.82 ERA, 34 K's, 29.2 IP

The Washington Nationals gave up a lot to get Gio Gonzalez, as all four prospects they sent to Oakland now rank among their top 10 prospects for 2012 according to Baseball America.

However, Gonzalez has been part of something special early on in the 2012 season. He is one of four Nationals starters with an ERA under 2.00, and a big part of the reason why the team is off to an unexpected 14-8 start.

The team was able to sign him to a five-year, $42 million extension with option years that could keep him in Washington through 2018, which only makes this deal that much better.

Grade: A+

Washington Nationals Sign SP Edwin Jackson

Terms: One year, $11 million

Stats: 4 GS, 1-1, 3.16 ERA, 26 K's, 25.2 IP

The lone Washington Nationals starter with an ERA north of 2.00, Edwin Jackson is having a good season in his own right—just simply not good by comparison with the rest of his rotation.

Getting him on a one-year deal made it a low-risk signing for the Nationals and helped solidify their spectacular rotation. Pitching for the multi-year deal he didn't get this winter, Jackson is no doubt motivated and should be a solid starter all season for a surprise Nationals team.

Grade: B

Baltimore Orioles Sign SP Wei-Yin Chen

Terms: Three years, $11.09 million

Stats: 4 GS, 2-0, 2.22 ERA, 19 K's, 24.1 IP

The Baltimore Orioles signed Wei-Yin Chen out of the Japanese league after he went 8-10 with a 2.68 ERA and 94 K's. The Taiwanese-born Chen manged to break camp with the Orioles after some believed he would need some minor league time.

The 26-year-old is coming off of his best start of the season, as he went seven innings and allowed just one run against the A's on Saturday. He has been solid to this point, and certainly a part of the reason why the Orioles have been the surprise team of the American League.

Grade: A

San Diego Padres Acquire LF Carlos Quentin

Deal: Acquired from Chicago White Sox for SP Simon Castro and SP Pedro Hernandez

Stats: Injured, has not played

It was a busy offseason for the San Diego Padres. They dealt ace Mat Latos, but were by no means rebuilding, as evidenced by their acquisition of White Sox slugger Carlos Quentin in hopes of boosting their offense.

However, he has yet to make his Padres debut after a right knee injury this spring required surgery. He recently began his rehab assignment and should join the team soon. With the 7-15 Padres hitting .215 as a team, they could certainly use him.

Grade: F

San Diego Padres Acquire RP Huston Street

Deal: Acquired from Colorado Rockies with cash for SP Nick Schmidt

Stats: 8 G, 3-for-3 SV, 1.13 ERA, 11.3 K/9

In the final guaranteed year of his contract, the Colorado Rockies shipped Huston Street and $1 million to the San Diego Padres. San Diego took on the remaining $6.5 million of his contract in hopes he could replace the departed Heath Bell.

So far, he has only gotten three save opportunities and locked them all down. More impressively, he has only allowed four baserunners in eight innings of work. The question remains, though: Is it worth spending $6.5 million on a closer when your team is not a contender?

Grade: B+

Philadelphia Phillies Sign RP Jonathan Papelbon

Terms: Four years, $50 million

Stats: 10 G, 8-for-8 SV, 0.90 ERA, 9.0 K/9

The Philadelphia Phillies' signing of Jonathan Papelbon to a big-money deal was one of the most criticized deals of the winter, and they likely did overpay him.

However, with Ryan Madson departing, the team was aggressive in filling the ninth-inning void and Papelbon has rewarded them with a league-high eight saves and a minuscule 0.90 ERA. If only he could also hit cleanup, the Phillies would be in great shape.

Grade: A-

Pittsburgh Pirates Acquire SP A.J. Burnett

Deal: Acquired from New York Yankees for RP Diego Moreno and OF Exicardo Cayones

Stats: 2 GS, 1-1, 1.38 ERA, 15 K's, 13 IP

A massive flop in New York, the Yankees were happy to part with A.J. Burnett by any means possible. In the end, they ate $20 million of the $33 million he was still due over the next two years.

After starting the season on the disabled list, Burnett has looked terrific in his first two starts. After their starting pitching faltered down the stretch last year, adding a veteran arm like Burnett was a must for the Pirates. That said, he is still expensive, even with the money the Yankees are paying.

Grade: B

Texas Rangers Sign SP Yu Darvish

Terms: Six years, $56 million (plus $51.7 million posting fee)

Stats: 5 GS, 4-0, 2.18 ERA, 33 K's, 33 IP

The prize pitcher of the offseason, signing Yu Darvish came with some undeniable reservations. The relative failure of Dice-K paired with his inevitable $100 million price tag made signing him a risky move.

However, after losing ace C.J. Wilson to the Los Angeles Angels, the Texas Rangers were aggressive and got their man. So far, he has been as advertised. While he does lead the league with 17 walks, it is hard to find much to dislike about the way he has began his career in the States.

Grade: A

Texas Rangers Sign RP Joe Nathan

Terms: Two years, $14.5 million

Stats: 11 G, 6-for-7 SV, 3.38 ERA, 9.3 K/9

As consistent a closer as there was in baseball, Nathan saved 246 games from 2004-2009 for the Minnesota Twins before missing the 2010 season with an injury and struggling in his return last season.

His signing has allowed the Texas Rangers to move Neftali Feliz to the rotation. So far, he has been solid anchoring what has been a fantastic Rangers bullpen.

Grade: B

Tampa Bay Rays Sign 1B Carlos Pena

Terms: One year, $7.25 million

Stats: .286/.412/.488, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 15 R

After spending a year with the Chicago Cubs and hitting 28 HR with 80 RBI, Carlos Pena took a pay cut to rejoin the Tampa Bay Rays. He has been part of an improved offense in Tampa thus far.

He hit second in the lineup early in the season, but he has since moved back to a more traditional run-production position. He'll be counted on to keep hitting, with Evan Longoria expected to miss significant time with a hamstring injury.

Grade: B

Boston Red Sox Acquire RP Andrew Bailey

Deal: Acquired with LF Ryan Sweeney from Oakland Athletics for RF Josh Reddick, SP Raul Alcantara and 1B Miles Head

Stats: Injured, has not played

After letting Jonathan Papelbon walk in the offseason, the Boston Red Sox dealt for Oakland Athletics closer and former Rookie of the Year Andrew Bailey.

However, an injury to the UCL in his right thumb landed him on the 60-day disabled list and has thrust an overmatched Alfredo Aceves into the closer's role.

Grade: F

Boston Red Sox Acquire RF Ryan Sweeney

Deal: Acquired with RP Andrew Bailey from Oakland Athletics for RF Josh Reddick, SP Raul Alcantara and 1B Miles Head

Stats: .373/.394/.567, 0 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R

Also acquired in the Andrew Bailey deal, Ryan Sweeney was tabbed to be the replacement for Josh Reddick in right field along with Cody Ross in what would be a platoon.

However, injuries to Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury have thrust both players into everyday roles and Sweeney has responded with the fifth-highest average in the league and a league-best 11 doubles.

Grade: A

Cincinnati Reds Acquire SP Mat Latos

Deal: Acquired from Cincinnati Reds for 1B Yonder Alonso, C Yasmani Grandal, SP Edinson Volquez and RP Brad Boxberger

Stats: 5 GS, 1-2, 5.97 ERA, 18 K's, 28.2 IP

The Reds gave up a boatload to acquire Mat Latos from the San Diego Padres in an attempt to shore up the front end of their rotation and return to the postseason after a down 2011 season.

However, Latos has struggled mightily early as he moves from PETCO Park to Great American Ballpark. Latos fans and Reds fans point to his consistent early season struggles, but in just his third full season in the majors, it is far too early to point to something like that being a trend. The Reds certainly have reason for concern.

Grade: D-

Cincinnati Reds Sign RP Ryan Madson

Terms: One year, $8.5 million

Stats: Injured, out for season

Ryan Madson was signed to replace the departed Francisco Cordero, but a spring injury led to Tommy John surgery. Chances are he will never set foot on the field as a member of the Cincinnati Reds.

That has forced fellow offseason acquisition Sean Marshall into the closer's role and weakened the bullpen as a result.

Grade: F

Cincinnati Reds Acquire RP Sean Marshall

Deal: Acquired from Chicago Cubs for SP Travis Wood, OF Dave Sappelt and 2B Ronald Torreyes

Stats: 9 G, 5-for-6 SV, 5.40 ERA, 13 K/9

Sean Marshall was arguably the best left-handed reliever in all of baseball over the past two seasons. He appeared in 158 games and posted a 2.45 ERA and 10.1 K/9 while pitching for the Chicago Cubs.

Set to hit free agency at season's end, the Cubs dealt him to the Cincinnati Reds where he was expected to be a setup man. Instead, he has been pushed into the closer's role and while he has converted all but one save opportunity, he has been far from his dominant self.

Grade: C

Colorado Rockies Sign RF Michael Cuddyer

Terms: Three years, $31.5 million

Stats: .299/.365/.519, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 13 R

Michael Cuddyer was a first-time All-Star last season as the Minnesota Twins' lone representative. Though the Twins balked at the idea of moving him at the deadline in his final year under contract, he inevitably departed and signed with the Colorado Rockies.

The Rockies not only paid for his production last season, but also for his versatility defensively as he gives them a number of lineup options with his ability to play as many as six different positions. Still, he is likely not worth over $10 million per year.

Grade: B-

Colorado Rockies Acquire SP Jeremy Guthrie

Deal: Acquired from Baltimore Orioles for SP Jason Hammel and RP Matt Lindstrom

Stats: 4 GS, 2-1, 5.92 ERA, 5 K's, 24.1 IP

In need of someone to anchor the staff after dealing Ubaldo Jimenez to the Indians at the deadline last season, the Colorado Rockies traded for free-agent-to-be Jeremy Guthrie.

Despite a 17-loss campaign in 2011, he had a respectable 4.33 ERA and reached the 200-inning mark for the third consecutive season. However, he has struggled early this season and recently landed on the DL with a shoulder injury.

Grade: D

Kansas City Royals Acquire SP Jonathan Sanchez

Deal: Acquired from San Francisco Giants with SP Ryan Verdugo for LF Melky Cabrera

Stats: 4 GS, 1-1, 6.75 ERA, 13 K's, 17.1 IP

Jonathan Sanchez has shown plenty of potential in the past, evidenced by his 13-9, 3.07 ERA season in 2010 as he helped the San Francisco Giants to the World Series. For a Kansas City Royals team starved for starting pitching, it was worth dealing an outfielder coming off of a career year to pick up the left-hander.

However, like they have throughout much of his career, walks have once again plagued Sanchez this season as he is issuing free passes at a clip of 8.8 BB/9. He will continue to get pounded if he keeps walking batters at such a high rate.

Grade: D-

Detroit Tigers Sign 1B Prince Fielder

Terms: Nine years, $214 million

Stats: .309/.387/.444, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 13 R

The Detroit Tigers shocked the baseball world when they went all-in to replace the injured Victor Martinez and signed Prince Fielder.

He and Miguel Cabrera form a one-two punch as good as any in the league. While he has not gotten hot from a power standpoint yet, Fielder has been productive so far and should only get better. The length of the contract is still a huge concern though, as the Tigers have to win in the next few years to justify paying the back end of the deal.

Grade: B-

Minnesota Twins Sign RF Josh Willingham

Terms: Three years, $21 million

Stats: .347/.447/.681, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 13 R

Josh Willingham quietly enjoyed a great season for the Oakland Athletics last season, as he hit 29 HR with 98 RBI while playing in Oakland's disaster of a park and hitting in the middle of their disaster of a lineup.

Now with a supporting cast of sorts, Willingham has thrived through his first month with the Twins. While the team is off to a terrible start, it is by no fault of his.

Grade: A+

New York Yankees Acquire SP Michael Pineda

Deal: Acquired from Seattle Mariners with SP Jose Campos for C/DH Jesus Montero and SP Hector Noesi

Stats: Injured, out for season

In desperate need of starting pitching and uninterested in the crop of free agents, the New York Yankees parted with heralded prospect Jesus Montero to acquire Michael Pineda from the Seattle Mariners. That, after a rookie season where Pineda went 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA and made the AL All-Star team.

However, he will be providing no assistance to the rotation this year, as he underwent shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum and will miss the rest of the season.

Grade: F

New York Yankees Sign SP Hiroki Kuroda

Terms: One year, $10 million

Stats: 5 GS, 2-3, 3.69 ERA, 20 K's, 31.2 IP

Signed the same day the team dealt for Michael Pineda, the New York Yankees managed to sway Hiroki Kuroda from his original stance that he would either pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers or return to Japan.

After losing 16 games last season despite a 3.07 ERA, he is once again off to a good start in 2012. With a career ERA of 3.46, he has to be considered the Yankees' most reliable starter after CC Sabathia.

Grade: B+