5 MLB GMs Who'll Be on the Hot Seat If They Blow It Again This Offseason

We may only be in the first weeks of the offseason, but we're already getting a much clearer picture of which teams might look the most different heading into 2013.

General managers throughout the league have the unenviable task of assessing talent in the major leagues and farm systems as the right packages are being built on both sides and free agent negotiations get underway.

There can sometimes be little middle ground for these GMs, however, as one wrong move can set an organization back a few important steps.

Here are some GMs who may be setting themselves up for failure with the moves they make or don't make, as spring training is less than three months away.

Sandy Alderson, New York Mets

It's been a rough road for New York Mets fans recently. The beleaguered management has made a number of big-money signings, but those signings haven't yielded the success that came along with the expectations.

Johan Santana's massive contract has largely been a bust, along with Jason Bay and others. And when they did have a star in their hands in Jose Reyes, the Mets let him walk.

They have another big decision to make this offseason, as NL Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey enters free agency. He was one of the few bright spots for New York last season, so Sandy Alderson could find himself on the losing end of things should he not bring Dickey back.

Ruben Amaro Jr., Philadelphia Phillies

After a successful run as one of the top teams in the national league in recent seasons, the past couple years haven't gone as hoped for the Philadelphia Phillies.

If an early exit in the 2011 NLDS wasn't bad enough, the Phillies ran into serious problems in 2012 and found themselves as sellers when the trade deadline rolled around.

The Washington Nationals are shaping up to be the team to beat in the division in 2013, and though the Marlins have already unloaded the majority of their talent, the NL East is still plenty tough.

Signing Cole Hamels to a long-term extension was a bold move for Ruben Amaro Jr. to make. And with significant payroll dedicated to the starting rotation, he may need to make some additional moves this offseason to get the team where it needs to be heading into next season.

Jon Daniels, Texas Rangers

With two world series appearances under their belt in the past three seasons, the Texas Rangers have been the mark of consistency as of late in the American League.

The Los Angeles Angels have made significant improvements to their roster, though, and stand to be contenders for years to come in the AL West. And while the Rangers still have plenty of important pieces, there's work left to do.

GM Jon Daniels will have big decisions to make this offseason with Josh Hamilton entering free agency. While the team appears to be very willing to let him test the open market, it will still be plenty active.

The Rangers could be one of the top contenders to land Zack Greinke, but if they end up standing pat heading into spring training, there will no doubt be questions asked.

Jerry DiPoto, Los Angeles Angels

Making the biggest splash of the last offseason, Jerry DiPoto landed two of the top free agents in Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson, and the team was poised to become favorites in the AL West.

He made another bold move in acquiring Zack Greinke from Milwaukee for a run at the division title prior to the deadline, but we all know how that turned out in the end.

The Angels have some of the best young talent in the league with Mike Trout leading the way, but they stand to have some holes to fill.

Torii Hunter has already left for Detroit, and if Zack Greinke departs via free agency this winter, the signings made just a year ago could prove to come up short.

Alex Anthopoulos, Toronto Blue Jays

Fans in Toronto have to be on top of the world right now. GM Alex Anthopoulos worked out some massive deals in the last week, bringing a trio of stars over from Miami and signing Melky Cabrera to pave the way heading into 2013.

It's hard to argue with the moves, which will certainly make Toronto a contender in the AL East. But if the end result looks anything like it has in past seasons, Anthopoulos could face some heat.