5 Teams That Are Tanking the 2013 MLB Offseason

With less than two weeks before the start of the 2013 calendar year, MLB teams are starting to take shape, and more and more free agents are coming off the market.

Some teams, specifically the Toronto Blue Jays, have given fans newfound hope this offseason. The Blue Jays have been wheeling and dealing throughout the offseason, acquiring multiple players via trade or through free agent signings.

However, there are some teams that are tanking the offseason.

Here's a look at five teams that need to do more for its fans.

Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins should be listed No. 1 for any sport in terms of tanking.

A year after making the biggest splash on the free agent market, the Marlins have basically sold off most of their good players. Now, they'll be back at the bottom of the payroll rankings.

Gone are Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, Mark Buehrle, Emilio Bonifacio, Josh Johnson and John Buck.

But, they' have signed Placido Polanco, so all is well...right?

Not even close.

The Marlins have a lot of improvements they need to make if they want to avoid being the laughing stock of baseball.

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers have struck out on almost everything this offseason.

The Rangers failed to sign Zack Greinke, and saw players like Josh Hamilton, Mike Napoli and Ryan Dempster sign elsewhere.

This is not to mention that Texas also traded Michael Young to the Philadelphia Phillies for basically nothing.

The only moves of note that the Rangers have made so far are the signings of Geovany Soto and Joakim Soria. Texas has also reportedly signed A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year deal (h/t CBS Sports).

Soto dropped off last year, batting .198 with 11 home runs and 39 RBI between two teams. Soria didn't pitch last year, but had a total of 160 saves over the previous five seasons.

Pierzynski was a decent signing, even at 35 years old. He hit .278 with 27 home runs and 77 RBI last year.

Still, the Rangers have to do more, especially considering that they have to replace Hamilton.

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles made an improbable run through the American League East last year and into the AL Division Series.

After being in the AL East cellar for most of the decade before, Orioles fans were happy to have some relief last year.

With the momentum from 2012, fans were hoping the Orioles would do a little more to make the team stronger.

However, that hasn't happened yet, as there have been no major signings or trades as of yet.

Where the Orioles need major help is in the starting rotation. Last year, the Orioles' starters ranked 21st in the league in starter's ERA with a mark of 4.42.

If they're going to take the next step, that has to change.

Maybe they're waiting to see what Dylan Bundy can do.

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox made a decent move in signing Jeff Keppinger this offseason, but other than that, the White Sox have failed to address multiple issues.

Gone is A.J. Pierzynski, which leaves Tyler Flowers as the team's starting catcher.

Nothing against Flowers, but the White Sox still have to address that position.

Then again, the White Sox could be using Flowers as a stopgap until Josh Phegley is ready to take over.

After a disappointing season a year ago, many expected the White Sox to do more this offseason. The fact is, they haven't, and it has raised questions about their ability to compete in 2013.

Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies named Walt Weiss as their new manager, signed Jeff Francis to a one-year deal and acquired reliever Wilton Lopez.

Other than that, all has been quiet on the Rockies' front.

There is a little noise being made by other teams who want Dexter Fowler. However, the Rockies are asking for too much in return.

While it's good that the Rockies value their player highly, asking for a Major League pitcher and two prospects, which is the asking price being reported by Chris Cwik of CBS Sports, is ludicrous.

There's no doubt that Fowler could garner a good pitcher and prospect to the Rockies. But for the Rockies to ask for more than that is simply ensuring they will have the same team as last year—the same team that went 64-98.