Grading Each MLB Team's Offseason Moves After First Two Months of Season

As the 2013 MLB season approaches the end of its second month of action, it's become clear that many of the offseason moves that transpired have had an impact on many teams.

That impact hasn't necessarily been all positive, either.

Back in February, I attached grades to every MLB team's overall moves. I will revisit those grades and make changes based on the performances of the players involved.

Note: All statistics courtesy of MLB.com and are current as of May 30. All offseason transactions courtesy MLBDepthCharts.com.

Arizona Diamondbacks

February Final Offseason Grade: A-

Here is what I said about the Diamondbacks' moves back in February:

"

To say that the Arizona Diamondbacks' roster underwent major upheaval this offseason is akin to saying that the Miami Marlins had a slight fire sale.

Introductions will be in order when the full Diamondbacks roster reports later this week. General manager Kevin Towers reconstructed the left side of his infield (Prado, Gregorius, Pennington). His outfield will look vastly different with the departure of both Young and Upton and the arrival of Ross as well.

Brandon McCarthy will attempt to keep his shoulder healthy in the heat of the desert, hopefully adding some punch to the starting rotation. The bullpen received a makeover as well, with Bell, Reynolds and Sipp added to help support closer J.J. Putz.

No question that Towers earned his paycheck this winter.

"

Current Offseason Grade: A-

The Arizona Diamondbacks certainly did some major wheeling and dealing during the offseason. With their current first-place standing in the NL West, it's difficult to say that those moves weren't successful.

With Justin Upton and Chris Johnson moving to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Martin Prado and four minor league players, it put an end to the Upton era in Arizona that was at times testy and controversial. Overall, the lineup has responded in a positive way.

The additions of Ross and Eric Chavez via free agency have proved to be fruitful thus far. Ditto the acquisition of Didi Gregorius, who appears to be the long-term solution at short for Arizona. McCarthy has struggled, getting lit up by the Texas Rangers on Thursday, now with a 5.00 ERA.

Still, fighting at the top of the NL West likely wouldn't have been possible without Towers pulling off a makeover.

Atlanta Braves

February Final Offseason Grade: B+

Here is what I said about the Braves' moves back in February:

"

The biggest change for the Braves will be seen in the outfield, as the Upton brothers begin a new era in Atlanta.

With an outfield dubbed "Up, Up and a Hey,” brothers B.J. and Justin join young slugger Jason Heyward to form what could be a lethal trio in Atlanta for years to come.

The trade to acquire brother Justin was costly, however. The Braves gave up Martin Prado and young hurler Randall Delgado in the process. The Braves attempted to sign Prado to a long-term contract but just weren't willing to commit to an average annual value in the eight-digit range.

Atlanta will now use Johnson and Juan Francisco at third base. Francisco shined during winter ball but has yet to fully impress at the major-league level.

"

Current Offseason Grade: C

It's been a mixed bag thus far for the Atlanta Braves, in particular with their biggest acquisitions—the Upton brothers.

The literal throwaway in the Justin Upton deal, Chris Johnson, has been anything but a throwaway. In addition, the Braves haven't been terribly hurt by players that departed over the offseason.

But the Upton brothers are hitting a combined .180 with three home runs and 13 RBI in the month of May. By contrast, pitchers for the Chicago Cubs have hit four homers in May.

Baltimore Orioles

February Final Offseason Grade: D

Here is what I said about the Orioles' moves back in February:

"

After making the postseason for the first time in 15 seasons, the Orioles were strangely quiet this offseason.

Only one new free agent (Jurrjens) was signed to a major-league deal, and he's coming off a season in which he posted a 6.89 ERA in 10 starts.

General manager Dan Duquette re-signed Nate McLouth to help in left field and made a few low-impact trades for players who will likely have little impact.

"

Current Offseason Grade: C

Well, it turns out that the Orioles' relative inactivity last winter wasn't necessarily a bad thing. However, it hasn't been the players acquired in last winter's transactions that have delivered for the Orioles, it's been the guys that were already there.

Manny Machado, Chris Davis, Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy and Matt Wieters have provided the bulk of the offense. The pitching staff, while shaky at times through the first two months, remained largely unchanged with the exception of Freddy Garcia, and he was acquired after the offseason.

The offseason moves didn't hurt the team, but they haven't done much to help, either.

Boston Red Sox

February Final Offseason Grade: C+

Here is what I said about the Red Sox's moves back in February:

"

New Red Sox manager John Farrell will be spending time early in spring training getting to know his new charges, including quite a few new faces.

Several veteran players were brought in on short-term deals. Hanrahan and Uehara will help to bolster the bullpen, while Dempster will attempt to improve on an inauspicious start in the American League last year with the Texas Rangers.

General manager Ben Cherington's second offseason was spent constructing a roster with the short term in mind, reversing the trend of long-term contracts seen in the final years of Theo Epstein's tenure.

Whether his decisions vastly improved a roster that saw its worst season since 1965 remains to be seen.

"

Current Offseason Grade: B-

Mike Napoli has been a nice pickup with his eight home runs and 39 RBI. His hip condition, which prompted the Red Sox to change his three-year, $39 deal to a one-year, $5 million contract, hasn't been an issue at all.

Shane Victorino has been a pleasant surprise as well, although he's currently dealing with a strained left hamstring. Dempster has been up and down in posting a 2-6 record and 4.45 ERA.

Jonny Gomes is hitting just .186 and his playing time of late has been considerably diminished.

Gomes did deliver a pinch-hit home run on Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies, prompting this tweet:

"

There's the Jonny Gomes the Red Sox thought they signed. He just clubbed a pinch-hit homer against lefty.

— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) May 31, 2013"

The trade involving Joel Hanrahan for Mark Melancon would have to be classified a bust at this point. Hanrahan is lost for the rest of the season while Melancon has delivered a nifty 0.96 ERA in 28 appearances.

Kohi Uehara has been terrific with a 2.14 ERA and Stephen Drew is starting to settle in at shortstop after starting the season on the disabled list.

Chicago Cubs

February Final Offseason Grade: C

Here is what I said about the Cubs' moves back in February: 

"

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein embarked on his second offseason in Chicago with the goal of sticking to his long-range plan of success.

Hairston was an excellent pick-up, adding pop in right field against left-handed batters. Jackson, Feldman, Villanueva and Baker may help improve the rotation, but they won't conjure up images of a formidable starting quartet.

"

Current Offseason Grade: C

So far, the signing of Jackson has been a complete whiff—Jackson is 1-7 with a 6.11 ERA and is barely averaging five innings per start. Feldman has been a pleasant surprise with 5-4 record and 2.82 ERA. Villanueva too has been solid despite his 1-3 record.

Baker is still rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, and his timetable for a return is uncertain.

Offensively, Scott Hairston has been awful with a .154 average and three home runs. Nate Schierholtz has been solid with a .285 average, six home runs and 20 RBI.

The Cubs' rebuild has more to do with the team's long-term plan of building from within rather than offseason free agent acquisitions. For those transactions, it's truly been hit or miss.

Chicago White Sox

February Final Offseason Grade: C+

Here is what I said about the White Sox's moves back in February:

"

The White Sox may end up ruing the loss of Pierzynski, who takes his career-high 27 home runs to Texas. Peavy was paid handsomely to return on a two-year deal and Keppinger will attempt to replicate a terrific 2012 season with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Losing Pierzynski leaves Adam Dunn as the only power bat from the left side. New general manager Rick Hahn will roll the dice with the unproven Tyler Flowers behind the plate. All in all, the White Sox will again be challenged to compete with the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.

"

Current Offseason Grade: D

The loss of Pierzynski definitely hurt—White Sox catchers have delivered a .211/.287/.366 slash line thus far. Keppinger hasn't delivered anything close to what he gave the Tampa Bay Rays last year (.325 BA, 9 HR, 40 RBI), hitting just .223 with one home run and 14 RBI.

The White Sox have the worst run-scoring offense in the American League, and Keppinger has largely failed to help out with run-scoring opportunities at the top of the order.

Cincinnati Reds

February Final Offseason Grade: B

Here is what I said about the Reds' moves back in February:

"

The Reds answered concerns in the leadoff spot with the acquisition of Choo. However, Choo will be challenged defensively as he takes over in center field for Stubbs.

The Reds didn't need to do much in improving on a roster that won 97 games last season. Choo will be a vast improvement at the top of the order.

"

Current Offseason Grade: A-

There's not much to dislike about what the Reds did this winter. Choo has been fabulous in the leadoff spot in hitting for both average and power. It's certainly hard to imagine the Reds being unhappy with a .449 OBP and .973 OPS.

Cleveland Indians

February Final Offseason Grade: A

Here is what I said about the Indians' moves back in February:

"

General manager Chris Antonetti was creative in rebuilding the Cleveland Indians roster. One-year deals for Reynolds and Myers helped to improve the offense and rotation. The acquisition of Bauer was bold, but could yield positive results for the future.

Swisher brings along a solid bat and a winning attitude as well.

Easily one of the most active teams this offseason, the Indians may still have questions in their rotation unless Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez can bounce back from disappointing 2012 seasons. However, Antonetti did a terrific job in adding pieces of value.

Adding Michael Bourn on a four-year, $48 million deal on Monday night was the coup de gras for the Indians.

"

Current Offseason Grade: A-

Bourn has been stellar in his leadoff role, Swisher has provided value along with his clubhouse presence and Reynolds has been terrific with his production.

Myers was off to a horrible start before landing on the disabled list with right elbow issues. He could return to the team in a bullpen role when his rehab is compete.

Bauer has made three starts with a 2.76 ERA but also with a 8.3 BB/9, so still a work in progress with command at this point. But he still knows how to rap.

The real sleeper just might be Yan Gomes, otherwise dubbed Yanny Bench. Gomes is now hitting .319 with five homers and 13 RBI, providing a spark off the bench and in a reserve role behind the plate.

Colorado Rockies

February Final Offseason Grade: F

Here is what I said about the Rockies' moves back in February;

"

Baffling would be the word to describe the Rockies' offseason.

Coming off a 98-loss season, no significant changes were made, save for acquiring Lopez for the bullpen.

Relying on the same pitchers who contributed to the worst ERA in the majors last year is not a winning recipe.

"

Current Offseason Grade: C

Okay, so I'll eat those words. Turns out the Rockies believed more in their pitching staff than I did. The Rockies did add Jon Garland at the end of spring training, but the performances of Jhoulys Chacin, Juan Nicasio, Tyler Chatwood and Jorge De La Rosa have certainly played into the Rockies' above .500 effort thus far.

Not to mention that Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are delivering performances belying their elite status.

Turns out the Rockies' inactivity last winter wasn't such a terrible thing at all.

Detroit Tigers

February Final Offseason Grade: B

Here is what I said about the Tigers' moves back in February:

"

Adding Hunter and signing Sanchez certainly sent a signal to Detroit Tigers fans that they are serious about returning a World Series to Motown.

The Tigers didn't have to do much. Hunter is a legitimate offensive threat even at the age of 37 and coming off a year in which he hit .313 for the Los Angeles Angels. A healthy Victor Martinez will aid the Tigers offense as well.

 

"

Current Offseason Grade: B+

Hunter has been terrific with a .312 average, two home runs and 23 RBI while definitely helping to improve the outfield defense.

Sanchez has posted two highlight-reel efforts with his 17-strikeout performance in April and his near no-hitter last week.

The Tigers didn't need to do much, and they've made good with the few transactions made thus far.

Houston Astros

February Final Offseason Grade: C-

Here is what I said about the Astros' moves back in February:

"

The Houston Astros certainly stockpiled this offseason, continuing a trend dating back to July 2010 when they traded Hunter Pence to the Philadelphia Phillies.

While they've significantly upgraded a farm system that had long been neglected, they've also assembled a major-league roster that will struggle to both score and prevent runs in 2013.

It's hard to say the Astros failed, given the fact that it will take several years to properly assess the overall value of their many transactions.

But the 2013 season promises to be long nonetheless.

"

Current Offseason Grade: D

One of the Astros' transactions—Rick Ankiel—is already gone after striking out a whopping 35 times in 62 at-bats. Another, Philip Humber, is now laboring in Triple-A after posting an 0-8 record with an ugly 9.59 ERA.

Carlos Pena isn't hitting below the Mendoza line but he's also not supplying the power wanted by the Astros, either—just four home runs with 14 RBI thus far. Chris Carter has supplied power with 10 home runs, but also with a whopping 77 strikeouts.

Most of the other transactions for the Astros were minor in nature and meant more for organizational depth.

Kansas City Royals

February Final Offseason Grade: B

Here is what I said about the Royals' moves back in February:

"

Much of the success for the Kansas City Royals in 2013 will hinge upon the deal made with the Tampa Bay Rays. Acquiring James Shields and Wade Davis should significantly improve their starting rotation, along with the trade that brought over Ervin Santana from the Los Angeles Angels.

But was it too much a price to pay? If prospect outfielder Wil Myers strikes gold for the Rays, it may be years before GM Dayton Moore lives down that deal.

Trading Myers was a gamble, but one that could pay off in the short term for the Royals, who haven't made the postseason since 1985.

"

Current Offseason Grade: B-

It's hard to find fault in the moves made by the Royals this winter. After all, it hasn't been the fault of the pitching staff for the Royals' current slump.

In losing 19 of its last 23 games, the Royals offense has been absolutely anemic. They've totaled just 28 home runs, by far the lowest total in the American League.

The team ERA of 4.30 is a run lower than what they achieved in April, but the offseason pickups of James Shields, Ervin Santana and Wade Davis have not been the reason the Royals have collapsed in the past month.

Los Angeles Angels

February Final Offseason Grade:B+

Here is what I said about the Angels' moves back in February:

"

If Josh Hamilton helps deliver the Los Angeles Angels back to the postseason for the first time in four years, general manager Jerry Dipoto will look like a genius.

Hamilton, however, comes with several question marks along with his high purchase price.

Dipoto also traded for Tommy Hanson and Jason Vargas and signed Joe Blanton to replace Zack Greinke, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana. On paper, it looks like the Angels are weaker.

However, Greinke, Haren and Santana combined for a 4.27 ERA and 84 ERA+ in 2012. The new trio of Hanson, Vargas and Blanton combined for a 4.32 ERA and 87 ERA+.

The jury is still out on that.

Dipoto also bolstered his bullpen with the additions of Ryan Madson and Sean Burnett. Overall, the Angels appear to be well-positioned to make a run at that elusive postseason berth.

"

Current Offseason Grade: D-

Hamilton has yet to heat up and is now dealing with back spasms. The additions of Blanton, Vargas and Hanson has resulted in a rotation ERA nearly a half-run higher than last year's starters.

Madson hasn't made his way back from Tommy John surgery and Burnett is now on the disabled list for the second time with elbow issues.

Not a banner offseason for the Angels.

Los Angeles Dodgers

February Final Offseason Grade: B+

Here is what I wrote about the Dodgers' moves back in February:

"

You think the Dodgers overspent this offseason? Not to worry, just one year of revenue from their new TV contract takes care of that.

With over $600 million in player contracts added since last July, the Dodgers are clearly on an island. Whether those changes bring a World Series title back to LA is anyone's guess.

On paper, it's hard to fault the Dodgers' transactions. Were Greinke and League both overpays? Yes, but for the Dodgers, overpaying became in vogue.

"

Current Offseason Grade: B

For the Dodgers, it hasn't so much been the offseason transactions that have them in last place in the NL West. Greinke's injury aside, he's delivered a 2-1 record and 4.38 ERA in five appearances. Ryu has been outstanding with a 6-2 record and 2.89 ERA.

J.P. Howell has been solid out of the bullpen with a 2.45 ERA in 21 outings while Skip Schumaker has worn many hats already in filling it at various positions due to the myriad of injuries suffered by the Dodgers.

Miami Marlins

February Final Offseason Grade: F

Here is what I wrote about the Marlins' moves back in February:

"

It's believed that Jeffrey Loria, David Samson, Larry Beinfest and Michael Hill are still defending the Miami Marlins fire sale.

Loria might even hire back Jack McKeon just for the sole purpose of offering up excuses as well.

"

Current Offseason Grade: F

There's not much you can do to defend a 13-41 record. As of right now the Marlins are on a pace to seriously threaten the modern-day record for futility set by the expansion 1962 New York Mets (40-120).

The grade officially stands.

Milwaukee Brewers

Final February Offseason Grade: C

Here is what I said about the Brewers' moves back in February:

"

The Milwaukee Brewers bolstered a shaky bullpen with the acquisitions of Badenhop, Gonzalez and Gorzelanny. Re-signing Alex Gonzalez adds insurance for rookie shortstop Jean Segura as well.

Failing to add anyone to the starting rotation could be the Brewers' undoing in 2013. Beyond Yovani Gallardo, the Brewers are rolling the dice with Marco Estrada, Mike Fiers, Mark Rogers and Wily Peralta. While there's promise among that quartet, it's a stretch to think that all can be successful.

"

Current Offseason Grade: D

The Brewers did end up adding rotation help, signing Kyle Lohse to a three-year, $33 million deal. But Lohse has faltered, now 1-6 with a 4.37 ERA after giving up six runs in 4.2 innings to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.

In fact, the rest of the rotation has been simply awful with the worst starting ERA in the National League.

The additions of Badenhop, Gorzelanny and Gonzalez has provided dividends—the trio has combined for a 2.64 ERA in relief. But it hasn't been nearly enough to cover for what has been a disaster from the rotation.

The Brewers' decision to stick with internal solutions for their rotation has backfired.

Minnesota Twins

February Final Offseason Grade: C-

Here is what I said about the Twins' moves back in February:

"

Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan spent the offseason attempting to bolster a starting rotation that was abysmal in 2012.

Attempting being the operative word here.

Correia, Pelfrey and Worley were added, and May and Meyer figure to have value sometime in the near future.

Ryan may have gone after pitching, but whether it's better is debatable. Giving up both Revere and Span was a huge price to pay for future pitching as well.

"

Current Offseason Grade: D

Correia has been solid in posting a 5-4 record and 3.96 ERA. However, Pelfrey has struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery with a 3-5 record and 6.85 ERA. Worley was sent to Triple-A after he posted a 1-5 record and 7.21 ERA in 10 starts.

May and Meyer will likely be good for the Twins in the future, but their struggles in the rotation weren't solved by the major-league pickups made Ryan.

New York Mets

Final February Offseason Grade: C

"

Here is what I said about the Mets' moves back in February:

The New York Mets were unable to add free-agent center fielder Michael Bourn, losing out to the Cleveland Indians.

Still, the Mets may not have helped themselves this coming season with offseason transactions, but the future is bright courtesy of the trade of R.A. Dickey to the Toronto Blue Jays.

In terms of the immediate future, the Mets did nothing to help themselves. In terms of the long-term future, it's hard to argue the Mets didn't get great value in dealing Dickey.

Doing nothing to upgrade their outfield seriously counts against them as well.

"

Current Offseason Grade: C-

With the Mets' first-ever sweep of the New York Yankees, they're now just seven games under .500. But the sweep doesn't mask the fact that the Mets are once again likely to be playing golf in October.

Travis d'Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard—the players picked up in the Dickey trade—are definitely future roster candidates capable of great things.

Shaun Marcum has settled down nicely after a rough start that began with time on the disabled list. Reliever Scott Atchison is looking at possible surgery after hitting the disabled list with numbness in his fingers.

Both LaTroy Hawkins and Brandon Lyon have been steady in their roles in the bullpen. But the lack of offense in the outfield talked about three months ago has certainly been an issue throughout the season for the Mets.

New York Yankees

February Final Offseason Grade: C-

Here is what I said about the Yankees' moves back in February:

"

The New York Yankees spent the offseason signing a couple of 30-somethings with health issues (Kevin Youkilis, Travis Hafner), their own 30-something free-agents (Ichiro Suzuki, Hiroki Kuroda) and even a couple of 40-somethings (Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera).

Maybe they could have talked 50-year-old David Cone into coming out of retirement as well.

The Yankees may have returned a solid core of veterans, but it's a core that's a year older and grayer.

"

Current Offseason Grade: A-

It's safe to say that Yankees GM Brian Cashman has earned a bonus for his work with the roster over the past four-plus months.

While it appeared the Yankees were in deep trouble with the losses of Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira, Cashman did a masterful job in filling in with the likes of Hafner, Vernon Wells, Lyle Overbay and others.

With Teixeira and Youkilis likely making their way back by the weekend, the Yankees will have reinforcements. More importantly, they can thank Cashman and the aging veterans brought up to keep them afloat and competitive in the AL East.

Oakland Athletics

February Final Offseason Grade: B+

Here is what I said about the Athletics' moves back in February:

"

Definitely a lot of activity for the AL West-champ A's this past offseason. Jaso, Young and Lowrie add punch to the offense, and Nakajima could be a real steal if his game translates well on American soil.

General manager Billy Beane didn't stand pat and rest on his laurels. Eight trades involving 25 players would hardly be called standing pat.

"

Current Offseason Grade: B

Beane brought in Jaso to add a solid right-handed bat behind the plate, but Jaso is hitting just .250 with one home run thus far.

Young staggered out of the starting gates before getting injured but has since heated up a bit, now hitting .180 with five home runs and 21 RBI. Lowrie has been excellent in the middle infield and has stayed healthy, certainly a plus given his history.

All in all the A's are in excellent shape after taking three of four from the San Francisco Giants. The additions made by Beane have paid dividends thus far.

Philadelphia Phillies

February Final Offseason Grade: A-

Here is what I said about the Phillies' moves back in February:

"

The Philadelphia Phillies were looking straight down the barrel of the luxury-tax threshold at the start of the offseason. It seemed that general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. would have a difficult time not going well over that threshold in trying to upgrade his roster.

However, Amaro pulled off some sweet deals. He acquired Ben Revere, who is under team control for the next five seasons. He acquired Michael Young and convinced the Texas Rangers to pay $10 million of the $16 million he's owed in 2013. He signed Young for less than a million, and he had enough to pay both Adams and Lannan to bolster his pitching staff.

Considering the financial restraints caused by bloated contracts for current veterans, Amaro gets huge street cred for creativity. It still may not be enough to keep up with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals in the NL East, but Amaro gets big points for at least trying.

"

Current Offseason Grade: C-

The Phillies brought in Revere to be their long-term solution in center field, but they can't be happy with an on-base percentage hovering around .300.

Michael Young started off strong but is now hitting just .258 with two home runs and only 11 extra-base hits. Delmon Young too is struggling with a .224 average with four home runs in 26 games.

The offense expected by the Phillies in making those deals simply hasn't materialized, leaving them two games under .500 and floundering in their quest for a postseason berth.

Pittsburgh Pirates

February Final Offseason Grade: B-

Here is what I said about the Pirates' moves back in February:

"

Props to Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington for signing away Russell Martin from the fat-cat New York Yankees. Martin will add punch to an offense sorely in need.

However, losing Hanrahan hurt, and the return likely won't pay off in the near future unless Sands suddenly finds major-league pitching to his liking.

More offense beyond Martin would have helped, but the Pirates at least showed a willingness to spend after years of crying poor-mouth.

"

Current Offseason Grade: A

It turns out that losing Hanrahan wasn't such a bad thing after all—he's done for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The player picked up in the Hanrahan—Mark Melancon—has been simply outstanding with a 0.93 ERA in 29 appearances.

Martin has been a steadying influence behind the plate for the Pirates' pitching staff and has chipped with a .262 average and six home runs.

Even Jeanmar Gomez, acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Indians, has been stellar in posting a 2.30 ERA in 11 appearances, six of them starts.

Thus far Huntington has pulled all the right strings.

San Diego Padres

February Final Offseason Grade: D-

Here is what I said about the Padres' moves back in February:

"

For a new ownership group that promised changes from the previous regime, Padres fans had to feel a sense of deja vu.

The biggest transaction of the offseason was bringing back starting pitcher Jason Marquis on a one-year, $3 million deal.

A series of minor-league contracts and low-impact trades was not what fans envisioned for sure. Management can talk all they want about not wanting to enter a free-agent market where overpaying was the rule.

However, doing nothing whatsoever was an unacceptable option—at least for fans who expected much more.

"

Current Offseason Grade: C-

Certainly not much can be said about the Padres' offseason transactions, considering they were so few and far between.

Tyson Ross started three games before hurting his shoulder and returned in a relief role. He's been effective for manager Bud Black out of the bullpen since his return.

The lack of moves in the offseason have the Padres where they were expected to be at the start of the season—at or near the bottom of the NL West.

San Francisco Giants

February Final Offseason Grade: B-

Here is what I said about the Giants' offseason moves back in February:

"

The San Francisco Giants may not have done much in terms of adding, but they did well in retaining their own.

Marco Scutaro, Jeremy Affeldt and Angel Pagan were all retained, and former World Series hero Andres Torres joined them as well.

It wasn't sexy, but the Giants took care of their own in returning a roster largely intact.

"

Current Offseason Grade: B-

The biggest move for the Giants, aside from signing their own free agents, was bringing back old friend and 2010 World Series hero Andres Torres. He's thus far provided a .276 average, one home run and four RBI in splitting left field duties with Gregor Blanco.

Seattle Mariners

February Final Offseason Grade: B

Here is what I said about the Mariners' moves last February:

"

The Mariners took steps to address an impotent offense. Mike Morse, Kendrys Morales, Raul Ibanez and Jason Bay will do their level-best to get the Mariners out of the run-scoring cellar in the American League.

Whether general manager Jack Zduriencik did enough to make the Mariners competitive in the AL West remains to be seen. Morse and Morales should help provide extra offense. Ibanez at 40 years of age will attempt to rekindle a flame in the place he called home for 10 seasons.

The recent signing of Joe Saunders helps cover the loss of Jason Vargas as well.

"

Current Offseason Grade: C-

The additions of Morse, Morales, Ibanez and Bay have at least lifted the Mariners out of the cellar in the American League in terms of scoring runs—but just barely. They're in second-to-last place now.

Hey, at least there's progress.

Saunders has not in fact covered the loss of Vargas, posting a 3-5 record and 5.57 ERA in 11 starts thus far.

The moves made by Zduriencik may have made a lot of noise, but have largely produced little else.

St. Louis Cardinals

February Final Offseason Grade: B-

Here is what I said about the Cardinals' moves back in February:

"

The St. Louis Cardinals did not feel the need to make major changes after winning 88 games and making the postseason. The biggest add was acquiring Randy Choate to complement fellow southpaw Marc Rzepczynski in the bullpen.

The Cardinals certainly can't be faulted for bringing back a team that achieved success last year. With the money saved in not retaining Berkman or Kyle Lohse, the Cardinals will have financial flexibility to make upgrades during the season as well.

"

Current Offseason Grade: B

Choate has been simply outstanding out of the bullpen for manager Mike Matheny, posting a 0.96 ERA in 18 appearances. Wigginton has served mainly in a pinch-hitting role with just a .167 average, one home run and four RBI in just 40 plate appearances thus far.

Tampa Bay Rays

February Final Offseason Grade: C

Here is what I said about the Rays' moves back in February:

The Tampa Bay Rays offseason will absolutely be judged on their mega-trade with the Kansas City Royals. Giving up James Shields and Wade Davis took a bite out of a stellar pitching staff. However, Wil Myers and Jake Odorizzi could be of great value in return—it may not help them in 2013, though.

Kelly Johnson could be a nice pickup if he can somehow turn around his fortunes. The Rays did themselves no great favor by signing James Loney, either. On paper, it's hard to say this roster is better than the one assembled last year.

Current Offseason Grade: B+

Johnson has indeed turned around his fortunes, hitting .290 with 10 home runs, 34 RBI and .897 OPS. Loney too has been outstanding with a .329 average, four homers and 24 RBI.

Yunel Escobar is starting to heat up at the plate after a rough start, hitting .278 in the month of May.

Texas Rangers

February Final Offseason Grade: D+

Here is what I said about the Rangers' moves back in February:

The Texas Rangers missed out on signing Zack Greinke, and they failed in retaining Josh Hamilton as well. Losing Hamilton, Michael Young and Mike Napoli while signing A.J. Pierzynski and Lance Berkman likely means a lot less offense in 2013 for the Rangers.

The Rangers weren't about to overpay to acquire replacements for key contributors. However, their tough stance will hurt them in the more competitive AL West Division.

Current Offseason Grade: B+

With the best record in the American League, it's hard to fault any of the moves made by general manager Jon Daniels. He now looks like a genius in not aggressively going after Hamilton, and the remaining Rangers have picked up the offensive slack.

Toronto Blue Jays

February Final Offseason Grade: A+

Here is what I said about the Blue Jays' moves back in February:

"

No team was more active than the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason.

And no team was more successful, either.

The Jays simply transformed themselves into a championship-caliber team, starting with their mega-trade with the Miami Marlins and ending with the deal that brought Cy Young Award-winning pitcher R.A. Dickey over from the New York Mets.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos earned his paycheck this offseason.

"

Current Offseason Grade: D

There clearly was no team more active than the Blue Jays in terms of the amount of bodies moved back and forth over the winter.

However, those moves have only resulted in a 23-31 record and last-place standing in the AL East.

If the Blue Jays find themselves in a similar position in two months, there could be a lot more movement as well.

Washington Nationals

February Final Offseason Grade: A-

Here is what I said about the Nationals' moves back in February:

"

The Washington Nationals improved their outfield defense with the addition of Denard Span and added a solid leadoff hitter as well. If Dan Haren returns to form, he could be a solid upgrade over the departed Edwin Jackson.

Adding Rafael Soriano to a bullpen already stacked clearly sent a message that the Nationals are serious about bringing a World Series title to the nation's capital.

"

Current Offseason Grade: C

The transactions made by general manager Mike Rizzo were supposed to help bolster a team that won 98 games last season.

They haven't quite had the desired effect as of yet.

Now with a .500 record and 5.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East, the Nationals have struggled to find their identity. The addition of Span has helped somewhat, he's hitting .266 with a .327 on-base percentage.

Haren was a hard-luck loser on Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles, now with a 4-6 record and 5.09 ERA. Certainly not the numbers envisioned by the Nationals to this point.

The point to making transactions is with the goal of making your team better. In the case of the Nationals, that's certainly debatable right now.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle.

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