MLB Power Rankings: Where All 30 Teams Stand Post-Winter Meetings
The winter meetings are now behind us, and a number of the market's top free agents have already found new homes for the 2014 season here midway through the month of December.
That said, there are still several impact players who have yet to sign this offseason. Shin-Soo Choo tops the list of available bats that also includes Nelson Cruz, Stephen Drew, James Loney, Omar Infante and Kendrys Morales among others.
On the pitching side of things, the market's top three starters have yet to sign as Ubaldo Jimenez, Matt Garza and Ervin Santana are all still available. That is due in large part to the continued waiting game to see whether or not Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka will be posted.
There is still a lot of offseason ahead of us, and a lot will change between now and Opening Day, but here is a look at where all 30 MLB teams currently rank as of today.
30. Houston Astros (Previous: 30)
1 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
SP Scott Feldman (FA, three years, $30 million)
CF Dexter Fowler (trade, COL)
RP Chad Qualls (FA, two years, $6 million)
RP Anthony Bass (trade, SD)
IF Ryan Jackson (waivers, STL)
RP Darin Downs (waivers, DET)
Team Overview
The Astros have already been more aggressive this offseason than last, adding Scott Feldman and Chad Qualls on multi-year deals to bolster the pitching staff and acquiring Dexter Fowler from the Rockies for Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes.
They are still a long way off from contending for a .500 season, let alone a playoff trip, but with an impressive collection of young talent in their minor league system and plenty more money to spend in the years ahead, they are heading in the right direction.
29. Miami Marlins (Previous: 29)
2 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (FA, three years, $21 million)
1B/OF Garrett Jones (FA, two years, $7.75 million)
2B/SS Rafael Furcal (FA, one year, $3 million)
RP Carter Capps (trade, SEA)
OF Jimmy Paredes (waivers, HOU)
Team Overview
The Marlins spent the bulk of last offseason shedding payroll after a disappointing 2011 season, but they have gotten back to spending this winter, adding catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, first baseman Garrett Jones and second baseman Rafael Furcal to their lineup.
They also pulled the trigger on dealing first baseman/outfielder Logan Morrison at the winter meetings and landing high-upside reliever Carter Capps, who could be their closer of the future. The Marlins have a talented young pitching staff and have improved their lineup around Giancarlo Stanton, but a last-place finish in the NL East looks likely once again.
28. Chicago White Sox (Previous: 28)
3 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
1B Jose Abreu (FA, six years, $68 million)
CF Adam Eaton (trade, Diamondbacks)
RP Ronald Belisario (FA, one year, $3 million)
SP Felipe Paulino (FA, one year, $1.75 million)
Team Overview
After trading the likes of Alex Rios, Jake Peavy, Matt Thornton and Jesse Crain in July and August last season, the White Sox were clearly in rebuilding mode heading into the offseason. That did not keep them from inking Cuban defector Jose Abreu on a six-year deal as a piece to build around.
They added a pair of quality arms on low-cost, one-year deals in Felipe Paulino and Ronald Belisario, before pulling off a big trade at the winter meetings in which they shipped Hector Santiago to the Angels and acquired Adam Eaton from the Diamondbacks in a three-team deal. Eaton gives them another piece to build around for the future, as a solid leadoff hitter and plus defender.
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27. Chicago Cubs (Previous: 27)
4 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
OF Justin Ruggiano (trade, Marlins)
C George Kottaras (trade, Royals)
RP Wesley Wright (FA, one year, $1.425 million)
Team Overview
It had been a quiet offseason for the Cubs heading into the winter meetings, as all they had done was add nontendered reliever Wesley Wright on a one-year deal and trade for George Kottaras to be their backup catcher.
They then flipped outfielder Brian Bogusevic at the meetings for Justin Ruggiano, who struggled last season but hit .313/.374/.535 with 13 home runs and 14 steals in 288 at-bats in a breakout 2012. He'll serve as their fourth outfielder this coming season, and he's under team control through the end of the 2016 season.
26. Minnesota Twins (Previous: 25)
5 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
SP Ricky Nolasco (FA, four years, $49 million)
SP Phil Hughes (FA, three years, $24 million)
Team Overview
After their starting pitchers posted a 5.26 ERA as a group last offseason, the Twins shelled out the two biggest free-agent contracts in team history to right-handers Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes this winter. They are also in the market for a third, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
On the offensive side of things, Joe Mauer moving from catcher to first base is the big story, and after missing out on Jarrod Saltalamacchia the Twins appear ready to go with rookie Josmil Pinto as their everyday backstop. Meanwhile, what is arguably the best farm system in all of baseball should only make the team better moving forward.
25. Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 23)
6 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
RP Will Smith (trade, Royals)
UT Elian Herrera (waivers, Dodgers)
Team Overview
Last offseason, the Brewers were relatively quiet, adding a few pieces to their bullpen before signing Kyle Lohse in free agency just before the start of the regular season. It looks like they could be quiet once again this winter, though they are still in the market for an upgrade at first base with Juan Francisco currently penciled in as the starter.
Norichika Aoki was shipped to the Royals for reliever Will Smith, opening up an everyday spot for Khris Davis. The lineup should be improved with Ryan Braun back and a healthy season from Aramis Ramirez. If they can stay healthy and the starting rotation can take another step forward, they could make a significant improvement over last year's fourth-place finish in the NL Central.
24. San Diego Padres (Previous: 24)
7 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
SP Josh Johnson (FA, one year, $8 million)
OF Seth Smith (trade, A's)
RP Patrick Schuster (Rule 5 draft)
Team Overview
The Padres made a move to acquire perhaps the top low-cost, high-upside arm on the market when they gave right-hander Josh Johnson a one-year contract. He joins Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy in what should be an improved Padres rotation.
Patrick Schuster was acquired from the Astros after they took him with the No. 1 pick in the Rule 5 draft, and he should crack the Opening Day bullpen, while left-handed hitting outfielder Seth Smith was swapped for reliever Luke Gregerson. They could be in a position to surprise this coming season with a good young core of talent.
23. New York Mets (Previous: 26)
8 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
CF Curtis Granderson (FA, four years, $60 million)
SP Bartolo Colon (FA, two years, $20 million)
RF Chris Young (FA, one year, $7.25 million)
Team Overview
The Mets got their man right before the winter meetings kicked off, signing Curtis Granderson to a four-year deal. He'll provide the team with a left-handed power bat to slot behind David Wright in the lineup and a plus defensive option in left field with Juan Lagares likely to stay in center field.
They also signed Chris Young earlier this offseason, and the bounce-back candidate will play right field and likely hit leadoff. With Matt Harvey out for the season, the team also signed 40-year-old Bartolo Colon to a two-year contract to front their staff this coming year. Fresh off of an 18-6, 2.65-ERA season for the Athletics, he could be a bargain.
22. Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 18)
9 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
RF Marlon Byrd (FA, two years, $16 million)
C Carlos Ruiz (FA, three years, $26 million)
SP Roberto Hernandez (FA, one year, $4.5 million)
RP Brad Lincoln (trade, Blue Jays)
C Wil Nieves (FA, one year, $1.125 million)
Team Overview
Despite a subpar season and an aging core, the Phillies have opted against rebuilding this offseason and have instead added a handful of veterans to the mix as they look to at least put up a respectable showing in 2014. However, a run at the Braves and Nationals atop the division seems unlikely given their current roster.
Marlon Byrd is an upgrade in right field, and Roberto Hernandez gives them a veteran option to fill out their rotation, but the three-year deal they gave Carlos Ruiz is a bit of a head-scratcher for a team that may be better suited rebuilding.
21. Colorado Rockies (Previous: 21)
10 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
SP Brett Anderson (trade, A's)
1B Justin Morneau (FA, two years, $13 million)
RP LaTroy Hawkins (FA, one year, $2.5 million)
RP Boone Logan (FA, three-year, $16.5 million)
SP Jordan Lyles (trade, Astros)
OF Brandon Barnes (trade, Astros)
Team Overview
The Rockies have been busy already this offseason, picking up Brett Anderson and Jordan Lyles in separate trades to join Jhoulys Chacin, Jorge De La Rosa and Tyler Chatwood in what should be an improved rotation. They also bolstered the bullpen with the addition of veteran LaTroy Hawkins as their new closer.
Lyles and outfielder Brandon Barnes were acquired from the Astros for Dexter Fowler, as Carlos Gonzalez is expected to move to center field and a platoon of Charlie Blackmon and Chris Dickerson will man left. Veteran Justin Morneau was also signed to replace Todd Helton at first base; they have no clear holes at this point.
20. Baltimore Orioles (Previous: 16)
11 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
RP Ryan Webb (FA, two years, $4.5 million)
2B Jemile Weeks (trade, BAL)
OF Francisco Peguero (FA, one year, $550 K)
SP Brad Brach (trade, SD)
C Johnny Monell (trade, SF)
Team Overview
The Orioles have failed to make an impact move thus far this offseason, and while the trade of Jim Johnson to the A's for Jemile Weeks gave the team some payroll room to work with, they have yet to do anything with that money.
Ryan Webb was a nice addition to the bullpen at a reasonable price, but the team still has holes at second base, left field and the back end of the bullpen and could use another veteran starter as well. As of now, they look to have taken a step back in the AL East race, but there is still time for them to make an impact move this offseason.
19. Cleveland Indians (Previous: 15)
12 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
LF David Murphy (FA, two years, $12 million)
1B David Cooper (FA, one year, minimum)
Team Overview
The surprise postseason team of 2013, the Cleveland Indians have their work cut out for them if they hope to return to the playoffs, as their starting rotation and bullpen both need a lot of work between now and the start of the season.
Gone from last year's rotation are Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir, while Chris Perez and Joe Smith are both gone from a bullpen that was a weakness last season. Signing at least one starter to fill out their rotation and a legitimate closer to nail down games remain on their offseason to-do list at this point.
18. Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 17)
13 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
C Dioner Navarro (FA, two years, $8 million)
RP Rob Rasmussen (trade, PHI)
C Erik Kratz (trade, PHI)
Team Overview
It's been a significantly quieter offseason for the Blue Jays this winter, as they will look to reverse their fortunes this coming season with largely the same roster that turned in a terribly disappointing 2013.
J.P. Arencibia is out at catcher, replaced by free-agent signing Dioner Navarro. The team is still in the market to add a front-line starting pitcher to join R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle atop the rotation, but for the most part it will be a matter of their core staying healthy and playing closer to expectations if they hope to compete in the AL East.
17. Seattle Mariners (Previous: 22)
14 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
2B Robinson Cano (FA, 10 years, $240 million)
1B/OF Corey Hart (FA, one year, $6 million)
1B/OF Logan Morrison (trade, Marlins)
UT Willie Bloomquist (FA, two years, $5.8 million)
Team Overview
The Mariners made a huge splash in the week leading up to the winter meetings, signing Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240 million deal, as they look to take the next step from rebuilding young team to contender.
Corey Hart and Logan Morrison were added at the winter meetings in an effort to further bolster the lineup, and that all but assures that Kendrys Morales won't be back this coming season.
The team may not be done spending either, as it could still look to sign one of the market's top arms or make a play for David Price, with an eye on improving their rotation behind Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma. At this point though, they still look to have their work cut out for them in the AL West.
16. Kansas City Royals (Previous: 14)
15 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
SP Jason Vargas (FA, four years, $32 million)
RF Norichika Aoki (trade, MIL)
Team Overview
The Royals will no doubt miss Ervin Santana in the rotation this coming year, but they signed a solid veteran replacement in Jason Vargas, who at the very least should be able to eat some innings in the middle of their rotation.
They also upgraded in right field by trading reliever Will Smith to the Brewers for leadoff hitter Norichika Aoki, who gives the team a true table-setter atop the lineup.
They are still in the market to upgrade at second base and have some questions as to who will fill the Nos. 4 and 5 starter spots, but all-in-all they are a relatively complete team top to bottom. It's just a matter of whether they have the talent to legitimately contend in the AL.
15. Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 11)
16 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
CF David DeJesus (FA, two years, $10.5 million)
C Ryan Hanigan (trade, CIN)
RP Heath Bell (trade, ARI)
RP Juan Oviedo (FA, one year, $1.5 million)
C Jose Molina (FA, two years, $4.5 million)
Team Overview
The Rays do a great job hunting for bargains on the free-agent market, and they have already made some nice additions this offseason on the trade market by picking up Ryan Hanigan and Heath Bell in a three-team trade with the Diamondbacks and Reds.
They still have a hole at first base and at the back of the bullpen, but the biggest question is whether or not they will deal David Price before the start of the season. That's a move that could change the entire outlook of the team, as the return would be huge but they'd be losing the unquestioned ace of their staff in the process.
14. San Francisco Giants (Previous: 13)
17 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
SP Tim Lincecum (re-signed, two years, $35 million)
SP Tim Hudson (FA, two years, $23 million)
LF Michael Morse (FA, one year, $5 million)
RP Javier Lopez (re-signed, three years, $13 million)
SP Ryan Vogelsong (re-signed, one year, $5 million)
Team Overview
The Giants have focused on retaining their own players in free agency once again this offseason, and Hunter Pence was signed to a five-year, $90 million extension in late September, but they have also added a pair of veterans in Tim Hudson and Michael Morse.
Hudson replaces Barry Zito in a rotation that will look to bounce back from a down season, while Morse could wind up being a steal if he can provide some pop and rebound from a subpar 2013 as the team's starting left fielder. A lot went wrong for the Giants in 2013, but a lot may have to go right for them to catch the Dodgers in the NL West.
13. Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 19)
18 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
SP Hector Santiago (trade, CWS)
SP Tyler Skaggs (trade, ARI)
3B David Freese (trade, STL)
RP Joe Smith (FA, three years, $15.75 million)
RP Fernando Salas (trade, STL)
Team Overview
The Angels finally made the move they needed to at the winter meetings, dealing slugger Mark Trumbo in a three-team deal with the Diamondbacks and White Sox for left-handers Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs.
That was preceded by the team's acquisition of third baseman David Freese and reliever Fernando Salas in a deal with the Cardinals as well as the signing of Joe Smith to a three-year deal. They could still be in the market for another starter, with Matt Garza a potential target, but already look to be a better all-around team than they were last season.
12. New York Yankees (Previous: 20)
19 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
CF Jacoby Ellsbury (FA, seven years, $153 million)
C Brian McCann (FA, five years, $85 million)
RF Carlos Beltran (FA, three years, $45 million)
SP Hiroki Kuroda (FA, one year, $16 million)
2B Kelly Johnson (FA, one year, $3 million)
SS Brendan Ryan (FA, two years, $5 million)
Team Overview
The Yankees have already made a trio of big additions to their lineup this offseason with their signings of Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran for a combined $283 million. They remain in the market for another infielder with Alex Rodriguez likely to be suspended, and they could go after either a second or third baseman with Kelly Johnson manning the other position.
They figure to add at least one arm to their rotation and could pursue a late-inning reliever as well with Mariano Rivera now retired. As it stands, though, they look to be a much-improved team heading into 2014 as they try to return to contention in the ultra-competitive AL East.
11. Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 12)
20 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
1B Mark Trumbo (trade, LAA)
OF Matt Tuiasosopo (waivers, DET)
RP Marcos Mateo (Rule 5 draft)
Team Overview
The Diamondbacks entered the offseason looking for a power bat to protect Paul Goldschmidt in the middle of the lineup, and they found their man at the winter meetings, acquiring Mark Trumbo in a three-team trade with the Angels and White Sox for Tyler Skaggs and Adam Eaton.
With Archie Bradley stepping forward as the team's top pitching prospect and A.J. Pollock proving himself in center field, they got their man without hurting their future outlook. The team is still in the market for a front-line starter and remains a notch below the Dodgers, but looks to be in good shape to contend for a wild-card spot.
10. Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 10)
21 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
SP Edinson Volquez (FA, one year, $5 million)
C Chris Stewart (trade, NYY)
Team Overview
The Pirates struck gold with the offseason additions of Francisco Liriano and Russell Martin, and they're hoping to do the same with their signing of Edinson Volquez at the winter meetings. The right-hander has always had plus stuff, but has struggled with control. If he can rein it in he could wind up being a steal as the team's No. 5 starter.
A hole remains at first base, and there is certainly still a chance that the team will bring back A.J. Burnett. However, just getting full seasons from Gerrit Cole and Charlie Morton, the latter of whom just signed a three-year, $21 million extension, should make the pitching staff better. They're built for sustained success and should be able to make another run at the playoffs in 2014.
9. Oakland Athletics (Previous: 9)
22 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
RP Jim Johnson (trade, BAL)
SP Scott Kazmir (FA, two years, $22 million)
OF Craig Gentry (trade, TEX)
SP/RP Drew Pomeranz (trade, COL)
RP Luke Gregerson (trade, SD)
SS Nick Punto (FA, one year, $3 million)
RP Fernando Abad (trade, WSH)
RP Josh Lindblom (trade, TEX)
Team Overview
The A's have been busy this season with a number of under-the-radar trade. The additions of Luke Gregerson, Drew Pomeranz, Fernando Abad and Josh Lindblom should make an already solid bullpen even better. Jim Johnson will anchor that group, having been acquired to replace Grant Balfour as the team's closer.
Scott Kazmir takes over for Bartolo Colon as the veteran leader of a talented young rotation, and they will continue to make the most of every bat on the roster, playing the matchups on a game-by-game basis. The Rangers have had a busy offseason and will be tough, but the A's have a legitimate chance to make it three straight AL West titles.
8. Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 8)
23 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
IF/OF Skip Schumaker (FA, two years, $5 million)
C Brayan Pena (FA, two years, $2.275 million)
RP Manny Parra (re-signed, two years, $5.5 million)
SP David Holmberg (trade, ARI)
Team Overview
The Reds lost a pair of key players in free agency this offseason in Shin-Soo Choo and Bronson Arroyo, but with Billy Hamilton and Tony Cingrani ready to step into their respective spots, the team really didn't have a major hole heading into the offseason.
Skip Schumaker and Brayan Pena were added to fill out the bench, and the team could still look to add an insurance option in center field should Hamilton prove unready to step into the everyday role. For the most part though, the Reds look ready to make another run at the NL Central title or at least a wild-card spot under new manager Bryan Price.
7. Atlanta Braves (Previous: 5)
24 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
None
Team Overview
Aside from nontendering a handful of players and avoiding arbitration with Jonny Venters, Jordan Walden and Ramiro Pena, the Braves have yet to make a transaction of any sort this offseason, with not so much as a minor league deal handed out thus far.
That is indicative of how complete the roster is heading into the 2014 season, but the team could still look to add a veteran starter to the rotation mix before all is said and done. A more likely focus will be locking up one of their young core pieces on a long-term deal, with Freddie Freeman looking like a prime candidate for a deal similar to the ones Paul Goldschmidt and Allen Craig agreed to last offseason.
6. Texas Rangers (Previous: 6)
25 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
1B Prince Fielder (trade, DET)
OF Michael Choice (trade, OAK)
C J.P. Arencibia (FA, one year, $1.8 million)
Team Overview
The Rangers made the early splash of the offseason when the acquired slugger Prince Fielder from the Tigers for second baseman Ian Kinsler, freeing up the middle infield logjam and giving the team a power bat to join Adrian Beltre and Alex Rios in the middle of the lineup.
They also dealt Craig Gentry and Josh Lindblom to the A's for Michael Choice, a high-upside young bat who is currently slated to be the starting left fielder. They could stand to add another bat, but with a healthy starting rotation and deep bullpen even following the loss of Joe Nathan, they seem ready to make a run at reclaiming the AL West title.
5. Boston Red Sox (Previous: 4)
26 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
1B Mike Napoli (FA, two years, $32 million)
C A.J. Pierzynski (FA, one year, $8.25 million)
RP Edward Mujica (FA, two years, $9.5 million)
RP Burke Badenhop (trade, MIL)
Team Overview
The Red Sox have already seen Jacoby Ellsbury and Jarrod Saltalamacchia find new homes this offseason, but they managed to re-up with their No. 1 target in first baseman Mike Napoli. They also found a replacement for Salty in veteran A.J. Pierzynski and upgraded their bullpen with the additions of Edward Mujica and Burke Badenhop.
The team has some question marks in center field, where Jackie Bradley Jr. is set to take over for Ellsbury, and on the left side of the infield where Xander Bogaerts and Will Middlebrooks are currently penciled in as starters. Counting on a trio of inexperienced players at key positions is risky, but the talent is certainly still there for the Red Sox to contend for a playoff spot as they look to defend their World Series title.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 2)
27 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
SP Dan Haren (FA, one year, $10 million)
2B Alex Guerrero (FA, four years, $28 million)
RP Brian Wilson (FA, one year, $10 million)
Team Overview
The Dodgers have not made a big splash yet this offseason, but they did add a solid veteran starter for the back of their rotation in Dan Haren, brought back Brian Wilson on a one-year deal to set up Kenley Jansen, and signed Cuban defector Alex Guerrero to replace Mark Ellis at second base.
A hole remains at third base, and the team may still look to sign an insurance policy at second should Guerrero not pan out. The Dodgers still have four starter-caliber outfielders for three spots and continue to shop all three veterans, most notably Matt Kemp.
Until spring training starts it's hard to count them out of acquiring anyone, but to this point it has been a quiet offseason for the free-spending Dodgers, all things considered.
3. Washington Nationals (Previous: 7)
28 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
SP Doug Fister (trade, DET)
OF Nate McLouth (FA, two years, $10.75 million)
RP Jerry Blevins (trade, OAK)
Team Overview
The Nationals entered last season as perhaps the most complete team in baseball on paper, but a slow start to the season derailed their playoff hopes and a late-season push was not enough to land them in the postseason.
They filled their two biggest needs with the acquisition of Doug Fister to be their No. 4 starter and Jerry Blevins as a veteran left-hander in the bullpen. Fister is a significant upgrade over Dan Haren, who filled the fourth-starter spot last year, and it's hard not to like the Nationals' chances in 2014 even after a disappointing 2013 season.
2. Detroit Tigers (Previous: 3)
29 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
2B Ian Kinsler (trade, TEX)
RP Joe Nathan (FA, two years, $20 million)
OF Rajai Davis (FA, two years, $10 million)
RP Joba Chamberlain (FA, one years, $2.5 million)
RP Ian Krol (trade, WSH)
UT Steve Lombardozzi (trade, WSH)
Team Overview
With an eye on extensions for the likes of Max Scherzer and Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers moved a pair of key pieces from their recent run of success with Prince Fielder dealt to the Rangers and Doug Fister sent to the Nationals.
The Fielder trade landed them Ian Kinsler, who gives the team a legitimate leadoff hitter and allows Austin Jackson to slide down in the lineup. Meanwhile, Drew Smyly will slide into the rotation to take Fister's spot after spending last season as a setup man.
Throw in free-agent signings Joe Nathan and Rajai Davis, along with a full season of top prospect Nick Castellanos, and they look to be in just as good a position in 2014 despite those two key losses.
1. St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 1)
30 of 30
Key Offseason Additions
SS Jhonny Peralta (FA, four years, $53 million)
CF Peter Bourjos (trade, LAA)
Team Overview
The Cardinals came up short in the World Series this past season, but as things stand right now they have to be considered the favorites heading into the 2014 season. Signing Jhonny Peralta shored up an offensive black hole at shortstop, and picking up Peter Bourjos gives them outfield depth to offset the loss of Carlos Beltran.
A move to right field by Allen Craig would open up everyday at-bats for Matt Adams, and moving Matt Carpenter to third base would allow Kolten Wong the chance at an everyday job as the team continues to work its young talent into the mix.
Top prospect Oscar Taveras should challenge for the starting center field job at some point, and with an impressive stable of young arms the Cardinals have the pitching to contend with any team in baseball.
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