MLB Sleepers: L.A. Dodgers and 10 Teams with Quiet, But Productive Offseasons
Teams just aren't spending money like in previous times.
With several franchises hampered with lucrative long-term deals that create little financial flexibility, general managers are looking to get a little more creative these days about how they allocate payroll.
A lot of teams just don't have the ability nor resources to spend lavishly, so every signing becomes critical in the pursuit of a World Series ring.
As the San Francisco Giants showed us in 2010, it doesn't take a red-carpet list of athletes to take home the title, so let's take a look at some under-the-radar squads that could be noticeably better by the end of the 2011 campaign.
10. New York Mets
1 of 10
Key Additions: SP/RP D.J. Carrasco, SS/2B Chin Lung-Hu, C Ronny Paulino, RP Boof Bonser, Manager Terry Collins
Despite adding just two major league players thus far in the offseason, the Mets are finally on the right path to turning the mess around.
After hiring Sandy Alderson as GM, the Mets brought in Paul DePodesta and JP Ricciardi to complete the front office makeover. Furthermore, the team completely changed around the coaching staff as it was clear that the current makeup just wasn't working.
Most importantly, Alderson has strayed away from the type of contracts that have really burned them in the past, creating the type of financial flexibility that the Mets will need in the not-too-distant future.
9. Arizona Diamondbacks
2 of 10
Key Additions: C Henry Blanco, 1B/OF Xavier Nady, Util Melvin Mora, RP J.J. Putz, SP Zach Duke, RP David Hernandez, 1B Juan Miranda
While it's clear that this team is still a ways away from competing for the division, new GM Kevin Towers has a blueprint in mind for how to restore the glory.
It's true that none of the names listed above are incredibly sexy, but they are all very solid additions to a reshaping team.
Putz should have no problem closing out games in the NL West and Nady can provide solid value if he proves to be healthy this season.
8. Oakland Athletics
3 of 10
Key Additions: SP/RP Rich Harden, OF/DH Hideki Matsui, SP Brandon McCarthy, OF Josh Willingham
If nothing else, the team did well to finally rid itself of the underachieving Jack Cust.
While this team already has some young, solid pieces in place, there remain far too many holes to even think about competing in 2011.
They've tried to sign Adrian Beltre in back-to-back offseasons, only to be spurned on both occasions. Let's face it, the A's haven't been a desirable team to play for since the days of Zito, Hudson and Mulder.
While the new additions should help (especially Willingham), the A's need to acquire some much-needed pop for the middle of that lineup.
.png?w=256)
7. Atlanta Braves
4 of 10
Key Additions: RP George Sherrill, 1B/OF Eric Hinske, RP Scott Linebrink, 2B Dan Uggla
The Winter Meetings seem like such a long time ago that some might have forgotten just how much the Braves improved from last season.
The acquisition of Dan Uggla adds a 25-plus homer presence in a very young, promising lineup that will include exciting young talents Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman.
The most interesting thing to watch with this team will be how it plays in its first season without Bobby Cox, as the great manager finally hung it up at the end of last season.
6. Chicago Cubs
5 of 10
Key Additions: RP Kerry Wood, 1B Carlos Pena
While Cubs fans might not be terribly excited about the moves, it's hard to argue with either one.
Wood was absolutely dominant during his time with the Yankees last season, and in a market where relief pitchers are getting multi-year deals worth a ridiculous amount of money, the Cubs did very well to lock up the familiar face for under $2 million.
Although Pena hit below the Mendoza line last season, there is nothing questionable about his supreme power. Any guy that can still bomb 28 homers and drive in 84 runs while hitting .196 clearly has a lot to contribute, and Pena could go off for 40-plus inside the comfortable confines of Wrigley Field.
5. Detroit Tigers
6 of 10
Key Additions: OF Magglio Ordonez, 3B Jhonny Peralta, RP Joaquin Benoit, C/1B Victor Martinez
The Tigers weren't all that quiet, but they were active so early in free agency that many may have forgotten.
After landing Victor Martinez from the Boston Red Sox, the Tigers were quite active in filling the holes that they saw on the ball club.
Unfortunately, every single investment (outside of Ordonez and his one-year deal) could turn out to really burn them in the long-term and even Ordonez's $10 million salary is slightly outlandish.
They'll have plenty of pop in the lineup to protect Miguel Cabrera, but it may not be enough to claim the AL Central crown.
4. Chicago White Sox
7 of 10
Key Additions: RP Jesse Crain, 1B Paul Konerko, DH Adam Dunn, C A.J. Pierzynski
While Konerko and Pierzynski are actually re-signings by the club, both were eligible for free agency and critical to bring back into the fold if the Sox hope to make the noise that many expect them to this season.
However, the biggest splash of the offseason was undoubtedly slugger Adam Dunn, who the club nabbed for the next four seasons. An absolute masher, Dunn should hit 40-plus taters with ease every year he's donning a White Sox uniform.
If GM Kenny Williams can find a way to add reliever Rafael Soriano in the coming weeks, look out.
3. Colorado Rockies
8 of 10
Key Additions: SS Troy Tulowitzki**, SP Jorge De La Rosa, RP Matt Lindstrom, Util Ty Wigginton
Tulo technically wasn't an addition, but his massive seven-year extension certainly warrants mentioning.
The team clearly views the elite shortstop as a franchise player and felt it necessary to lock him up now and create financial flexibility down the line.
Although De La Rosa doesn't have the career track record that comparable starters might, it seems he really found his groove with the Rox and should continue to provide a solid effort for the next few years.
Lindstrom is a hard-throwing righty who may benefit from another change of scenery and Wigginton should provide a very nice right-handed option off of the bench.
If the Rockies can get Carlos Gonzalez locked up before the season starts, they could find themselves in a very promising position sooner rather than later.
2. Baltimore Orioles
9 of 10
Key Additions: RP Jeremy Accardo, SS J.J. Hardy, SS Brendan Harris, 3B Mark Reynolds, 1B Derrek Lee
The Orioles had one of the most impressive rebuilding efforts of the offseason and nobody is speaking a word about it.
The team brought in a home-run masher in Mark Reynolds and a solid veteran who is still producing in Derrek Lee. The Braves can now pair those with young pieces like Matt Wieters, Nick Markakis and Adam Jones to put together a very exciting lineup.
The Orioles still need pitching, but what else is new? At least they're on the right path.
Finally.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
10 of 10
Key Additions: RP Matt Guerrier, C Dioner Navarro, OF Tony Gwynn, Jr., 2B Juan Uribe, SP Jon Garland, RP Mike Antonini
And that's not even everyone they've brought aboard this offseason.
Despite the Frank and Jamie McCourt divorce dramatics, GM Ned Colletti has clearly had no restrictions on club payroll.
While some of the veterans brought aboard may not shift the balance of power in the NL West, it's clear that the Dodgers are looking to improve and compete in the present, despite the Giants winning it all last season.
.png?w=480)
