MLB Spring Training: Power Ranking the Most Improved Teams in Baseball
Spring training is over and the games finally count. It's time to see which teams made the biggest leap during the offseason, whether it be via free agency, trades or the benefit of another year of experience.
We won't truly know which moves paid the biggest dividends for their teams for a few months, but the fun part is always watching it all play out on the field.
Without further ado, and for the last time before the results start to calculate, here are the most improved teams in baseball for 2011 (on paper, or rather Internet, and before a single pitch has been thrown).
Chicago Cubs
1 of 7
The Cubs were sellers in 2010, but spent the offseason addressing a few key holes.
Chicago was able to bolster their bullpen with the signing of Kerry Wood, bringing him back to the Windy City where his career began. They also signed Braden Looper to a minor league contract.
The Cubs replaced the loss of Derrek Lee at first base with free-agent signing Carlos Pena.
The Cubs' biggest move of the offseason, however, was the trade for starting pitcher Matt Garza to help round out their rotation.
Major League Signings:
- Carlos Pena, 1B
- Kerry Wood, RP
Minor League Signings:
- Braden Looper, RP
- Reed Johnson, OF
Trades:
- Acquired Matt Garza, SP
Atlanta Braves
2 of 7
The Braves began their offseason by signing a new manager to replace Bobby Cox. Freddi Gonzalez will take over for Cox with a more powerful lineup thanks to the acquisition of Dan Uggla to play second for the Braves.
The Braves also were able to absorb the losses to their bullpen with the acquisition of Scott Linebrink.
Depth throughout their roster and better health in 2011 will also improve Atlanta's chances in the NL East. The Braves will likely finish looking up at the Phillies, but the Wild Card should be within their reach thanks to a solid offseason.
Major League Signings:
- Erik Hinske, 1B
- George Sherrill, RP
Trades:
- Acquired Dan Uggla, 2B
- Acquired Scott Linebrink, RP
Chicago White Sox
3 of 7
Overall, the White Sox added more than they lost over the offseason. They added power to their lineup with the signing of Adam Dunn to be the team's designated hitter. The White Sox also addressed their bullpen with the signings of Jesse Crain and Will Ohman.
Jake Peavy has a year under his belt in the American League and should have made the adjustment to the league, if he can stay healthy. A full season of Edwin Jackson will also improve the White Sox in 2011.
Major League Signings:
- Adam Dunn, DH
- Jesse Crain, RP
- Will Ohman, RP
Minor League Signings:
- Lastings Millidge
- Dallas McPherson
- Brian Bruney
- Josh Kinney
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Baltimore Orioles
4 of 7
Playing in a division full of power, the Orioles added quite a bit of thump to their lineup for 2011. Vladimir Guerrero, Derrek Lee and Mark Reynolds will drive in plenty of additional runs for Baltimore in 2011.
The Orioles also addressed their need for a shortstop with the J.J. Hardy trade, and bolstered their starting rotation (Justin Duchscherer) and bullpen (Koji Uehara, Jeremy Accardo).
The Orioles' young starters have another season of experience to build on. The Orioles will have a hard time competing against the Yankees and Red Sox, but they could at least make this a four-team race (Rays lost a lot this offseason, but will still be good also).
Major League Signings:
- Kevin Gregg, RP
- Vladimir Guerrero, DH
- Derrek Lee, 1B
- Koji Uehara, RP
- Cesar Izturis, SS
- Jeremy Accardo, RP
- Justin Duchscherer, SP
Trades:
- Acquired Mark Rynolds, 3B
- Acquired J.J. Hardy, SS
Milwaukee Brewers
5 of 7
The Brewers had a busy offseason. They traded for ace-pitcher, Zack Greinke, and then further bolstered their rotation by adding Shaun Marcum. The Brewers then addressed their bullpen by signing veteran relievers Takashi Saito and Sean Green.
Perhaps the biggest move for the Brewers this offseason though, is one that didn't happen. Speculation that the Brewers would trade their slugging first baseman, Prince Fielder, did not come to fruition. The Brewers will return their offensive core to support their newly rebuilt rotation in 2011.
The Brewers' moves make them the favorite to win the NL Central.
Major League Signings:
- Takashi Saito, RP
- Sean Green, RP
Trades:
- Acquired Zack Greinke, SP
- Acquired Shaun Marcum, SP
Boston Red Sox
6 of 7
How could the Red Sox not make this list, and rank highly on it? The Red Sox added offensive weapons to an already solid lineup. The signing of speedy left fielder Carl Crawford gives the Red Sox another All-Star at the top of the lineup, and as dangerous of a threat on the bases as there is in the game today.
The Red Sox also traded for San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Gonzalez was a dangerous hitter playing in pitching friendly Petco Park. Just imagine what he can do playing in Fenway for 81 games a season.
Boston also addressed their bullpen this offseason by signing Bobby Jenks to setup closer Jonathon Papelbon.
The rotation will be stronger if Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka can return to form after down seasons in 2010.
The Red Sox, after missing the playoffs in 2010, should be the AL East Division Champs in 2011, and a strong contender for the AL pennant.
Major League Signings:
- Carl Crawford, LF
- Bobby Jenks, RP
Trades:
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Oakland Athletics
7 of 7
The Athletics addressed almost all of their weaknesses from 2010. They added depth to the rotation and bullpen, and they improved their offense.
The 2010 Athletics were already the best pitching staff in baseball, and with another season under their belt and a better offense to support them, the A's pitching staff is poised to carry the team further in 2011.
Depth also protects this team from the hindrance injuries have put on the team over past seasons. We've already seen their depth pay off as Brian Fuentes (four-time All-Star closer) steps in for the injured Andrew Bailey (two-time All-Star closer).
A full season of Coco Crisp will help offset the loss of Rajai Davis at the top of the lineup and on the base paths.
The 2011 A's may be the all-around most improved team in 2011.
Major League Signings:
- Brian Fuentes, RP
- Grant Balfour, RP
- Rich Harden, SP
- Brandon McCarthy, SP
- Hideki Matsui, DH
Minor League Signings:
- Andy LaRoche, IF
Trades:
- Acquired David DeJesus
- Acquired Josh Willingham
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