MLB Power Rankings: The Teams That Will Look Completely Different in 2012

One of my favorite things about the MLB offseason is the anticipation it brings for the new season.  Through trades and free agency, some teams are able to undergo complete makeovers and thus improve their chances at winning a title in the near future. 

This offseason is bound to be a good one, as top players like Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols could find themselves on new teams and thus bring a whole world of change with them.

In another case, the Chicago Cubs are primed to undergo a complete makeover now that former Red Sox executives Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein are running the show, at least from a front office perspective.

That being said, let's take a look at each MLB team and analyze how different they will look come the start of the 2012 season.

No. 30: Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are a team that, for the past couple of years, seems to be in a constant state of rebuild. The Chone Figgins experiment was a failure and the offense is borderline nonexistent, yet GM Jack Zduriencik seems to be committed to a youth movement.

Seeing as how Dustin Ackley proved to be a top midseason call-up in 2011 and outfielder Trayvon Robinson has a bright future, this decision could ultimately prove to be the right one.

On top of that, let's not forget that Zduriencik will ask for a king's ransom should ace pitcher Felix Hernandez become available. Combine that with the fact that the small-market Mariners don't really have a lot of money to work with—not to mention the fact that each position appears to be shored up as of now—and this team is basically looking the same in 2012.

No. 29: Houston Astros

I've included the Houston Astros so low on this list simply because I don't know what their future holds. Longtime owner Drayton McClane is about to finalize the sale of the team to entrepreneur Jim Crane, so there really isn't any telling which members of the front office will be retained, if any at all.

Either way, I'm expecting the Astros to continue with their youth movement and build around prospects like Brett Wallace and young arms like Bud Norris. In a sense, their 2012 season won't differ much from their last-place finish in 2011.

This is a young team and, like all squads of that nature, it needs time to develop.

No. 28: Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles already made a big change this offseason in hiring Dan Duquette to be their general manager. Other than that, I don't see them making any big moves this offseason.

The team has a good young core headlined by outfielder Adam Jones and a number of good young arms who could rebound after an off 2011. There will be an improvement upon 2011's last-place finish, but such work will be done with the players currently under contract with the Orioles.  No more, no less.

No. 27: Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are one of the better up-and-coming teams in all of baseball and, although they were essentially a .500 squad when Justin Verlander wasn't pitching, they still have a bright future.  Alex Avila will surely build upon his breakout 2011 and be instrumental in leading the team back to the playoffs. 

In terms of pitching, the Tigers finally have a solid 1-2 punch in Verlander and Doug Fister, acquired from the Seattle Mariners in the last trade deadline.

That being said, with closer Jose Valverde's option exercised and nearly the entire core returning, don't expect much change from the Tigers next season, with the exception being the absence of Magglio Ordonez.

No. 26: Toronto Blue Jays

As of now, each position on the Toronto Blue Jays appears to be set for next season. Threatening power bat Jose Bautista (pictured) will be back to lead the offense and the pitching staff will be looking to improve upon a subpar 2011 season.

The only big change I can see the Blue Jays making is in the bullpen, as they are reportedly looking to add a closer.  Given the asking price of top players at that position (Ryan Madson, Joe Nathan, etc.), I honestly think the small-market Jays would be lucky to make a big splash during free agency.

Thus, with only one potential offseason move on the horizon, anticipate another season from Toronto that is either at or slightly above .500.

No. 25: Cincinnati Reds

Let's not forget that just two seasons ago, the Cincinnati Reds were NL Central Division champs. They were an extremely talented team, but their youth and inexperience kept them from going far in the playoffs and thus the Philadelphia Phillies made short work of them. 

Not surprisingly, they regressed in 2011 and finished in third place.

Still, I'm expecting a solid effort out of the Reds in 2012. Cuban sensation Yonder Alonso will be a regular starting outfielder and the bullpen will hopefully be solid with the return of Aroldis Chapman.  There won't be much change to the roster, but there will be enough that the Reds could possibly be a surprise of 2012.

No. 24: Arizona Diamondbacks

Easily the biggest surprise of last season, the Arizona Diamondbacks are lucky enough to enter 2012 with most of last season's core returning. The lone change that sticks out will be at first base, where Paul Goldschmidt (pictured) will continue to impress.

This young man has a phenomenal power bat, having hit .306 with 30 homers and 94 RBI in 103 games at Double-A Mobile last season. On top of that, his 6'3", 244-pound frame looks just plain scary when he steps up to the plate.

This change may seem small, but Goldschmidt's regular presence in the lineup for a full season will be enough to make the Diamondbacks look like a different team than they were last year.

No. 23: San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres and their fans are, quite possibly, about to experience one of the scariest offseasons of their lives. Popular closer Heath Bell (pictured) is a free agent and will surely receive offers from bullpen-needy teams who will have a lot more to offer than San Diego. 

Should that happen, the Padres could be in for a rude awakening next season. Bell was one of the team's most valuable assets, so much so that his name popped up in trade rumors and he was actually claimed on waivers by the San Francisco Giants.

Luke Gregerson is a reliever more than capable of handling the closing duties, but he is nowhere near on the same level as Bell. Throw in the impending departure of second baseman Orlando Hudson, and the Padres are another team that could look different thanks to a couple of small changes going into next season.

No. 22: Cleveland Indians

Last season, the Cleveland Indians impressed us all by actually contending for most of the first half. They ultimately missed the playoffs thanks to an anemic offense and suspect pitching, but that could all change next season.

It should be noted that Cleveland has former Cy Young contender Ubaldo Jimenez (pictured) returning and, more importantly, the team has made the trade of the offseason thus far. On Halloween, GM Chris Antonetti acquired veteran right-hander Derek Lowe from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor leaguer Chris Jones.

This may be just one move, but it is enough that it could help the Indians get over the hurdle and looking like a different team.

No. 21: Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have one goal next season: rebound from 2011's epic collapse. Given how they have already dumped the dead weight that is Derek Lowe, I'm liking their chances.

Lowe is just one player, but the fact that there are a bevy of young arms that can replace him says a lot. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that the team's starting rotation would look something like this:

1. Tommy Hanson

2. Jair Jurrjens

3. Tim Hudson

4. Brandon Beachy

5. Mike Minor/Randall Delgado/Julio Teheran

That rotation may look young on paper, but believe me when I say that each of those men has what it takes to change the Braves' fortunes for the better in 2012.

No. 20: New York Yankees

After consecutive seasons that saw them eliminated from playoff rounds preceding the World Series, the New York Yankees want nothing more than to return to the Fall Classic and take home championship No. 28. In order to do that, however, they must address their greatest need: starting pitching.

To be honest with you, I think that this need can be taken care of two ways: either re-sign Freddy Garcia, who had a solid year with a 12-8 record and 3.62 ERA, or find the solution in-house. The team has great options in Hector Noesi and Dellin Betances, not to mention lefty prospect Manny Banuelos.

Throw in some bench presence, and all the Yankees need to do is re-sign the guys from last year. Thus, unless GM Brian Cashman goes out and makes a big free agency splash or trade, I don't see the Yankees changing much in 2012.

Then again, Cashman has pulled off some surprises before, so that should not be ruled out completely.

No. 19: Chicago White Sox

To be absolutely blunt, the Chicago White Sox were a tremendous disappointment last season. Free agency-splash Adam Dunn was just plain bad and the team's offense was borderline nonexistent. As a result, the pitching suffered.

Speaking of pitching, it should be noted that the White Sox could quite possibly lose the leader of their pitching staff, Mark Buehrle (pictured), to free agency. Without him, the team is without a consistent pitcher who can go out and give a good start when needed.

On top of that, the White Sox have a new, zero-experience manager in Robin Ventura.  Combine that with the possible loss of Buehrle, and the White Sox could look very different come the start of the 2012 season.

No. 18: Pittsburgh Pirates

Believe it or not, the Pittsburgh Pirates actually looked good for a short time last year. Heck, they were even in first place at one point. Still, their youth caught up with them and they finished in fourth place with a 72-90 record.

That isn't to say that the team's chances for next year aren't good.  Much of last year's core, namely outfielder Andrew McCutchen and infielder Neil Walker, are set to return.  On top of that, GM Neil Huntington has already addressed one team need by signing veteran catcher Rod Barajas.

If he can bring a new shortstop and/or first baseman into the mix, then the Pirates could find themselves contending sooner than later.

No. 17: Los Angeles Dodgers

2011 was one giant soap opera for the Los Angeles Dodgers. From a rival fan being assaulted in the parking lot to team owner Frank McCourt (pictured) fighting his ex-wife just to keep the team, it's no wonder that rookie manager Don Mattingly led the team to a disappointing third-place finish despite having top talent in outfielder Matt Kemp and pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

This soap opera is about to be canceled.  Bud Selig and McCourt have come to an agreement that the team will be sold and a new beginning for the franchise is imminent. Yet, as is the case with most ownership changes, this could mean that a fire sale occurs.

If that were to happen, the Dodgers would lose stars like Kemp and Andre Ethier, with backups/minor leaguers taking over for them. As a result, the team would not just look different in 2012, but also just plain strange.

No. 16: Oakland Athletics

This offseason, Oakland's biggest priority should be retaining power bat Josh Willingham. The righty-hitting outfielder only hit .246 last season, but smacked a career-high 29 home runs with 98 RBI and a remarkable .332 OBP. 

Considering team GM Billy Beane's "moneyball" approach, it is essential that Willingham be brought back by any means necessary.

On top of that, let's not forget Oakland's pitching. They have two good young arms in Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez, and next season will see the returns of Dallas Braden and Brett Anderson.

Throw in a young core that features infielders Jemile Weeks and Brandon Allen, and this new-look team could seriously contend in 2012.

No. 15: Texas Rangers

Rangers owner Nolan Ryan must be working angry this offseason considering how his team was twice within one strike of a World Series championship this past October and blew it both times. That being said, I'm anticipating the Rangers to make at least one big acquisition via free agency this year.

One route that GM Jon Daniels could take is to make a pitch to free agent first basemen Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols, but chances are that Texas doesn't have the money to woo either. The other viable option is for them to retain staff ace C.J. Wilson (pictured), who is looking for a lucrative contract of his own.

Regardless of what happens, the Rangers are going to look different next season. It won't be a big change, but the lasting effects will definitely affect the team in the long term.

No. 14: Colorado Rockies

Last year was a disappointing one for the Colorado Rockies despite the fact that they were tied for second in the NL in runs scored. Staff ace Ubaldo Jimenez underachieved after a breakout 2010 and was traded midseason. To add insult to injury, southpaw pitcher Jorge De La Rosa went down with Tommy John surgery and was out for the season after a 5-2 start.

2012 will see De La Rosa's return and a completely revamped rotation that features talent like the returning Jhoulys Chacin and young prospects Drew Pomeranz and Alex White, both of whom were acquired from Cleveland in the Jimenez trade.

On offense, most everybody is returning and if the pitching gels together well, the Rockies could find themselves back in the playoff hunt in 2012.  It will be a new-look team with a new-look attitude.

No. 13: Kansas City Royals

The reason that the Kansas City Royals have been so awful the past few seasons is because of team management's commitment to the myriad number of prospects in the team's farm system. Last year, fans got a chance to see these players on the major league level and were, for the most part, very impressed. 

One notable rookie in KC was first baseman Eric Hosmer, whose .293 average and 19 homers with 78 RBI make him a viable AL Rookie of the Year candidate.

Hosmer will be back next year, as will third baseman Mike Moustakas and pitcher Danny Duffy.

The Royals will still look like a completely different team, as for the first time, they have a solid veteran headlining their rotation. Earlier this week, the Royals traded outfielder Melky Cabrera (coming off a breakout season) to the San Francisco Giants for lefty pitcher Jonathan Sanchez, who went 4-7 with a 4.26 ERA in an injury-riddled 2011.

This trade may not look like much, but it gives the Royals a player with championship experience. This is just what the young roster needs: a strong leader. If everything clicks, don't be surprised to see the team make a run for a playoff spot in the already weak AL Central.

No. 12: Washington Nationals

A pitching rotation featuring Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann, and a possible midseason call-up of 2010 first overall pick Bryce Harper? Clearly, these are not the Washington Nationals that were only created out of the failure of the Montreal Expos.

GM Mike Rizzo has definitely done his homework in putting together a good team, and the Nats' performance in 2012 will showcase a tremendous change.

No. 11: New York Mets

The New York Mets are, to put it bluntly, a mess. The team is extremely young and the pitching staff is still without its ace, Johan Santana. To add insult to injury, they are about to lose All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes to free agency.

If I had to define next year's Mets roster, I just need one word: BAD. David Wright is all well and good, but he can only do so much to cover for the underachievement of outfielder Jason Bay. This team needs help, and lots of it.

Considering how the team has so much money tied up in Santana, not to mention team ownership's supposed involvement in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme, this team will look completely different in 2012 due to the fact that most of the top players could be replaced with untested prospects.

No. 10: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Next season, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will, for the most part, look exactly the same. They are a talented team, but were robbed of a playoff spot due to outfielder Vernon Wells having an off year and first baseman Kendrys Morales missing the entire season as he recovered from his broken leg suffered in 2010.

That being said, new GM Jerry DiPoto has one objective: Acquire a top player to help the team make that extra step. It was reported last week that he has already reached out to C.J. Wilson and could do the same to Prince Fielder, so all we can do at this point is wait and see.

Even if a free agency splash is not made, I wouldn't at all be surprised to see the Angels look completely different next season. Mike Scioscia is a great manager with a genius baseball mind and he just knows how to win.

If he doesn't get a big name added to his roster, he could still put together a new-look team with younger players and contend.

No. 9: Philadelphia Phillies

Earlier this week, the Phillies signed closer Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year deal worth $50 million. Seeing as how the past few seasons featured Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge at closer, not to mention a top offense that only has one championship to show on its resume, this will prove to be a great move.

Sure, GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. may have overpaid for the former Red Sox stopper, but Papelbon is the type of guy the team just needs in the clubhouse. His passion for winning is so great that it borders on the psychotic. The Phillies looked tired and worn out in their early playoff exit last season; this attitude is just what the clubhouse needs.

On top of that, shortstop Jimmy Rollins could be departing via free agency. Losing a team favorite could take some wind out of the sails, but Papelbon will be right there to fire everyone back up.

No matter how you look at it, the Phillies are a new-look team in 2012, and a big one.

No. 8: San Francisco Giants

It may be a bit premature saying this, but acquiring Melky Cabrera was a great move for the Giants. His switch-hitting bat and stellar defense will provide a spark for the team just two seasons removed from a World Series championship.

Simply put, Cabrera will give the Giants something their lineup hasn't had in a long time: offense. He broke out last year and hit .305 with 18 home runs and 87 RBI, not to mention 20 steals.  Oh, and let's not forget the 13 outfield assists.

If Cabrera can provide a spark as the team's leadoff man, then the Giants could find themselves back in the playoff hunt with a tough offense to rally behind. Forget fearing Brian Wilson's beard...fear Melky's bat!

No. 7: Minnesota Twins

It's no secret that the Minnesota Twins were the most disappointing team of 2011. After winning the AL Central in 2010, the team finished dead last in 2011, going 63-99 and ending the season 32 games out of first place. This can be attributed to Joe Mauer being injured much of the year and Justin Morneau just being plain bad, not to mention below-average pitching.

The situation isn't looking good for next year, as outfielder/first baseman Michael Cuddyer and DH Jason Kubel are both free agents who are expected to walk. This leaves much of the starting positions open to young and inexperienced players who, while talented, may take some time to adjust to the major league level.

On top of that, it was reported earlier this week that the team was close to a two-year deal with 37-year-old infielder Jamey Carroll, who could end up being a starter.

The Twins will definitely look completely different in 2012, but not in the good way. At all.

No. 6: Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays surprised everyone last year, coming like a bat out of hell to win the AL Wild Card.  They certainly could do it again, but it should be noted that they will lose top offensive weapons in outfielder/DH Johnny Damon and first baseman Casey Kotchman.

If these two were to walk, the team's chemistry could possibly take a dive from which it would take quite a while to recover. Both Damon and Kotchman are great clubhouse guys to have on any team.

To lose them would be like buying an Xbox 360, but without any awesome games to play on it.

Without them, the Rays are just another young team whose performance is fueled by dreams of baseball greatness. Unfortunately—and I hate to sound like a cynic—dreams only take you so far in the majors. 

Team management needs to retain Damon and Kotchman, and at any cost.

No. 5: Milwaukee Brewers

The past two years, the Milwaukee Brewers have been a team full of young talent that could easily turn Milwaukee into Titletown, USA. On the backs of first baseman Prince Fielder and outfielder Ryan Braun, the Brew Crew has slowly turned into a solid contender.

That could all change within the next couple of days. Fielder is a free agent and his powerful lefty bat could easily garner a huge paycheck. The small market Brewers almost definitely can't afford him, so I'm expecting next year's team to have a big hole in the lineup.

38 homers and 120 RBI are hard to replace. Losing Fielder could turn the Brewers from a contender into a team fighting for its life in the NL Central.

No. 4: Miami Marlins

With a new look, new name and a new stadium, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is doing something unusual: spending money on free agents. Juan C. Rodriguez of the Miami Sun-Sentinel confirmed that Loria and his front office team have already extended offers to three key free agents: Albert Pujols, Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle.

Simply put, any free agent should consider going to the Marlins at this point.  The fact that they were able to score a new stadium despite usually low attendance and bring in Ozzie Guillen as manager speaks volumes about Loria's commitment to winning. Throw in a talented core of Logan Morrison and Hanley Ramirez, and guys like Pujols and Reyes wouldn't have to worry about carrying the team on their own.

That being said, I'm anticipating the Marlins to make quite a splash (ha ha ha) in this year's free agency class, and I'm talking about one that could turn the team into instant contenders.

No. 3: St. Louis Cardinals

Out of all the teams this offseason, the St. Louis Cardinals are the one that have the most to lose. First baseman Albert Pujols is the best player in baseball today and to lose him would be a horrible blow to the franchise. Not only is he a fan favorite, but he has a strong relationship with the St. Louis community as well.

Let me put it this way: If Pujols leaves St. Louis, it will create an earthquake among the fans just as strong as the one LeBron James caused when he left Cleveland. Then again, when you leave a team without 37 homers and 99 RBI in its lineup, can you really blame the fans for being angry?

I'll say this much: If Albert Pujols does walk, the Cardinals' chances of defending their World Series title will go from slim to absolute zero.

No. 2: Chicago Cubs

Theo Epstein (pictured) is now the President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs, and this is easily the best thing to happen to the franchise in a long time. With his friend and former co-worker in Boston, Jed Hoyer, taking over as GM, the Cubs' progress can only go up from here.

Keep in mind, Hoyer and Epstein were the two men who put together the 2004 Boston Red Sox team that got back to the World Series in 2004 and emerged as victors for the first time since 1918. Even more impressive, an Epstein-Hoyer Boston squad won the Fall Classic again in 2007.

The Cubs haven't won a World Series in over a century, so I'm anticipating these two to do some major house cleaning. I'm talking about finding a taker for Alfonso Soriano's contract and finally dumping the headcase known as Carlos Zambrano.

In fact, I'm going to go out on a limb and make a prediction now. Within three years, the Chicago Cubs will be contenders again. In five, they will win a World Series.

And it will all start this year, when Epstein does some housecleaning and puts together a completely different team come spring training.

No. 1: Boston Red Sox

Mark my words: The Boston Red Sox will be a completely different team in 2012.  It won't be from any major roster changes, but from the culture change that is established with the new manager.

The way that the team collapsed last year just should not have happened at all. If the entire team is not in the dugout during a game, then there's a problem. The fact that some players may have hung out in the clubhouse during games isn't that bad, but going there to drink beer, play video games and eat fried chicken? That's just being a bad teammate.

That being said, the new Red Sox manager will have no choice but to run the clubhouse with a firm hand. Everyone will be in the dugout for the game, even if they aren't playing. Sure, Boston has had a reputation for being rowdy in the past, but it's time to get serious again and concentrate on winning another championship.

The roster may look the same entering next season, but one thing is for sure: The laid-back days of the Boston Red Sox are over, and it will show in 2012.