The first blockbuster trade of the offseason was being rumored before the winter meetings began. The rumblings were there that the Detroit Tigers were going to slash payroll and popular players were on the trading block. Unfortunately for Tigers fans, the face of the team (and the city of Detroit) was shipped off to the defending World Champion NY Yankees during the winter meetings. The third team to this deal was the Arizona Diamondbacks. Here’s how the deal went down:

To the NY Yankees: OF Curtis Granderson (from the Tigers)

To the Arizona Diamondbacks: P Edwin Jackson (from the Tigers)

P Ian Kennedy (from the Yankees)

To the Detroit Tigers: OF Austin Jackson (from the Yankees)

LHP Phil Coke (from the Yankees)

LHP Daniel Schlereth (from the Diamondbacks)

P Max Scherzer (from the Diamondbacks)

Edwin Jackson

The Tigers traded away two All-Star players who have their peak years ahead of them. However both struggled in 2009 despite their All-Star selections. Granderson had his lowest average in his career (.249), though he did hit for power (30 homeruns). His power numbers should go up with the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. His defense was not great in 2009, but hopefully he can rebound. As a big fan of Granderson’s, I could not imagine why the Tigers, whose attendance declined in 2009 due to the high unemployment rate in Detroit, would trade the fan favorite when big salaries come off after the 2010 season. It should be a special moment when he returns to Comerica Park in 2010. Edwin Jackson struggled in the second half for the Tigers (6-5 with a 5.07 ERA in 15 starts with 17 homeruns allowed and 35 BB/ 64 Ks) and helped in their collapse at the end of the year.

The Diamondbacks received Edwin Jackson and former Yankee top prospect Ian Kennedy. Kennedy missed most of the 2009 season due to an aneurysm (4 starts with a 1.59 ERA). A first round pick out of USC, he has yet to reach his potential, though a change of scenery could be good for him. This trade could turn out a successful one, but they gave up two young electric arms for two question marks when they are rebuilding.

Max Scherzer

Despite giving up two All-Stars, the Tigers may have made out the best. They received four young players, three of which are pitchers. Outfielder Austin Jackson was the top prospect in the Yankees system and could make Tigers fans forget about Granderson. The power has not developed yet for A-Jax but he has always hit (.300 in 132 games with just 4 homeruns and was named the International League’s Rookie of the Year and to the All-Star team). Lefty reliever Phil Coke was the go to left-hander in the young Yankee bullpen in 2009. Despite being a starter his whole career until late in 2008, Coke has thrived in the bullpen (4-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 72 games). He should solidify the back end of the Tigers bullpen. Starter Max Scherzer has electric stuff and though his mechanics seem to be all over the place, he can dominate (9-11 with a 4.12 ERA in 30 starts and 174 Ks). Scherzer should fit into the Tigers rotation behind ace Justin Verlander to form a flame-throwing duo. He could also move to the back end of the bullpen and team with Joel Zumaya. Lefty Daniel Schlereth struggled a bit in the big leagues in 2009 (1-4 with a 5.89 ERA in 21 games), but could get more seasoning with Triple-A Toledo. He should figure into the Tigers bullpen plans.

Who do you think the winner(s) of this deal is? To me, it looks like the Tigers because they got younger and cheaper, though they are unproven. It may take a few years to actually be able to name a winner in this deal.

Tags:

Arizona Diamondbacks, Austin Jackson, Curtis Granderson, Daniel Schlereth, Detroit Tigers, Edwin Jackson, Ian Kennedy, Max Scherzer, NY Yankees, Phil Coke

The Yankees Win

“The Yankees win” was heard round the world when the NY Yankees won their 27^th title in 2009. The big three acquisitions prior to the season, CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Mark Teixeira, were keys to the Yankees playoff success. When spring training opened to third baseman Alex Rodriguez’ steroid scandal and the Yankees struggled in the beginning of the season, many called for manager Joe Girardi’s head and changes to be made because the team just wasn’t good. However the Yankees got hot and the same people who were bashing them were saying that they were the best team.

The top three in the starting rotation were strong with Sabathia, Burnett, and veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte. Joba Chamberlain was also solid but management is concerned about his workload. Due to former 19-game winner Chien-Ming Wang’s struggles and injuries, the fifth spot on the staff was ever-changing.

The bullpen was also a constant shuttle with Triple-A Scranton. However by the end of the season, young arms such as Phil Hughes, Phil Coke, Dave Robertson, and Alfredo Aceves (along with Chamberlain) solidified the bullpen in front of closer Mariano Rivera.

While A-Rod was out with a hip injury at the beginning of the season, the offense struggled. Once he returned, every piece fell into place. The captain Derek Jeter thrived in the leadoff spot putting up MVP numbers while playing Gold Glove caliber defense at shortstop. Rightfielder Nick Swisher, outfielder Melky Cabrera, DH Hideki Matsui, and second baseman Robinson Cano were clutch, constantly winning games late. With injuries to both catchers (starter Jorge Posada and backup Jose Molina) at the same time, rookie Francisco Cervelli stepped in and thrived (.298 in 42 games).

Burnett's pie-in-the-face

Swisher and Burnett brought a new attitude to the usually stuffy Yankees, with the pie-in-the-face becoming a signature Burnett move. This offseason has been a busy one, though GM Brian Cashman has made blockbuster trades rather than spending big money on the free agent market. The blockbuster trades have depleted the minor league system a bit, with top prospect Austin Jackson, pitcher Ian Kennedy, and lefty reliever Michael Dunn being dealt away. The bullpen has also taken a hit with lefty Phil Coke and righty Brian Bruney being traded away too. It’s a disappointing season if the Yankees do not win a World Series so Girardi has a lot to do in 2010 with free agents Matsui and Damon gone and a bullpen under renovation. Here’s their wish list:

1. Re-sign Andy Pettitte: Pettitte has always been an integral part of the Yankees. That is why re-signing him was a priority. Having Pettitte, a seasoned veteran, takes the pressure off of some of the other pitchers. GM Brian Cashman signed Pettitte to a one-year deal.
2. 

   Curtis Granderson

   An outfielder: With Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, and Xavier Nady as free agents, the returning outfielders consisted of Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, and Nick Swisher (none of them with a lot of power). So Cashman pulled the trigger on acquiring All-Star centerfielder Curtis Granderson from the Detroit Tigers. Granderson struggled badly last season against left-handed pitchers (and overall) despite hitting for power (.249 overall with 30 homeruns but just .183 against lefties with just 2 homeruns). His defense also suffered in 2009. Hopefully the pressure will be off (he was the face of a struggling city and offense in Detroit) and he can relax and have fun. Unfortunately they had to give up their top prospect, centerfielder Austin Jackson to get Granderson. They did receive LA Dodgers outfielder Jamie Hoffman in the Rule V draft, who is considered the Dodgers (and now Yankees) best defensive outfielder. He could help off the bench.

3. A starting pitcher: The Yankees have three spots set with Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettitte. However the last two spots were up in the air. Cashman filled one of those spots by trading for former Yankee and current Atlanta Brave Javier Vazquez. Vazquez was dominant in 2009 with the Braves and garnered CY Young votes (15-10 with a 2.87 ERA in 32 starts with 44 BB/ 238 Ks). The last spot will be filled by either Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes, with the other going to the back end of the bullpen. Chad Gaudin and Sergio Mitre will be given a chance at beating out Hughes or Chamberlain for the final spot, as Gaudin pitched well when he joined the Yanks (2-0 with a 3.43 ERA). If anyone struggles in spring training or during the 2010 season, don’t look for the Yankees to sit back and wait for something to happen (they will probably make a deal or call someone up from the minors). Two in-house candidates are Romulo Sanchez and Ivan Nova, who both pitched well in the minors in 2009.
4. A leftfielder: Johnny Damon played solid in his years with the Yankees, as he was a huge reason why they won the World Series. As a free agent, both sides are far apart on money and years. With Granderson in center, left field figured to be manned by Cabrera and Gardner. However to get Javier Vazquez in a trade with the Braves, it cost them Cabrera. So now the Yankees are short on outfielders at both the big league level and in the minors. Many believe Damon may re-sign, but the Yankees still need another outfielder.
5. A DH: Many talked about this opening as being a good thing to get the bench players time on the field by having the stars DH. Matsui was the main reason the Yankees won the World Series (he won MVP), but he signed with the LA Angels. There seemed to be hope for former Cuban prospect Juan Miranda as he has been stuck in Triple-A Scranton. Unfortunately for him, the Yankees signed oft-injured Nick Johnson, who always hits and gets on base when healthy. The former Yankee will slide into the 2 hole to bat in front of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. The DH spot may be best for Johnson to limit his time on the field and hopefully limit the injuries.

Tags:

AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Brett Gardner, Chad Gaudin, Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter, Francisco Cervelli, Hideki Matsui, Jamie Hoffman, Javier Vazquez, Joba Chamberlain, Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera, Nick Johnson, Nick Swisher, NY Yankees, Phil Hughes

Ryan Madson

Coming off their first World Series title in 20 years, the Philadelphia Phillies entered 2009 with virtually the same team as in 2008 (except for the addition of Raul Ibanez in left field). However getting to the World Series was a lot tougher in 2009. Injuries decimated the bullpen as everyone except setup man Ryan Madson spent time on the DL and Madson was hardly lights out (5-5 with a 3.26 ERA in 79 games and converted 10 of 16 saves). No one expected closer Brad Lidge to be perfect again, but he was hardly automatic in 2009 as he blew 11 saves in 42 opportunities. Lefty JC Romero missed the first 50 games due to a performance-enhancing drug suspension, but returned and injured his elbow. It seemed like every week someone was going on the DL and a new body was being called up from the minors.

Ace Cole Hamels was hardly an ace and was inconsistent all season (10-11 with a 4.32 ERA in 32 starts with 24 homeruns allowed and more hits than innings pitched). A slimmer Brett Myers hurt his hip and missed a portion of the season. Joe Blanton had his typical average first half (6-4 with a 4.44 ERA with 19 homeruns allowed) and good second half (6-4 with a 3.62 ERA and 11 homeruns allowed). Chan Ho Park struggled in the starting role (but thrived as a reliever), opening the door for lefty JA Happ’s outstanding rookie season (12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 23 starts). The struggles in the rotation led to the acquisition of CY Young winner Cliff Lee from the Cleveland Indians (and outfielder Ben Francisco), though the Phillies were linked to Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay (but the price seemed to be too high). Lee dominated in his time with the Phillies, even into the playoffs (7-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts and 10 BB/ 74 K but in the playoffs, Lee was 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA in 5 starts with 2 complete games and 6 BB/ 33 K). They also added free agent veteran Pedro Martinez, who also added a boost to the rotation (5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 9 starts)

The offense was typical for the Phillies, even with leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins’ lackluster season. Centerfielder Shane Victorino and rightfielder Jayson Werth had career years. First baseman Ryan Howard sizzled again when the summer heated up (.305 with 23 homeruns and 74 RBIs in the second half).

The 2009 Phillies made it back to the World Series, the first time since the 1995-1996 Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately the offense sputtered and the pitching just could not hold down the NY Yankees. Heading into the offseason, the Phillies had some holes to fill and question marks that needed to be answered. Members of the World Champion team that had major supporting roles were free agents like Matt Stairs, Eric Bruntlett, Myers, and Scott Eyre. Lidge, Romero, Ibanez, and Jamie Moyer had offseason surgery, with Lidge and Romero questionable for spring training and Moyer having complications. With a payroll set to bulge due to arbitration cases for Victorino, Blanton, and catcher Carlos Ruiz, GM Ruben Amaro was hoping to stay within a set amount. Here’s the Phillies wish list:

1. 

   Placido Polanco signing

   A third baseman: Despite his solid season, Pedro Feliz was a free agent and not expected to be re-signed due to his struggles in the playoffs (.167 in 54 at-bats with just 4 RBIs and 11 Ks). Ruben Amaro quickly signed former Phillie Placido Polanco, who was coming off a Gold Glove season with the Detroit Tigers at second base. Polanco hasn’t played third since 2005 but is a hard working veteran who will be excellent batting in the 2 hole (where he is the game’s best) in front of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, and Raul Ibanez.

2. A backup catcher: Starter Carlos Ruiz has been a postseason hero for the Phillies the last two years. Late in 2009, the Phillies cut ties with backup Chris Coste (a fan favorite) and added veteran Paul Bako. However with Bako a free agent, the Phillies decided to go after a local free agent. Brian Schneider, who spent the last two years with the NY Mets, signed on to backup Ruiz. Schneider has been known to be a great defensive catcher though he tends to struggle with the bat.
3. Bullpen help: This is a major need as there are quite a few question marks with the health of the arms returning. The biggest hole is to add a left-hander to complement JC Romero and management hoped to re-sign Scott Eyre, but both sides are far apart. The Phillies seem fine with going to young lefties Sergio Escalona and Antonio Bastardo (who was on the postseason roster but was rarely used) in 2010. Rumors have the Phillies signing a mystery reliever with Danys Baez and Mike MacDougal being the leading candidates.
4. Adding another starter: Despite Kyle Kendrick’s resurgence at the end of 2009, the Phillies are looking to add a starter to compete with Kendrick, veteran Jamie Moyer, and Drew Carpenter. However the Phillies made a blockbuster deal to land Roy Halladay (who they coveted in July) but traded away Cliff Lee and top prospect Kyle Drabek. So yes the Phillies added a workhorse in Halladay, but still may need another starter.

Tags:

Brad Lidge, Brian Schneider, Carlos Ruiz, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, JA Happ, Joe Blanton, Pedro Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies, Placido Polanco, Roy Halladay, Ryan Howard, Ryan Madson

Manager Mike Scioscia guided the LA Angels through a season of adversity, starting in early April with the loss of young pitcher Nick Adenhart, just a few hours after his dominant outing against Oakland. In keeping his players together through injuries and tragedy to make the playoffs, Scioscia was named American League Manager of the Year.

Jered Weaver (16-8 with a 3.75 ERA in 33 starts with 174 Ks) carried the Angels through the season until the injured starters returned. Veteran John Lackey, Joe Saunders, and Ervin Santana rounded out the rotation until management traded for lefty Scott Kazmir to bolster the staff (2-2 with a 1.73 ERA in 6 starts). Nine other pitchers made starts for the Angels in 2009.

Many questioned the signing of lefty closer Brian Fuentes, as he has not been the most consistent closer in the game. It became more of a concern when setup man Scot Shields went down with a knee injury (and missed the entire season) and Jose Arredondo struggled. However Fuentes got the job done (1-5 with a 3.93 ERA and he converted 48 of 55 save opportunities) and unknowns such as Jason Bulger, Matt Palmer, and Kevin Jepsen stepped up. Veteran lefty Darren Oliver was dominant all season long (5-1 with a 2.71 ERA in 73 innings), surprising many.

The addition of free agent rightfielder Bobby Abreu proved genius (and he re-signed for two more years) as his veteran leadership and patience at the plate rubbed off on all of his teammates. All Angels starters batted better than .272 on the season and even fellow veteran Torii Hunter credited Abreu for his batting average increase (.299 in 2009, .278 in 2008).

Unfortunately this offseason has not been as flashy as some of the other teams in the AL. Sure Abreu re-signed and World Series MVP Hideki Matsui signed, but the Angels lost veteran Lackey and super utility man Chone Figgins. Losing Lackey loses a bulldog and Figgins was one of the best leadoff hitters in the game. Can the Angels offense repeat their 2009 and be as productive? Can the bullpen be consistent? 2010 could be another challenging managerial season for Scioscia if he can guide them to the playoffs. Here’s their wish list:

1. Starting pitching: Going into spring training, the top four spots in the rotation appear to be filled by Jered Weaver, Scott Kazmir, Joe Saunders, and Ervin Santana. However the fifth spot is wide open. The Angels could fill the spot in-house with Matt Palmer, Sean O’Sullivan, Trevor Bell, or Anthony Ortega. Or they could sign a free agent pitcher or make a deal for one (they were front-runners for Roy Halladay but the Phillies pulled the trigger). The Angels have a solid rotation and the final piece could make them one of the best.
2. 

   Fernando Rodney

   Bullpen depth: The loss of veteran lefty Darren Oliver leaves a large hole in the bullpen as they do not have another left-hander in the pen. Veteran setup man Scot Shields should be healthy in 2010, but will he be as effective as in the past? Closer Brian Fuentes needs to be consistent for the Angels to be successful. If Palmer wins a rotation spot, he will be missed in the bullpen (2-1 with a 2.74 ERA in 46 innings). The addition of Fernando Rodney and his explosive fastball and changeup should help. He closed the last few years with the Detroit Tigers (he blew just one save in 2009) and could be an option if Fuentes struggles or Scioscia could rotate Fuentes and Rodney in the eighth and ninth innings based on the situation and hitters coming to bat.

3. A power bat: Most would think that the Angels would re-sign DH Vladimir Guerrero. Instead they signed Hideki Matsui, who carried the NY Yankees in the World Series. If Matsui can stay healthy, he should add to an already potent lineup. Rumors have the Angels linked to free agent outfielder Jason Bay, but it doesn’t look like he will be signing with anyone anytime soon.

Tags:

Bobby Abreu, Brian Fuentes, Darren Oliver, Fernando Rodney, Hideki Matsui, Jered Weaver, LA Angels, Matt Palmer, Mike Scioscia, Scot Shields, Scott Kazmir, Torii Hunter

Matt Kemp

The LA Dodgers faced adversity early in the season with Manny Ramirez’ 50-game performance-enhancing drug suspension. Despite missing their star player, the Dodgers surged into the National League West lead with the help of veteran outfielder Juan Pierre, his young outfield counterparts, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, and young first baseman James Loney.

The other obstacle the Dodgers faced in 2009 was the surging Colorado Rockies and SF Giants in the second half. Though they held them off, they almost blew a huge lead. The Dodgers were carried in the first half by All-Star Chad Billingsley (9-4 with a 3.38 ERA) though he struggled in the second half (3-7 with a 5.20 ERA). Young ace Clayton Kershaw (1-3 with a 2.27 ERA) and veteran Randy Wolf (7-4 with a 2.98 ERA) took off in the second half and management added Vicente Padilla to bolster the rotation (4-0 with a 3.20 ERA in 7 starts). The Dodgers pitching staff had the NL’s best ERA (3.41).

The offense was led by the most clutch hitter in the game in Ethier, who had 4 homeruns and 20 RBIs in the late innings of games that were close (and .472 in the late innings of close games at home). Centerfielder Kemp added his first Gold Glove to his first Silver Slugger, providing great defense and offense. Pierre played great when Manny was out and continued his solid play off the bench (.308 overall). A healthy Rafael Furcal started the offense (.269) and second baseman Orlando Hudson followed suit (.283 with 35 doubles). The acquisition of offense-minded Ronnie Belliard (.351 with the Dodgers) forced the O-Dog to the bench and now both are free agents. The offense pushed runs across as they led the NL in batting average, even with a down season from catcher Russell Martin (.250).

Jonathan Broxton

The bullpen, led by closer Jonathan Broxton, was bolstered with the acquisition of lefty George Sherrill (1-0 with a 0.65 ERA in 30 games with the Dodgers). The bullpen only converted 44 of 70 save opportunities. The bullpen was the most solid with lefty Hong Chih Kuo (2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 35 games and 32 Ks), Ramon Troncoso (5-4 with a 2.72 ERA in 73 games), and Ronald Belisario (4-3 with a 2.04 ERA in 69 games and 64 Ks).

However the young Dodgers could again not get past the Philadelphia Phillies. Maybe manager Joe Torre can think back to his early years with the NY Yankees to conjure up a way to get his Dodgers to the World Series. Management is staying quiet this offseason due to the many young Dodgers who are set for arbitration. Torre will have close to the same team as in 2009, minus veteran starters Wolf, Padilla, and Jon Garland; and the O-Dog. Once thought to be the worst division in baseball, the NL West has suddenly become highly competitive. The Arizona Diamondbacks have great young talent mixed with three top tiered pitchers (Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, and Edwin Jackson). The San Diego Padres played great late last year. The Rockies and Giants should again push the Dodgers at the top of the West. For the Dodgers to compete for a playoff spot, they have holes to fill. Here’s their wish list:

1. A second baseman: The combination of Orlando Hudson and Ronnie Belliard played well in 2009. However both are free agents. Many thought in-house candidate Blake DeWitt would be given a shot at the job. He will now have to beat out free agent signee Jamey Carroll, who became a hot commodity this offseason after his 2009 season with Cleveland (.276 in 93 games with a .355 OBP).
2. Pitching: The starting rotation consists of lefty Clayton Kershaw, righties Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda. Right now, the final two spots will be filled by James McDonald, Eric Stults, Charlie Haeger, or Rule V pick Carlos Monasterios. Monasterios, who has not pitched more than one game above Single-A, is pitching well in Venezuelan winter ball (7-4 with a 4.35 ERA in 12 starts), thus catapulting himself into contention for a rotation spot. The Dodgers could use another starting pitcher. The Dodgers bullpen is a mix of unknown pitchers. Management has been trying to trade lefty George Sherrill (because he is arbitration eligible), but as of right now, he is still a Dodger. Closer Jonathan Broxton has been good (he just cannot get past the Phillies), though he did blow six saves in 2009. The unsung heroes of the bullpen in 2009 were Hong Chih Kuo, Ramon Troncoso, and Ronald Belisario and they will need to be just as heroic in 2010 with the uncertainties in the rotation.
3. 

   Juan Pierre

   Trade Juan Pierre: As good as he was in 2009, management wanted to shed salary and to place Pierre in a good situation. Well, they did, but the goal was to get starting pitching in return. The Chicago White Sox got the speedy outfielder to fill their leadoff spot, while the Dodgers received two minor leaguers. The deal did not fill a hole for the Dodgers.

Tags:

Andre Ethier, Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, George Sherrill, Hong Chih Kuo, James Loney, Jonathan Broxton, Juan Pierre, LA Dodgers, Matt Kemp, Orlando Hudson, Rafael Furcal, Ramon Troncoso, Randy Wolf, Ronald Belisario, Ronnie Belliard, Vicente Padilla