The wait is almost over. Pitchers and catchers report in just 28 days from now. And if you’re like me, you’re looking forward to how your team has improved during the off-season. You are waiting to see them take the field, not hear more about A-Rod’s PED lawsuit or how the BBWAA screwed up yet another Hall of Fame ballot.
There were quite a few moves over the off-season. Some were blockbuster trades, others were just routine re-signings. And then some teams just didn’t do a whole lot of anything. But regardless of the magnitude of the move (or lack there of) there are clear winners and losers:
Winners:
Texas Rangers – The Rangers made a huge splash this off-season. First they traded 2B Ian Kinsler to Detroit for 1B Prince Fielder. The trade made perfect sense for the Rangers as Kinsler is getting older and is on the decline. Also youngster Jurickson Profar is chomping at the bit to be an everyday player for the Rangers and just might take Kinsler spot at second base to start the season. And of course Fielder fills a big offensive hole for the Rangers at 1B.
The Rangers then added highly sought out free agent outfielder Shin- Soo Choo to the roster. Choo adds another exciting element to the Rangers offense and gives them options at lead-off for the 2014 line-up.
Oakland Athletics- Jim Johnson, Scott Kazmir, Drew Pomeranz, Luke Gregerson, etc, etc. All acquired by the A’s during the offseason. Fans have been questioning the logic and rationale of Oakland A’s GM Billy Beane for years, but one fact remains. He gets results. And those results don’t always show up this season or the next, but maybe three seasons from now. Patience A’s fans, it’s all a part of the plan. 
Chicago White Sox- The south side of Chicago, along with the north side, have not had a lot to be excited about for the past couple of seasons. Fortunately for the White Sox, they have made several keys moves this offseason to boost them out of mediocrity and back into contention in the AL Central. Trading for OF Adam Eaton and 3B Matt Davidson from the Arizona Diamondbacks was huge. Also top 1B prospect Jose Abreu will finally get a chance to start at first base for the Sox. Young talent with huge upside makes the White Sox a team to not be taken lightly.
Losers :
New York Yankees- Literally feeling the boos being hurled in my direction at this very moment. Nevertheless, the Yankees still refuse to learn from the past. This offseason is no different. The Yankees signed C Brian McCann (29), OF Jacoby Ellsbury (30), and OF Carlos Beltran (36). Anyone starting to see a pattern here!? I’m wondering if Brian Cashman is aware that there are younger players on the market? Players with upside who are not past their peak? Don’t get me wrong, McCann and Ellsbury have a few effective years left, but Beltran’s days are numbered.
Chicago Cubs- Patience is a virtue I’m told. Theo Epstein’s rebuilding process is heading into year three in Chicago. And don’t get me wrong I really believe that he can turn it around and possibly bring the Cubbies back into contention.But not when you trade for Justin Ruggiano. Seriously!? That’s our big offseason acquisition!? How am I supposed to be excited about that guy? His stats are mediocre at best, and that was when he was playing for the Marlins! My patience is wearing thin Theo. 
Arizona Diamondbacks- The Diamondbacks made several moves this offseason, it just doesn’t seem that any of them went in their favor. They traded away rising stars Adam Eaton, and Matt Davidson, for the likes of Mark Trumbo and Addison Reed. Both great players, just not an ideal fit for the D’Backs offense or pitching staff. Trumbo’s on base percentage is in the .290′s, while Addison Reed’s ERA is in the 4.00′s. Maybe they’ll trade the Cubs for Ruggiano?
Follow Matt on Twitter: @SprayBall
