Has your team improved this offseason?

[enbambam6986]

Thought this would be an interesting poll as we end the year. Hopefully you guys are optimistic for your team in 2015, unless your a Phillies or Rays fan.

I put yes for the Mets because they are getting Harvey back, replacing Chris Young with Michael Cuddyer, and they resigned Scott Rice!!

[exitmusicblue]

Damned good time to be a Mets fan. They'll have one of the best young rotations in the bigs. Oakland A's... besides Sonny and Pomeranz dealing together, not much to look forward to. Unless Lawrie goes nuts.

Good thread, will tide us over 'til All-Time Redraft resumes.

[enbambam6986]

Damned good time to be a Mets fan. They'll have one of the best young rotations in the bigs. Oakland A's... besides Sonny and Pomeranz dealing together, not much to look forward to. Unless Lawrie goes nuts.

Good thread, will tide us over 'til All-Time Redraft resumes.

Only problem is that the Nats and Marlins have the other young rotations in the league :(

[JackThree]

White Sox. 'Nuff said.

[Melonhead1991]

I'm a Rays fan and the only thing we improved is our chances of moving to Canada.....

[teosdesserts]

Absolutly €#%¥*?! not.

[enbambam6986]

White Sox. 'Nuff said.


Which team is better?

1. Anthony Gose/Rajai Davis, CF
2. Ian Kinsler, 2B
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. Victor Martinez, DH
5. Yoenis Cespedes, LF
6. J.D. Martinez, RF
7. Nick Castellanos, 3B
8. Alex Avila, C
9. Jose Iglesias, SS

David Price
Justin Verlander
Anibal Sanchez
Alfredo Simon
Shane Greene

vs

1. Adam Eaton, OF
2. Melky Cabrera, OF
3. Jose Abreu, 1B
4. Adam LaRoche, DH
5. Avisail Garcia, OF
6. Alexi Ramirez, SS
7. Conor Gillaspie, 3B
8. Tyler Flowers, C
9. Leury Garcia, 2B

Chris Sale
Jeff Samardzija
Jose Quintana
Hector Noesi
John Danks
Carlos Rodon

[JohnRyno]

Absolutly €#%¥*?! not.

I second this emotion.

[norskarv]

Yes, whenever my team stops playing, it is an improvement.

[37Jetson]

Orioles are making a mockery out of their great 2014 Season. They can't even swing a deal for Marlon Byrd and they resign Douchebag Delmon.

[wwejhardyrox]

Which team is better?

1. Anthony Gose/Rajai Davis, CF
2. Ian Kinsler, 2B
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. Victor Martinez, DH
5. Yoenis Cespedes, LF
6. J.D. Martinez, RF
7. Nick Castellanos, 3B
8. Alex Avila, C
9. Jose Iglesias, SS

David Price
Justin Verlander
Anibal Sanchez
Alfredo Simon
Shane Greene

vs

1. Adam Eaton, OF
2. Melky Cabrera, OF
3. Jose Abreu, 1B
4. Adam LaRoche, DH
5. Avisail Garcia, OF
6. Alexi Ramirez, SS
7. Conor Gillaspie, 3B
8. Tyler Flowers, C
9. Leury Garcia, 2B

Chris Sale
Jeff Samardzija
Jose Quintana
Hector Noesi
John Danks
Carlos Rodon

IMO the Tigers are better right now.

[theflushingmets]

i voted no on the mets, but then i realized that even if cuddyer is below average, he'll be better than chris young out there. but my initial thought was the mets didn't make any acquisitions to improve substantially this year, cuddyer in an ok OF, Mayberry is a nice bench piece, and gilmartin and rice can be ok out of the pen. But they lost eric young jr who despite not being able to hit the broad side of a barn had game changing speed. i guess alderson thinks den dekker can make up for some of it, and mayberry brings power against lefties, which is a nice thing to have when your 30 hr hitting 1b can't hit lefties for anything.. But i think they will be better next year because of harvey returning and the continued progress from all the under 30's in the lineup.

[oldgoldy97]

The Twins???

Well, they hope their young guys do something. One of these decades.

[lindeman79]

Cubs: a little

[metsplaya123]

i voted no on the mets, but then i realized that even if cuddyer is below average, he'll be better than chris young out there. but my initial thought was the mets didn't make any acquisitions to improve substantially this year, cuddyer in an ok OF, Mayberry is a nice bench piece, and gilmartin and rice can be ok out of the pen. But they lost eric young jr who despite not being able to hit the broad side of a barn had game changing speed. i guess alderson thinks den dekker can make up for some of it, and mayberry brings power against lefties, which is a nice thing to have when your 30 hr hitting 1b can't hit lefties for anything.. But i think they will be better next year because of harvey returning and the continued progress from all the under 30's in the lineup.
Scott rice with his 6 era can do the job, interesting

In a year where they expect to go to the playoffs, the mets have done a god awful job of improving their ball club

Franchise is run by a bunch of cheap and clueless baboons

[roro17]

Tigers are way better than the White Sox

[enbambam6986]

i voted no on the mets, but then i realized that even if cuddyer is below average, he'll be better than chris young out there. but my initial thought was the mets didn't make any acquisitions to improve substantially this year, cuddyer in an ok OF, Mayberry is a nice bench piece, and gilmartin and rice can be ok out of the pen. But they lost eric young jr who despite not being able to hit the broad side of a barn had game changing speed. i guess alderson thinks den dekker can make up for some of it, and mayberry brings power against lefties, which is a nice thing to have when your 30 hr hitting 1b can't hit lefties for anything.. But i think they will be better next year because of harvey returning and the continued progress from all the under 30's in the lineup.

I agree that they need speed/leadoff hitter badly. If they keep pushing Larages, he will eventually pull his hammy. That is why I want Aoki or maybe even Jackie Bradley Jr.. We could put him in the same role as Eric Young. But we all know the perfect player for this team. He has speed, he can hit, he can leadoff, and he can play Short.......We need Jose back in Flushing :(

Also Wright, D'arnaud, Granderson, Wheeler, and Montero should all have much better seasons this year. Theres no reason why the shouldn't and thats what Sandy is relying on.

[enbambam6986]

Cubs: a little

A little? Lester should dominate in the NL. Plus you got Maddon

[Hollywood42]

My Twins have improved, although only marginally. Big addition was Ervin Santana, but we also got Torii Hunter for the outfield and Tim Stauffer in the bullpen. So, we addressed one spot (the rotation), but really didn't do much else (and didn't do a whole lot for the bullpen, to be honest). But, a lot of our answers are waiting in the minors. I don't think there's a lot the Twins should do because pretty much all of their holes are set to be filled by guys in the minors. It's just a matter of time until they are all ready. But yes, my team improved, but only a little bit

[metsplaya123]

I agree that they need speed/leadoff hitter badly. If they keep pushing Larages, he will eventually pull his hammy. That is why I want Aoki or maybe even Jackie Bradley Jr.. We could put him in the same role as Eric Young. But we all know the perfect player for this team. He has speed, he can hit, he can leadoff, and he can play Short.......We need Jose back in Flushing :(

Also Wright, D'arnaud, Granderson, Wheeler, and Montero should all have much better seasons this year. Theres no reason why the shouldn't and thats what Sandy is relying on.
And here is the problem when you count on players to have better seasons, the other plays who you count to have ANOTHER great season, don't, so it cancels out. Degrom and duda along with the bullpen could very well regress this year, and then what? Nothing. Because that's what the mets do, nothing.

[SportsAutoFreak]

Cubs have Jon Lester, Miguel Montero, David Ross and Joe Maddon. It's tough not to think there's an improvement.

[enbambam6986]

And here is the problem when you count on players to have better seasons, the other plays who you count to have ANOTHER great season, don't, so it cancels out. Degrom and duda along with the bullpen could very well regress this year, and then what? Nothing. Because that's what the mets do, nothing.

The way I see it:
-If Degrom doesn't perform, we still have a ton of options.
-Moving the fences in/Kevin Long should help Granderson and Duda.
-We do vs the Phillies 18 or 19 times, so losing Rollins, Byrd, and hopefully Hammels would be great for us.
-Our Left Fielders hit .219 last year with 6 home runs. Our Right Fielders hit .241 with 19 Hrs. So Granderson should hit at least .240 with 25 Hrs and Cuddyer should hit at least .270. That is a major upgrade compared to last season
-Plus we are replacing Gee with Harvey and thats a huge upgrade.

[lindeman79]

Yes my cubbies have improved on paper... I have just seen so many times in the past when we get some good players and S!@# happens. And I have just been saying/thinking the same old this year is our year. I'm just getting tired. SO.... I'm just not getting my hopes to high. But thanks, I can use the positive vibes.

[lambeauleap87]

Indians added Brandon Moss and Gavin Floyd, and they didn't really lose anything. I still expect some sort of move surrounding Swisher or Murphy, though. Definite improvement.

[tkraft24]

Aside from moss, indians have been quiet but I think they'll be an improved team regardless. The AL Central figures to be a fun one to watch this year.

[Hollywood42]

IMO, the AL Central is by far the most improved division. I think every team has been improved (other than the Royals who haven't done much of anything). Going to be a really tough year in the division

Aside from moss, indians have been quiet but I think they'll be an improved team regardless. The AL Central figures to be a fun one to watch this year.

[bwalter1]

IMO, the AL Central is by far the most improved division. I think every team has been improved (other than the Royals who haven't done much of anything). Going to be a really tough year in the division

Royals haven't done a lot but there is still time and they have had a few good pickups. I am pretty excited to see how the cubs and padres turn out. Honestly think the cubs will come close to playoffs but miss out and padres will tank again.

[Cardshack14]

Which team is better?

1. Anthony Gose/Rajai Davis, CF
2. Ian Kinsler, 2B
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. Victor Martinez, DH
5. Yoenis Cespedes, LF
6. J.D. Martinez, RF
7. Nick Castellanos, 3B
8. Alex Avila, C
9. Jose Iglesias, SS

David Price
Justin Verlander
Anibal Sanchez
Alfredo Simon
Shane Greene

vs

1. Adam Eaton, OF
2. Melky Cabrera, OF
3. Jose Abreu, 1B
4. Adam LaRoche, DH
5. Avisail Garcia, OF
6. Alexi Ramirez, SS
7. Conor Gillaspie, 3B
8. Tyler Flowers, C
9. Leury Garcia, 2B

Chris Sale
Jeff Samardzija
Jose Quintana
Hector Noesi
John Danks
Carlos Rodon

Just on paper. We'll see how it plays out in the season.

To answer the question, Yankees have NOT improved this offseason :(.

[jataman2612]

Indians added Brandon Moss and Gavin Floyd, and they didn't really lose anything. I still expect some sort of move surrounding Swisher or Murphy, though. Definite improvement.

Aside from moss, indians have been quiet but I think they'll be an improved team regardless. The AL Central figures to be a fun one to watch this year.

I don't think that's a big improvement. Re-signing Francona is our biggest move. Its pathetic. Everyone in the division is spending money and making moves and we are making minor moves.

True, we didn't lose anything but they need another solid SP and a right handed bat. San Diego who is a "small market" like us traded for 3 right handed bats without giving up any top prospect or any of their young pitching. You mean to tell me we couldn't do that once?

I don't know what is more pathetic: their lack of an offseason or the remodel monstrosity in right field (don't get me started on that).

[roro17]

Come to think of it what teams haven't improved? I know the Phillies, Rays, and Yankees haven't done much. I feel the Braves haven't as well what do you all think?

[enbambam6986]

Looks like a lot of teams haven't lol

[enbambam6986]

I think the Marlins and Mets are the only teams improved in the NL East

[skrezyna23]

The White Sox did very well on paper. Hopefully it comes to fruition and they can compete for the AL title.

[Triple B]

The Blue Jays got rid of Adam Lind, Anthony Gose, Brett Lawrie, Colby Rasmus and Casey Janssen (as well as Sergio Santos, but was he really ever here?) and added Josh Donaldson and Russell Martin and a few others.

The immaturity that came with Gose and Lawrie, the wasted talent that is Colby Rasmus and the surprisingly declining Janssen in return for the heart and soul of the Oakland As and someone who knows how to change a team in Russell Martin? They may not appear better on paper (might seem somewhere in between "lateral" and "improved") but I bet that the BS that went on nightly with this team will come to a complete halt.

They need bullpen help and I hope that comes soon...

[tkraft24]

I don't think that's a big improvement. Re-signing Francona is our biggest move. Its pathetic. Everyone in the division is spending money and making moves and we are making minor moves.

True, we didn't lose anything but they need another solid SP and a right handed bat. San Diego who is a "small market" like us traded for 3 right handed bats without giving up any top prospect or any of their young pitching. You mean to tell me we couldn't do that once?

I don't know what is more pathetic: their lack of an offseason or the remodel monstrosity in right field (don't get me started on that).

Kind of silly to expect anything otherwise. The indians model is clear.....
-acquire and develop young talent
-sprinkle in cost-effective veterans or project players with some upside
-sign young players to multi-year deals that hardly tap into free-agency years
-trade same players that were signed above in last year of contract

At least a good core is in place at the moment so I'm ready to enjoy the ride

[death2redemptions]

I don't think the Braves have improved in any way, shape or form. Nor have they improved their future 2017 franchise. Gave away J-Up for another TJ victim and we still have B.J. Upton. On top of that we dropped Medlen for nothing. However I do like the Markakis signing.

[lambeauleap87]

I don't think that's a big improvement. Re-signing Francona is our biggest move. Its pathetic. Everyone in the division is spending money and making moves and we are making minor moves.

True, we didn't lose anything but they need another solid SP and a right handed bat. San Diego who is a "small market" like us traded for 3 right handed bats without giving up any top prospect or any of their young pitching. You mean to tell me we couldn't do that once?

I don't know what is more pathetic: their lack of an offseason or the remodel monstrosity in right field (don't get me started on that).

The Indians didn't need to make any major moves this offseason. The rotation is strong, cost-controlled, and deep. There's no glaring holes on the team with a solid player/platoon/back-up plan at every position.

[jataman2612]

Kind of silly to expect anything otherwise. The indians model is clear.....
-acquire and develop young talent
-sprinkle in cheap veterans or players coming off an injury and hope for lightning in a bottle.
-sign young players to multi-year deals that hardly tap into free-agency years
-trade same players that were signed above in last year of contract

At least a good core is in place at the moment so I'm ready to enjoy the ride

I fixed that for you...


The Indians didn't need to make any major moves this offseason. The rotation is strong, cost-controlled, and deep. There's no glaring holes on the team with a solid player/platoon/back-up plan at every position.

Are you watching the same stuff I am?!?!

Outside of Kluber everything on the staff is a mystery. Can Carrasco keep the form he had in the 2nd half? Is Gavin Floyd healthy? Will Bauer and Salazar figure it out? What about TJ House? Yes we have depth but lots of question marks.

As for the hitting, outside of Brantley no hitter scares the opposition. Bourn strikes out too much for a leadoff hitter and can't stay healthy. Will Kipnis bounce back? (I hope so) Can Aviles play short for a full season? Which Chisenhall will we see? What are they going to do about Swisher or Murphy?

Either way we are missing that right hand power bat that we need. Our line up is too left-handed heavy. We need a right handed power bat and if possible one that hits lefties. I would love to trade Swisher AND Bourn and move Brantley to center but that will never happen.

[Hallco]

Apparently John Hart thinks so! :rolleyes:

[padremurph]

Big yes for the Padres!

[enbambam6986]

Apparently John Hart thinks so! :rolleyes:

Maybe he did (I hope not). The Braves were towards the bottom of the league in hits and runs while near the top of the league in strikeouts. A change in the lineup could help.

[ChiSox22]

Which team is better?

1. Anthony Gose/Rajai Davis, CF
2. Ian Kinsler, 2B
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. Victor Martinez, DH
5. Yoenis Cespedes, LF
6. J.D. Martinez, RF
7. Nick Castellanos, 3B
8. Alex Avila, C
9. Jose Iglesias, SS

David Price
Justin Verlander
Anibal Sanchez
Alfredo Simon
Shane Greene

vs

1. Adam Eaton, OF
2. Melky Cabrera, OF
3. Jose Abreu, 1B
4. Adam LaRoche, DH
5. Avisail Garcia, OF
6. Alexi Ramirez, SS
7. Conor Gillaspie, 3B
8. Tyler Flowers, C
9. Leury Garcia, 2B

Chris Sale
Jeff Samardzija
Jose Quintana
Hector Noesi
John Danks
Carlos Rodon
I'll give the edge to the Tigers bcuz they won the division but u forgot to show the bullpens;)

[PejaD]

There have been some interesting deals and still some to come (Scherzer, Shields, Hamels?, hyped young Cubans), but the grand landscape has not changed too much. The two biggest downgrades so far are the A's and Rays who seem to be playing for the future, perhaps in other cities. The biggest upgrades are the Jays and perhaps the Cubs (a bit biased as they are my #2 team). If I had to objectively pick a '15 WS matchup, I would go Cards-Tigers.

[enbambam6986]

There have been some interesting deals and still some to come (Scherzer, Shields, Hamels?, hyped young Cubans), but the grand landscape has not changed too much. The two biggest downgrades so far are the A's and Rays who seem to be playing for the future, perhaps in other cities. The biggest upgrades are the Jays and perhaps the Cubs (a bit biased as they are my #2 team). If I had to objectively pick a '15 WS matchup, I would go Cards-Tigers.

White/Red Sox? The Jays haven't upgraded that much.

[lambeauleap87]

Are you watching the same stuff I am?!?!

Outside of Kluber everything on the staff is a mystery. Can Carrasco keep the form he had in the 2nd half? Is Gavin Floyd healthy? Will Bauer and Salazar figure it out? What about TJ House? Yes we have depth but lots of question marks.

As for the hitting, outside of Brantley no hitter scares the opposition. Bourn strikes out too much for a leadoff hitter and can't stay healthy. Will Kipnis bounce back? (I hope so) Can Aviles play short for a full season? Which Chisenhall will we see? What are they going to do about Swisher or Murphy?

Either way we are missing that right hand power bat that we need. Our line up is too left-handed heavy. We need a right handed power bat and if possible one that hits lefties. I would love to trade Swisher AND Bourn and move Brantley to center but that will never happen.

This post makes it very clear that you're part of the "Dolanz are cheap!" crowd who understands none of what the team is doing.

This team has eight (potentially nine now with a finally healthy Shaun Marcum back this year) capable starters. Of course they're not all sure things...that's how young guys work. The rotation is one of the strong points of the team...which you should know.

Fun fact regarding the whole "they didn't add a right-handed power bat" idea...Moss, in his career, hits lefties just as well as righties. He actually hit lefties better in 2014, and Progressive Field favors lefties as is, so why does it matter what side he hits from if it has the same result?

Regarding the middle of the infield...you don't even know who the starting shortstop is. Another fun fact: it's not Mike Aviles. :rolleyes: Even if he was,a healthy Lindor will be up by the All-Star Break. Kipnis may be a question mark, but you're not going to sign anyone else when he's young and owed almost $50 million. It's been made fairly clear that if Chisenhall struggles, they'll call up Urshela (who went .280/.334/.491 between AA/AAA last year).

Bottom line, the Indians were in contention until the last week of the season last year. The young guys have had another year to grow, they added a power bat, and pitching depth. What more were they supposed to do?

[PejaD]

White/Red Sox? The Jays haven't upgraded that much.

Donaldson/Martin/Saunders ought to put up some better offensive numbers given their new hitter friendlier home park. I am also bullish on Norris/Sanchez and opportunity to make the opening day roster.

BoSox picked up some bats, but Pablo and Hanley are probably drastic downgrades defensively. Their rotation is comprised of guys who would be #4/5 starters on last year's playoff teams.
As for the the ChiSox, LaRoche is getting up there in age and not sure if he can be an effective DH. Robertson is a marginal improvement for the bullpen.

[enbambam6986]

Donaldson/Martin/Saunders ought to put up some better offensive numbers given their new hitter friendlier home park. I am also bullish on Norris/Sanchez and opportunity to make the opening day roster.

BoSox picked up some bats, but Pablo and Hanley are probably drastic downgrades defensively. Their rotation is comprised of guys who would be #4/5 starters on last year's playoff teams.
As for the the ChiSox, LaRoche is getting up there in age and not sure if he can be an effective DH. Robertson is a marginal improvement for the bullpen.

Completely forgot about Donaldson, I was only thinking about about Martin. But replacing middlebrooks with Sandoval is huge. It will be interesting how Hanley plays the monster. I hope he's practicing at Jet Blue park rn.

[death2redemptions]

I'm starting to like the offseason moves the Braves have been making but I don't believe our 2015 team will be an improvement over last years.

[jataman2612]

This post makes it very clear that you're part of the "Dolanz are cheap!" crowd who understands none of what the team is doing.

This team has eight (potentially nine now with a finally healthy Shaun Marcum back this year) capable starters. Of course they're not all sure things...that's how young guys work. The rotation is one of the strong points of the team...which you should know.

Fun fact regarding the whole "they didn't add a right-handed power bat" idea...Moss, in his career, hits lefties just as well as righties. He actually hit lefties better in 2014, and Progressive Field favors lefties as is, so why does it matter what side he hits from if it has the same result?

Regarding the middle of the infield...you don't even know who the starting shortstop is. Another fun fact: it's not Mike Aviles. :rolleyes: Even if he was,a healthy Lindor will be up by the All-Star Break. Kipnis may be a question mark, but you're not going to sign anyone else when he's young and owed almost $50 million. It's been made fairly clear that if Chisenhall struggles, they'll call up Urshela (who went .280/.334/.491 between AA/AAA last year).

Bottom line, the Indians were in contention until the last week of the season last year. The young guys have had another year to grow, they added a power bat, and pitching depth. What more were they supposed to do?

Your post tells me that you are a fan of the Dolans and their "spend as little money as possible" policy.

I know the pitching depth is a strength but when you have a bunch of inconsistent/average pitchers, it becomes a concern. Quantity is not always better than Quality.

Now I know you are Mr. Minor League and have watched all these prospects in AAA and know their stats like the back of your hand. You are used to seeing these kids in the minors where tickets, concessions and everything that goes with it is cheap. This isn't the minors.

In the major leagues you have spend the money to make the money. I don't understand why you kids think this nickel and dime stuff is the way to go. How many championships has Billy Beane and his Moneyball system won? NONE!!

I don't expect them to spend $200 million like the Red Sox or the Yankees but at least be somewhere in between. We were bottom 5 in payroll in 2014. That is not going to win you anything. They need to be a 100M+ payroll to have a chance to compete with all these teams and their spending.

Don't kid yourself about the right handed power bat. We did not hit left-handed pitching well at all. Only about .250 as a team. 7 of our 9 starters are left handed or switch hitters. We need a right handed power bat to break up the monotony.

If you think Jose Ramirez is a starting shortstop, you must be kidding yourself. That's like saying Jhonny Peralta would make a good fielding coach. All glove, no bat. Another John McDonald.

If Chisenhall doesn't play well what says Urshela is the answer? He's just the next guy up.

Yes they added a power guy that they could get on the cheap and a pitcher coming off a horrible injury. Now they just hope for lightning in the bottle.

How about spending money on a high end player (pitcher or hitter) with a history of being productive? (note: Nick Swisher is NOT a high end player. They just signed him for a ton of money b/c he's a home state guy and it would take a ton of money for him to come here.)

[tkraft24]

We should probably move to the indians thread :)

http://www.blowoutcards.com/forums/baseball/807163-2015-cleveland-indians-discussion-thread.html

[metsplaya123]

I'm starting to like the offseason moves the Braves have been making but I don't believe our 2015 team will be an improvement over last years.
didn't you just say like two days ago that every move they made is horrible except markakis?

[CubKings]

I'd say so. Apparently we got Chris Denorfia!

[death2redemptions]

didn't you just say like two days ago that every move they made is horrible except markakis?

Yup, I didn't like the direction they were taking at first but now I can see they are doing some things for our future that might benefit us in 2017. Although most didn't like the move, I think picking up Manny Banuelos for the relief pitcher that blows all our big games was a good one. Banuelos has struggled but he has good potential upside if he can get back on track. A couple years back he was a top 25 prospect in all of baseball and he's still only 23 so with our great pitching coach maybe we can turn him around like he did with Teheran after his awful AAA season.