Notable Off-Season Player Movement (American League West)
With the MLB off-season nearing a conclusion, this is a recap of the notable American League off-season player movement. For each team you’ll find a note of the 4 biggest additions, 4 biggest subtractions, and a synopsis of how the team did this off-season.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Additions
Hideki Matsui – 1 yr, 6.5 million
Joel Pineiro – 2 yrs, 16 million
Fernando Rodney – 2 yrs, 11 million
Brian Stokes – Trade with NYM
Subtractions
Chone Figgins – Signed with Sea
John Lackey – Signed with Bos
Vladimir Guerrero – Signed with Tex
Darren Oliver – Signed with Tex
Summary: The Angels felt the hurt of a number of players leaving via free agency this year. In addition to those listed above, Kelvim Escobar, and Jose Arredondo also left the team. The Angels did their best to replace those lost players, but probably downgraded across the board. Matsui will replace Guerrero and should provide similar value at DH, while Pineiro will have a hard time filling Lackey’s shoes. Brandon Wood or Maicer Izturis will likely fill the void created at third base with Figgins’ departure. Picking up Rodney was big for the Angels, but hopefully they’re able to maintain some depth in their bullpen after losing Oliver, Escobar, and Arredondo. Stokes, received from the Mets for Gary Matthews Jr, will help the depleted bullpen. The Angels have a number of players who will still need to reach deals in or before arbitration including Erick Aybar, Izturis, Jeff Mathis, and Joe Saunders. Howie Kendrick, Mike Napoli, and Jered Weaver were able to agree to one year extensions avoiding arbitration.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Additions
Coco Crisp – 1 yr, 4.5 million
Kevin Kouzmanoff – Trade with SD
Aaron Miles – Trade with ChC
Michael Taylor – Trade with Tor
Subtractions
Santiago Casilla – Signed with SF
Bobby Crosby – Signed with Pit
Scott Hairston – Traded to SD
Brett Wallace – Traded to Tor
Summary: Oakland has kept busy this off-season albeit quietly. One move that surely excites Billy Beane, is the addition of former Phillies top prospect, Taylor who was acquired via Toronto and could be a staple in Oakland’s outfield before we know it. In the meantime, Crisp will provide a stop-gap and should be useful atop the order along with Rajai Davis, who was re-signed for one year. Kouzmanoff will fill Oakland’s void at 3B, and if he finally realizes his potential, may show why prospect Wallace became expendable. Casilla has a very active bullpen arm and may be a loss that Oakland regrets. Oakland was able to retain Jack Cust, Justin Duchscherer, and Joey Devine on one year deals. Michael Wuertz was a huge asset in Oakland’s bullpen last year and will likely go to arbitration before returning to Oakland.
SEATTLE MARINERS
Additions
Milton Bradley – Trade with ChC
Chone Figgins – 4 yrs, 36 million
Brandon League – Trade with Tor
Cliff Lee – Trade with Phi
Subtractions
Adrian Beltre – Signed with Bos
Kenji Johjima – Signed in Japan
Brandon Morrow – Traded to Tor
Carlos Silva – Traded to ChC
Summary: The Mariners had a very active off-season which could make them AL West front runners. Bradley, Figgins, and Casey Kotchman were all brought in and should provide more run production in the lineup while Lee will join Felix Hernandez, who received a 5 year $80 million extension, to provide an exceptional top of the rotation. Also, returning to Seattle are Franklin Gutierrez and David Aardsma who should pair with League to help out the back of the bullpen. From top-to-bottom, this Seattle team looks very solid. Trading Morrow for League may turn on the Mariners in the long run, but does fill a significant bullpen void for the time being. Erik Bedard and Russell Branyan are both free agents who seem unlikely to return, but with the strides made by Seattle their presences may no longer be necessary. The Mariners could use another starting pitcher or two behind Lee and Hernandez, but Yusmiero Petit, who was claimed off waivers from Arizona, may be able to jump in one of those rotation spots.
TEXAS RANGERS
Additions
Vladmir Guerrero – 1 yr, 5.5 million
Rich Harden – 1 yr, 7.5 million
Darren Oliver – 1 yr, 3.5 million
Chris Ray – Trade with Bal
Subtractions
Marlon Byrd – Signed with ChC
Andruw Jones – Signed with CWS
Kevin Millwood – Traded to Bal
Ivan Rodriguez – Signed with Was
Summary: In an off-season of risks for the Rangers, Texas has made some great transactions. Guerrero’s career numbers in Arlington are outrageous and should be exceptional in the middle of Texas’ order. Harden is a nice risk for just a one year contract as is shortstop Khalil Greene who was signed for just $750,000. Oliver should help the Texas bullpen and provide a nice left-handed matchup option as Ray tries to regain his form of a few years ago and make a contribution as well. Texas stands to still lose Hank Blalock and Joaquin Benoit to free agency, but may not have a spot for either player. Byrd’s loss is a significant one for Texas. However, with Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz in the outfield the Rangers only needed one more starter and young Julio Borbon may be able to be just as productive as Byrd would have been.
American League Off-Season Rankings
1. Seattle Mariners (AL West)
2. Baltimore Orioles
3. New York Yankees
4. Boston Red Sox
5. Texas Rangers (AL West)
6. Detroit Tigers
7. Toronto Blue Jays
8. Oakland Athletics (AL West)
9. Tampa Bay Rays
10. Minnesota Twins
11. Los Angeles Angels (AL West)
12. Chicago White Sox
13. Kansas City Royals
14. Cleveland Indians
AL EAST
AL CENTRAL
AL WEST
- Dustin Ward- RotoKingdom Staff Writer
Dustin Ward, aka DAtaris17, has been playing fantasy sports for about a decade with expertise in Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Golf. Dustin has widespread success in RotoKingdom's Die Hard leagues and participates in Die Hard I in Baseball, Football, and Basketball. A devoted, lifelong, New York sports fan, Dustin does not let his affinity for the Yankees, Knicks, and Jets interfere with his fantasy knowledge and infrequently drafts players from his teams. Dustin is also an avid golfer and fantasy golf player. Currently, Dustin is the Lead Forum Administrator for RotoKingdom.net.