While Yankees fans celebrated in the streets, some fans began hoping their team’s next season was better than last, while others were left scratching their heads following the moves — or lack of moves — made by management.
This offseason had two major themes. The first was the rich got richer. Most of the major moves involved playoffs team from last year, starting with the defending champion Yankees. They made a big splash by acquiring All-Star outfielder Curtis Granderson in a three-team deal involving the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Yankees signed first baseman Nick Johnson, re-signed starter Andy Pettitte and traded for starting pitcher Javier Vazquez. Despite losing World Series MVP Hideki Matsui to the Los Angeles Angels and failing to sign Johnny Damon yet, the Yankees still appear to be the team to beat.
As for their World Series foe, the Philadelphia Phillies shook the baseball world with one move. It was the trade everyone had been waiting for, the one where Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay was finally moved. Despite Cliff Lee’s dominating performance throughout the playoffs, the Phillies refused to be intimidated by the Yankees and brought in arguably the best pitcher in the majors. In a four-way deal, the Phillies brought in Halladay and parted ways with Lee.
Another Yankee rival, the Red Sox also made efforts to bolster their squad. The Red Sox went out and signed star pitcher John Lackey to a five-year deal and then gave deals to veteran outfielders Mike Cameron and Adrian Beltre. Other playoff teams from 2009 made moves as well, with the St. Louis Cardinals re-signing Matt Holliday, the Angels signing Joel Pineiro and the Los Angeles Dodgers exercised the option on Manny Ramirez’s contract.
The second theme of the MLB offseason was the economy’s apparent effect on signings. Proven veterans are having to choose between a one-year deal or continuing to remain on the free agent market.
Former All-Stars, such as outfielder Vlad Guerrero, pitcher Ben Sheets, outfielder Hideki Matsui, designated hitter Jim Thome and catcher Bengie Molina all accepted one-year offers. Others are still out there waiting, including outfielder Johnny Damon, infielder Orlando Hudson, outfielder Jermaine Dye, first baseman Carlos Delgado and pitcher Pedro Martinez. While all of these players have talent, concerns over age and injuries have prevented some teams from throwing years of investment into these players. With contracts in baseball, unlike the NFL where they are guaranteed, teams cannot afford to make poor investments.
Some terrible teams have taken this opportunity to sign players who would normally not be attracted to play on these teams. The Washington Nationals were able to sign starter Jason Marquis and catcher Pudge Rodriguez, and the Nats are the favorite to sign Hudson. Despite the team possessing a rather pedestrian roster, they understand that money has to be spent to get fans to the ballpark.
While not as bad as Washington, the perennial underachieving Kansas City Royals were able to sign outfielder’s Scott Podsednik and Rick Ankiel. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles obtained pitcher Mike Gonzalez, third baseman Garrett Atkins and infielder Miguel Tejada. Hopefully for the O’s, this will help create more of an even playing field in a league where big markets tend to dominate.
After all of the moves, the Seattle Mariners are the team that came out on top. A sure sign of a good team is one that can develop its own players and then make the necessary trades as well as signings to bring around star players.
The Mariners appear on the right track. Seattle re-signed stud pitcher Felix Hernandez and brought in playoff star Lee. That one-two top of the rotation is certainly one of the best in the MLB. Throw in the signing of third baseman Chone Figgins for four years, the re-signing of both DH Ken Griffey Jr. and shortstop Jack Wilson and the release of the disaster that is catcher Kenji Johjima, the Mariners are immediately in contention in the American League West.
On the other end of the spectrum sit the New York Mets. While half of the New York fans are still celebrating their 27th ring, Mets fans are instead shaking their heads in shock. In an offseason filled with hope and promise, the Mets leave with Jason Bay and a myriad of minor league contracts.
Because the team refused to throw money at pitcher Joel Pineiro, the Mets wound up with pitcher Josh Fogg, catcher Chris Coste, pitcher Elmer Dessens and utility player Fernando Tatis. That sounds like a quality Triple-A team, but it will not cut it in a market like New York. General Manager Omar Minaya and owner Jeff Wilpon continue to hold their dollars and as a result the Mets have become an afterthought.
As pitchers and catchers prepare to report to camp and the final free agents are signed, only one thing is for certain: it is a long season. It will be 162 games before we know who truly had a good offseason. As of right now however, the fans of orange and blue in New York should brace for a rough season and the teal and gray faithful in Seattle should have lots of optimism.
You can reach this writer at sports@theeagleonline.com.
