Post by Rockies GM (Harris) on Dec 22, 2010 1:06:26 GMT -5
Christmas Power Rankings #1- AL EAST
1.) Boston Red Sox
Grade: B+
Biggest Additions: Shane Victorino, Russell Martin, Brian McCann
Biggest Subtractions: Casey Kelly, Dice K
Analysis: This team did an excellent job of keeping the Red Sox core together, while adding some talent, and depth to each position. They are an early season front runner in what projects to be a very tight AL EAST.
2.) New York Yankees
Grade: C
Biggest Additions: Ike Davis, Jayson Werth, Roy Halladay
Biggest Subtractions: Robi Cano, Mark Teixeira, Phil Hughes, Curtis Granderson, Nick Swisher, Brett Gardner
Analysis: Overall, this team probably lost more than it gained. Although they got a little younger, they made some questionable moves such as trading for an expensive expiring Werth with no Franchise tags left. Overall, this team could benefit from teams such as the Rays building toward the future, but they could have dominated by keeping the core in tact.
3.) Tampa Bay Rays
Grade: B
Key Additions: Jason Heyward, Colby Rasmus, Michael Bourn, Wandy Rodriguez
Key Subtractions: Jeremy Hellickson, Ben Zobrist
Analysis: This team chose to save money in FA, and instead build through trades. The only problem with that is that there are still holes to be filled. Although, they have what is potentially the most upside filled outfield, they still have several holes which could have been filled with the nearly 35 million they had left in free agency. Giving Theriot a 12M + deal was probably a mistake, since he is merely a utility player. Keeping this pitching staff mostly together was this teams greatest move. The staff should dominate for years to come. This team has big upside, but still has some holes which need filling including the bullpen, and most offensive positions.
4.) Toronto Blue Jays
Grade: B+
Key Additions: Paul Konerko, Aramis Ramirez, Dom Brown
Key Subtractions: Jose Bautista, JP Arencibia, Kyle Drabek
Analysis: The Jays did a great job of building this team into a powerhouse in the AL East. Great, Great pitching depth, with enough hitting to seriously contend with the big guys in this division. To be honest, the 2, 3, and 4 rankings are all interchangeable, because there is no clear second, third, or fourth best team in this division. The Jays did a good job building through FA.
5.) Baltimore Orioles
Grade: D
Key Additions: Ichiro, Carlos Beltran, Javy Vazquez
Key Subtractions: Matt Weiters, Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, Nick Markakis, Adam Jones
Analysis: Are we trying to win, or are we trying to rebuild? One or the other. Instead of heading one direction, the Orioles tried to do a little bit of both and ended up with a flop. Carlos Beltran, Ichiro, and Vazquez are all aging expensive veterans. Recently, the Orioles have been showing a little more rebuilding, shipping out McCann for a nice package. Hopefully they will continue in that direction.
