Post by Rockies GM (Harris) on Dec 22, 2010 18:05:39 GMT -5
Christmas Power Rankings #1- AL West
1.) Los Angeles Angels
Grade: A
Key Additions: Chase Utley, Shin Soo Choo, Derrick Lee
Key Loses: Jered Weaver, Bobby Abreu, Howie Kendriick
Analysis: This team has excellent depth at each position, and no weaknesses. They made an excellent trade for Chase Utley, not sacrificing too much of the future to get him. Also, they got rid of Jered Weaver and Howie Kendricks expiring deals and that enabled them to acquire multiple 1 year deals in free agency. This team has an amazing bullpen, and should win saves and holds nearly every week. Great job of keeping the young players such as Bourjos, and the up and coming stud Mike Trout. The only hole here seems to be a little bit of rotation depth, as Piniero is their #2 guy. Overall, great job so far.
2.) Texas Rangers
Grade: B-
Key Additions: Zack Greinke, John Danks, Billy Butler, Ricky Weeks
Key Loses: Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, Jurickson Profar, Martin Perez
Analysis: Overall, the Rangers have done a decent job of making their team a contender. The team is full of players in their prime, and young enough to make this team good for a long time. Dealing away Kinsler and Andrus however were probably mistakes for the future of the franchise, as those are 2 elite MI. The deals for Grienke and Butler were good, and could get better if Grienke and Butler repeat their 2009 numbers. This team is very good, but lacks a little bit of depth at some positions, which is why the Angels are probably better.
3.) Oakland Athletics
Grade: B+
Key Additions: Joe Mauer, Dustin Ackley, Brandon Webb
Key Losses: Kurt Suzuki, Trevor Cahill, Grant Green
Analysis: Overall, the A's have not lost much, but they have added enough pieces to be a playoff contender. They have some very good specs, who are close to MLB ready such as Ackley, Taylor, Carter. This team has a good pitching staff with the ability for a very good staff should Webb come back close to full strength. Overall, I like what this team has done to make themselves a contender while staying young.
4.) Seattle Mariners
Grade: B
Key Additions: Derek Jeter, Carl Crawford, Jeremy Hellickson
Key Loses: Ichiro, Nick Franklin, Chone Figgins
Analysis: For a team that started out with very little, this team has done a good job adding some nice pieces to Felix while maintaining a good farm system. The only problem this team has now is a lack of depth. With some money to spend, and some really good players, this team should be very active next off season, as well as in the trade market this season.