Post by Rockies GM (Harris) on Dec 23, 2010 0:34:02 GMT -5
Christmas Power Rankings #1- NL CENTRAL
1.) Milwaukee Brewers
Grade: A+
Key Additions: Justin Upton, Mark Teixeira, Ian Kinsler, Mariano Rivera
Key Losses: Prince Fielder, Corey Hart, Brett Lawrie
Analysis: It's pretty baffling how the Brewers was able to make his team so much better. This team is stacked from top to bottom, at every position. He basically made all perfect moves. He played the FA pool perfectly, he made great trades, and he probably now has the best team in the league. This team has little flaws.
2.) Reds
Grade: B
Key Additions: Freddie Freeman, Tommy Hanson, BJ Upton, Mike Minor
Key Loses: Joey Votto
Analysis: This team basically stayed the same throughout FA. I love the key pieces they got in the Votto deal, and they should be able to be a better team in the NL Central with their current roster and farm system. They have a lot to do if they wanna catch the Brewers, but this is a very good team, with some very nice pieces.
3.) Chicago Cubs
Grade: B
Key Additions: Jimmy Rollins, Bobby Abreu, Huston Street, Carlos Pena
Key Losses: Geovany Soto, Carlos Marmol, Randy Wells
Analysis: This club did a solid job of not losing too much, while adding some pieces from FA, not overpaying in trades, and building a farm system. This team started out weak with very little pieces, and it was built up to have some pieces. Overall, I expect this team to be a contender if they could add some pitching depth.
4.) St. Louis Cardinals
Grade: B
Key Additions: Jesus Montero, Matt Latos, Kyle Drabek, Manny Ramirez
Key Loses: Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Jaime Garcia
Analysis: I actually like what this team did a lot. They have some really nice pieces now and a very nice young pitching staff. My only complaint though is that they sold short on some of their players. Also, this was a team that could have been a championship caliber team with nice moves, but they seem to now be in a rebuilding type phrase, building around a 30 year old stud. Seems a little curious, but the young players here leave a lot to look forward to.
5.) Houston Astros
Grade: D+
Key Additions: Justin Morneau, Yonder Alonso, Rafael Soriano
Key Loses: Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn, Brett Myers
Analysis: This team is another team that seems to be struggling to find a direction. They sold a little short on players such as Michael Bourn, and took on cap by dealing Pence for Morneau. They made some moves that showed they were rebuilding, but also signed Soriano, and did not really make an attempt to deal some other players. Worth mentioning: none of this falls on Darren, as he still is new. Still, I have confidence that Darren can push this team in the right direction.
6.) Pittsburg Pirates
Grade: F
Key Additions: Jason Bay, Derrick Lowe, Miguel Tejada
Key Loses: The Franchise- Andrew McCutchen, Jameston Taillon
Analysis: Why? Why would you deal McCutchen for Jason Bay? Terrible decisions made by the Pirates has earned this team an F. They signed Emelio Bonifacio in FA for 7.5M over 2 seasons. Bonifacio is nothing but a decent backup. The only credit I will give the Pirates is holding onto Pedro Alvarez. The reluctancy to deal Alvarez gives me hope that the Pirates can turn this team around.
