1. Ian Kennedy was signed by the Kansas City Royals. The Royals are the reigning World Series Champions, and didn't have many holes to fill this offseason. What the Royals needed, besides re-signing Alex Gordon, was depth in the starting rotation. They had a few injuries in the starting rotation last year, and lost Johnny Cueto in free agency this offseason. Not only they need a starting pitcher they needed a durable starting pitcher who can start 30 plus games. Kennedy has had 30 plus starts in six straight seasons. Kennedy is a guy that you know what your going to get when you sign him. He will start 30 plus games, give you a solid amount of strike outs, and flirt with a 4.00 ERA. You didn't sign him to give you a low ERA, you signed him for the durability he brings to a starting rotation that has injuries every year.
2. Doug Fister was signed by the Huston Astros. The Astros exploded last year and broke out as a dominating force. They have an explosive offense, and a lot of young talent. When I was looking at their starting rotation this offseason I was concerned about the starting rotation. Yes, they do have the reigning AL CY Young award winner in Dallas Kuechel, and Colin McHugh who exploded last season. The problem is both these pitchers have set the bar so high after last season that they can only decline a little this season. After those two pitchers they didn't have much to talk about. Doug Fister had a down year last year, but before that he rattled off 3 solid years in a row. Fister isn't an ace by any means but he brings depth to the Astros starting rotation. With that offense and an improved starting rotation you need to watch out for the Huston Astros this season.
3. Mark Trumbo was signed by the Baltimore Orioles. The O's have a major need for outfielders and needed some pop in that line-up after Nelson Cruz left. Mark Trumbo brings both of those things for the Orioles. Trumbo has been quiet these past two seasons after hitting a combined 95 home runs in three seasons for the Los Anglos Angels. Trumbo didn't do very well in the National League for the Diamondbacks. When he was traded to the Mariners during the season last year he picked up his game. Trumbo has success in the American League and the statistics show it. Trumbo is now playing in ballpark what averages the most home runs, at least last season. The Orioles are aware that he won't hit for average, but thats not why they signed him this offseason. They want those 30 home runs he is capable of in the regular season. He also brings depth, he can be a DH, outfielder, and first basemen. This signing was a good move for the Orioles, because I don't see a lot of risk.
4. Mike Napoli was signed by the Cleveland Indians. Napoli used to be a house hold name for his vicious power swing. Napoli has hit 20 plus home runs six times in his career, but hasn't done it in two years. It seems that Napoli is on the decline, but a fresh start could be what he needs. Regardless, Napoli will bring much needed power in that Cleveland line-up. Napoli can play first base and hit as a DH. There is some hope that Napoli isn't quite on the decline. When he was traded to the Texas Rangers during the season last year his game came back to life. Napoli wasn't the number one power free agent out there but it was better than nothing for the Cleveland Indians.
5. Henderson Alvarez was signed by the Oakland Athletics. In 2014 Alvarez was coming off an All-Star appearance and the best season of his career. Alvarez was progressing nicely in his first couple years in the majors, until last season. In a contract season Alvarez got hurt, and only pitched in 4 games. Alvarez isn't a strike out pitcher, but he is a strike thrower. He doesn't walk many batters, and relies on his defense to make the plays. The Athletics already have a good starting rotation with Sonny Gray as the ace of that staff. They problem has been injuries for the Athletics starting rotation, and Alvarez is coming off an injury. It is clear that the Athletics are going for their usual statical strategy with good defense and starting pitching. If everyone can stay healthy the Athletics will have a solid starting rotation. There offense is another story.
No comments:
Post a Comment