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Recent moves leave MLB season wide open
By Chris Losey
On March 13, 2013
With Major League Baseball Opening Day less than three weeks away, big moves in the offseason have
many American League clubs eyeing a World Series title. But the big spenders don't always bring home
the gold.
Last offseason, for example, the Miami Marlins spent $190 million on free agents. Many predicted
they would go deep into the playoffs with the signings of Mark Buehrle, José Reyes and manager Ozzie
Guillen. Despite high hopes, they suffered a mid-season collapse and finished 2012 with a record of 69-
93, good for last in the National League East.
On the contrary, the San Francisco Giants were not big spenders last offseason, and ended up winning
the World Series.
The Marlins' collapse led to a fire sale, which directly affected another team's hopeful fortunes for this
season. The Toronto Blue Jays traded for Reyes, Buehrle and Josh Johnson in November.
Toronto then followed with trading touted prospects for the reigning NL Cy Young winner, R.A. Dickey.
The Blue Jays paid a steep price in for Dickey, who also signed a three-year, $25 million extension after
the trade.
This all could mean a very interesting race for the AL East division title. The New York Yankees and
Boston Red Sox are looking to return to the top, while the Baltimore Orioles are looking to build on their
surprising 2012 season, in which they made the playoffs.
Although the Blue Jays made many high-profile trades and appear to be a contender, a lack of good
management could lead to a collapse, much like the 2012 Marlins.
The Red Sox seem to be ready to reclaim American League dominance once again, with the firing of
manager Bobby Valentine after only winning 69 games in 2012. The Red Sox signed Shane Victorino,
Ryan Dempster and Mike Napoli in the offseason. They also brought back former pitching coach John
Farrell to manage the club in 2013.
Although they haven't made the big moves that are usually associated with the Red Sox, their roster
looks improved and with a familiar face in Farrell, they could prove to be dangerous in 2013.
Another team that looks to be a player in 2013 is the Cleveland Indians. Although they haven't made a
huge splash in the free agent market this offseason, they've made solid free-agent signings in former
Yankees' outfielder Nick Swisher, along with outfielder Michael Bourn.
Cleveland also signed former Red Sox manager and two-time World Series champion Terry Francona to a
four-year contract to be its new manager. They can be the dark horse to win the AL pennant this year.
The defending American League champion Detroit Tigers look to make another run with the free-
agent signing of Torii Hunter. They will also return All-Star catcher Victor Martinez, who missed all of
last season with an injury. With a strong pitching rotation led by former AL MVP Justin Verlander and
sluggers Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera, it can be expected for the Tigers to repeat their success of
2012.
With big stars landing in different cities, 2013 should be an exciting baseball season. Perhaps new teams
will reach the summit and knock off old powerhouses such as the Yankees, Tigers and Rangers.
While many teams look to surprise in 2013, the Cleveland Indians just might have a good enough roster
to go deep in the postseason and give Cleveland its first World Series title in 65 years. Or the Toronto
Blue Jays could win it all with their impressive offseason moves. Whatever the 2013 MLB season holds,
it's sure to be a thrilling ride in the American League.
Chris Losey can be reached by email at losey.record@live.com.
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