Who has made the most improvements this offseason?

[Colby]

This thread was started by Jake but lost in the forum crash.  Also, Mike had an NL Central public opinion poll.  It's worth combining all of those opinions into this new poll.  Who has made the most improvements this offseason? (You may change vote)

[bridgestone]

If the Angels sign Holliday and get another stud pitcher then they are the team to beat this offseason.  That team has the veteran talent with a loaded farm and plenty of picks to boot.  They also have a ton of cash for the spring.

[Needle Juice]

Brewers by far in my opinion.  Puljols and Beckham.

This thread was started by Jake but lost in the forum crash.  Also, Mike had an NL Central public opinion poll.  It's worth combining all of those opinions into this new poll.  Who has made the most improvements this offseason? (You may change vote)

[Dan Wood]

I think it is hard to say one team has had the best moves. The Brew Crew has had a great off season with the addition of Albert, Beckham, Sanchez and Danks to go with Braun, Lee, Yovi, and Prince. At the same time, they lack depth in their line up, and have quite a few players that will be in theminors for the duration of next year. The A's have done a real good job with getting Kendry, Drew, Aramis, Pinero and making themselves part of the AL West discussion. The Angels and Giants have done a good job of filling their holes (holes he says) by adding bats(Giants) and pitching(Angels), as well as draft picks. The Rockies acquired who I think is soon to be one of the best players in the game in Justin Upton, and one of the best pitchers in Dan Haren. The Pirates will soon have a very dominating 1/2 CI punch once Pedro gets the call. And I feel I have made my team better from top to bottom, and I have given myself a farm system. Which, despite your opinion, I felt was sorely lacking grade A prospects. And the Dodgers who were deep to begin with, added AJ, and Aaron Harang. So I think it is hard to distinguish just one team having the best off-season. Can we just start free agency now?

[Colby]

I actually don't view Lee as a long-term option, but thanks for the compliments at what I have done so far!  The Pirates lineup and starting rotation has greatly improved already...

Best Batters of Lineup - 09 vs. 10
Doumit, Cutch, Kennedy vs. Lee, Cutch, McCann

Starting Rotation - 09 vs. 10
Duke, Maholm, Ohlendorf, Morton, Karstens vs. Duke, Bannister, Maholm, Owings, Ohlendorf

[BHows]

Brewers by far in my opinion.  Puljols and Beckham.

I don't understand the infatuation with Gordon Beckham. Absolutely a good infielder. Compare with McGehee:
  G    AB  R    H   2B 3B  HR  RBI    TB    BB   SO  SB  CS     OBP      SLG     AVG   
 116 355 58 107  20  1   16   66   177   34    67   0   2      .360     .499     .301

Beckham:
 103 378 58 102   28 1   14   63   174   41    65   7    4     .347      .460     .270
Pretty much comparable and McGehee fended off Gamels who was supposed to be the Brewers top 2 or 3 prospect. Yes, I'm thrilled to get him a N.Feliz for Beckham and a 2A pitcher

 

[Colby]

I don't understand the infatuation with Gordon Beckham. Absolutely a good infielder. Compare with McGehee:
  G    AB  R    H   2B 3B  HR  RBI    TB    BB   SO  SB  CS     OBP      SLG     AVG   
 116 355 58 107  20  1   16   66   177   34    67   0   2      .360     .499     .301

Beckham:
 103 378 58 102   28 1   14   63   174   41    65   7    4     .347      .460     .270
Pretty much comparable and McGehee fended off Gamels who was supposed to be the Brewers top 2 or 3 prospect. Yes, I'm thrilled to get him a N.Feliz for Beckham and a 2A pitcher

Exactly what I am thinking... see my poll in the Dugout that involves Beckham...

[Dan Wood]

Because Casey never did it in the minors until his final AAA season. He was more or less an also ran prior to this year. He doesn't come with the pedigree that Beckham does. Plus Beckham is one year out of college, and he has a sweet head of hair.

HR     RBI     SB     CS     BB     SO  BA  OBP     SLG     OPS     
3     23     2     3     10     46  .272  .302  .391 .693   Age 20  A
10     66     2     1     33     69     .261  .310  .394  .704 Age 21 - A -adv
8     72     2     2     43     64     .297  .354  .422  .776 Age 22 - AA
11     68     0     3     41     70     .280  .336  .406  .742 Age 23 - AAA
10     59     1     3     43     83     .261  .325  .404  .729 Age 24 - AA/AAA
12     92     0     3     40     89     .296  .345  .429  .774  Age 25 - AAA
16     66     0     2     34     67     .301  .360  .499  .859  Age 26 - Majors - MIL

One of these things (years) is not like the other...

Beckham
 HR     RBI     SB     CS     BB     SO     BA     OBP     SLG     OPS
3     8     0     1     5     7     .310  .365  .500  .865 - Age 22 A
4     25     2     0     14     26     .326  .378  .526  .904 - Age 22 AA/AAA
14     63     7     4     41     65     .270  .347  .460  .808 - Age 22 Majors

What you have is a decent 26 year old player and a 22 year old burgeoning star. One is Jeff Kent one is Mark Loretta. And it ain't even close.      

[KDoc09]

I would have to say the Oakland A's have made the greatest strides in improving their team both for the now and the future. While the Brewers may have made the biggest splash by grabbing the best player in the sport without weakening his already potent base, the A's have have made themselves a relevant club once again by grabbing up contributing talent using limited means (somewhat depleted farm system and low payroll). And he has done all of this without weakening himself for the long term thanks to his ability to add players without losing Anderson, who in my opinion is one of the real rising stars in the sport and also by shrewdly adding Justin Smoak, who should give him a CI to build around for years to come. The Bay Area is on the rise so beware!!!

[BHows]

 How many players over the years were late bloomers? Gamels and his pedigree was killin' it in 3A and McGehee started in front of him in Milwaukee. Plus I got a top 5 pitching prospect. I'll stand by the trade.