MLB Off-Season- A Lot of Change- By Ryan J. Murphy

With Major League Baseball’s Spring Training upon us, there have been many changes throughout the league that I’d like to point out. While many superstar caliber players have signed with new teams, which I will discuss, what intrigues me the most is the new logos/uniforms for 3 teams in the MLB.

World Series champion Albert Pujols was the best free agent this off-season. As much as I wish the Yankees signed him, to DH, he signed with the Los Angeles Angles. Although saddened he isn’t a Yankee, I still think that is a good fit for him. Prince Fielder, the Home Run Derby winner from 2009, formerly with the Milwaukee Brewers, signed with the Detroit Tigers, which I believe is another good fit, and now makes their batting order very dangerous, since they also have a slugger in Miguel Cabrera. As a Yankee fan, this makes me wonder how well they will compete with these teams in the American League, considering they look very, very good. The Mets got rid of their star shortstop Jose Reyes too, as he joined the Miami Marlins, formerly the Florida Marlins. There were also some decent pitchers on the move as well, but none worth noting.

The Red Sox hired a new manager in Bobby Valentine. They re-signed “Big Papi” David Ortiz, for $14.575 million. Tim Wakefield also retired, and their pitching rotation looks weaker than the Yankees and the Rays. They should have a pretty good season this year, as long as they don’t collapse down the stretch.

Chances of the Boston Red Sox making the playoffs: 6 out of 10.

The Yankees acquired Michael Pineda, a pitcher from the Seattle Mariners, who is supposedly pretty good. They gave up their good young hitting catcher, Jesus Montero. They also recently signed much needed left handed hitter Raul Ibanez, formerly with the Phillies, to be the DH. The Yankees also have agreed to trade A.J. Burnett to the Pirates in exchange for prospects, but this deal is being finalized as I write this. Whatever the Yankees do, I hope they don’t get rid of Nick Swisher. Not only is he my favorite player, but also he is a leader in the clubhouse, and once Jeter has retired, they will sure need Swish for that role.

Chances of the New York Yankees making the playoffs: 8 out of 10.

As for the Mets… who cares? They really don’t have a realistic shot this year anyways, nor do they have the big money to bring in star players. Give it about 10 years, and they might make something happen. I don’t dislike the Mets, in fact I dislike the Red Sox much more, but the Mets have looked so bad recently they aren’t even worth discussing. I went to Citi Field last summer, to watch them play the Brewers, and Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder destroyed their pitching… honestly, they looked awful.

Chances of the New York Mets making the playoffs: 0 out of 10. Sorry Mets fans, I just don’t see it happening.

Final notes: the Miami Marlins, Baltimore Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays all changed their logos and uniforms. The Marlins uniforms have a new, unique look, while the Blue Jays and Orioles uniforms look a lot like throwback uniforms. Images are provided at the bottom. The Miami Marlins even built a swimming pool in their new stadium, which overlooks the bullpen, and you can also watch the game while in the pool. If Yankee Stadium had that, I would no doubt be a season ticket holder!!

What are your off-season thoughts about free agent signings, how teams are looking at this time, chances local favorite teams make the playoffs, and the new designs of teams logos/uniforms?

(Baltimore Orioles)

(Miami Marlins)

(Toronto Blue Jays)