For fantasy players, each real-life transaction comes with some sort of statistical fallout. As spring training opens, here's a team-by-team snapshot of some of the player moves from the offseason, along with a letter grade.

We're looking at fantasy implications, so the grades do not always correspond to teams' 2014 outlook.

American League

Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles have more holes than they did in September. Brian Roberts became a free agent and left an up-for-grabs second-base job. The club traded away closer Jim Johnson but seems to have no obvious in-house candidates to replace him. Left field also is unsettled. Grade: D

Second-tier winner: Rookie Henry Urrutia is the most skilled player in the left-field mix. The job seems to be his with a good spring.

Boston Red Sox: Though eight years older, new catcher A.J. Pierzynski will hit for a higher average and likely show just as much power as outgoing backstop Jarrod Saltalamacchia did. Edward Mujica is a solid bullpen arm who gives the team options should Koji Uehara be unable to close effectively. On top already, they improved. Grade: B+

Second-tier winner: As long as Stephen Drew does not re-sign, rookie Xander Bogaerts gets a full season of at-bats and looks ready.

Chicago White Sox: The White Sox signed Cuban first baseman Jose Abreu and acquired third baseman Matt Davidson and center fielder Adam Eaton. While their starting rotation and bullpen have been weakened, their lineup has improved. Grade: B+

Second-tier winner: Nate Jones has the power (89 strikeouts in 78 innings pitched) to take over as the closer.

Cleveland Indians: Similar to Detroit, the Indians appear to be stronger. Yan Gomes will take over at catcher, and if the Carlos Santana experiment at third base works, they will have an offensive upgrade there. Outfielder David Murphy and closer John Axford were excellent under-the-radar signings. Grade: A

See the article here:
Which MLB teams made shrewdest offseason moves?

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February 13, 2014 at 5:46 pm by Mr HomeBuilder
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