The Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are definitely a power house not just in the National League, but in the Major Leagues. They have a star studded lineup packed with big names. They have so many big name players that they do not have enough places on the team to play them all. With a surplus of players in the outfield and now a traffic jam at second base, who knows what the Dodgers lineup may look like throughout the season.

The lineup for the Dodgers will generally look the same, but without Mark Ellis. The Dodgers did make two international signings, inking two infielders. Those infielders are Erisbel Arruebarrena and Alex Guerrero. The other infielders they have are veteran Chone Figgins and Dee Gordon. I would move Hanley Ramirez over to third base to get both Dee Gordon and one of the new signings in the lineup. Another problem is the surplus of outfielders. The Dodgers have Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford, and Yasiel Puig, all all star quality outfielders. One of them would have to play the bench, platoon, or be traded Here is how I would make the lineup for the 2014 Los Angeles Dodgers.

1. L. Carl Crawford LF 108 OPS+
2. R. Yasiel Puig RF 160 OPS+
3. L. Adrian Gonzalez 1B 126 OPS+
4. R. Hanely Ramirez 3B 190 OPS+
5. R. Matt Kemp CF 105 OPS+
6. R. AJ Ellis C 93 OPS+
7. R. Alex Guerrero 2B no data available
8. L. Dee Gordon SS 75 OPS+

The pitching rotation for the Dodgers is also set up with three guys who had great 2013 seasons. The best pitcher in baseball
Clayton Kershaw, then Zack Grinke, and finally Korean pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu. These three guys baffled hitters all season long and they will be in the rotation once again with new addition Dan Haren. The fifth spot will be a battle between Chad Billingsely, Paul Maholm and Josh Beckett. Here is how the rotation for the Dodgers may look in 2014.

1. L. Clayton Kershaw   194 ERA+
2. R. Zack Greinke 135 ERA+
3. L. Hyun-Jin Ryu  119 ERA+
4. R. Dan Haren  81 ERA+
5. R. Chad Billingsley  107 ERA+ in 2012

The bullpen is led by hard throwing closer Kenley Janson. In my opinion he is currently the third best closer in the Major Leagues behind Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman. The rest of the bullpen is also composed of all stars and former closers. Brian Wilson, JP Howell, Chris Perez, Brandon League, Paco Rodriguez, and whichever starter doesn't make the rotation.

The Kansas City Royals

The Royals are a team that I have high hopes for in the 2014 season. They made a few key additions to their team in the off season, to heavily improve parts of their team that were very weak. They are probably one of the most well balanced teams in the Major Leagues and may very well displace the Tigers for first place in the central in 2014.

The lineup consists of not one great player but several above average players. They have 4 guys that c
an hit 20 home runs and maintain a high on base percentage. With names like Billy Butler, Eric Hosmer, and Alex Gordon, the Royals are well set for 2014. New additions Norichika Aoki and Omar Infante will anchor the top of the lineup followed by several sluggers. Here is how the lineup may look in 2014.

1. L. Norichika Aoki RF 99 OPS+
2. R. Omar Infante 2B 101 OPS+
3. L. Alex Gordon LF 103 OPS+
4. R. Billy Butler DH 116 OPS+
5. L. Eric Hosmer 1B 118 OPS+
6. R. Salvador Perez C 105 OPS+
7. L. Mike Moustakas 3B 77 OPS+
8. R. Alcides Escobar SS 53 OPS+
9. R. Lorenzo Cain CF 80 OPS+

Some of the best facial hair in
the Major Leagues

The pitching rotation is led by stub James Shields who had a very good season in 2013. He was by the Rays in exchange for prospect Wil Myers who also put up good numbers for the Rays. They did lose Ervin Santana to free agency, but signed lefty Jason Vargas. In fact it was just announced that they will have hard throwing prospect Yordano Ventura be the number five starter. So this is how the rotation for the Royals may look in 2014.

1. R. James Shields 131 ERA+
2. R. Jeremy Guthre 102 ERA+
3. L. Jason Vargas 94 ERA+
4. L. Bruce Chen  126 ERA+
5. R. Yordana Ventura not enough data

Greg Holland emerged as a legitimate closer this past season, but his other comrades in the bullpen did well in late innings. Those other guys in the pen are Luke Hochevar,  Tim Collins, Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis, and Aaron Crow. The Royals are well set for 2014 in terms of late inning relief.

The Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are having a pretty low key off season but added some interesting pieces. They finished low in the standings in 2013 and are probably going to finish in a similar position in 2014. They did add Jason Hammel and Jose Veras.

The lineup for the Cubs is pretty well balanced lineup with a few young stars in Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo. With a few other important parts in their lineup their lineup may be able to compete with front of the division teams. Jorge Soler the Cuban prospect may make his Major League debut sometime in 2014. Here is how the lineup for the Cubs may look.

1. L. Ryan Sweeney LF 109 OPS+
2. R. Starlin Castro SS 72 OPS+
3. L. Anthony Rizzo 1B 101 OPS+
4. R. Mike Olt 3B not enough data
5. L. Nate Schierholtz RF 107 OPS+
6. R. Justin Ruggiano CF 90 OPS+
7. L. George Kottaras C 98 OPS+
8. R. Darwin Barney 2B 56 OPS+

The pitching rotation for the Cubs is nothing above average, in fact the five that comprise the rotation pitching just near league average. Here is how the rotation for the Cubs may look in 2014.

1. R. Jeff Samardzjiza 91 ERA+
2. R. Edwin Jackson  79 ERA+
3. R. Jason Hammel 85 ERA+
4. R. Jake Arrieta  85 ERA+
5. R. James McDonald 62 ERA+

The bullpen has the new addition of Jose Veras as closer for 2014. Other notable names in the bullpen are Kyuji Fujikawa, Pedro Strop, and Wesley Wright. A pretty uneventful roster for the Cubs, but they will play hard and probably still lose close to 100 games.

The Cleveland Indians

The Indians made some interesting moves this off season. It was a good move to let Ubaldo Jimenez sign with the Baltimore Orioles and an excellent move to sign David Murphy, a possible lighting in a bottle. The Indians are also going to try catcher Carlos Santana at third base, a very interesting move, but I would much rather use him as a designated hitter.

The lineup for the Indians will look very interesting, well balanced to say the least. A cluster of switch hitters, balanced with power, speed, and high on base percentages. The combinatio
n of Kipnis, Swisher, and Santana will be a great one for the Indians. Here is how the lineup for the 2014 Cleveland Indians may look.

1. L. Michael Bourne CF 93 OPS+
2. L. Jason Kipnis 2B 133 OPS+
3. S. Carlos Santana DH 137 OPS+
4. S. Nick Swisher 1B 117 OPS+
5. S. Asdrubal Cabrera SS 98 OPS+
6. L. David Murphy RF 77 OPS+
7. R. Yan Gomes C 133 OPS+
8. L. Michael Brantley LF 107 OPS+
9. R. Mike Aviles 3B 84 OPS+

Nick Swisher

The pitching rotation will be without Ubaldo Jimenez a very important part to the team toward the end of the 2013 season, but a few players will need to step up in 2014. Trevor Bauer who was acquired in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks last year will hopefully come to be the player everyone expects him to be. Justin Masterson and the word extension is being fluttered around, but he is set to hit free agency and make band given the current market for starting pitching. Here is how the rotation may look for the Indians in 2014.

1. R. Justin Masterson 109 ERA+
2. R. Josh Tomlin        61 ERA+ in 2012
3. R. Corey Kluber       98 ERA+
4. R. Zach McAllister   100 ERA+
5. R. Trevor Bauer      
not enough data

The bullpen will be without closer Chris Perez, but John Axford will be filling the position. Still part of the Bullpen Mafia is Vinnie Pestano, but Joe Smith signed with the Angels. With a combination of several other relievers the Indians still have a bullpen sufficient to stay in games come the late innings.  

The Philadelphia Phillies

Two notable additions were made by the Phillies this off season with AJ Burnett and Marlon Byrd. Roy Halladay did in fact retire this off season leaving the Phillies' rotation, but Hamels and Lee at the top make it a steady rotation.

The Phillies' lineup heavily depends on if the important players can remain healthy. That is Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Carlos Ruiz. Marlon Byrd will supply a much needed right handed bat in the lineup, but this is how the lineup may look in 2014.

1. L. Ben Revere         CF  92 OPS+
2. S. Jimmy Rollins     SS  85 OPS+
3. L. Chase Utley        2B 125 OPS+
4. L. Ryan Howard      1B 114 OPS+
5. R. Marlon Byrd       RF 138 OPS+
6. L. Dominick Brown LF 123 OPS+
7. R. Carlos Ruiz          C 90 OPS+
8. L. Cody Asche        3B  90 OPS+

The rotation as mentioned will be without Roy Halladay and now with AJ Burnett. The Phillies are in an in between phase in term of rebuilding their rotation. They have two absolute great pitchers at the top of their rotation.

1. L. Cliff Lee               133 ERA+
2. L. Cole Hamels          106 ERA+
3. R. AJ Burnett             107 ERA+
4. R. Kyle Kendrick         81 ERA+
5. R. Roberto Hernandez 78 ERA+

The bullpen for the Phillies may have a new look come the trade deadline as they are trying to free up money. Jonathon Papelbon or Mike Adams may be traded because they have the highest salaries of the bullpen arms. Other people in the bullpen include Brad Lincoln and Miguel Gonzalez.

The Detroit Tigers

Miguel Cabrera 

The Tigers made way more subtractions than additions this off season which is why I rank them with the worst off season. They traded Prince Fielder for the definitely non equivalent Ian Kinsler and traded a legitimate pitcher in Doug Fister for practically nothing, The Tigers definitely will not win the American League Central in 2014.

The Tigers will have a very old and a very right handed heavy lineup in 2014, although the defense will improve with Miguel Cabrera moving back to first base. Rajai Davis will be joining the team in the outfield giving the team and exceptional amount of speed on the base pads. This is how the lineup for the Tigers may look in 2014.

1. R. Rajai Davis           LF 88 OPS+
2. R. Austin Jackson     CF 103 OPS+
3. R. Miguel Cabrera     1B 187 OPS+
4. S. Victor Martinez    DH 111 OPS+
5. R. Ian Kinsler           2B 105 OPS+
6. R. Torii Hunter          RF 114 OPS+
7. L. Alex Avila             C 87 OPS+
8. S. Steve Lombardozi 3B 69 OPS+
9. R. Jose Iglesias         SS 77 OPS+

Max Scherzer

The pitching rotation for the Tigers is still one of the best in baseball with Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. Doug Fister is also no longer in the rotation which would have made it one of the best in baseball, but the Tigers want to save that money to extend Scherzer. Filling in the 5th spot in the rotation will probably be Drew Smiley, but here is how the rotation may look in 2014.

1. R. Justin Verlander   121 ERA+
2. R. Max Scherzer       145 ERA+
3. R. Anibal Sanchez     163 ERA+
4. R. Rick Porcello        97 ERA+
5. L. Drew Smiley        178 ERA+ in bullpen

The Tigers solved their closer problem by signing veteran closer Joe Nathan. They also added to their bullpen by adding Joba Chamberlain looking to rebuild his career and hard throwing Ian Krol acquired in the Fister deal. Lefty Phil Coke and young gun Bruce Rendon.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves went on an extension frenzy this off season. They extended Freddie Freeman, Craig Kimbrel, Jason Heyward, Andrelton Simmons, and Julio Teheran. Although they extended plenty of players they caught bad news in the past few weeks with word that Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy may be needing Tommy John Surgery. The Braves still have a good team in place for the 2014 season regardless of their losses.

The young lineup will still be supported by the powerful core of the Heyward, Upton, and Freeman 3-4-5 combo. They loss Brian McCann to free agency when he signed with the New York Yankees, but the emergence of Evan Gattis as a major power threat nullified the loss. Here is how I would make the lineup for the Braves in 2014.

1. R. Simmons      SS 87 OPS+
2. R. Johnson       3B 121 OPS+
3. L. Heyward      RF 111 OPS+
4. R. J. Upton      LF 122 OPS+
5. L. Freeman      1B 144 OPS+
6. R. Gattis           C 106 OPS+
7. R. Uggla          2B 83 OPS+
8. R. B. Upton     CF 53 OPS+

Ervin Santana

The pitching rotation for the Braves had a late addition when Kris Medlen's health was in jeopardy. With the news that he might and most probably will require Tommy John surgery the Braves went out to acquire the best remaining free agent pitcher on the market, Ervin Santana. The Braves will have a new look possibly without Medlen and Beachy, but here is how it may look.

1. L. Mike Minor     120 ERA+
2. R. Julio Teheran   121 ERA+
3. R. Ervin Santana   127 ERA+
4. R. Gavin Floyd      84 ERA+
5. L. Alex Wood       124 ERA+ 11 starts

*R. Kris Medlen 124 ERA+
*R. Brandon Beachy 87 ERA+

The bullpen is off course anchored by the best closer in the game, Craig Kimbel who will be shining with his new extension. Also in the bullpen is former Angel Jordan Walden and Johnny Venters making for a good late inning lefty-righty combination. The other guys in the pen are really up in the air.

The Seattle Mariners

The Mariners made one of the biggest headlines of the off season by signing Robinson Cano to a mega contact of 10 years $240 Million. The addition of Cano changed the entire team for the Mariners. Now with second base open they can trade Nick Franklin for a pitcher or even an outfielder.

Other additions besides Robsinson Cano include Willie Blomquist, Corey Hart, and Logan Morrison. The Mariners should really consider signing Kendrys Morales, the best hitter still on the market, to get some protection for Cano. Jesus Montero was supposed to be the big hitter for the Mariners but he did not come through and Mariners GM said he has "no expectations" for Montero. Here is how the lineup for the Mariners may look in 2014.

1. L. Dustin Ackley CF 90 OPS+
2. S. Willie Bloomquist SS 101 OPS+
3. L. Robinson Cano 2B 145 OPS+
4. R. Corey Hart 1B 120 OPS+ in 2012
5. L. Kyle Seager 3B 118 OPS+
6. S. Justin Smoak DH 113 OPS+
7. L. Michael Saunders RF 106 OPS+
8. R. Mike Zunnino C 78 ERA+
9. L. Logan Morrison LF 96 OPS+


The rotation for the Mariners is led by the King himself, Felix Hernandez. Hisashi Iwakuma was stud in 2013 season and Taijaun Walker will make the team from the get go this season. Here is how the rotation for the Mariners may stack up in 2014.

1. R. Felix Hernandez  121 ERA+
2. R. Hisashi Iwakuma 138 ERA+
3. R. Taijaun Walker    105 ERA+
4. R. Erasmo Ramirez   74 ERA+
5. R. Hector Noesi ?      57 ERA+
   

The big addition of the bullpen was Fernando Rodney and he will control the closer's position. Charlie Furbush, Danny Farquhar, and Tom Wilhilmson all take spots in the bullpen as well. The Mariners really need to improve their pitching to compete with the Rangers and Angels in 2014.

The Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks made some significant moves this off season in pitching and offense. The big bat added was Mark Trumbo and the big pitcher added was Bronson Arroyo. The Diamondbacks will have to compete with the Giants and Dodgers in 2014, so they may not have as many wins as they deserve.

Adam Eaton will not be in the lineup for the 2014 Arizona Diamondbacks due to a trade with the Angels and White Sox to acquire Adam Eaton. Here is how the lineup for the 2014 Diamondbacks may look.

1. L. Gerardo Parra CF      99 OPS+
2. R. Martin Prado 3B        105 OPS+
3. R. Paul Goldschmitt 1B   160 OPS+
4. R. Mark Trumbo  LF      109 OPS+
5. R. Cody Ross RF           104 OPS+
6. L. Arron Hill 2B              124 OPS+
7. L. Miguel Montero C       83 OPS+
8. L. Didi Gregorius SS       94 OPS+

The Diamondbacks have a solid but not great pitching rotation. They traded Ian Kennedy for Joe Thatcher during the season, but replaced him with Bronson Arroyo. Other members of the rotation include Brandon McCarthy and Daniel Hudson. Here is how the rotation may look in 2014.

1. L. Patrick Corbin         112 ERA+
2. R. Bronson Arroyo       101 ERA+
3. R. Brandon McCarthy   84 ERA+
4. R. Randall Delgado        90 ERA+
5. R. Trevor Cahill            96 ERA+

The bullpen is anchored now by the newly acquired closer acquired Addison Reed. Other very notable names in the bullpen are JJ Puttz, David Hernandez, Joe Thatcher, and Brad Ziegler. The Diamondbacks have one of the best bullpens in the National League.  

The Los Angeles Angels

The Angels were big spenders these past 2 off seasons by signing big names like Albert Pujols, CJ Wilson, and Josh Hamilton. This off season they did not sign anyone to a mega contract, but made several well places and simple moves.

One well made move was trading Peter Bourgeois to the Cardinals for third baseman David Freese position that has been weak for the Angels. Also the Angels traded Mark Trumbo to the Diamondbacks in a three team deal to acquire prospect pitcher Tyler Skaggs and starter/reliever Hector Santiago.  To fill the hole at DH the Angels added veteran Raul Ibanez. Here is how I would make the lineup for the Angels in 2014.

1. S. Erick Aybar        SS 93 OPS+
2. R. Mike Trout        CF 179 OPS+
3. L. Josh Hamilton    RF 108 OPS+
4. R. Albert Pujols      1B 116 OPS+
5. L. Raul Ibanez       DH 124 OPS+
6. R. David Freese     3B 101 OPS+
7. R. Howie Kendrick 2B 118 OPS+
8. L. JB Shuck           LF 98 OPS+
9. R. Chris Iannetta    C 109 OPS+

The Angels rotation often gets a bed rep, but the 1-2 punch is one of the best in baseball, Jered Weaver and CJ Wilson. The rest of the rotations is Hector Santiago, Tyler Skaggs, and Joe Blanton, which does not sound so good.

1. R. Jered Weaver    115 ERA+
2. L. CJ Wilson         111 ERA+
3. L. Hector Santiago 120 ERA+
4. R. Joe Blanton       62 ERA+
5. L. Tyler Skaggs      75 ERA+

The closer for the Angels is going to be Ernesto Frieri with other significant named being Joe Smith, Sean Burnett, Kevin Jepson, and Garret Richards. The Angels have the outscore the other team strategy for the 2014 season.

The Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are set up to have another bad season with very few additions and lost some pretty big parts of their team. They did sign free agent starter Matt Garza to strengthen their rotation, but regardless the Brewers do not look good in 2014.

Corey Hart signed with the Mariners, so the Brewers signed Mark Reynolds as his replacement at first base. The Brewers also traded outfielder Aoki to the Royals in exchange for Wil Smith, not the actor. They still have a solid lineup, but it will have to work together to be successful in 2014. Here is how the lineup may look in 2014.

1. R. Jean Segura         SS 103 OPS++
2. S. Rickie Weeks        2B 80 OPS++
3. R. Ryan Braun           LF 134 OPS+
4. R. Carlos Gomez      CF  126 OPS+
5. R. Aramis Ramirez     3B 125 OPS+
6. R. Jonathon Lucroy     C 114 OPS+
7. R. Khris Davis          RF 153 OPS+
8. R. Mark Reynolds     1B 96 OPS+

The pitching rotation for the Brewers looks pretty decent, but compared to other powers in the NL Central they are not that good. I don't have much to say about the rotation for the Brewers, so here is how their rotation may look in 2014.

1. R. Matt Garza          106 ERA+
2. R. Kyle Lohse          117 ERA+
3. R. Yovani Gallardo     94 ERA+
4. R. Marco Estrada      102 ERA+
5. R, Tyler Thronburg   195 ERA+

After trading him last deadline the Brewers will also reunite with Francisco Rodriguez, the team he was upset to be traded to by the Mets. He will most likely be the closer as John Axford signed with the Cleveland Indians.  Jim Henderson, Michael Friers, and Will Smith all all probably be in the bullpen in 2014.

The New York Yankees

The Yankees were very busy this off season making some of the biggest stories this winter. The departure of Robinson Cano opened the door to sign outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury from their rival, the Boston Red Sox. They also landed superstar pitcher in Japan Masahiro Tanaka, who finished 24-0 in the Nippon League.

The Yankees also added Brian McCann a big addition given that they recieved barely any production from the catching position in 2013. The Yankees also went on to sign Carlos Beltran to replace Curtis Granderson who signed with the Mets. Minor additions include Kelly Johnson, to man third base due to A-Rod' suspension and Brian Roberts to replace Cano at second base. Here is how I would make the lineup in 2014.

1. L. Brett Gardner         LF 108 OPS+
2. R. Derek Jeter            SS 114 OPS+ in 2012
3. L. Jacoby Ellsbury     CF 114 OPS+
4. S. Carlos Beltran        RF 128 OPS+
5. S. Mark Teixeira        1B 115 OPS+ in 2012
6. L. Brian McCann        C  115 OPS+
7. R. Alphonso Soriano DH 112 OPS+
8. L. Kelly Johnson        3B 99 OPS+
9. S. Brian Roberts        2B 89 OPS+

The Yankees bolstered thier pitching rotation by adding Masahiro Tanaka the Japanese Phenom who went 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA. He has pitched in two spring training games and his splitter is masterful, no wonder why people have been saying it is the best in the world. Fan favorite Any Pettitte retired for a second time and Phil Hughes signed with the Twins. Here is how the rotation may look in 2014 with the fifth spot up in the air.

1. L. CC Sabathia           85 ERA+
2. R. Hiroki Kuroda        122 ERA+
3. R. Ivan Nova             130 ERA+
4. R. Masahiro Tanaka    1.27 ERA in Japan
5. R. Michael Pineda       101 ERA+ in 2012

The bullpen for the Yankees took a serious blow as member since 1995 retired, Mariano Rivera. David Robertson is going to take over as closer, but the rest of the bullpen is not very impressive. Boone Logan was replaced by Matt Thornton and the rest of the pen is up in the air, but David Phelps and Adam Warren will make the team as starters or relievers.

The St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals lost a big piece of their team this off season to the New York Yankees, that is of course Carlos Beltran. Having a switch hitter with so much experience in the lineup for the Cardinals was so big. They did go on to sign Jhonny Peralta to play short stop, a move that I think is very stupid.

The Cardinals decided to trade one of the fan favorites and most clutch players, David Freese. In return for Freese the Cardinals acquired Peter Bourjos. This is another question because in order to have both Matt Adams and Allen Craig in the lineup, one of them will have to play the outfield and leave no room for Bourjos. Here is how I think the lineup in 2014 will look.

1. L. Jon Jay            CF 102 OPS+
2. L. Matt Carpenter  3B 143 OPS+
3. R. Allen Craig       RF  131 OPS+
4. R. Matt Holliday    LF 144 OPS+
5. R. Yadier Molina    C 131 OPS+
6. L. Matt Adams     1B 131 OPS+
7. R. Jhonny Peralta  SS 119 OPS+
8. L. Kolten Wong     2B not enough data

The pitching rotation for the Cardinals is anchored by one of the best in baseball, Adam Wainwright. Young guns Shelby Miller and Michael Wacha came on the scene in 2013 and will hope to have another great season in 2014. Heree is how the rotation will look for the Cardinals in 2014.

1. R, Adam Wainwright 123 ERA+
2. R. Shelby Miller        119 ERA+
3. R. Michael Wacha     131 ERA+
4. L. Jamie Garcia         102 ERA+
5. R. Lance Lynn          91 ERA+

The bullpen for the Cardinals will be anchored by new closer and flamethrower Trevor Rosenthall. He is a great pitcher and I am glad that the Cardinals decided to keep in the bullpen and give him an definitive role. Other names in the bullpen are Joe Kelly, Jake Westbrook, and Randy Choate.

The Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox are reigning World Series Champions, but I'm not very sure if they'll be able to uphold that title in 2014. Many important pieces of their 2013 success have departed and the team did not replace these figures.

The lineup for the Red Sox took a significant decline upon the departure of Jacoby Ellsbury, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and most likely Stephan Drew. They did replace Salty with AJ Pierzynski, but Ellsbury is being replaced with Jackie Bradly Jr, and Drew by Xander Bogaerts. They still have a very powerful lineup and here is how it may look in 2014.

1. S. Shane Victorino       RF 119 OPS+
2. R. Dustin Pedroia        2B 116 OPS+
3. L. David Ortiz            DH 160 OPS+
4. R. Mike Napoli           1B 129 OPS+
5. L. AJ Pierzynski            C 94 OPS+
6. R. Johnny Gomes        LF 111 OPS+
7. R. Will Middlebrooks   3B 88 OPS+
8. L. Jackie Bradly Jr.     CF 69 OPS+
9. R. Xander Bogaerts     SS 88 OPS+

Ortiz after the Boston Bombing "This is our
F****** city"

The pitching rotation for the Red Sox may be up in the air for the 2014 season with Ryan Dempster announcing that he is going to sit out the season. Also Jon Lester is in a walk year and the other members of the rotation may just be flat out inconsistent. Anyway this is how the rotation may stack up.

1. L. Jon Lester       109 ERA+
2. R. Clay Buchholz 234 ERA+ in 14 starts
3. R. Jake Peavy      101 ERA+
4. R. John Lackey    116 ERA+
5. L. Felix Doubront  94 ERA+

The bullpen is why the Red Sox won in the playoffs this past season. They lost several pieces throughout the season to injury. Koji Uehara ended up being the closer and he was phenomenal. Other notable parts of the bullpen for the Red Sox are Junichi Tazawa, Craig Breslow, and off season acquisition Edward Mujica.

The Cincinnati Reds

A real throwback of the Reds (2008)

The Reds did not make many acquisitions this off season but they did let Shin Soo Choo sign with the Rangers. They will most likely go with the same crew of players but with Billy Hamilton in center field. The Reds also extended Homer Bailey to a massive 6 year $105 Million deal.

The lineup for the Reds features the leader in on base percentage almost every year, Joey Votto. He gets on base in front of Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce who get on base mostly through contact. That is a formula to score many runs. Here is how the lineup may look in 2014.

1. S. Billy Hamilton      CF not enough data
2. R. Todd Frazier       3B 96 OPS+
3. L. Joey Votto          1B 154 OPS+
4. R. Brandon Phillips   2B 92 OPS+
5. L. Jay Bruce            RF 118 OPS+
6. R. Chris Heisey        LF 88 OPS+
7. R. Zack Cozart        SS 81 OPS+
8. R. Devin Mesoraco  C 77 OPS+

Chapman for team Cuba in the WBC

The Reds pitch in a small ball park which calls for good pitchers and they do have a few. It will be a little more shallow of a rotation with the departure of Bronson Arroyo, but it is still sufficant enough for them to win a lot of games. Here is how the rotation may look in 2014.

1. R. Matt Latos      121 ERA+
2. R. Johnny Cueto  135 ERA+
3. R. Homer Bailey   110 ERA+
4. R. Tony Cingrani  131 ERA+
5. L. Mike Leake      113 ERA+

The Reds also have one of the best bullpens in the Major Leagues with one of the best closers. That closer is the Cuban Missile, flame throw Aroldis Chapman, the bearer of the fastest pitch at 105 MPH. Also in the bullpen is former closer Jonathon Broxton, lefty Sean Marshall, and other studs JJ Hover and Logan Ondrusek.

The Baltimore Orioles

2012 Orioles

The Orioles waited until the end of the off season to make their moves. Earlier in the off season they did sign closer Grant Balfour, but the deal was voided after the Orioles did not like something that came up on his physical. Big additions Ubaldo Jimenez and Nelson Cruz will make their presence
heard in 2014.

The lineup for the Orioles will be centered around two important players; Chris Davis and Adam Jones. Manny Machado and Nick Markakis are likely to anchor the top of the lineup for the Orioles. Here is how the entire lineup should look in 2014.

1. R. Manny Machado 3B 99 OPS+
2. L. Nick Markakis RF 86 OPS+
3. R. Adam Jones CF 115 OPS+
4. L. Chris Davis 1B 165 OPS+
5. R. Nelson Cruz DH 123 OPS+
6. S. Matt Weiters C 88 OPS+
7. R. JJ Hardy SS 97 OPS+
8. L. David Lough LF 96 OPS+
9. S. Jemile Weeks  73 OPS+ in 2012

Adam Jones

The rotation for the Orioles will take a mighty boost with the addition of pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez. Jimenez will find much success in 2014, although joining the AL East. He is a ground ball pitcher and had a very strong finish to the 2013 season. Here is how the rotation for the Orioles may look in 2014.

1. R. Ubaldo Jimenez 114 ERA+
2. R, Bud Norris  88 ERA+
3. R. Dylan Bundy no data available
4. L. Wei- Yin Chen 103 ERA+
5. R. Miguel Gonzalez 111 OPS+

The bullpen is currently weak for the Orioles, but the closer situation is up in the air. Tommy Hunter is currently the favorite for the closer position, with Darren O'day and possibly Bud Norris in second. The Orioles also signed South Korean pitcher Suk Min Yoon. The Orioles appear to be in a good position for the 2014 season.

The New York Mets

David Wright in the WBC

The Mets made some notable additions this off season including slugger Curtis Granderson who was injured for most of the 2013 season. Although heavily rumored they did not sign short stop Stephan Drew, but there still may a chance he signs with the Amazin' Mets.

The Mets also did not trade first baseman Ike Davis this off season, I personally think they will keep him and give him one more chance. As the trade deadline gets closer the chances that Davis gets traded will probably increase. Other new additions include Chris Young who will probably man right or center field. Here is how the lineup for the Mets should look in 2014.

1. S. Eric Young               CF 79 OPS+
2. L. Daniel Murphy          2B 108 OPS+
3. R. David Wright            3B 156 OPS+
4. L. Curtis Granderson     LF 115 OPS+ 2012
5. R. Travis d'Arnaud         C 58 OPS+
6. L. Lucas Duda              1B 118 OPS+
7. R. Chris Young             RF  85 OPS+
8. R. Ruben Tejada            SS 49 OPS+

Mr. Met is surprisingly my favorite mascot

The pitching rotation for the Mets took a major blow when ace Matt Harvey had to get Tommy John surgery. Although Harvey is out they added Bartolo Colon and now Zach Wheeler will have a chance to shine. Another note is the departure of Johan Santana who is yet to sign with a Major League team. The 5th spot will probably be no one significant until the call up of young gun Noah Syndergard. Here is how the pitching rotation for the Mets may look in 2014.

1. L. Jon Niese                 96 ERA+
2. R. Zack Wheeler           104 ERA+
3. R. Bartolo Colon           141 OPS+
4. R. Dillon Gee                98 OPS+
5. R. Noah Syndergaard     No data available

In the bullpen for the Mets is closer Bobby Parnell, but other than him, the bullpen is looking a little bleak. Veteran lefty Scott Rice has a position in the bullpen, but the Mets are likely to fill in the spots with some young players or sub par relievers that remain on the market.

The Minnesota Twins

The Twins made some excellent additions this off season, mostly in their pitching rotation. They added several new starting pitchers, but they are one of the weakest hitting teams in the Major Leagues.

One new player is Kurt Suzuki and will take over as prima
ry catcher with the move of Joe Mauer to first base. Jason Kubel will be on the Twins in 2014 and be a primary designated hitter. Also there are several young players that will find their spot in the lineup for the Twins in 2014. Here is how the lineup may look for the Twins.

1.  L. Alex Presley          CF 92 OPS+
2. R. Brian Dozier           2B 100 OPS+
3. L. Joe Mauer              1B 144 OPS+
4. R. Josh Willingham     LF 98 OPS+
5. L. Jason Kubel           DH 69 OPS+
6. R. Trevor Plouffe        3B  94 OPS+
7. L. Oswaldo Arcia        RF102 OPS+
8. S. Pedro Florimon        SS 70 OPS+
9. R. Kurt Suzuki             C  73 OPS+

Joe Mauer will have great hair at first
base from now on. 

The pitching rotation for the Twins took a significant increase over the off season with the additions of Rickey Nolasco and Phil Hughes. They may not be the strongest of pitchers but certainly a good pair to add to a big ball park and to a team in a rebuilding phase. Here is how the rotation may stack up for the Twins in 2014.

1. R. Rickey Nolasco 101 ERA+
2. R. Kevin Correia 97 ERA+
3. R. Phil Hughes 78 ERA+
4. R. Mike Pelfrey  78 ERA+
5. R. Vance Worley 56 ERA+

The Twins actually have on of the better closers in the game in Glen Perkins. Other than Perkins the Twins don't have much of a significant bullpen. They have decent guys like Casey Fein and Jared Burton who put together a decent season. Also in the pen are starters Scott Diamond and Samual Deduno, along with relievers Brian Duensing and Anthony Swarzak, who may put together a good 2014 season.

The Miami Marlins

I still like this logo better 

For a long time this off season I really thought the Marlins were up to something big. They were extremely reluctant and still are in trading Giancarlo Stanton and they made some notable additions to their team. They signed powerful catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to a deal. They also acquired Brian Bogusevic, Garret Jones, and Rafael Furcal.

Almost all of the additions the Marlins made this off season were to their lineup. They switched out Polanco for Furcal, Morrison for Jones, and Pierre for Bogusevic, but some younger faces are likely to make the starting lineup. Here is how the lineup for the Marlins might look like in 2014.

1. S. Rafael Furcal              SS 85 OPS+ in 2012
2. L. Derek Dietrich            2B 85 OPS+
3. R. Giancarlo Stanton       RF 131 OPS+
4. L. Christian Yelich          CF 112 OPS+
5. S. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C 118 OPS+
6. L. Garrett Jones              1B 99 OPS+
7. R. Casey McGehee         3B 77 OPS+ in 2012
8. L. Brian Bogusevic           LF 112 OPS+

Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Fernandez

The pitching rotation for the Marlins is also up in the air, but anchored by one very special talent, Jose Fernandez. This guy puts endless amounts of work into improving his body and becoming better at everything he does. He came up and made his debut for the very first time in 2013 and finished 3rd in Cy Young voting. His ERA was the second lowest for a starting pitching, only one better was Clayton Kershaw. Here his how the rotation for the Marlins may look in 2014.

1. R. Jose Fernandez        176 ERA+
2. R. Henderson Alvarez  108 ERA+
3. R. Jacob Turner           103 ERA+
4. R. Nathan Eovaldi        114 ERA+
5. L. Brian Flynn                46 ERA+

In the bullpen for the Marlins is closer Steve Cishek along with some other significant names. The pair of lefties, Brad Hand and Mike Dunn can be used to mix and match in late innings. The one time great pitcher Carlos Marmol will be a Marlin for the 2014 season along with several other young players who hope to make the team.

The Oakland Athletics

The Athletics like their National League counterparts across the bay always find a way to win. They do not have any great super stars on their team, but they do have a group of players who perform well in clutch situations.

Jemile Weeks lost the second base competition to Eric Sogard in 2013, and was eventually traded for Jim Johnson of the Baltimore Orioles. Other than the addition of Nick Punto, who will play off the bench, the lineup for the Athletics will look strikingly similar to that of 2013. Here is how the lineup will look in 2014.

1. S. Coco Crisp CF 119 OPS+
2. S. Jed Lowrie SS 122 OPS+
3. R. Josh Donaldson 3B 148 OPS+
4. L. Brandon Moss 1B 139 OPS+
5. R. Yoenis Cespedes LF 108 OPS+
6. L. Josh Reddick RF 93 OPS+
7. R. Derek Norris C 113 OPS+
8. L. Eric Sogard 2B 94 OPS+
9. R. Nate Freiman DH 102 OPS+

The pitching rotation for the Athletics has no big names, but several young effective pitchers. The big move in terms of starting pitching for the Athletics in the off season was trading Brett Anderson for Drew Pomeranz another young pitcher. For this rotation, I will put the player's age after their name in parenthesis. Some of the pitchers I didn't include in the rotation but have a chance of making it are Scott Kazmir and Drew Pomeranz.

Sonny Gray

1. R. Jarrod Parker (25) 94 ERA+
2. L. Tommy Milone (27) 90 ERA+
3. R. AJ Griffen (26) 97 OPS+
4. R. Dan Straily (25) 94 OPS+
5. R. Sonny Gray (24) 140 OPS+

The Athletics absolutely have the best bullpen in the Major Leagues as of right now. They made significant upgrades this off season, although they let fan favorite Grant Balfour sign with the Tampa Bay Rays. They acquired Jim Johnson from the Baltimore Orioles and retained great set up men Sean Doolittle and Ryan Cook. Also acquired by the Athletics was Luke Gregorson and Josh Lindblom. Additionally the two starters that do not make the rotation will likely join the guys in the bullpen, making it very effective in middle innings as well as late.