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Who's Up, Who's Down

© Bryan Walker

Every off-season, we see the same things: teams trading off high-priced veterans for younger players, teams signing superstar free agents to mega-deals, and mediocre veterans being paid outrageous contracts. The biggest difference this winter is that teams are spending millions after claiming to be losing money, although the free agent market has been slow enough that some people are saying the terms, "fiscal responsibility" and the c-word.

There has been enough trades and signing to evaluate the directions of particular franchises who have been busy.

NEW YORK YANKEES The Yankees have done everything right. They've signed the best first baseman available in Jason Giambi. They've given their bull-pen a huge lift with Steve Karsay. To top it all off, Rondell White was signed to play left field and Robin Ventura was acquired to hold down third base for a while. On paper, they have no weaknesses and very little dead weight.

NEW YORK METS The Mets have also made significant improvements with the trade for Robbie Alomar at second base and picking up Shawn Estes. Toss in Roger Cedeno for speed and David Weathers in the bullpen and the Mets are on their way to competing. If they can sign a big hitter (Juan Gonzalez) and Edgardo Alphonso adapts to third base, the Mets will be a World Series contender.

CLEVELAND INDIANS The Indians have done very little to help themselves next year. They have built a warehouse of offensive prospects to help them over the next five years, but for them to compete next season, they need for their young pitchers to lead the way: Bartolo Colon, C.C. Sabathia, and Danys Baez.

OAKLAND A's The A's picked up David Justice to replace Giambi's bat and got Billy Koch to replace closer Jason Isringhousen. So they are up in the bullpen, but down in offense. Look for GM Billy Beane to rip-off the Royals again for another bat.

ATLANTA BRAVES The Braves lost SP John Burkett and RP Steve Karsay. They picked up 3B Vinny Castilla and claimed their offensive woes are over. The Braves will need to get busy.

SEATTLE MARINERS The Mariners traded to upgrade their 3B situation with Jeff Cirillo. But they are about to overpay for 2B Bret Boone. Seattle enjoyed a great year from Boone last season, but the chances of him repeating that performance are slim. However, the Mariners still have an outstanding pitching staff with depth.

This evaluation of teams is certain to change. There are a huge number of free agents available, including those mentioned above and Barry Bonds, Juan Gonzalez, Moises Alou, Tino Martinez, and David Wells.

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