HOT STOVE REPORT CARD: AL WEST

Part two in the Report Card series features the AL West, a division that may produce a new king led by a king...

*There are some notable players still out there like Johnny Damon, Felipe Lopez, and Russell Branyon, so we'll update these lists as we go.

**Please note unsigned players do not yet count as a loss.

LOS ANGELS ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
Major Signings: Hideki Matsui, Fernando Rodney, Joel Piniero
Major Trade Acquisitions: Brian Stokes
Major Losses: John Lackey, Chone Figgins, Vlad Guerrero, Gary Matthews Jr., Darren Oliver, Kelvim Escobar
Report: Will this be the season that the Angels finally go down to another AL West team? (Namely the Mariners) With the loss of a boatload of major players, it could very well be. The loss of their ace, John Lackey, will hurt the most. His replacement? Joel Piniero, who I really think will be a major bust outside of Dave Duncan's care. I believe they upgraded at DH with Hideki Matsui over Vlad Guerrero, as long as Godzilla can stay of the DL that is. Chone Figgins will be very hard to replace both at third and at the top of their line-up. They'll once again try to break in Brandon Wood, but Maicer Izturis will probably be there before long. Fernando Rodney gives them a second closer with Brian Fuentes, which may or may not be a good thing.
Overall: This is still a great team, but Seattle has improved alot, and no one really knows how much the Angels will be affected by their losses. The third base situation needs to be clear once they open the season, as it'll affect the line-up as well. Will Scott Kazmir bounce back? And how exactly will Mr. Piniero fare?
Grade: B-

TEXAS RANGERS
Major Signings: Vlad Guerrero, Rich Harden, Khalil Greene, Darren Oliver, Colby Lewis
Major Trade Acquisitions: Chris Ray
Major Losses: Marlon Byrd, Omar Vizquel, Kevin Millwood
Report: Have the Rangers improved themselves? Good question. They brought in Vlad Guerrero, who may or may not have anything left. In this park, though, he may be revitalized. He should provide stability to their DH spot at least. Marlon Bryd's departure clears up their outfield a bit where Josh Hamilton hopes to rebound after an injury-plagued season. They traded away Kevin Millwood, and added the younger Rich Harden, who still has a lot of upside if he can stay healthy. This may be the best change for the team. They also swapped out Omar Vizquel for Khalil Greene as their infield sub. At one time Greene was considered quite the upcoming shortstop, but injuries and issues have led to this role. Adding Chris Ray and Darren Olivier to their bullpen is a boon, and the interesting addition of Colby Lewis fresh off a great Japanese stint could a sleeper of a rotational signing. They've also shed Hank Blalock, who remains unsigned, meaning Chris Davis has one last shot to prove something, as Justin Smoak is breathing down his neck.
Overall: I think this team is indeed better. While none of these moves blow you away, they should help, and with the possible emergence of Seattle, anything helps.
Grade: B

SEATTLE MARINERS
Major Signings: Chone Figgins, Ryan Garko, Eric Brynes
Major Trade Acquisitions: Cliff Lee, Casey Kotchman, Milton Bradley, Brandon League
Major Losses: Carlos Silva, Adrian Beltre, Brandon Morrow
Report: The Mariners have done pretty well this off-season, quite possibly better than anyone else they improved their club by leaps and bounds, mostly because the acquisition of a second ace in Cliff Lee is just a brilliant move. Lee teamed with King Felix gives them the best one-two in baseball. While the rest of the rotation is unproven, the top two will take so much pressure off of them, they may just deliver quietly good seasons. They also replaced Adrian Beltre with Chone Figgins, which gives them a great top of the line-up teaming with Ichiro. Figgins brings speed, a good eye, and good defense to the team. They swapped bad contract and no value in Carlos Silva for bad contract with some value in Milton Bradley. Sure he's a pain, but is bat is still good, and he won't kill you in the outfield. Eric Byrnes was added for defense as a fourth outfielder as well. Their first base situation now has great defender Casey Kotchman starting with Ryan Garko's bat backing him up. Brandon Morrow was traded for Brandon League which helps their bullpen in front of David Aardsma.
Overall: I dug this team's moves quite alot. Again, the Lee trade was fantastic, and the Bradley trade made bad money work. Their defense will be great, and Figgins will totally jump start this team. They may miss Russell Branyon's big bat, but they've done enough to possibly cover that loss. For sure, they are the team to watch this year.
Grade: A

OAKLAND A'S
Major Signings: Ben Sheets, Coco Crisp, Jack Cust, Justin Duchscherer, Gabe Gross
Major Trade Acquisitions: Kevin Kouzmanoff, Adam Rosales, Jake Fox
Major Losses: Scott Hairston, Adam Kennedy, Bobby Crosby
Report: Ladies and Gentlemen, the A's present their 2010 trade deadline chip: Ben Sheets! Is there any doubt about it? I mean why else would they pay Sheets 10 mil? In the meantime, he can throw some real ace wisdom to their burgeoning staff. They traded for Kevin Kouzmanoff to take over third base, while returning Scott Hairston back to the Padres. That cleared their outfield to bring in Coco Crisp, to lead Rajai Davis and Ryan Sweeney to greatness? Maybe? I do like Davis of the three at least. Old favorites Jack Cust and Justin Duchscherer were brought back, and a couple of young back-ups were traded for in moves that saw Wily Taveras pass through their system on the way to unwanted free agency.
Overall: Not the worst moves, but Oakland is in severe need of finding out who their core really is. Sheets may net them more prospects, but at some point these players need to distinguish themselves. I don't see these guys doing too well overall this year, which falls right into Billy Beane's Sheets plan, but some of these pitchers have potential. That's a start.
Grade: C