Sox Find A Closer

After adding closer Andrew Bailey last offseason, the Red Sox looked to have found there guy after losing there other closer, Jonathan Papelbon. Boston fans, players, and coaches didn't know that they were going to experience a long, hard, cold season after losing Bailey for the season. Red Sox pitchers looked foolish and confused during there dysfunctional 2012 season. Looking to add more to a pitching staff that already added starter Ryan Dempster and reliever Koji Uehara, the Red Sox needed one final piece to finish the puzzle. That piece was closer Joel Hanranhan, who came in a trade from Pittsburgh in a 6 player deal between the two teams. They swapped pitchers Mark Melancon, Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan De Jesus and first basemam Jerry Sands for Hanrahan and infielder Brock Holt. The addition of Joel Hanrahan helps solidify The Red Sox bullpen needs, but naming him closer already is just too much. There at least needs to be some competition in the pen to get Hanrahan's confidence up. Hanrahan didn't produce like he did in 2011 (36 saves, 2.72 E.R.A.), he still did good enough to rank 10th among closers in saves (36). Even though the Red Sox gave up very little to acquire Hanrahan, he has never appeared in Fenway Park ever in his career. He will need lots of adjusting to do if he wants to play the way he did the last 2 years he did Pittsburgh. It's a new atmosphere, new home, new team, and changing to a more competitive division for Hanrahan, who will hopefully help Boston get a playoff spot this upcoming season.

A Lucky Sunday

With a 23 yard pass to wide reciever T.Y. Hilton in the 2nd quarter, against the Kansas City Chiefs, Andrew Luck eclipsed Cam Newton's one year old rookie passing record of 4,051 yards. Luck finished with 205 yards as he one-upped Cam Newton's record to 4,183 through 15 games this season. Being drafted number one is not only special, but the team depends on you. Luck took full advantage of this opportunity to be the Colts starting quarterback. The amazing think that many people don't mention is that Luck did this with 2 rookie wide recievers (T.Y. Hilton and LaVon Brazil), 2 rookie tight ends (Dwyane Allen and Coby Fleener), an unproven starting wide reciever in St.Louis that signed with the Colts this offseason (Donnie Avery, who replace Austin Collie who landed on IR), and a rookie running back in Vick Ballard. Avery, Hilton, Brazil, Fleener, Allen, and Ballard all came together to help guide Andrew Luck to be a successful rookie quarterback. Luck also extended his own rookie-record the same day, as he engineered the Colts in the 4th quarter to defeat the Chiefs 20-13, and most importantly clinching a playoff berth at 10-5. Despite the fact that Luck has thrown 18 interceptions, a 54.3 completion percentage, and has posted a mediocure 75.6 quarterback rating, Luck still has all the tools and confiedence to become a star NFL quarterback. He has thrown more yards than even the elite Aaron Rodgers (3,930 yards through 15 games) and has helped Chuck Pagano's team have a huge turnaround season at 10-5, following a 2-14 record. Congragulations Andrew on accomplishing this feat.

Megatron Sets Mega-record

Duirng there 31-18 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Detriot Lions wide reciver Calvin Johnson accomplished something that no other wide reciver may break ever again, Jerry Rices's single-season recieving record. With 11 catches for 225 yards, Calvin Johnson finished with 1,892 yards, eclipsing Rice's record by 40 yards. This is a huge accomplishment for Megatron as he had to break-free from double and triple coverages, to set this mark. Johnson also set two more NFL records as became the only NFL player to have 100 recieving yards in 8 straight games and 10 receptions in 4 games in a row. Congragulations Calvin on accomplishing this feat.

D-Backs Sign Cody Ross

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed free-agent outfielder Cody Ross to a 3 year, $26M contract. The story of Cody Ross' career had been a little shaky after parting ways with the Marlins in 2010, but then once he got calimed by the San Fransisco Giants off waivers, this would change his career. Ross was named MVP of the NLCS as he helped the Giants beat the red-hot Phillies to advance to the World Series. Ross batted an outstanding .350 average and 5 RBI during the NLCS. Ross then helped the Giants bat around Texas pitchers to defeat the Rangers in the world series. Ross then played for the Giants next season and ended up in Boston, for the 2012 season. During his one year tenure with the Red Sox, Ross batted ironically his career average, .267 and hit 22 homers and 81 RBI. With the addition of outfielder Cody Ross, the Diamondbacks coudld say good-bye to Justin Upyon or Jason Kubel, as there looking for options to trade them.

Indians Add Mr Consistent

Nick "Consistancy" Swisher had been a valuable free agent signing by the New York Yankees back in 2009, posting at least 23 homers and 82 RBI during his 4 year there. After the 2012 season, Swisher had became a free agent and had been waiting for 2 whole months for this to happen, signing with a team. That team was the Cleveland Indians, who had posted mediocure numbers offensivley last season. There leading home run hitter was Carlos Santana with 18. This number was very dissapointing as the New York Yankees, who bashed a leauge-leading 245, had 6 players higher than Santana's 18! The Indians as a whole team offensivley couldn't muster anything as they finished in 9 different categories at least 22nd out of 30 MLB teams. With the need of adding a conistent hitter at the plate and losing there star outfielder Shin-Shoo Choo to the Reds, the Indians signed outfielder Nick Swisher. They signed Swisher to a 4 year, $56M contract, but the Tribe will lose a 2nd round draft pick as a compensation. Last season Swisher posted very underratted numbers as he bombed 24 homers and 93 RBI in 148 games. The addition of Swisher will help lead the Tribe back to its hitting ways.

Cubs Sign Edwin Jackson

After signing starters Scott Baker and Scott Feldman, the Cubs were looking for some more arms in there rotation. They signed free agent pitcher Edwin Jackson to a 5 year, $52M contract. Last season Jackson posted a shaky 10-11 record and a 4.03 E.R.A., but had a great strikeout to walk ratio (168:58) in 31 starts. Jackson was also prone to homeruns as he allowed 23 madbomers, including 14 of them on the road. However Edwin Jackson has never appeared in Wrigley Field in his career, so he'll have to make some adjustments in the windy city. The addition of Edwin Jackson to Chicago will provide a solid #2 or #3 spot in this Cubs rotation.

Phillies Add Some Arms

After trading starter Vance Worley and losing closer Jonathan Papelbon, the Phillies needed some help in the rotation and the bullpen after a dissapointing performance from them last season. They signed veteran reliever Mike Adams to a 2 year, $12M contract. Adams has been phenominal the last 3 seasons as he lead the MLB with 97 holds and his 2.06 E.R.A. is second to only Atlanta's Eric O'Flaherty. They also signed starter John Lannon to a 1 year, $2.5M contract. Even though Lannon pitched most of his season at Triple-A Syracuse, he did post a solid 4-1 record, with a 4.13 E.R.A., while filling in for Stephen Strasburg. Lannon has pitched failry decent the last couple of years, but when pitching at Citizens Bank Ballpark, he's posted an atrocious 3-13 record in 19 starts. Furthermore, Lannon and Adams were 2 good signees by the Phillies.

Reds Grab Choo In Big Deal

Outfielder Shin Shoo-Choo is still staying in Ohio, this time he's taking he's brining his talent to Cinncinati. Infielder Jason Donald also packed his bags to Cincy to bring centerfielder Drew Stubbs to Tribe. The Indians also sent reliever Tony Sipp, shortstop Didi Gregorius, and first basmen Lars Anderson to the Diamondbacks for starter Trevor Bauer and relievers Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw. Choo will have to make the transition from right field to center field, where he hasn't played since 2009. Even though Choo isn't as good of a fielder as Stubbs, he brings leadership at the plate, posting a .289 average throughout his 6 year career. While Choo saw more success at the plate, Drew Stubbs was awful at the plate last season, as he wiffed his average to .213, compared to .243 in 2011. Stubbs has the tools to become a gold glove outfielder in Cleveland, but will need to improve his hitting if he wants to play well. Choo has posted a .286 average when he's played in Cinncinati, while Stubbs hasn't preformed well in Clevland, posting a .227 average. Adding right handers Albers, Bauer, and Shaw to the Tribe provides more depth to the Indians staff and the D-Backs did get young shortstop Didi Gregorius who looks to have a good future moving forward, and reliever Tony Sipp will bring an underrated arm to Arizona.

New Angel In The Outfield

After unloading their salary cap on First Basemen Albert Pujols (10 years, $240M) and Starting Pitcher C.J. Wilson (5 years, $77M), you would think the Angels would limit their spending this off-season. That hasn't been the case as they brought in All-Star outfield Josh Hamilton. Hamilton was on a tear during the first half of the season with a .308 AVG, .380 OBP, .635 SLG, 1.015 OPS, 27 Home Runs, and 75 RBI. Then he hit a cold front, batting .259 in the second half of the season. His second-half collapse lost his hopes in winning the A.L. MVP. He did post an impressive 43 homers, 128 RBI, and scored 103 runs to finish the season. Landing Josh Hamilton makes the Angels outfield a dream come true with young phenom Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo/Peter Bourjous. The addition of Josh Hamilton makes Tori Hunter a forgotten one in L.A. Even though Josh Hamilton has immense bat power, there are a few flaws that he needs to adjust.  His career statistics at Anahiem are horrific (.143 career average) and needs to be a primed-preformer, following an ugly second half.

A Dempster In The House

A couple days after acquring outfielder Shane Victorino from the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Red Sox made another big offseason move by signing starting pitcher Ryan Dempster. Boston signed Dempster to a 2 year $26.5M contract after he originally declined a 2 year, $25M offer. After starting out the 2012 season with a 5-5 record and a 2.25 E.R.A. with the Chicago Cubs, Dempster headed to the Texas Rangers where he posted a solid 7-3 record, but dreadful 5.09 E.R.A. He finished the season with a 12-8 record and a 3.38 E.R.A. With a rotation that posted a horrendous 4.70 E.R.A., Boston wasted no time to sign the veteran. Although Dempster has struggled at Fenway Park ( posting a 1-1 record with a mediocure 6.06 E.R.A.), his veteran presence will be key for this Boston staff.

A Career in Remberance: Jeremy Shockey

With the 14th pick of the 2002 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select tight end Jeremy Shockey. At the University of Miami, Shockey became a young star there by help leading the Hurricanes to an upset over then-top ranked Florida State Seminoles, with a game-winning touchdown. They went 11-1 that season and Shockey became first-team All-Big East Honors. In 2001, Shockey helped Miami go to the national championship game and was one out three finalists for the John Mackey Award. After being drafted 14th overall, by the New York Giants, Shockey was going to compete to start as a rookie for the Giants. He did, as he caught a sensational 74 passes for 894 yards and 2 TD as helped New York go to the playoffs. Shockey scored a 2 yard TD Catch in the 2nd quarter during the Giants complete collapsing loss against San Fransisco 39-38. Shcokey wound up being a star in New York as he posted the nickname Shock-Jok and went to the probowl 4 times, in his first 5 seasons. He also became the highest paid TE in 2005 when he signed a 5 year contract extension worth $26.38M. On December 16th, 2007, in week 15 of the NFL Season, Shockey suffered a broken fibula and was out for the rest of the season. He was replaced by Kevin Boss though, due to his injury and was part of there 2007 Super Bowl Championship run, who upset Tom Brady, Randy Moss and the high scoring Patriots offense hopes to an undefeated season. Following the 2007 season, Shockey got signed by the Saints where he won another Super Bowl, as he scored his first ever Super Bowl touchdown, as the go-ahead touchdown pass from Drew Bress to beat the Colts 31-17. He later went to Carolina Panthers in 2011 and ended his career as one of the most bruising, most physical tight end i've ever seen before. Shockey was a great tight end throughout his career and deserves a place in the hall someday.

Yanks Sign the Youk

Following a terrible 2012 year, third basemen Kevin Youkillis was sitting in free agency, then all of a sudden he gets picked up by the New York Yankees. We all remeber New York's dreadful playoff bound last season, and with A-Rod out till at least June, they needed to find options in a hurry. Picking up Kevin Youkillis was a decent move by the Yankees, only because he had a poor 2012 season with a horrendous .236 AVG and cracked 19 mad-bombers. The 33 year old Youkillis will still look to improve from this past season and could get the Yanks offense heat up next season.

Phillies Acquire Michael Young

With Third Base Michael Young coming to a close in Texas, the Philadelphia Phillies picked him right up by trading right-hander Josh Lindblom, and minor leaguer Lisalverto Bonilla. At age 36, Michael Young is still trying to keep his pace as a great hitter. Last season wasn't as spectacular as we all thought it would be, but a .277 average is still good. However, his power numbers are slumping as he only hit a mere 8 mad-bombers in the 2012 season. Young has about 2 years to prove himself in Philly, if he doesn't then he pretty much is open to any club as a utillity/bench player.

Dodgers Add Another Star

Starter Zack Grienke heads back to Los Angeles, but this time he won't return to the Angels. With the addition of starter Zack Grienke, the Dodgers rotation will form a great front end at the rotation with Kershaw and Grienke. A 6 year $147M contract, smashes Giants Matt Cain as the highest paid pitcher in baseball right now. Grienke will need to go to his 2009 cy young award form, if he wants to stay in L.A., with a record pitching contract. At age 29, Grienke still has some work to improve, as he hopes to bring his E.R.A. back in the 2.00's. Still a 3.48 E.R.A., in 212 innings pitched is a solid number. Let's hope Grienke will bring the heat for the Dodgers and earn that big contract.

Indians Bring Some Power

With the need of some power on offense, the Clevland Indians picked up former Arizona Diamondback and Baltimore Orioles first/third basemen Mark Reynolds to a 1 year, $6M contract. Despite the fact Reynolds had a poor season at the plate, during the 2012 MLB season, he could have a big comeback year with 30-40 homers and 80-100 RBI in the middle of this Indians offense. This move puts Lonnie Chisnhall at third and Reynolds at first. The addition of Reynolds will help solidify the power game in Clevland.

Royals Add An Ace

Bases loaded and Asdrubal up, it's 7-0 Indians right now. Hochevar from the windup, the pitch, driven deep left, Gordon going back, looking back, Seee Yaaaaaa, later!!!, a GRAND SLAM BY ASDRUBAL CABRERA!! This game ended up in a 15-3 lopsided loss to the Clevland Indians as other opponents during the 2012 MLB season, roughed up Knsas City Royals pitchers, just like the Indians did here. With a terrible 4.30 E.R.A. and finishing the 2012 season with a 72-90 record, the Royals were running out of options. They did acquire starter Ervin Santana this offseason, but wanted more. Trading for ace James Shields and reliever Wade Davis was the perfect move for top prospect Will Myers, right-hander Jake Odorizzi, left-hander Mike Montgomery, and third basemen Patrick Leonard. The Royals haven't produced a winning season since 2003(83-79) and most importantly, haven't had a team E.R.A. under 4.00 since the 1989 squad(3.55). After losing Zack Grienke, things went downhill fast, Royals pitchers were banged up the last 5 years. Shields, who posted a 16-12 record, 2.82 E.R.A. and finishing 3rd in the A.L. Cy Young will be the team's ace. Shields has been remarkable since 2010, leading the league with 14 complete games, third in srikeouts (448), second in innings pitched (477), and shutouts (6). Reliever Wade Davis will help complement reliever Tim Collins to bring in a 1-2 punch for this K.C. Bullpen. Davis posted great numbers last season with a 3-0 record and a 2.43 E.R.A. in his first time ever as a reliever. Davis and Shields will need to step up big time in order to help this Royals pitching come together.

Keppinger Headed To The South Side

Following the loss to third baseman Kevin Youkilis, via free agency, the White Sox went shopping for a new third basemen. That was Jeff Keppinger who signed a 3 year $12M deal. Keppinger can play all the infield positions except first base, and he is the second hardest player to strikeout over the last 3 years. Only outfielder Juan Pierre is tougher tgan strikeout than Keppinger. Though we will not see the type of power we saw from Youkilis, Keppinger hits at least .275 and can get on base. The addition of Keppinger will bring depth in the infield and will make it a battle for pitchers at the plate

Red Sox Sign Koji Uehara

The Boston Red Sox have signed reliver Koji Uehara to a 1 year $4.75M deal. The 37 year old reliever showed he still had gas left in the tank by posting a 1.75 E.R.A and a 0.64 WHIP. His 14.3 strikeout to walk ratio was a reason why Uehara kept the Rangers in games or hold onto the lead. The signing of Urhara is goung to imact this Red Sox needy bullpen.

Cards Add An Arm

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free agent relief pitcher Randy Choate to a 3 year $7.5M deal. Choate who tied for the MLB lead with 80 relief apperances with add depth to a good St. Louis Cardinals that features closer Jason Motte.

Twins Trade Another One

Trading outfield Denard Span by the Minnesota Twins was a decent move to get a good minor league reliever, but trading away Ben Revere to the Philadelphia Philiies was just too much. Yes they lost starter Scott Baker to the Chicago Cubs, but they need Revere because of his dangerous speed at the begining of the lineup. In return for trading Revere to the Philies, they got a good, young starter in Vance Worley and got another good young arm in Trevor May, to boost there pitching. This gives the Phillies some speed after losing Shane Victorino and Juan Pierre.

A New Sock Coming To Town

Following the loss of Carl Crawford after he was traded to the Dodgers this season, the Red Sox were in need of a glove in the outfield. That man is Shane Victorino as the the Boston Red Sox signed him to a 3 year $39M deal. Victorino has great range in the outfield and with Elsburry to, this is a fast outfield. Victorino had a down season in the batting numbers, managing only a .255 average with 11 HR and 55 RBI. Hopefully hel'll bounce back this year and could help the Red Sox back into the playoffs. They also signed catcher Mike Napoli to add more power to the lineup.

Nats Snag Haren

With Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg, and Ross Detwiler, and John Lannan, you would think this Nationals rotation would be set, I guess not. The Addition of Dan Haren will boost there rotation and let there bullpen get some rest as well. We all know Haren had one of his worst years of his career with a 4.33 E.R.A. and a 12-13 record, but hes a big innings eater. The one year $13M contract was a little overboard though, but hopefully the price will pay off this upcoming 2013 season.