The Yankees didn’t have a perfect offseason. Even with the trade for Kevin Brown, many wonder if the offense can provide the run support for a rotation dealing with the loss of Pettite, Clemens, and David Wells.
The Oakland Athletics added Mark Redman to their already stellar rotation, but did nothing to improve their mediocre offense, losing Miguel Tejada in the process. They will have a tough time with division rival Anaheim looking so strong. The Rangers should still be occupying the cellar in the AL West, losing big bats A-Rod, Rafael Palmeiro, and Juan Gonzalez.
Even with some key acquisitions like Pudge Rodriguez, don’t expect too much from the Detroit Tigers. After having one of the worst seasons in Major League history, the Tigers did poorly in spring training, finishing last in the American League with an 11-15 mark.
The defending NL East champion Atlanta Braves lost long-time pitcher Greg Maddux, who is now on an excellent Chicago Cubs rotation. In the last few years, Atlanta has lost some of their pitching constants, Tom Glavine to the Mets, Kevin Millwood to Philly, and now Maddux. Coupled with the offensive losses of Javy Lopez and Gary Sheffield, this might not be the Braves’ year.
