Atlanta Braves
Spring site: KissimmeeLast year: 94-68 (second, NL East; lost in wild card round)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Tuesday); full squad (Friday)Who's in: OF B.J. Upton (Tampa Bay), OF Justin Upton (Arizona), 3B Chris Johnson (Arizona), RHP Jordan Walden (LA Angels), OF Jordan Schafer (Houston).Who's out: INF/OF Jeff Baker (Texas), RHP Randall Delgado (Arizona), 3B Chipper Jones (retired), RHP Tommy Hanson (LA Angels), OF Matt Diaz (New York Yankees), RHP Chad Durbin (Philadelphia), 1B/OF Eric Hinske (Arizona), OF Michael Bourn, RHP Jair Jurrjens (Baltimore), C David Ross (Boston).Spring outlook: The Braves made one of the first splashes of winter, signing outfielder B.J. Upton over Michael Bourn. Then they made another splash, acquiring Upton's brother, Justin, along with third baseman Chris Johnson, from the D-backs. They also traded for reliever and Mansfield native Jordan Walden, added backup catcher Gerald Laird and re-signed outfielder Reed Johnson. Expect the Braves, a playoff team last year, to challenge again for the NL East title.Baltimore OriolesSpring site: SarasotaLast year: 93-69 (second, AL East; lost in ALDS)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Tuesday); full squad (Friday)Who's in: RHP Jair Jurrjens (Atlanta), INF Danny Valencia (Boston), INF Yamaico Navarro (Pittsburgh), INF Alexi Casilla (Minnesota).Who's out: OF Endy Chavez (Kansas City), INF Mark Reynolds (Cleveland), DH Jim Thome, LHP Joe Saunders (Seattle), 2B Robert Andino (Seattle), LHP Randy Wolf, DH Nick Johnson (retired).Spring outlook: They made the playoffs for the first time since 1997 last year, and look to build on it. The Orioles' biggest reason for success was winning close games last year, thanks to closer Jim Johnson's impressive performance. Adam Jones is a star in center field, and first baseman Chris Davis is starting to play up to his potential.Boston Red SoxSpring site: Fort MyersLast year: 69-93 (fifth, AL East)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Tuesday); full squad (Friday)Who's in: 1B Mike Napoli (Texas), OF Shane Victorino (Los Angeles Dodgers), OF Jonny Gomes (Oakland), SS Stephen Drew (Oakland), RHP Ryan Dempster (Texas), RHP Koji Uehara (Texas), C David Ross (Atlanta), RHP Joel Hanrahan (Pittsburgh).Who's out: OF Cody Ross (Arizona), 1B James Loney (Tampa Bay), RHP Scott Atchison (New York Mets), RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka, RHP Vicente Padilla (Japan).Spring outlook: Last year, put simply, was a disaster. Bobby Valentine proved to be the wrong fit, and the Red Sox have turned to John Farrell as their manager. The Red Sox added three players from last year's Rangers' roster, starter Ryan Dempster, reliever Koji Uehara and catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli. Other additions include shortstop Stephen Drew, outfielders Shane Victorino and Jonny Gomes, and catcher David Ross. And look for starter John Lackey to rebound after missing last season with Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery.Detroit TigersSpring site: LakelandLast year: 88-74 (first, AL Central; lost in World Series)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Tuesday); full squad (Friday)Who's in: OF Torii Hunter (LA Angels), C Brayan Pena (Kansas City).Who's out: OF/DH Delmon Young (Philadelphia), C Gerald Laird (Atlanta), INF/OF Ryan Raburn (Cleveland), RHP Jose Valverde.Spring outlook: The reigning American League champions are in prime position again. MVP Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder are back in the heart of the lineup, and Justin Verlander is an ace leading the rotation. Detroit also made nice additions by signing outfielder Torii Hunter and re-signing starter Anibal Sanchez.Houston AstrosSpring site: KissimmeeLast year: 55-107 (sixth, NL Central)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Tuesday); full squad (Saturday)Who's in: 1B/DH Carlos Pena (Tampa Bay), RHP Philip Humber (Chicago White Sox), LHP Erik Bedard (Pittsburgh), OF Rick Ankiel (Washington).Who's out: SS Jed Lowrie (Oakland), RHP Wilton Lopez (Colorado), RHP Fernando Rodriguez (Oakland), C Chris Snyder (Washington).Spring outlook: The Astros are moving to a highly competitive AL West, and don't appear to be making moves -- such as trading away Jed Lowrie -- to put them in contending status. Maybe in a few years. They signed Carlos Pena, who will provide a nice veteran presence, but don't expect new manager Bo Porter to make too many strides with a team that led all of baseball with 107 losses last year.Miami MarlinsSpring site: JupiterLast year: 69-93 (fifth, NL East)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Tuesday); full squad (Friday)Who's in: RHP Henderson Alvarez (Toronto), SS Adeiny Hechavarria (Toronto), OF Juan Pierre (Philadelphia), INF Placido Polanco (Philadelphia), C Jeff Mathis (Toronto), RHP Jon Rauch (New York Mets), INF Chone Figgins (Seattle).Who's out: RHP Josh Johnson (Toronto), LHP Mark Buehrle (Toronto), SS Jose Reyes (Toronto), OF Emilio Bonifacio (Toronto), C John Buck (Toronto), RHP Heath Bell (Arizona).Spring outlook: One of the game's most dysfunctional franchises flopped last season after making an off-season splash by signing Mark Buehrle, Jose Reyes and Heath Bell. All three, along with ace Josh Johnson, catcher John Buck and outfielder Emilio Bonifacio, are gone. So is manager Ozzie Guillen, who lasted one season, and was replaced by Mike Redmond. Miami does have a superstar in Giancarlo Stanton.Minnesota TwinsSpring site: Fort MyersLast year: 66-96 (fifth, AL Central)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Wednesday); full squad (Saturday)Who's in: RHP Kevin Correia (Pittsburgh), RHP Mike Pelfrey (New York Mets), RHP Josh Roenicke (Colorado), RHP Vance Worley (Philadelphia).Who's out: INF Alexi Casilla (Baltimore), RHP Scott Baker (Chicago Cubs), OF Denard Span (Washington), OF Ben Revere (Philadelphia), RHP Matt Capps (Cleveland), RHP Carl Pavano.Spring outlook: The Twins had one losing season in Ron Gardenhire's first nine years, but the past two seasons have been the worst of the Gardenhire era. The Twins have lost 99 and 96 games and are looking to rebound. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are power bats in the lineup, but the rotation and bullpen are shaky.New York MetsSpring site: Port St. LucieLast year: 74-88 (fourth, NL East)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Wednesday); full squad (Monday, Feb. 18)Who's in: RHP Shaun Marcum (Milwaukee), RHP Brandon Lyon (Toronto), OF Collin Cowgill (Oakland), INF Brandon Hicks (Oakland).Who's out: C Kelly Shoppach (Seattle), RHP R.A. Dickey (Toronto), RHP Mike Pelfrey (Minnesota), RHP Jon Rauch (Miami), RHP Ramon Ramirez (San Francisco), C Josh Thole (Toronto), OF Scott Hairston (Chicago Cubs), OF Jason Bay (Seattle), SS Ronny Cedeno (St. Louis), OF Andres Torres (San Francisco).Spring outlook: The Mets haven't been to the postseason since 2006, and it's hard to picture them making it next season, even with Johan Santana healthy for a full season and third baseman David Wright in the middle of the lineup. They traded away reigning Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey and, while they got a nice return, it's clearly not a win-now move.New York YankeesSpring site: TampaLast year: 95-67 (first, AL East; lost in ALCS)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Wednesday); full squad (Monday, Feb. 18)Who's in: DH Travis Hafner (Cleveland), 3B Kevin Youkilis (Chicago White Sox), OF/1B Matt Diaz (Atlanta), OF Juan Rivera (Los Angeles Dodgers), C Bobby Wilson (LA Angels).Who's out: RHP Rafael Soriano (Washington), OF Nick Swisher (Cleveland), C Russell Martin (Pittsburgh), OF Raul Ibanez (Seattle), INF Eric Chavez (Arizona), OF Andruw Jones (Japan), RHP Freddy Garcia (San Diego).Spring outlook: With the top payroll in baseball, the Yankees are always contenders, even if the team is aging. They signed Kevin Youkilis to fill their need at third base with Alex Rodriguez recovering from injuries, and also re-signed starter Hiroki Kuroda and outfielder Ichiro Suzuki. Also, New York will get an added boost with the return of Mariano Rivera.Philadelphia PhilliesSpring site: ClearwaterLast year: 81-81 (third, NL East)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Wednesday); full squad (Saturday)Who's in: RHP Mike Adams (Texas), INF Michael Young (Texas), OF Delmon Young (Philadelphia), OF Ben Revere (Minnesota), RHP John Lannan (Washington), RHP Chad Durbin (Atlanta).Who's out: INF Placido Polanco (Miami), RHP Vance Worley (Minnesota), RHP Josh Lindblom (Texas), OF Juan Pierre (Miami), OF Nate Schierholtz (Chicago Cubs), INF Ty Wigginton (St. Louis), RHP Jose Contreras.Spring outlook: The Phillies failed to live up to expectations last season, finishing .500 and missing the playoffs. But they signed Cole Hamels to a long-term deal and still boast one of the top rotations with Hamels, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee. Offensively, Philly added veteran third baseman Michael Young, but the key will be Chase Utley and Ryan Howard bouncing back from subpar and injury-plagued seasons.Pittsburgh PiratesSpring site: BradentonLast year: 79-83 (fourth, NL Central)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Tuesday); full squad (Friday)Who's in: LHP Francisco Liriano (Chicago White Sox), C Russell Martin (New York Yankees), INF Ivan De Jesus Jr. (Boston), RHP Jeanmar Gomez (Cleveland), RHP Vin Mazzaro (Kansas City), RHP Mark Melancon (Boston).Who's out: RHP Joel Hanrahan (Boston), RHP Kevin Correia (Minnesota), 2B Brock Holt (Boston), RHP Evan Meek (Texas), INF Yamaico Navarro (Baltimore), RHP Chad Qualls (Miami), RHP Chris Resop (Oakland), LHP Hisanori Takahashi (Chicago Cubs), C Rod Barajas.Spring outlook: The Pirates have started off strong the past two seasons only to falter down the stretch. This year, they hope it's a different story and they can make the playoffs for the first time since 1992. Andrew McCutchen is a superstar, and they added depth to their rotation by signing Francisco Liriano.St. Louis CardinalsSpring site: JupiterLast year: 88-74 (second, NL Central; lost in NLCS)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Tuesday); full squad (Friday)Who's in: LHP Randy Choate (Los Angeles Dodgers), INF/OF Ty Wigginton (Philadelphia), SS Ronny Cedeno (New York Mets).Who's out: 1B Lance Berkman (Texas), INF/OF Skip Schumaker (Los Angeles Dodgers), RHP Kyle Lohse, RHP Kyle McClellan (Texas).Spring outlook: The Cardinals are perennial contenders and didn't miss a beat with the loss of Albert Pujols last season. Now, they might have to go without ace Chris Carpenter, who may be forced to retire because of a nerve injury. Still, the Cardinals made it to the NLCS last season and have a solid nucleus. Carlos Beltran, Yadier Molina and Matt Holliday form the heart of the lineup, while Adam Wainwright leads the rotation.Tampa Bay RaysSpring site: Port CharlotteLast year: 90-72 (third, AL East)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Wednesday); full squad (Sunday)Who's in: INF/OF Kelly Johnson (Toronto), RHP Roberto Hernandez (Cleveland), 1B James Loney (Boston), SS Yunel Escobar (Toronto), OF Shelley Duncan (Cleveland), RHP Jamey Wright (Los Angeles Dodgers).Who's out: RHP James Shields (Kansas City), RHP Wade Davis (Kansas City), OF B.J. Upton (Atlanta), LHP J.P. Howell (Los Angeles Dodgers), 1B Carlos Pena (Houston), INF Jeff Keppinger (Chicago White Sox), RHP Burke Badenhop (Milwaukee).Spring outlook: They lost B.J. Upton and Jeff Keppinger in free agency, and traded away starter James Shields and reliever Wade Davis. But the Rays reloaded the farm system in the Shields/Davis trade, and should contend for the AL East yet again with reigning Cy Young winner David Price leading the rotation.Toronto Blue JaysSpring site: DunedinLast year: 73-89 (fourth, AL East)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Wednesday); full squad (Sunday)Who's in: LHP Mark Buehrle (Miami), SS Jose Reyes (Miami), RHP Josh Johnson (Miami), INF/OF Emilio Bonifacio (Miami), OF Melky Cabrera (San Francisco), RHP R.A. Dickey (New York Mets), INF Maicer Izturis (LA Angels), C Henry Blanco (Arizona).Who's out: SS Yunel Escobar (Tampa Bay), 2B Kelly Johnson (Tampa Bay), RHP Henderson Alvarez (Miami), RHP Jason Frasor (Texas), INF Adeiny Hechavarria (Miami), C Travis d'Arnaud (New York Mets).Spring outlook: The Blue Jays finished 22 games back of the Yankees last season, but are favorites to win the East this year. Why? They went all-in by trading for All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes and starters Josh Johnson, R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle. Toronto also signed Melky Cabrera and Maicer Izturis to add speed and defense to its lineup.Washington NationalsSpring site: VieraLast year: 98-64 (first, NL East; lost in NLDS)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Thursday); full squad (Sunday)Who's in: RHP Dan Haren (LA Angels), RHP Rafael Soriano (New York Yankees), OF Denard Span (Minnesota), C Chris Snyder (Houston).Who's out: INF/OF Michael Morse (Oakland), RHP Edwin Jackson (Chicago Cubs), LHP Sean Burnett (LA Angels), LHP Tom Gorzelanny (Milwaukee), INF Mark DeRosa (Toronto), LHP Mike Gonzalez (Milwaukee), LHP John Lannan (Philadelphia).Spring outlook: The Nationals led MLB in regular-season wins last year but were without ace Stephen Strasburg in the playoffs. The Nats should have Strasburg the full season this year, and be just as competitive with him and Gio Gonzalez -- who could be facing a 50-game suspension -- heading the rotation. They also added Rafael Soriano to the bullpen, Denard Span to the outfield and re-signed Adam LaRoche.
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