Power Rankings Top 5:
1. Dodgers
The flurry of activity of the past week did not change how our voters view the Dodgers, who have been mostly idle, save for a
couple of tweaks in the bullpen. The reigning World Series champs will enter 2021 the same way they ended ’20 -- as the presumed best team in the big leagues. They will
likely lose some players to free agency, most notably
Justin Turner and
Kiké Hernández. Otherwise, the Dodgers are lined up nicely for ’21. They could use another starting pitcher, but if they don’t add one, it’s probably not going to cripple their season.
Dec 29, 2020
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2:18
IT: Padres vs. Dodgers
2. Padres
Whew. Where to begin? For those of you that have been otherwise occupied binge-watching "Schitt’s Creek," here’s a brief synopsis: A.J. Preller
acquired two of the game’s most accomplished starting pitchers,
signed a high-profile Korean infielder and reignited that “rock star GM” label that he earned after winning the 2015 offseason. Presumably, his moves this time around will play out more positively on the field. The only question that remains is whether the additions of
Yu Darvish and
Blake Snell give the Padres the best rotation in the Majors.
Dec 30, 2020
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6:49
A.J. Preller on Padres' deals
3. Yankees
Unlike the Dodgers, the Yankees’ need for a starting pitcher is more pressing.
Gerrit Cole sits alone at the top; beyond that, upgrades are warranted. A
slow-moving offseason for the Yankees has been mostly about
DJ LeMahieu and whether he’s going to re-sign or go elsewhere. What seemed like a foregone conclusion that he would return isn’t so clear as both sides plunge into the new year.
Dec 16, 2020
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2:15
Cashman on LeMahieu's future
4. Braves
Atlanta's rotation is getting as much attention now as it did during the season, but for entirely different reasons. In 2020, it was more about what the starting staff lost to injuries and underperformance; now, it looks to be
one of the best-assembled rotations in the Majors.
Charlie Morton and
Drew Smyly bring stability to a young staff loaded with budding stars in
Max Fried and
Ian Anderson. And if
Mike Soroka is able to return to form after missing most of '20 with a freak right Achilles injury, look out.
Dec 18, 2020
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29:00
Brian Snitker previews 2021
5. Twins
The Twins barely edged out the White Sox for the last spot in our Top 5, a likely foreshadow of what should be a fabulous fight to the finish among these two clubs. For now, the edge goes to Minnesota, but
the club has work to do. It needs starting pitchers after losing veterans
Jake Odorizzi and
Rich Hill. The Twins have some developing relief arms coming up through the system, but the bullpen will be largely inexperienced, especially if they are moving forward without
Trevor May (who signed with the Mets) and
Tyler Clippard and
Sergio Romo, both free agents.
Dec 15, 2020
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1:00:30
Rocco Baldelli on Twins offseason
All 30:
6. White Sox
7. A's
8. Mets
9. Blue Jays
10. Rays
11. Indians
12. Cardinals
13. Astros
14. Phillies
15. Cubs
16. Reds
17. Marlins
18. Brewers
19. Angels
20. Giants
21. Mariners
22. Nationals
23. Red Sox
24. Tigers
25. Royals
26. D-backs
27. Rockies
28. Rangers
29. Orioles
30. Pirates