The availability of former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols guaranteed a special offseason, one that has ultimately exceeded expectations. WSN highlights the biggest winners and losers, and the best free agent still on the market.
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Biggest Winner: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Heading into the annual Winter Meetings, everybody knew that whichever team landed Pujols (career totals of 445 home runs, 1,329 RBIs and .420 OBP) would walk away with the biggest prize. Nobody, however, expected the Angels to sweep the stakes by also signing pitcher C.J. Wilson, becoming a legitimate contender for the 2010 and 2011 American League champion Texas Rangers.
Anaheim has desperately needed a power hitter since cutting ties with Vladimir Guerrero in 2009. Although Pujols, fresh off a second World Series championship, will still remain one of the game's most feared hitters, he is at the end of his prime. His production at the plate will go downhill soon.
However, Pujols' fully guaranteed 10-year, $250 million contract certainly has its caveats. It's backloaded with about $50 million (plus bonuses) remaining by the time Pujols enters his 40s, and it can cripple the franchise if he suffers a severe injury or loses skill with age.
The Angels also stole California native Wilson from the Rangers, solidifying a great starting rotation, which also includes Jered Weaver and Dan Haren. Last season Wilson posted a 2.94 ERA, 16 wins and 206 strikeouts. His experience in the postseason is equally invaluable.
Biggest Loser: Miami Marlins
A franchise may seem enticing when it starts throwing money at big-name stars, but this offseason was the wrong time for the Marlins to go all-in.
With the opening of their new stadium, the change from "Florida" to "Miami," and a brand new logo to sport, the Marlins management felt pressure to fill seats. Owner Jeffrey Loria spent $191 million on shortstop Jose Reyes, starting pitcher Mark Buehrle and closer Heath Bell.
Reyes has missed over 190 games in the past three seasons due to his injury-prone hamstrings. Buehrle, who will be 33 by Opening Day, has been consistent since his rookie year in 2000, posting a 3.83 ERA and 161 wins for his career. But now that he has to switch leagues, his future is uncertain. Expect Bell to also hit a wall and flounder under the pressure to deliver in Miami this season.
Throw on top of those signings the comedic pairing of the newly acquired hot-heads from Chicago — former Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano and former White Sox head coach Ozzie Guillen — and the result will likely be a disastrous year in South Beach.
Best Remaining Free Agent: Edwin Jackson
As a journeyman pitcher, Jackson has experienced a large share of ups-and-downs over his nine year career on six different clubs. Between the Chicago White Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals, Jackson was a solid starter in 2011 with a 3.79 ERA, 12-9 record and 148 strikeouts. He's a perfect number three or four starter.
