[Lefty Noob]

Which AL and NL clubs do you think that the best offseason this year?

In the AL, it has to be the Sox. I just can't decide which one. Chicago managed to hold onto Paul Konerko, dumped an aging Frank Thomas and acquired Jim Thome, Javier Vazquez and Rob Mackowiak. Considering the roster they already have, they've got a good shot to repeat. I'd probably give them the edge over Boston, even though I love the acquisitions of Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, because I'm not 100-percent sold that Coco Crisp will immediately compare well to Johnny Damon (he will be better in 2 or 3 years though). Honorable mention goes to the Blue Jays, who certainly spent a lot of money this winter. But was it money well spent? No way A.J. Burnett is a $55 million pitcher. Closer B.J. Ryan was a nice pick-up, as were Bengie Molina, Troy Glaus and Lyle Overbay. The offense should be better this year, and Ryan adds stability to the pen, but I'm still not convinced their starting pitching is good enough to make a run in the East.

In the NL, I like what the Mets did. In my mind, Carlos Delgado is one of the most underrated players in baseball. Getting Billy Wagner for less $4 million less than what Toronto paid Ryan was a steal; he may be a better closer. Lo Duca is a better defensive catcher than Piazza, but then, who isn't? Starting pitching may be a question mark, but I don't think its a bad as some believe. Pedro's clearly the ace, and behind him Glavine's ERA has been 3.60 and 3.53 during each of the past two seasons, respectively. Look for Zambrano to have a good season, too. Call it a gut feeling. Behind them, I guess I'd have to put the Nationals. Alfonzo Soriano is a fantastic pick-up, no matter where he winds up playing. Plus they got Matt LeCroy and might wind up with Sammy Sosa for a song and a dance. Sosa's best days are behind him, but if they get him for low up-front money and he performs well, it might just wind up being the steal of the offseason. Honorable mention goes to the Dodgers, who acquired shortstop Rafael Furcal, first baseman Nomar Garciaparra, third baseman Bill Mueller, outfielder Kenny Lofton and relievers Danys Baez and Lance Carter. Furcal is a nice pick-up. The other guys could pay off, it they stay healthy and get the job done.

[CityofBrotherlyShove]

I think you have to give it to the Blue Jays in the AL. I'm a Red Sox fan, and right now, they flat out scare me, even though Burnett is way overpaid. If they can stay healthy, the Yankees and Red Sox may be trying to play catch up to the Jays all year.

[EmpireWF]

I may be a bit biased, but the Mets have a very good off-season. They got the big power bat, the closer and the middle relief they seriously needed (Delgado, Wagner, Julio + Sanchez). Whether or not Julio and Sanchez can pitch in NY remains to be seen. Right now, Met fans only have to be worried about the lack of depth in the starting rotation.

In the AL, I like the Blue Jays. They were given money and they spent. BJ Ryan is still unproven in serious spots and AJ Burnett (at this point) is still no better than a .500 pitcher. However, if they both do well, the contracts will be paid for. Glaus, Molina and Overbay...all were amazing acquisitions.

As far as the Yankees go, I still think they needed to spend some money on a bigtime bullpen guy (hard to find I know). If Pavano/Wright/Johnson don't do well (again), they'll be in the same position as last year. Damon was a nice signing but let's see him play a healthy year in New York before he annoint him the next Ricky .

[pigskinfanatic]

Being a New Yorker and a Mets fan since 1986, I am very excited for this year as we finally have enough talent to get some attention in the Yankee crazy city. if Beltran returns to form and Delgado has a year like last year, then the offense should be top notch. After seeing Looper blow too many games for us last year, I am excited about having Wagner to come in and close out the ninth. My only concern is the starting rotation. Pedro martinez will be his dominant self and have an improved record thanks to better run support but the rest is a little shaky. Heilman has potential but losing Benson and Seo will hurt the Mets this year. What do you guys think?

[ThePundit]

I think the Blue Jays have had the best off season. They have a serious rotation and have added a lot of pop in the lineup.....Regarding the Mets: the starting pitching is pretty shaky. Pedro will get you 15 wins, Who knows about Glavine? Zambrano is a bust, Trachsel is coming off a major injury. Heilman is the key. Most Met fans wanted him starting. Well now they got their wish. If he's not good, the Mets are in huge trouble.