Some big names changed addresses during baseball's offseason, including future Hall of Famers (Mike Piazza, Greg Maddux) and one noteworthy addition from Japan (Daisuke Matsuzaka). A look at some of the key acquisitions leading into the 2007 season:
1. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox spent more than $100 million ($51.1 million on rights, $52 million contract) for Matsuzaka, who brings his eight pitches and legions of fans from Japan, where he went 17-5 with a 2.13 ERA last year with the Seibu Lions.
For now, he’s Boston’s No. 3 starter behind Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett. He struck out 19 in 17 2/3 innings in spring training. Fans are banking on an Ichiro-like first season, and he’s not likely to disappoint. With an unorthodox pattern to his pitches, look for him to be a sensation the first time around the league, if he can live up to the pressure.
2. Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs
If only he could play defense. Putting Soriano in Wrigley Field is a fantasy owner’s dream. Coming off a career-high 46 home runs last year in a ballpark that favors pitchers in Washington, the Cubs paid $136 million over eight years and will hope he can play an adequate center field.3. Gary Sheffield, Detroit Tigers
In a trade with the New York Yankees, the defending American League champion Tigers received some pop in the middle of their order to go with their fine young starting rotation, which makes Detroit the team to beat in the AL Central. He missed most of last season with a wrist injury, but averaged 35 homers in the seven previous seasons. Don’t expect that many homers in cavernous Comerica Park, but his presence in the lineup alone should make an impact.4. Adam Eaton, Philadelphia Phillies
He’s a former first-round pick by Philadelphia, and the Phillies brought him back as a free agent. Eaton, 29, has been slowed by injuries throughout his career, but has always had ace potential. With Brett Myers and Freddy Garcia (another interesting pickup) in the rotation, he doesn’t have to carry the team on his shoulders, either.5. Mike Piazza, Oakland Athletics
It will be interesting to see how the longtime catcher will like being a designated hitter. After 14 seasons in the National League, he brings his 419 career homers to the AL, and won’t take the bumps and bruises behind the plate. He’ll turn 39 this year and assumes the role Frank Thomas played so well for Oakland in 2006.6. Josh Barfield, Cleveland Indians
In a trade that went slightly under the radar, the Indians dealt prospect Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Padres for Barfield, 24, who was quietly productive in 2006 (.280, 13 HR, 21 SB). He must adjust to a new league, but is the middle of a powerful lineup in a hitter-friendly park, Jacobs Field.
More big names in new places
- P Andy Pettitte (Astros to Yankees)
- P Greg Maddux (Dodgers to Padres)
- OF Carlos Lee (Brewers to Astros)
- OF J.D. Drew (Dodgers to Red Sox)
- P Jason Schmidt (Giants to Dodgers)
- P Barry Zito (A’s to Giants)
- P Freddy Garcia (White Sox to Phillies)
- OF Sammy Sosa (out of retirement to Rangers)
