The offseason mayhem has SWUNG into action. Many teams have signed new players and made crucial trades to further enhance their chances of gaining the World Series Trophy.
The New York Yankees have recently signed the former Red Sox centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury to a seven-year $153 million, which has caused a stir in the large fan base of hardcore Boston fans.In the past, the New York Yankees have been known to offer vast amounts of money for star Red Sox players such as Johnny Damon in 2006, Babe Ruth in 1920, and Roger Clemens in 1999. These trades only end in heartbreak for the die-hard Bostonians, and sheer excitement from New Yorkers.
The Yankees star second baseman, Robinson Cano, signed with the Seattle Mariners for a $240 million 10-year contract after spending 8 years with the team. Cano is set to start for the Mariners starting in the 2014 season, and continuing until he reaches the age of 40.
These unexpected signings and trades are causing quite a stir in the MLB. Many fans are upset with the so called “betrayal” of their beloved players to different teams this offseason, and are hoping that this sort of trend will not continue in the future.
Other notable trades occurred such as the former Yankee Curtis Granderson to the New York Mets, the former Cardinal Carlos Beltran to the Yankees, and Tigers short stop Jhonny Peralta to the Cardinals.
As teams begin to rebuild their rosters, some players are trying to find the team that is the right fit for them. Free agents in the league such as the Cleveland Indians Starting Pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez, and the Red Sox short stop Stephen Drew could be valuable assets for teams competing for the championship.
The question arises whether or not players should go for the money or for the wins. In recent history, players have been known to lean towards the money rather than go to a team that would help them win. Players are criticized for these money-hungry moves and are often looked down upon, but in reality, the players are just doing do whatever it takes to improve their career.
Regardless of the money and controversy involved in the MLB offseason, the mayhem allows for the league to be more and more exciting, it makes the season exhilarating to watch.