LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (Ticker) -- After winning 90-plus games for four consecutive seasons, including 116 in 2001, it has been a tough three years for the Seattle Mariners.
Trying to keep pace with the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim has been a tough task for a club that has lost, on average, 91 games from 2004-06.
Both general manager Bill Bavasi and manager Mike Hargrove are working to turn around the franchise's fortunes, but there are no guarantees.
"How soon it's going to go the direction we want it to, to the extent that we want it to, who knows," Hargrove said. "But it's going the right direction. I mean, we've gone from losing 99 games to losing 91 that one year. We lost 84 last year, so it's going the right direction.
"And sometimes the steps you take are dramatic. You don't go from a last-place finish like Atlanta and Minnesota did in '87, from last to first. Most generally they're baby steps, and that's what it's been for us so far."
Those baby steps are continuing this winter as Seattle surveys the free agent and trade markets, looking to add some substance to his club.
"We actually started the process at the GM meetings last month," Bavasi said. "We're talking to agents, just trying to get something done.
"We would like to add some starting pitching and beef up the bullpen. We also would like to add a bat, a lefthanded bat with big-time power or who could keep innings going. Perhaps a DH-type."
Every team has a list of desires heading into the offseason. Below is a recap of what each American League team has done to this point, what's on the horizon and what may be brewing in the near future.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim WHAT'S DONE: The Angels added center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. and quality setup man Justin Speier through free agency while losing second baseman Adam Kennedy.
WHAT'S LEFT: The Angels are in need of a big bat to complement Vladimir Guerrero, but have been shut out by Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Lee and company. They may have to dip into the talented farm system or give up one of their young pitchers to lure a big bat.
WHAT'S COOKING: The Angels have asked about Colorado first baseman Todd Helton.
Baltimore Orioles WHAT'S DONE: The Birds totally revamped their bullpen with the free agent acquisitions of Jamie Walker, Danys Baez, Chad Bradford and Scott Williamson, and added starter Jaret Wright via trade.
WHAT'S LEFT: Baltimore needs more production at first base and in the outfield. A deal involving first baseman Adam LaRoche from Atlanta fell through and they were turned down by outfielder Luis Gonzalez. Another starter would be beneficial to go with Kris Benson, Erik Bedard, Daniel Cabrera and Wright. They made a late run at Jason Schmidt.
WHAT'S COOKING: An offer to outfielder Jay Payton is on the table and a deal involving starter Rodrigo Lopez is in the works. The club could use Tigers outfielder Marcus Thames or first baseman Chris Shelton.
Boston Red Sox WHAT'S DONE: Money aside, the Red Sox had a wonderful winter meetings, nabbing outfielder J.D. Drew and shortstop Julio Lugo off the free agent wire. It also appears that their ill-advised attempt to trade slugger Manny Ramirez has run its course. Boston also brought in Japanese lefthander Hideki Okajima to fill a specialist role and its rotation was buoyed by the great news that lefthander Jon Lester is cancer-free and will be ready for spring training.
WHAT'S LEFT: With Ramirez off the block, Boston seems set at all positions except closer, where Mike Timlin remains the top in-house option.
WHAT'S COOKING: The Red Sox face a December 14 deadline to sign Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Japanese righthander they bid $51 million for. This will give Boston the deepest and perhaps best rotation in the league. Righthanded reliever Eric Gagne would be the perfect Christmas present for the Sox.
Chicago White Sox WHAT'S DONE: Chicago dealt righthander Freddy Garcia to Philadelphia, lapping $10 million off its payroll while adding two solid young pitchers in righthander Gavin Floyd and lefthander Gio Gonzalez. The Sox re-signed utility man Pablo Ozuna and sent lefthander Neal Cotts to the Cubs.
WHAT'S LEFT: The club could use a better center field option than Brian Anderson, Rob Mackowiak or rookie Ryan Sweeney and have an interesting bargaining chip in third-base prospect Josh Fields.
WHAT'S COOKING: Rumors have the Sox looking at outfielders Rocco Baldelli of Tampa Bay and Willy Taveras of Houston, but the likely asking price of Jon Garland or Brandon McCarthy is too high.
Cleveland Indians WHAT'S DONE: The Indians brought in second baseman Josh Barfield from San Diego and a foursome of free agents in outfielder David Dellucci and relievers Joe Borowski, Aaron Fultz and Roberto Hernandez.
WHAT'S LEFT: Although GM Mark Shapiro has done a good job addressing his porous bullpen, he still wants another front-line back-end reliever. The Tribe seems set in position players and starting rotation.
WHAT'S COOKING: Cleveland has its sights set on free agents Octavio Dotel, Keith Foulke and Gagne, but also has the depth to seek a reliever in a trade.
Detroit Tigers WHAT'S DONE: Detroit addressed its biggest need for a stud run producer with its trade for outfielder Gary Sheffield from the Yankees. The Tigers also brought back first baseman Sean Casey, a good clubhouse man.
WHAT'S LEFT: Detroit would like to add a lefthanded reliever to replace Walker and a bat off he bench, but neither need is pressing.
WHAT'S COOKING: If 2006 first-rounder Andrew Miller develops, the need for a lefthanded reliever becomes mute. Southpaws Ron Villone or Scott Schoeneweis could land here as well.
Kansas City Royals WHAT'S DONE: In desperate need for starting pitchers, the Royals signed free agent Gil Meche and added Brian Bannister from the New York Mets in a trade for Ambiorix Burgos. Catcher Jason LaRue gives the club a capable backup for John Buck. Overweight Runelvys Hernandez was sent packing.
WHAT'S LEFT: The Royals need to continue to upgrade their entire pitching staff, but specifically they need a closer and more starting pitching.
WHAT'S COOKING: They've made an offer to righthander Miguel Batista and are looking at even more starters on the market. Foulke or Dotel could work here also.
New York Yankees WHAT'S DONE: The Yanks freed up some cash to re-sign righthander Mike Mussina by trading away Sheffield and Wright. They also won the bidding process for Japanese lefthander Kei Igawa, a potential back-end starter.
WHAT'S LEFT: Signing Igawa and adding another starting pitcher is the No. 1 need. Perhaps Rule 5 pick Josh Phelps will provide the righthanded-hitting first baseman that allows Jason Giambi to DH. New York needs a utility infielder and fifth outfielder, leaving Miguel Cairo and Bernie Williams in holding patterns.
WHAT'S COOKING: After losing out on lefthander Ted Lilly, New York is in hot pursuit of former pinstriper Andy Pettitte. Could an offer to Roger Clemens or Barry Zito be far behind?
Oakland Athletics WHAT'S DONE: The A's lost lefthander Barry Zito and designated hitter Frank Thomas to free agency and signed southpaw Alan Embree and DH Mike Piazza.
WHAT'S NEXT: Oakland will try to replace Zito from a combination of Kirk Saarloos, Brad Halsey, Joe Kennedy or Jerome Williams in spring training.
WHAT'S COOKING: The Christmas turkey. Oakland isn't pursuing much.
Seattle Mariners WHAT'S DONE: Signed outfielder Jose Guillen and acquired lefthanded starter Horacio Ramirez from Atlanta for reliever Rafael Soriano.
WHAT'S LEFT: GM Bill Bavasi is searching for more starting pitching, a lefthanded bat with power and a righthanded-hitting DH to platoon with Ben Broussard.
WHAT'S COOKING: The M's are floating third baseman Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson just about everywhere. They still need two starters behind righthander Felix Hernandez and lefthanders Jarrod Washburn and Ramirez.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays WHAT'S DONE: The Devil Rays released reliever Tyler Walker this season and won the bidding process for Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura.
WHAT'S LEFT: The starting rotation could use a few arms and the bullpen needs several upgrades. GM Andrew Friedman has a surplus of young hitters to dangle as trade bait.
WHAT'S COOKING: Baldelli seems the most logical youngster Friedman will deal. There's plenty of interest from Florida and Atlanta among others.
Toronto Blue Jays WHAT'S DONE: The Jays brought in Thomas, shortstop Royce Clayton and re-signed catcher Gregg Zaun.
WHAT'S LEFT: GM J.P. Ricciardi needs a couple of starters behind Roy Halladay, A.J. Burnett and Gustavo Chacin and was hopeful to land either Meche or Lilly. Star outfielder Vernon Wells is in the last year of his contract and the Jays need to decide what to do with him. He could fetch the pitching the team needs.
WHAT'S COOKING: Ricciardi will have to re-examine the free agent market for starters and may look toward Dodgers righthander Brad Penny, who can be had for the right price.
Trying to keep pace with the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim has been a tough task for a club that has lost, on average, 91 games from 2004-06.
Both general manager Bill Bavasi and manager Mike Hargrove are working to turn around the franchise's fortunes, but there are no guarantees.
"How soon it's going to go the direction we want it to, to the extent that we want it to, who knows," Hargrove said. "But it's going the right direction. I mean, we've gone from losing 99 games to losing 91 that one year. We lost 84 last year, so it's going the right direction.
"And sometimes the steps you take are dramatic. You don't go from a last-place finish like Atlanta and Minnesota did in '87, from last to first. Most generally they're baby steps, and that's what it's been for us so far."
Those baby steps are continuing this winter as Seattle surveys the free agent and trade markets, looking to add some substance to his club.
"We actually started the process at the GM meetings last month," Bavasi said. "We're talking to agents, just trying to get something done.
"We would like to add some starting pitching and beef up the bullpen. We also would like to add a bat, a lefthanded bat with big-time power or who could keep innings going. Perhaps a DH-type."
Every team has a list of desires heading into the offseason. Below is a recap of what each American League team has done to this point, what's on the horizon and what may be brewing in the near future.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim WHAT'S DONE: The Angels added center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. and quality setup man Justin Speier through free agency while losing second baseman Adam Kennedy.
WHAT'S LEFT: The Angels are in need of a big bat to complement Vladimir Guerrero, but have been shut out by Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Lee and company. They may have to dip into the talented farm system or give up one of their young pitchers to lure a big bat.
WHAT'S COOKING: The Angels have asked about Colorado first baseman Todd Helton.
Baltimore Orioles WHAT'S DONE: The Birds totally revamped their bullpen with the free agent acquisitions of Jamie Walker, Danys Baez, Chad Bradford and Scott Williamson, and added starter Jaret Wright via trade.
WHAT'S LEFT: Baltimore needs more production at first base and in the outfield. A deal involving first baseman Adam LaRoche from Atlanta fell through and they were turned down by outfielder Luis Gonzalez. Another starter would be beneficial to go with Kris Benson, Erik Bedard, Daniel Cabrera and Wright. They made a late run at Jason Schmidt.
WHAT'S COOKING: An offer to outfielder Jay Payton is on the table and a deal involving starter Rodrigo Lopez is in the works. The club could use Tigers outfielder Marcus Thames or first baseman Chris Shelton.
Boston Red Sox WHAT'S DONE: Money aside, the Red Sox had a wonderful winter meetings, nabbing outfielder J.D. Drew and shortstop Julio Lugo off the free agent wire. It also appears that their ill-advised attempt to trade slugger Manny Ramirez has run its course. Boston also brought in Japanese lefthander Hideki Okajima to fill a specialist role and its rotation was buoyed by the great news that lefthander Jon Lester is cancer-free and will be ready for spring training.
WHAT'S LEFT: With Ramirez off the block, Boston seems set at all positions except closer, where Mike Timlin remains the top in-house option.
WHAT'S COOKING: The Red Sox face a December 14 deadline to sign Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Japanese righthander they bid $51 million for. This will give Boston the deepest and perhaps best rotation in the league. Righthanded reliever Eric Gagne would be the perfect Christmas present for the Sox.
Chicago White Sox WHAT'S DONE: Chicago dealt righthander Freddy Garcia to Philadelphia, lapping $10 million off its payroll while adding two solid young pitchers in righthander Gavin Floyd and lefthander Gio Gonzalez. The Sox re-signed utility man Pablo Ozuna and sent lefthander Neal Cotts to the Cubs.
WHAT'S LEFT: The club could use a better center field option than Brian Anderson, Rob Mackowiak or rookie Ryan Sweeney and have an interesting bargaining chip in third-base prospect Josh Fields.
WHAT'S COOKING: Rumors have the Sox looking at outfielders Rocco Baldelli of Tampa Bay and Willy Taveras of Houston, but the likely asking price of Jon Garland or Brandon McCarthy is too high.
Cleveland Indians WHAT'S DONE: The Indians brought in second baseman Josh Barfield from San Diego and a foursome of free agents in outfielder David Dellucci and relievers Joe Borowski, Aaron Fultz and Roberto Hernandez.
WHAT'S LEFT: Although GM Mark Shapiro has done a good job addressing his porous bullpen, he still wants another front-line back-end reliever. The Tribe seems set in position players and starting rotation.
WHAT'S COOKING: Cleveland has its sights set on free agents Octavio Dotel, Keith Foulke and Gagne, but also has the depth to seek a reliever in a trade.
Detroit Tigers WHAT'S DONE: Detroit addressed its biggest need for a stud run producer with its trade for outfielder Gary Sheffield from the Yankees. The Tigers also brought back first baseman Sean Casey, a good clubhouse man.
WHAT'S LEFT: Detroit would like to add a lefthanded reliever to replace Walker and a bat off he bench, but neither need is pressing.
WHAT'S COOKING: If 2006 first-rounder Andrew Miller develops, the need for a lefthanded reliever becomes mute. Southpaws Ron Villone or Scott Schoeneweis could land here as well.
Kansas City Royals WHAT'S DONE: In desperate need for starting pitchers, the Royals signed free agent Gil Meche and added Brian Bannister from the New York Mets in a trade for Ambiorix Burgos. Catcher Jason LaRue gives the club a capable backup for John Buck. Overweight Runelvys Hernandez was sent packing.
WHAT'S LEFT: The Royals need to continue to upgrade their entire pitching staff, but specifically they need a closer and more starting pitching.
WHAT'S COOKING: They've made an offer to righthander Miguel Batista and are looking at even more starters on the market. Foulke or Dotel could work here also.
New York Yankees WHAT'S DONE: The Yanks freed up some cash to re-sign righthander Mike Mussina by trading away Sheffield and Wright. They also won the bidding process for Japanese lefthander Kei Igawa, a potential back-end starter.
WHAT'S LEFT: Signing Igawa and adding another starting pitcher is the No. 1 need. Perhaps Rule 5 pick Josh Phelps will provide the righthanded-hitting first baseman that allows Jason Giambi to DH. New York needs a utility infielder and fifth outfielder, leaving Miguel Cairo and Bernie Williams in holding patterns.
WHAT'S COOKING: After losing out on lefthander Ted Lilly, New York is in hot pursuit of former pinstriper Andy Pettitte. Could an offer to Roger Clemens or Barry Zito be far behind?
Oakland Athletics WHAT'S DONE: The A's lost lefthander Barry Zito and designated hitter Frank Thomas to free agency and signed southpaw Alan Embree and DH Mike Piazza.
WHAT'S NEXT: Oakland will try to replace Zito from a combination of Kirk Saarloos, Brad Halsey, Joe Kennedy or Jerome Williams in spring training.
WHAT'S COOKING: The Christmas turkey. Oakland isn't pursuing much.
Seattle Mariners WHAT'S DONE: Signed outfielder Jose Guillen and acquired lefthanded starter Horacio Ramirez from Atlanta for reliever Rafael Soriano.
WHAT'S LEFT: GM Bill Bavasi is searching for more starting pitching, a lefthanded bat with power and a righthanded-hitting DH to platoon with Ben Broussard.
WHAT'S COOKING: The M's are floating third baseman Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson just about everywhere. They still need two starters behind righthander Felix Hernandez and lefthanders Jarrod Washburn and Ramirez.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays WHAT'S DONE: The Devil Rays released reliever Tyler Walker this season and won the bidding process for Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura.
WHAT'S LEFT: The starting rotation could use a few arms and the bullpen needs several upgrades. GM Andrew Friedman has a surplus of young hitters to dangle as trade bait.
WHAT'S COOKING: Baldelli seems the most logical youngster Friedman will deal. There's plenty of interest from Florida and Atlanta among others.
Toronto Blue Jays WHAT'S DONE: The Jays brought in Thomas, shortstop Royce Clayton and re-signed catcher Gregg Zaun.
WHAT'S LEFT: GM J.P. Ricciardi needs a couple of starters behind Roy Halladay, A.J. Burnett and Gustavo Chacin and was hopeful to land either Meche or Lilly. Star outfielder Vernon Wells is in the last year of his contract and the Jays need to decide what to do with him. He could fetch the pitching the team needs.
WHAT'S COOKING: Ricciardi will have to re-examine the free agent market for starters and may look toward Dodgers righthander Brad Penny, who can be had for the right price.
