We’re rounding out the remaining team grades, with the exception of the “Big Three” in the AL East.

Atlanta Braves

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Derek Lowe acquisition, and I haven’t been blown away by what I’ve read about Kenshin Kawakami, but when it comes to building a starting rotation, the Braves management regime deserves the benefit of the doubt.  If future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones stays healthy, he’ll be a run-producing machine and will adequately compensate for the shortfalls of guys like Jeff Francoeur and Garret Anderson.

Rotation: B
Bullpen: C
Offense: B-
Fielding: C+
OVERALL: 66.8 (B-)

Chicago Cubs

The only weakness in Chicago’s lineup is the 9th spot (the pitcher).  With Rich Harden apparently healthy, the window for breaking that 100+ year drought is wide open.

Rotation: A-
Bullpen: B-
Offense: A-
Fielding: C-
OVERALL: 82 (B+)

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The only significant changes to the 2008 team were essentially swapping Mark Teixeira and Francisco Rodriguez for Bobby Abreu and Brian Fuentes. So, the Angels head into the season a little weaker than last year.  Fortunately, they are in a weak division.

Rotation: B
Bullpen: A-
Offense: C+
Fielding: B-
OVERALL: 68.6 (B-)

New York Mets

Last season, the Mets were cursed with a terrible bullpen, but they certainly remedied that over the winter.  I’m not on board with the amount of money spent on “K-Rod”, but he and J.J. Putz provide an immediate improvement over their one true weakness from the previous year.  At the very least, the move will help them immensely in the short term.

Rotation: B-
Bullpen: A-
Offense: B+
Fielding: B+
OVERALL: 77.2 (B+/B)

Pittsburgh Pirates

It’s good to see Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen both with regular MLB roles.  Well, good for me.  Bad for Pirates fans.

Rotation: C-
Bullpen: D+
Offense: C-
Fielding: C+
OVERALL: 46.6 (C-)

St. Louis Cardinals

All eyes will be on former ace Chris Carpenter, as he is apparently healthy heading into the season.  Without him, the rotation goes from decent to questionable.

Rotation: B-
Bullpen: B
Offense: A-
Fielding: C-
OVERALL: 77.1 (B+/B)

Texas Rangers

One of the benefits of growing up in Johnston, Rhode Island: I can spell “Saltalamacchia” without looking it up.  Salty and Chris Davis should begin to make names for themselves in 2009, but rookie shortstop Elvis Andrus might be the worst regular hitter in the Major Leagues this year.

Rotation: D-
Bullpen: B-
Offense: B-
Fielding: D+
OVERALL: 53.7 (C)

Washington Nationals

They’ll score quite a few runs.  Alas, they will yield quite a few more.

Rotation: D
Bullpen: D+
Offense: B
Fielding: C
OVERALL: 55.9 (C)

Next up, the Rays.

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