Movin' Out: Players in New Cities for '08

Now that the hot stove season is behind us and spring training has begun, we can take a look at some of the player acquisitions that will make the biggest impact in the upcoming year.

Miguel Cabrera New Team: Detroit Tigers Acquired via trade from Florida Marlins

Cabrera established himself as one of the top hitters in baseball in pitcher-friendly Joe Robbie Stadium (or Dolphin Stadium for the uninitiated) and basically performed his way out of Florida. While Comerica Park is another pitcher's stadium, Cabrera should have a field day in the middle of a Detroit lineup that was already one of the most formidable in the majors. With an outstanding leadoff hitter like Curtis Granderson, followed by Placido Polanco, Magglio Ordonez, and Gary Sheffield, Cabrera will have plenty of RBI opportunities. Detroit payed a steep price for Miggy, unloading what was left of their farm system, but the team wants to win now and the Venezuelan slugger will give them a remarkable chance to do so.

Much has been said about Cabrera's weight and his defense, but neither seem to inhibit his ability to pepper line drives all over the field. His zone rating at third base dwindled to .714 in 2007, which is a drop for Detroit from Brandon Inge's .803. I think after a few game-winning RBI, the Tigers will somehow forget about Cabby's spotty D. Look for these guys in October.

Immediate impact: Instantly made Detroit this year's World Series favorite.
No Bias projection: .325/.410/.545; 32 HR; 136 RBI; 105 R

Johan Santana New Team: New York Mets Acquired via trade from Minnesota Twins

Many were wondering who would win the Santana Sweepstakes, and the New York Mets made the right offer after the Yankees and Red Sox were out of the running. Little needs to be said about Santana's ability to baffle hitters with his nasty stuff. He's had over 230 K's in each of the past four seasons and will no doubt continue that streak in the NL.

Santana saw a spike in some of his numbers in 2007, including a doubling of his losses to 13, allowing 1/3 more homers at 33, and notching his only ERA over 3.00 since 2003. We can expect those numbers to regress to his career averages this year, and Santana will continue to cement his position as the best pitcher in baseball. He will strike fear into the NL East and has a legitimate chance to reach 20 wins in 2008. He may be the final push over the cliff that, along with a healthy Pedro Martinez, can get the Mets into the postseason.

Immediate impact: Gives the Mets the strongest rotation in the NL.
No Bias projection: 225 IP; 18-7; 2.83 ERA; 242 K

Erik Bedard New Team: Seattle Mariners Acquired via trade from Baltimore Orioles

Bedard had an breakout year in 2007, despite missing September with an oblique injury. The left-hander punched out a career-high 221 K's and was the brightest spot in the Orioles' disappointing season. The thrills continued for Baltimore fans as Bedard was recently traded to Seattle, becoming the ace in the M's surprising rotation. It remains to be seen if Bedard can recreate his 2007 performance, but it seems likely that he'll settle in somewhere between his '06 and '07 numbers.

The real message Seattle sent with this trade was that they are bent on seizing the division from the Angels. Last year, they suffered from streaky play and a lack of consistent pitching, finishing 22nd in the majors in ERA. Bedard will take the pressure of carrying the team off of Felix Hernandez, and his ability to go deep in games will give Seattle's offense a great chance to grind out wins. Look out, AL West, there's now a potential strikeout leader to battle.

Immediate impact: Makes the Mariners legitimate contenders in the AL West.
No Bias projection: 196 IP; 16-9; 3.26 ERA; 238 K

Other notable acquisitions:

Andruw Jones to Dodgers: Was last year only an aberration in his otherwise solid career? On-base was his lowest since his rookie year, but RBI totals were still up in '07. Jones will likely get his career back on track in LA in a solid lineup. .256/.330/.480; 28 HR; 108 RBI; 96 R

Jim Edmonds to Padres: Can Edmonds stay healthy for the whole season? Not much offense took place in San Diego last year (20th in the bigs in runs), and the Padres are hoping he can recreate some of his St. Louis magic. No drop-off in defense here from Mike Cameron, but injuries will be the key. 425 AB; .268/.330/.455; 18 HR; 78 RBI; 74 R

Mike Cameron to Brewers: Despite facing a suspension for the first month of the season, Milwaukee took a chance on Cameron. He'll provide Gold Glove defense and decent hitting in the middle of the Brewers' lineup. .255/.330/.450; 19 HR; 80 RBI; 68 R; 22 SB

Dan Haren to Arizona: The Dbacks' rotation gets even stronger with the addition of Haren, who needs to stay healthy in the desert (seeing a theme here?). Brandon Webb-Dan Haren is as good a one-two punch as you'll find in the NL. Now if they could score some runs...

Scott Rolen to Blue Jays, Troy Glaus to Cardinals: Toronto and St. Louis swapped injury-plagued third basemen, each hoping that a chance of scenery will help them turn things around. They won't. Look for them to tow the line.