Fansided

5 teams that lost the MLB offseason

By Jackson Shannon

October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) returns to the dugout after being relieved in the seventh inning against New York Mets in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) returns to the dugout after being relieved in the seventh inning against New York Mets in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 21, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons (19) tags out New York Mets shortstop Wilmer Flores (4) on a steal attempt during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons (19) tags out New York Mets shortstop Wilmer Flores (4) on a steal attempt during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Los Angeles Angels

It has been a relatively quiet offseason for new general manager Billy Eppler, with his biggest move bringing in star shortstop Andrelton Simmons from the Atlanta Braves.

The failure in the Angels’ offseason starts and ends with their failure to understand the importance of good starting pitching. Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson are not quality starting pitchers at this point in their careers and cannot be relied on as they once were.

Yet again the Angels missed on the big-ticket starting pitchers and traded away two of their top pitching prospects in Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis. The left-handed Newcomb, the Angels first-round pick in 2014 is listed as the 19th-best prospect according to MLB.com and features a fastball in the mid-90s, two quality breaking pitches in the form of a curveball and slider, and a plus change-up. All signs point to a quick rise to the big leagues and a successful tenure at the highest level.

The Angels will win a lot of games thanks to their star-studded lineup and good defense but their downfall will be in their pitching staff. The Simmons trade will be closely monitored. Every general manager wants to make an initial splash and time will tell if trading away top pitching prospects Newcomb and Ellis will be the right move.

Next: 3. San Diego Padres

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