Opinion

Once the Boston Red Sox figure things out with Mike Napoli—they may need to get the UN involved soon—all the big items on their offseason checklist will have been taken care of.

One of the most surprising developments of the MLB offseason was the Chicago Cubs' pursuit of free-agent pitcher Anibal Sanchez.

The Cubs' interest didn't result in signing Sanchez and adding him to the top of their starting rotation. But offering a five-year, $77 million contract did make a statement of purpose to the other 29 MLB teams and any players deciding where to take their talents. 

The Texas Rangers find themselves in a tough spot. They're running out of ways to make short-term upgrades, but they don't want to make any moves that would compromise their bright future.

If general manager Jon Daniels is overcome by an urge to shore up the club's short-term future, he's likely to do so with an impact trade rather than an impact free-agent signing. That's partially because the free-agent market now features fewer stars than a found footage movie.

At the MLB Free Agent Bar and Night Club, it is 1:50 a.m. The bartender rang the bell for last call 20 minutes ago, and the "ugly lights" just came up. For Ruben Amaro Jr. and the Philadelphia Phillies, there is still time to leave with someone...but the clock is ticking.

Most of the really prime targets have gone home with someone else.

The Cincinnati Reds won the National League Central in 2012, but the team still has some weaknesses entering the 2013 season.

After being up two games to none against the San Francisco Giants, then losing three straight games at home in Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati Reds fans and team members were left with a bitter taste in their mouths at the end of last season.

The Seattle Mariners need more offensive production if they are going to compete in the American League West.

What was anticipated as being a big offseason for the Seattle Mariners has been anything but. To this point, Seattle has re-signed pitchers Oliver Pérez and Hisashi Iwakuma, traded for Robert Andino and Kendrys Morales, and signed free-agent outfielders Jason Bay and Raúl Ibañez.

The Josh Hamilton's and Zack Greinke's of the world are off the free-agent market, but there are still some quality guys available.

Why are quality guys still available?

It's a mixture of things that serve to complicate the situation. One major hurdle is the draft-pick compensation baggage. Some players that have turned down qualifying offers from their 2012 club, require the surrender of a draft pick for other teams to sign them.

Age is another concern for teams. Each of the players listed has already turned 30.

The 2012/2013 offseason has seen the Toronto Blue Jays completely overhaul their roster.

Trades with the Marlins and Mets have added three new starters, a new shortstop, a new second baseman and a merry-go-round of catchers. 

Hidden amongst the big names like Dickey, Johnson, Reyes and Buehrle are a few additions that fans and critics have glossed over. Mark Buehrle is still massively underrated in at least one blogger's opinion, but you can only say "guaranteed 200+ innings" so many times.