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The 2012-13 MLB offseason has had its share of surprises.

One of the biggest surprises this offseason was the Los Angeles Angels signing of Josh Hamilton to a five-year, $125 million contract.

Surprising because, it seemed the Angels were relegated to bystander status after spending a combined $317 million on the Albert Pujois and C.J. Wilson contracts during the 2011 offseason.

Surprising because, the Texas Rangers allowed Hamilton to leave the club and join an AL West rival.

With the clock ticking down to the beginning of Spring Training, General Manager Jack Zduriencik and the Seattle Mariners continue to search high and low for ways to improve their roster.

The Boston Red Sox made several free-agent signings so far this offseason. The moves have transformed the team from losers to borderline contenders in 2013.

However, if Ben Cherington truly wants to get back to playing in October, he will have to make at least one significant trade.

The Red Sox still have holes to fill for both the short and long term.

Fortunately, the farm system seems to be somewhat stocked with talent that is close to major league-ready.

This talent allows them to make trades for impact players.

Fans of MLB teams in seven cities are buzzing with offseason excitement.

They are debating the order of a lineup featuring new faces and discussing the realignment of a fresh-starting rotation and bullpen.

What has turned out to be a very active MLB offseason has shaken (not stirred) the rosters of nearly all 30 teams and, in some cases, raised expectations to astronomical levels.

What will happen in Los Angeles if the Dodgers miss the playoffs?

With the spring season edging closer every day, draft talk is beginning to heat up as each organization quietly evaluates the top talent in the 2013 class. However, the format has already endured a significant change, as the qualifying offer system under the new collective bargaining agreement will deprive two teams of a first-round pick.

This was an offseason where the New York Mets needed to upgrade at several positions.

It is January 1, however, and they have only managed to lose a 20-game winner in R.A. Dickey. Could their lack of infusion of talent actually benefit them in the future?

A case can be made that the Mets were best suited to not acquire one of the top-tiered free agents in order to provide the most roster flexibility entering 2014.

Starting rotations are the great equalizer in baseball.

No matter how potent a team's lineup, how its starting pitchers perform is the deciding factor in whether it will be successful over the course of the regular season.

A strong rotation not only keeps the score down, but it doesn't force the manager to overuse the bullpen, keeping relievers fresh and rested down the stretch.

The Toronto Blue Jays are well on their way to a successful 2013 campaign.

At least, that's what the unbiased Vegas ratings are saying, honoring the Blue Jays as 8-1 favorites to bring the World Series back north of the border. 

General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has been pressured for years to make a significant move to bolster the team's chances.

The Boston Red Sox had a terrible 2012 season with a 69-93 record. The upper management hope to bounce back with a new manager and new veteran players to get back into the postseason in 2013.

The Red Sox not only need to win more games, but pitchers and batters need to to step it up in 2013 if the team has any chance of making the playoffs.

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Since the conclusion of Game 4 of the 2012 World Series, it’s been non-stop action in the front offices of MLB franchises.

Teams have been working diligently to improve their clubs for 2013 and beyond through free agency and trades. Thus far, an MVP award winner—Josh Hamilton—and two Cy Young Award winners—R.A. Dickey and Zack Greinke—have switched homes.