A year ago, following a devastating final-weekend collapse that kept them out of the 2009 playoffs, the Tigers built their offseason around one major trade — sending beloved center fielder Curtis Granderson to the Bronx in a three-way deal that netted four young players.

Just a little longer. That’s the mantra this season in Kansas City, where GM Dayton Moore and his staff have built what is viewed by many as the game’s best farm system. It’s easy to be skeptical. The plea for patience is the one constant, along with losing, over the last generation. But indications everywhere suggest this time might be different.

Four American League teams had four hitters with at least 70 RBIs last season. Three of those teams made the playoffs. The White Sox were the team left out.

Some good news: The Indians aren’t likely to finish in fourth place once again. The bad news: This team appears headed for last place in the AL Central — one spot below the seemingly always-rebuilding Royals.

The Red Sox offseason registered on the Richter Scale, and the team hopes the aftershocks reverberate through October.

The Orioles never got out of the gate last season, starting out 2–16 and going through three managers. They’ve suffered 13 straight losing seasons, and attendance continues to fall at Camden Yards. However, optimism arrived along with Buck Showalter, who led the team to a 34–23 finish. He brought instant credibility and an injection of energy.

If the goal of the offseason is to make bold moves that attract attention, the Nationals certainly succeeded. They grabbed headlines around the baseball world by signing former Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth to a seven-year, $126 million contract.