World Series won in the offseason?

For more than 100 years, baseball was America's game. Swinging a skinny piece of wood at a ball thrown at them won over the hearts of millions of people, and gave kids something to do in the streets, and grown men something to do when not at war. It was a hot summers day with father and son sitting in the bleachers. It was a sunday afternoon in the park after church. It was a game that men played while trying to find the little boy within himself.

Like everything in life, change comes into play. Before, dynasties were built. Now they are bought. Players would come up through the farm system and spend 15 years with the club that they were always a part of. Kids could wear a jersey of their favorite player, and actually wear the same jersey the following year. A trade of a superstar was enough to stir up the thoughts of a curse and superstition. Now, its just a common occurrence.

So what moves were made this year that may impact the championship in October? Let's take a look at the 5 that I believe will have the most impact.

5. Jason Bay, NYM - On paper, the New York Mets should be the team to beat in the National League. They have one of the games best starting pitchers, statistically the best closer, and young talent who can run and hit for power up and down the lineup. Yet year after year, they find away to avoid the playoffs. Jason Bay coming over to give them a solid force in the middle of the lineup may be enough for them to challenge Philadelphia if the Phillies were to stumble.

4. Cliff Lee, SEA - He wins a Cy Young in Cleveland and he gets sent out of town. He goes to Philadelphia and becomes their ace on way to bringing them back to the World Series... and he gets sent out of town. In a league where a dominant left handed starter is so valuable, why would you let this guy get away? Now you pair him up with Felix Hernandez and Erik Bedard to throw in front of one of the best defenses in baseball? I look for the Mariners to win the AL West easily this year.

3. Curtis Granderson, NYY - So the Yankees finally won in the postseason again, so their team was built right? Nope. Time to get younger, stronger, and faster. So go out and get one of the best centerfielders in the game. Oh, and he just happens to be left handed coming to the new Yankee Stadium. 30 home runs and 50 steals later, the Yanks will be fine without Jesus Damon or Godzilla Matsui

2. John Lackey, BOS - Everyone knows that its a given that the Yankees will win the AL East again, right? Someone needs to tell the Boston Red Sox, because they went out and signed one of the best free agent pitchers to hit the market in the last decade. This guy knows how to win on winning teams. And he has yet to give up a walk or a run in spring training. Beckett-Lester-Lackey in the postseason..... good luck!

1. Roy Halladay, PHI - The Phillies really liked winning the World Series, and playing there last year just wasn't good enough. So they went out and got the best pitcher in baseball over the last 10 years. Granted, they chose to give up Lee when they got Doc, but this guy is the most dominant work horse on the mound that you could ever ask for. He is the definition of consistency, and he is the key to the Phillies standing on top of the mountain once again.