Instant Impact

Instant Impact

Johnny Damon

Ben Margot/AP

As a member of the rival Boston Red Sox, Damon always had a knack for hitting well at Yankee Stadium, now the Yankee centerfielder will play 81 games in the Bronx, where he will hope to take advantage of the 314 ft. wall in right field.

Jim Thome

Jeff Roberson/AP

Acquired in a trade with the Phillies for CF Aaron Rowand, Thome will make the defending champs even stronger. He had an injury plagued season last year in Philadelphia, but now that he is healthy he could be one of the most dangerous power hitters in the AL.

Carlos Delgado

Frank Franklin/AP

The Mets were the biggest spender in the offseason and the former Marlin 1B might be their best catch. Now playing in Shea Stadium, Delgado looks to repeat his 33 HR, 115 RBI performance of last year. He adds more experience and power to a team filled with young stars.

Alfonso Soriano

Kathy WIllens/AP

In 2005, Soriano played 2B for the Texas Rangers, but since the Nats already have All-Star Jose Vidro at 2nd, Soriano has moved to left where fielding could be a concern for manager Frank Robinson. In any event, Soriano's speed and power numbers should be a hit with the crowd at RFK Stadium.

Frank Thomas

Ben Margot/AP

The A's took a big risk signing this moody and often-injured veteran in the offseason. "The Big Hurt" won't play the field but if he stays healthy, he's sure to hit the long ball like he did in his All-Star years with the White Sox.

Juan Pierre

Brad Mangin/AP

The speedy Pierre stole 57 bases as a Marlin in 2005. Now playing in historic Wrigley Field, he hopes to do the same for the Cubs while also using his speed to patrol the outfield.

Josh Beckett

LM Otero/AP

MVP of the 2003 World Series, Beckett is bringing his skills to Fenway Park where he will pitch alongside '01 Series MVP Curt Schilling. A powerful Sox lineup will give him plenty of run support, and if he can stay healthy he could become a 20-game winner.

BJ Ryan

Adrian Wyld/AP

In 2005, Ryan racked up 36 saves as a member of the Baltimore Orioles. Now with a new team in the the AL East, he hopes to do the same for the Jays. Ryan, along with starters Roy Halladay and AJ Burnett will all be key if Toronto wants to grab the AL wild card.

Billy Wagner

Kathy Willens/AP

Closer Braden Looper couldn't get the job done for the Mets last year, so they signed the hard-throwing lefty who had 38 saves and a 1.51 E.R.A. last season for the Phillies. The 2nd best closer in New York, Wagner could emerge as one of baseball's best in '06.

Matt Morris

Denis Poroy/AP

Coming off of a 14-win season last year with St. Louis, Morris has headed to the bay area to join Barry Bonds and the NL West-contending Giants. Alongside Jason Schmidt, Noah Lowry and a solid bullpen, the Giants could have the best arms in the division.

Jarrod Washburn

Elaine Thompson/AP

As a member of the Mariners, Washburn is looking to bounce back this season after earning only eight wins in 2005. Manager Mike Hargrove loves his new veteran pitcher and hopes he can win 18 games like he did in 2002 with the Angels.

Bronson Arroyo

Al Behrman/SI

Recently acquired in a trade with the Red Sox, Arroyo has a chance to shine in Cincinnati where he could easily surpass Aaron Harang and Brandon Claussen. He knows what it feels like to win, which is key for a staff of young arms.