Three up, three down after offseason moves

Looking at the National League East standings, it’s harder and harder to remember that there was a time last offseason when some of us wondered if the Phillies were going to back up their words with action. Some early offseason report cards haven’t aged well.

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto can sympathize. He, too, got a good thrashing for what seemed like a roster rebuild that some thought might take the franchise out of contention for a year or two. Turns out, maybe not.

Likewise, it’s way too early to dismiss the moves that haven’t paid off. We’re not going to do that. We’re just going to point out that some offseason decisions remain a work in progress.

Here goes:

THREE THAT ARE WORKING

1) Phillies' makeover

This 6-2 start is the franchise’s best since 2011, which was also the most recent time the Phillies won the NL East. Even before Bryce Harper signed -- and he has gotten off to the kind of start (1.402 OPS) the Phillies dreamed of -- the team had undergone one of the most dramatic offensive makeovers in recent seasons, making serious upgrades at catcher (J.T. Realmuto), shortstop (Jean Segura) and the outfield (Andrew McCutchen). Did we mention the signing of reliever David Robertson? The results have also been dramatic, from 21st in runs per game (4.2) last season to fourth (6.6) entering play Monday, and from 22nd in OPS (.707) to sixth (.847).

2) Mariners' new offense

The 9-2 Mariners are leading the American League in OPS (.917), and they have scored 34 more runs and hit seven more home runs than any other team in the league thus far after Dipoto’s whirlwind remake to add new starters at six of nine everyday positions, including shortstop Tim Beckham (1.314 OPS), outfielder Domingo Santana (1.037) and DH Edwin Encarnacion (.947 OPS). Lefty Yusei Kikuchi, a free-agent pickup, has added a quality arm to the rotation.

3) Mets' bats

The Mets' (6-3) offense has improved by 1.6 runs per game, which is partly a tribute to an infusion of prospects (first basemen Pete Alonso and Dominic Smith and utility man Jeff McNeil). But new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen’s acquisitions improved the Mets at second base (Robinson Cano), catcher (Wilson Ramos), outfield (Keon Broxton) and infield (J.D. Davis). Anchoring the bullpen with baseball’s best closer, Edwin Diaz, has paid off as well.

THREE THAT ARE WORKS IN PROGRESS

1) Nationals' bullpen

We loudly applauded general manager Mike Rizzo’s construction of what appeared to be a rock-solid relief corps with the additions of Trevor Rosenthal, Kyle Barraclough and Tony Sipp. Those three surely could get the baseball into the hands of closer Sean Doolittle and strengthen what had been the franchise’s perennial weakness. All those moves still may work out. So far, though, it hasn’t worked. Washington’s bullpen has a 10.80 ERA -- the worst in Major League Baseball -- and manager Davey Martinez was forced to use Doolittle against the Mets on Sunday in a contest the Nationals led, 12-1, in the seventh inning. They held on to win 12-9. Craig Kimbrel anyone?

2) Indians' offense

All offseason, there were rumors the Indians would trade one of their starting pitchers-- perhaps even ace Corey Kluber -- for a hitter. Alex Verdugo of the Dodgers and Nick Senzel of the Reds were frequently mentioned as potential targets. But the Indians kept one of baseball’s best rotations intact, gambling that the additions of Jake Bauers, Carlos Santana and Hanley Ramirez would be enough. Maybe they still will be, but so far the mix isn’t working. Injuries to shortstop Francisco Lindor and second baseman Jason Kipnis haven’t helped, either. The Indians are 29th in OPS (.535) and home runs (four), and 26th in runs (30). That they’re still 6-3 is a tribute to that great pitching staff.

3. Cubs' bullpen

The Cubs resisted any temptation to sign Kimbrel, even knowing closer Brandon Morrow would miss the opening weeks (or months) of the season after undergoing offseason right elbow surgery. He did not throw a pitch after July 15 last season. So far, it has been a nightmarish opening, with an 8.37 bullpen ERA, second-worst in the big leagues. Right-hander Brad Brach, an offseason free-agent signing, has pitched well, but little else has worked during a 2-7 start.