Comparing keepers one year later, part 1

This is the first of a two-part post, analyzing each manager's preseason keepers and how the team stacks up compared to a year ago at this time.

We're looking at this from a short-term stance only, so years remaining will not be taken into account.

First, we look at the Elin Nordegren division.


Andy
Last year: Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Tim Lincecum
This year: Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Yovani Gallardo
Analysis: Clearly, Andy has gone backward in his preseason players. He went from having the top-drafted pitcher to a huge question mark.
Breakdown: Downgraded

Chris
Last year: Carlos Lee, Alex Rodriguez, Brandon Webb
This year: Adrian Gonzalez, Grady Sizemore, Zack Greinke
Analysis: Chris is only one of two managers with three brand new keepers, and I'm sure he's more encouraged about having this threesome.
Breakdown: Upgraded

Hal
Last year: Jose Reyes, Justin Upton, Roy Oswalt
This year: Jose Reyes, Justin Upton, Roy Oswalt
Analysis: Would Hal have been better off getting rid of one of these three? Probably not, since he might be in a rebuilding stage and doesn't want to lose draft picks. Still, having these three this year isn't quite like it was having them last year.
Breakdown: Downgraded

Ken
Last year: Hanley Ramirez, Robinson Cano, Johan Santana
This year: Hanley Ramirez, Cliff Lee, Johan Santana
Analysis: Even though Cano turned into a nice surprise, there's no doubt Ken is in a better position with two of the top pitchers in the game.
Breakdown: Upgraded

Rick
Last year: Albert Pujols, Roy Halladay, CC Sabathia
This year: Albert Pujols, Joe Mauer, CC Sabathia
Analysis: A very interesting decision to keep Sabathia and let Halladay go, although it's certainly hard to argue with keeping Mauer. However, is Ricky really in a better spot now than at this time a year ago? It's an extremely tough call.
Breakdown: Stayed the same

Shea
Last year: Alfonso Soriano, Vlad Guerrero, Ervin Santana
This year: Alex Rodriguez, Justin Morneau, Felix Hernandez
Analysis: Do I even need to say anything more?
Breakdown: Upgraded

Part 2 comes out tomorrow.