It’s a hard time to be a baseball fan: the “hot stove” is cooling down, pitchers and catchers still have a few weeks, and MLB: The Show 12 doesn’t release for another month. While we wait, let’s take a quick look at those teams you will most likely want to control when your fire up your PS3 on Mar. 6.

The following list isn’t necessarily composed of the best, most popular or most promising teams. These five teams are simply the ones that feature the biggest and most exciting signings, trades and roster moves from this off-season.

Texas Rangers

If there is one player I’m looking forward to seeing in The Show, it would be Texas’ Yu Darvish. His imported numbers are astounding, and it will be interesting to see how they translate to both the real and virtual American game.

You will also get to test out a starting Neftali Feliz, see what Joe Nathan has left and scare opposing pitchers with a line-up that is stacked from top to bottom.

The Angels only signed the best hitter in the game in the off-season, NBD

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

An easy choice, really. Adding the best player in baseball in Albert Pujols sort of guarantees them a spot on this list. Of course, they also added C.J. Wilson, a highly coveted free agent starter. Besides these surprising moves, the Angels still have a solid outfield, including the young Mike Trout, and another ace in Jered Weaver.

If you are curious to see how much impact one everyday player has on a line-up, you will want to give the Angels a go come March.

Detroit Tigers

Much like the Angels, their signing of a top free agent really changes the make-up of this team. You will get to decide where to slot Miguel Cabrerra and Prince Fielder (most likely 3-4), potentially creating the best Righty/Lefty punch in baseball.

Like Pujols’ contract, Prince’s weighty deal is more of an issue in franchise mode; in exhibition, the only weight you need to worry about is how his 275 pounds can launch bombs.

Let’s not forget they also have the reigning AL Cy Young and MVP Justin Verlander at the top of the rotation. 

The Phillies got  a much needed bullpen boost with Paplebon on the mound to close it in the 9th.

Philadelphia Phillies

The rotation already seems like something found only after you scam trade logic, and the additions to this perennial National League favorite only add to the hype.

First, they added an elite closer in Jonathan Papelbon. Then, Philadelphia beefed up their bench with an interesting mix of veterans in the twilight of their careers: Jim Thome, Juan Pierre, and Dontrelle “I can hit!” Willis. These additions complement an already dynamic line-up with Pence, Utley, Rollins, and Howard. Heavy contracts don’t really effect exhibition play, where this team can bring it as well as anyone.

Miami Marlins

There are three big reasons to control the Marlins in one of your first exhibition games: the joy of playing with a virtual Jose Reyes, with his lightning speed, gaudy average and quick glove skills; to see what Hanley Ramirez can do at third, and how well that change is reflected in his ratings; you will get to witness what (depending on who you talk to) are either the ugliest or trendiest uniforms in the game.

Bonus reason: The hideous/spectacular home run fountain 

Other exciting teams, based on existing roster and off-season moves:

Colorado, San Diego, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Milwaukee

Who do you plan to roll with when you crack open MLB: The Show 12?