Divisional Preview Series: AL West

Time for the American League West. Last year the division end up like this: 1. Texas (90 wins), 2. Oakland (81 wins), 3. Los Angeles (80 wins), 4. Seattle (61 wins). Texas went to the world series, but lost. The Angels finished below .500, uncharacteristically. Oakland finished right at .500, still trying to cash-in the Moneyball strategy for a ring. Seattle was perhaps the most fun. They were a sexy pick to win the division (I might be guilty of that), and some even the pennant, but proceeded to lose 100+.

Los Angeles Angels

Best Players - Kendry Morales, the starting rotation

The Offense - Kendry Morales should return for a full season after breaking his leg in a walk-off home run celebration. He is their best offensive player. Beyond him there are some nice pieces. Tori Hutner will play good defense in RF and hit a few hrs. Vernon Wells is over payed, but still a useful piece if you don't venture to Cot's too frequently. Jeff Mathis plays good defense; but nothing else.

Pitching - The starting rotation lacks a Halladay, Wainwright, or Hernandez; but it makes up for it by having lots of 1ish/2ish type guys. Weaver is a legit ace, Haren is consistently well above average, and Santana, Kazmir, and Pinero should all have a legit argument about who is most desereving of the title of number 3 starter. The depth is there to have one of the better rotations in baseball. The relief pitching should be adequate as well, with Rodney closing out games.

Oakland Athletics

Best Players - Brett Anderson, and again, the rest of the rotation

Summary - The Athletics have a nice young pitching staff. Brett Anderson missed time last year with injury but should be back to establishing himself as a top tier starter. The offense is very Oaklandy. David DeJesus and Josh Willingham were nice additions. Daric Barton is underrated. But, this team lacks power; it takes a lot of walks and singles to put up runs. It is a shame they traded away Carlos Gonzalez for Matt Holliday -- a shame for them not for Cardinal fans. Every year it seems like we're told that this is the year Oakland reaps the rewards of the Moneyball philosophies. It still seems to me that Oakland is more interested in collecting prospects than playing October baseball. This offense won't get them there. Perhaps trading a young arm could?

Seattle Mariners

Best Players - Felix Hernandez, Ichiro Suzuki, Franklin Gutierrez

Summary - Last year at about this time Jack Zduriencik was being called one of the smartest GM's in baseball. I haven't heard that sentiment since they lost 100+ games. But, maybe one season is not enough to judge a gm. He inherited that roster. He tried to make the best of it by trading for Milton Bradley (loss) and Cliff Lee (can I give a no decision?). There was the Griffey/Manager drama. There was the Chone Figgins contract. Jack is off to a pretty rough start; but, the farm system is strong by most accounts, led by Dustin Ackley (2B). This team should be looking at the future, not 2011, as it could be another long season in Seattle.

Texas Rangers

Best Players - Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinslier, Adrian Beltre

Summary - The Texas Rangers went to the World Series last year. Since that time, half a season of Cliff Lee was subtracted, Adrian Beltre was signed, and Michael Young got upset because he is going to get payed the same amount of money to do less work at his job (just kidding I'd be pissed too). The offense is legitimate. Josh Hamilton is a rare talent, and a fun player to watch -- although, I am getting sick of hearing his story. The roster has promising youth as well (re: Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, Derrek Holland). The question for them will be pitching. Last year they managed a pretty decent rotation led by CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis, and Cliff Lee (after June). Neftali Feliz should get a shot at the rotation, whether he will or not is another story. If this team can pitch near a level they did last year, they are going to put up a major challenge.

The Verdict

1. Texas

2. Los Angeles

3. Oakland

4. Seattle

When I began writing this post, I thought that I would pick the Angeles because of their solid, if not spectacular offense, and pitching depth. However, that Rangers offense looks very good, even better than usual. Granted health must be preserved, especially Josh Hamilton's health. One thing that could alter this race though, impact mid-season trade. Texas is said to have money lying around after missing out on Cliff Lee. But, LA is no stranger to big time mid-season acquisitions, ala Mark Texiria, even if they ultimately can't get them resigned. Right now it looks like Texas has the edge, but this is a race that could be decided by a mid-summer trade.