The AL West is a division based on good baseball. Between teams playing in great weather and a constant highlight reel plays occurring nearly every night. This is probably my most favorite division.
After being upset two years in a row in the World Series, the Rangers are back and better than ever. The Rangers have a team that resembles the previous two seasons. As Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton, and Nelson Cruz return; there does not seem to much question about Ron Washington's Opening Day lineup card. My one concern his DH position with Michael Young filling it out. Young isn't really a natural DH and doesn't meet the usual qualifications of a DH. He's more of a middle infielder. Michael has a small body type and I would rather see Nelson Cruz be the DH, for his injury concerns, and have Young play a corner outfield position. If this happens, by the end of his career, Young might play every position. (I hear he has a nasty slider.) The one missing piece of the puzzle has kept Texas from a championship, may be Yu Darvish. Darvish could possibly complete an already established pitching staff. Texas has a chance at returning to The Fall Classic for yet a third straight time in three years, but...
The Angels have made numerous improvements to their roster, as they upgraded a team showing potential. The big name signings of additions, Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson might be the X factor that brings Anaheim back to October. Wilson will anchor a rotation containing Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana, and Dan Haren. These are 4 ace caliber pitchers that will consistently dominate. Before the season, it could be understood that the best rotation is in Anaheim, and if you account for their strong offense, you can forget about Texas. With Albert leading the way, veterans; Bobby Abreu, Torii Hunter, and Howie Kendrick can have productive years, along with youth in Mark Trumbo, Mike Trout, and Peter Bourjos. The only problem is finding a place for hometown hero, Mark Trumbo. With Pujols at first, Trumbo is the odd man out. It would be a shame to let such a promising player ride the bench, but since they both are right handed, they are both versatile.(Although, who would want to tell Pujols to changed positions?)
After two teams of elite status and personnel, it is hard to rant about the Mariners. Once again, you can find Seattle battling itself all year long, and once again, Felix Hernandez will resemble Steve Carlton. Only "Lefty" still won 20+ games on awful teams. Besides Felix, there isn't anyone else that stands out to me in this rotation. The offense looks a little better, but not too much. With Ichiro as the highlight, yet again. The only interesting part is the catching situation. At the moment, the M's are carrying 4 catchers: Miguel Olivo, Jesus Montero, Adam Moore, and John Jaso. Whoever is sent down to AAA, will be playing for a AAA team in a AAA league, whereas who ever makes the cut, will be playing on a AAA team in an MLB League.
A little more exciting, but definitely not too much better is the Oakland Athletics. The A's have always played the game scrappy and dealing with what they have. I feel they have changed this culture, as they brought in too many players of yesterday. Some acquisitions are people on yesterday's SI covers, or yesterday's Cy Young winners. The Oakland staff contains many pitchers past their prime, such as Bartolo Colon and Brian Fuentes. People only know Dallas Braden from his no hitter on Mother's Day and his grandmother saying, "Stick it, A-Rod!" The offense in the Bay Area won't be too elaborate, as once again, the A's will have an under producing offense. There seems to be no big name prospects or signings, just more washed out or faded players of yesterday.
2012 Predicted AL West Standings:
1st: Angels
2nd: Rangers
3rd: Athletics
4th: Mariners
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