The American League West is always exciting to watch once the season begins. The division added some great players in pitcher Erik Bedard to the Seattle Mariners and centerfielder Torii Hunter to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Oakland Athletics no longer have slugger Nick Swisher and the Texas Rangers go into their second year under manager Ron Washington.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are my pick to win the very sub-par division in a tight race with the Angels. The addition of Bedard to a solid rotation including Felix Hernandez and Jarrod Washburn gives the Mariners great depth and a true ace at the top of the rotation. J.J Putz, who had 40 saves last year as the team’s closer, will anchor the bullpen once again.
Ichiro Suzuki will continue his stellar play at the leadoff position and third baseman Adrian Beltre and first baseman Richie Sexson will finally earn their paychecks and hit the ball.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels added starting pitching and hitting this offseason, acquiring gold glove centerfielder Hunter in free agency and pitcher Jon Garland in a trade with the Chicago White Sox. Swept in the playoffs a season ago, the Angels may have the most powerful outfield in all of baseball with Vladimir Guerrero, Garret Anderson, and newly acquired Hunter. Starting pitchers Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana will fall in behind staff ace John Lackey, who finished with 19 wins and a 3.01 ERA a year ago. Francisco Rodriguez anchors a bullpen that includes veteran Scott Shields.
Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers hope to have a bounce-back season and compete with the Mariners and Angels for a division title. An experienced team with some great young prospects in catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and pitcher Kason Gabbard should surprise some people this season. The additions of sluggers Milton Bradley, Josh Hamilton, and Ben Broussard give the Rangers a solid hitting lineup. The Rangers should get close to 80 wins this season, but won’t make the playoffs because of a lack of starting pitchers.
Oakland Athletics
The Athletics are my pick to finish last. They lost important players in pitcher Dan Haren and outfielder Nick Swisher this offseason as they continue to rebuild the team. Starting pitcher Rich Harden should have an improved season if he is healthy, and young hitters Kurt Suzuki and Jack Cust should be fun to watch.
Huston Street continues to be a solid closer, but the A’s are taking a chance on formerly retired pitcher Keith Foulke to be the setup man. The A’s just don’t have enough hitting and pitching to make it to the playoffs in 2008.
