AL WEST
Angels
Despite suffering with all kinds of injuries including the death of a pitcher on the first day of the season, the Angels still managed the second-best record in the American League and a seat in the ALCS. The Angels have lost some key pieces recently: ace John Lackey, cleanup hitter Vlad the Impaler, and leadoff man Chone Figgins. And worse, all three went to AL rivals (Red Sox, Rangers, Mariners). I think the loss of Figgins is big: he was in the AL top 3 in walks, stolen bases, and runs, and his replacement Brandon Wood has an average under .200 for his brief career. But they have added some pieces of their own: Kazmir from the Rays, Matsui and Abreu from the Yankees, and the Angels appear to still have a capable lineup (Kendry Morales is a masher), and their rotation can be strong with Jered Weaver, Scott Kazmir, Ervin Santana, Joel Piniero and Joe Saunders. But the most important piece of the Angels, and the reason that they will likely win the division once again, is because of their manager, Mike Scioscia, baseball's best.
Mariners
Mariners made their fans happy by finally showing them that they want to improve by making some good moves. The addition of Cliff Lee gives the M's the best 1-2 punch in the American League (teamed with Felix Hernandez). Speaking of King Felix, it seemed that he finally showed his great potential last year, winning 19 games with an ERA under 2.50. No reason he should digress. Chone Figgins can be a strong addition at the hot corner (see above), and match him with Ichiro and you have a couple guys with high on base percentage who love to run. The M's also brought back fan favorite Ken Griffey, Jr., and have the (new) best center fielder in baseball in Franklin Gutierrez. Unfortunately, this lineup has no power. With their great defense and pitching, if Gutierrez and Bradley can knock in those guys at the top of the lineup then it might be enough, but the middle of the lineup isn't as reliable as you want. And while nobody seemed to notice, Kenji Johjima went back to Japan, leaving a hole at catcher. Cliff Lee getting hurt in Spring Training is a concern; for the sake of baseball fans everywhere I hope it doesn't linger. By the way, Ichiro is still the coolest man in the world.
Rangers
A lot to look forward to. The Rangers, as they always do, have a nice balance of young power in the lineup, mid-career sluggers, and great veteran leaders. Flamethrower Neftali Feliz was unhittable out of the bullpen and is the most exciting young pitcher in the AL. They picked up Rich Harden who has shown glimpses of dominance throughout his career, and Scott Feldman came out of nowhere to win 17. Can the pitching hold together and keep pace with the hitting in the hot Texas nights? That has been the problem for the last twenty years. The Rangers could jump out and make the playoffs, they were contenders last year, but there are lots of injury concerns. Harden has started 23 games in only one of the last 6 seasons, Vlad Guerrero and Michael Young are old, and Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler are always injury risks. If they manage to stay out there, look out for the Rangers.
Athletics
The A's made three big moves for their lineup last year adding Matt Holliday, Jason Giambi, and Orlando Cabrera. None of them remain after a disappointing season. The top of the Athletics rotation has two players who didn't throw a pitch all of last year. That should ring some alert bells. Ben Sheets and Justin Duchscherer do have some good potential, and with Brett Anderson Oakland could have a nice pitching staff. They better be really good because the A's won't score any runs this year.
Season Forecast
Angels 92-70
Rangers 90-72
Mariners 87-75
Athletics 75-87
MVP: Kendry Morales
Best Pitcher: Felix Hernandez
Breakout Player: Julio Borbon
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