The AL West will most likely be a wide open division this season. In years past the Angels pretty much just run away with the division but they lost a lot key pieces this year, and few other teams gained pieces to make the entire division a lot closer. Because of that I am going to take a stab at predicting them, but really it will just be a preview of what to expect from these four teams. Here are my projections:
2. Angels
3. Rangers
4. Oakland
The Mariners are the most improved team in this division by far. Adding Lee makes this probably the most dangerous rotation in the league with Felix, which is why I have them ranked the highest. Also adding Figgins really increases the style of play the Mariners hope to achieve on the bases. In other words, the Mariners had an idea of the type of team they wanted to design, and went ahead and did it.
The Angels would have been first, but they didn't do much to replace what they loss during the last two seasons, while other teams were working hard on improving. Still, with good management, this team will make the division and interesting race all the way to the end of the season.
The Rangers have a fantastic offense, but questionable pitching. Short and simple.
Oakland made a lot of interesting moves this offseason, like Ben Sheets. Because of this, they can be surprising and do really well in this division, like the rest of these teams. Seriously, this division feels pretty wide open.
