AL West Standings Projections

Posted by Anthony Romano.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM (93-69) 

TEXAS RANGERS (90-72)
SEATTLE MARINERS (70-92)
OAKLAND ATHLETICS (65-97)

Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson. The two biggest names on the free agent market signed with the Angels this offseason for a combined $331.5 million. Wilson is an established ace who is joining an already dominant rotation that includes Jered Weaver and Dan Haren. Albert Pujols is, well, Albert Pujols. Arguably the greatest hitter of our time, “the machine” still has plenty left in the tank to be able to carry the Angels to a postseason birth and possibly a world series title.

The Texas Rangers saw their chances of repeating as American League champs get significantly harder over the offseason. CJ Wilson signed with the Angels; staying in the division and the addition of Albert Pujols does not help either. But if there is any team that can hit their way to a title, it’s the Rangers. There isn’t one weak spot in the lineup that includes Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, Mike Napoli, and Nelson Cruz; just to name a few. If they can stay healthy, the Rangers will give the Angels all they can handle up until game 162.

The Seattle Mariners have one of the league’s most dominant pitcher in Felix Hernandez. Unfortunately, there is no run support from his anemic offense. Ichiro is the catalyst at the top of the lineup but there is just no support behind him. There are glimmers of hope for the Mariners, but as long as the Angels and Rangers in the same division, that hope will have to be put on hold for a while.

The Oakland Athletics seem to be in a rebuilding phase. With their young pitching staff led by Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson being the best part of their team, the Athletics will need to find a couple of bats to be able to stay in games. The loss of closer Andrew Bailey to the Red Sox leaves the Athletics looking for an established closer to start the season.