MLB Predictions 2012: 7 AL West Players to Watch

The American League West will welcome loads of new talent to the division this year, adding to a plethora of accomplished players already in the west.

The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim look like the front-runners in the division, but every team added quality players, and the competition should be better than in years past.

Here's a look at some players to watch in the AL West in 2012.

1. Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Albert Pujols was the biggest free-agent signing of the offseason, and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were the lucky winners. 

All eyes will be on King Albert in his first season outside of St. Louis, and odds are, he'll be worth every penny of his gargantuan contract. 

With Pujols, the Angels should be able to contend with the two-time defending American League champion Texas Rangers.

2. Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers

Yu Darvish, the 25-year-old Japanese phenom, was the top international player available this offseason, as well as the most sought-after pitcher.

The Rangers will pay Darvish $60 million over the next three years, so the world will definitely be watching the newcomer in Texas.

Darvish compiled a 93-38 record in seven seasons in Japan, and his MLB debut is very much anticipated.

3. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder Mike Trout appeared in 40 games last season. While the 20-year-old only hit .220, Trout hit five long balls, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in 2012 and beyond.

He has veteran outfielders Torii Hunter, Bobby Abreu and Vernon Wells as mentors, and he should develop into a top outfielder in the majors.

4. C.J. Wilson, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Lefty C.J. Wilson will play a large role in L.A.'s potential success in 2012, as he teams up with Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and 2011 Cy Young runner-up Jered Weaver.

The four pitchers won a combined total of 61 games last season, and with the addition of Wilson, the Angels have one of the best rotations in baseball.

5. Mike Napoli, Texas Rangers

Catcher Mike Napoli posted career bests in nearly every offensive statistic in 2011, and it will be interesting to see if he can keep it up in 2012.

It's tough to say whether his .320 average from a year ago was a fluke or not, considering Napoli's lifetime average is .264.

He may not repeat last year's numbers, but Napoli can hit and will make the Texas Rangers a scary team once again with all the power in their lineup.

6. Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners

Ichiro Suzuki had a disappointing year by his standards in 2011, hitting under .300 for the first time in his career and recording fewer than 200 hits in a season for the first time (184, not too shabby).

Ichiro is 38, and it's not clear whether last year was simply a down season for him, or if Father Time is catching up to him.

2012 will be a very telling season for the future Hall of Famer.

7. Jesus Montero, Seattle Mariners

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Texas Rangers garnered all the attention this offseason due to their respective signings, but the Seattle Mariners also made a huge move.

Catcher Jesus Montero was acquired from the New York Yankees in January for pitcher Michael Pineda, who many thought would be a mainstay in Seattle and would create a dominate one-two punch with Felix Hernandez.

Montero will have a lot of pressure on him from the get-go, and although he likely won't see full-time starter innings, his bat will definitely be given opportunities to make some noise in Seattle.