Season Predictions: AL West

The AL West could be more of a wide open race than in years past, especially with the Angels starting their season without starters John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar and Ervin Santana. 

Not only will they be without three starters, but signing former Rockies' closer Brian Fuentes to replace the departed Francisco Rodriguez (free agency) just doesn't quite feel the same.

Does that mean the Angels will relinquish the AL West title at the end of this season?  The Angels still boast, in my opinion, the best offense in the division.  You look at guys like Vladimir Guerrero, new addition and former Yankee Bobby Abreu, and not to mention Torii Hunter. 

Those three guys alone would strike fear into any opposing pitcher.  Having power like that in your lineup, then throw in speed on the base paths in Chone Figgins, Howie Kendrick and Maicer Izturis, it gives manager Mike Scioscia room to make some things happen.

The Rangers have slowly been making some improvements, though I don't know how much of an improvement Kris Benson will be to their starting rotation. 

I just don't know how much of an impact a guy like that is going to make, especially seeing as he hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2006.

Offense is a different story for the Rangers.  First baseman Chris Davis and outfielder Josh Hamilton already bring plenty of power to the table, but add a Gold Glove winner and proven power guy in Andruw Jones and it definitely gives their lineup a much needed punch.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, their offense just isn't going to be enough to overcome their lack of pitching depth.  Teams like the Angels, A's, and everyone else in the American League will pick them apart, especially in an unforgiving ballpark. 

If the Rangers can stay in the race until at least mid-June, they could put themselves into position to make a few moves at the trading deadline, pick up a few much needed pieces and keep themselves on the heels of the Angels and A's.

Speaking of the Oakland A's, they may have made the biggest impact this past offseason.  They signed former Rockie outfielder Matt Holiday, former Yankee and a guy who already has worn an A's uniform once in Jason Giambi and former Angels shortstop Orlando Cabrera. 

Though I also failed to mention signing former Dodger Nomar Garciappara, but Nomar will probably only get playing time as the DH, that is if Jack Cust isn't already filling that spot the majority of the time.

There's no doubt the A's have the offense to score runs, but their biggest question mark, like the Texas Rangers, will be their starting rotation.  You hear guys like Justin Duchscherer, Dana Eveland, Sean Gallagher, and Gio Gonzalez and unless you're an A's fan, you're saying to yourself, "who?" 

The A's will only go as far as their starting rotation will take them.  Their offense is among the best in the division, but their pitching won't get them anywhere near the Angels.

The story of 2009 though could be the Seattle Mariners, and not because they're going to win the division.  The Mariners brought back one of the more famous faces, and no I'm not talking about Alex Rodriguez. 

Ken Griffey Jr has returned to Seattle, doing so as a free agent this past offseason.  Along with Griffey's arrival is new first baseman Russell Branyan, new designated hitting in Mike Sweeney and a new manager in Don Wakamatsu. 

The Mariners will definitely have a different look than what they had in 2008 but, unfortunately, it won't bring them a better outcome than their 101 loss season.

Prediction time: The only team that could challenge the Los Angeles (don't call me Anaheim) Angels could be the Oakland A's, but only if they get their rotation figured out. 

Since I don't think that's going to happen, unless the A's stay in the race long enough to make a trade here or there, the Angels should run away with the division.

2009 AL West Champion:  Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim