2007 AL West Preview: A's, Angels Set for Long Race

The Oakland A s are the best in the business at replacing key players. This year they'll have to make up for Frank Thomas production in the lineup and Barry Zito's steadying presence in the rotation. On the first front, they picked up Mike Piazza from the New York Mets, hoping that the veteran catcher can revitalize his career as a designated hitter. The role of staff ace will go to the talented but oft-injured Rich Harden, who will look to match Zito's impressive inning and win numbers.

Key Losses: Barry Zito, Frank Thomas, Jay Payton  

Key Acquisitions: Mike Piazza, Alan Embree

Projected Starting Lineup

Jason Kendall, C

Mark Kotsay, CF

Milton Bradley, RF

Eric Chavez, 3B

Nick Swisher, LF

Mike Piazza, DH

Bobby Crosby, SS

Dan Johnson, 1B

Mark Ellis, 2B

Projected Pitching Staff

Rich Harden

Dan Haren

Esteban Loaiza

Joe Blanton

Joe Kennedy

Closer: Huston Street 

Second Place: Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim

The Angels set out to improve their offense in the offseason by signing outfielder Gary Matthews and DH Shea Hillenbrand but only after failing to acquire an elite bat via free agency or a trade. The strength of the team is still a starting rotation led by former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon, but the vaunted Angels bullpen lost three key contributors over the winter.

Key Losses: Brendan Donnelly, Adam Kennedy, Kevin Gregg 

Key Acquisitions: Gary Matthews, Shea Hillenbrand

Projected Starting Lineup

Gary Matthews, CF

Orlando Cabrera, SS

Vladimir Guerrero, RF

Garret Anderson, LF

Shea Hillenbrand, DH

Casey Kotchman, 1B

Chone Figgins, 3B

Mike Napoli, C

Howie Kendrick, 2B

 

Projected Pitching Staff

Bartolo Colon

John Lackey

Ervin Santana

Jered Weaver

Kelvim Escobar

 

Closer: Francisco Rodriguez

Third Place: Texas Rangers

The question in Texas is always whether the Rangers have enough pitching to compete down the stretch. Young hurler Brandon McCarthy will team with returning ace Kevin Millwood to form the best one-two combination the fans in Arlington have seen for quite some time. The back end of the rotation will be a wild card, but the bullpen should be solid if everyone can stay healthy

Key Losses: Carlos Lee, Gary Matthews, Adam Eaton 

Key Acquisitions: Kenny Lofton, Frank Catalanotto, Brandon McCarthy, Eric Gagne

Projected Starting Lineup

Kenny Lofton, CF

Frank Catalanotto, DH

Michael Young, SS

Mark Teixeira, 1B

Hank Blalock, 3B

Brad Wilkerson, LF

Nelson Cruz, RF

Ian Kinsler, 2B

Gerald Laird, C

Projected Pitching Staff

Kevin Millwood

Brandon McCarthy

Vicente Padilla

Robinson Tejeda

John Koronka

Closer: Eric Gagne

Fourth Place: Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners's offseason was notable for the air of desperation that surrounded it. With a coaching staff and front office that need to win now in order to save their jobs, the M's paid a lot of money for marginal talent. It's a do-or-die season at Safeco Field and the outlook isn't good.

Key Losses: Gil Meche, Rafael Soriano 

Key Acquisitions: Jeff Weaver, Jose Vidro, Jose Guillen, Miguel Batista, Horatio Ramirez

Projected Starting Lineup

Ichiro Suzuki, CF

Jose Vidro, DH

Raul Ibanez, LF

Richie Sexon, 1B

Adrian Beltre, 3B

Kenji Johjima, C

Jose Guillen, RF

Jose Lopez, 2B

Yuniesky Betancourt, SS 

Projected Pitching Staff

Felix Hernandez

Jarrod Washburn

Jeff Weaver

Miguel Batista

Horatio Ramirez

Closer: J.J. Putz