With Opening day coming this weekend, Sports World News is kicking off our MLB 2014 season preview starting and todays edition is the American League West. The mad scramble that is the AL West is a race to the finish the past few season between the A’s, Rangers and (someday) the Angels. Wildcards are a possibility as well with this top heavy division.
1. Texas Rangers (94-68): The Rangers added Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo for the price of Ian Kinsler and they greatly improved. They might score 900 runs this coming season and also have the ability to pitch. Yu Darvish is the household name and the ace while Derek Holland and Colby Lewis will add the depth that 2013 greatly lacked. The Rangers have recovered quickly from losing Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli.
2. Oakland Athletics (90-72): Billy Beane’s Moneyball tour continues after this surprising 2013 campaign which lead to a second straight division title. The Rangers reloaded and are now the favorites, but the A’s a re still the reigning champs. They lost Bartolo Colon to free agency, but would like to see Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss continue their strides in the right direction. Beane could let this team play it out for a third AL West title or he could wipe the slate clean and trade all the veterans away. Thats just the way Oakland plays.
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (85-77): The Angels have been the biggest disappointment the past two season due to their fats checkbook and slow results. The team signed Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton in consecutive seasons and have breakout MVP candidate Mike Trout, but zero playoff appearances to show for it. With Jered Weaver as your ace and C.J. Wilson as your number two you always have a shot in games they play. The Angels could be on the verge of disaster if they have another miserable season, but I expect better results.
4. Seattle Mariners (81-81): The Mariners paid a lot of money this offseason and all they have to show for it is Robinson Cano, Fernando Rodney, Cory Hart and Logan Morrison. In all seriousness the Mariners got much better this offseaosn, but not enough to make up for the lack of talent that isn't in diapers. The young talent is going to develop, but this year is a wash until they show something.
5. Houston Astros (63-99): George Springer, Jonathan Singleton and Mark Appel are the three names of the future in Houston. The long rebuilding process could have an end if Houston can convince more free agents to join the young squad in 2015. For 2014 the Astros are looking to avoid having a fourth straight 100-loss season. I believe in Houston to get the 63 wins necessary.
How does your projected AL West look? Who takes the West? Tell us @SportsWN
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