So my Astros were forced to switch from the National to American league, so from now on, I'll be publishing AL West previews.
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2012 Record: 89-73
Projected 2013 Record: 94-68
The Lineup
The Angels broke the bank for the second straight off-season, signing away OF Josh Hamilton from the rival Rangers, to add to a potent lineup already containing MVP runner-up Mike Trout, 1B Albert Pujols, and DH Mark Trumbo. Ridiculous contract, aside Hamilton improves the Halos' lineup from the left side of the plate instantly, and makes the Angels a contender for not only the AL West, but a World Series.
The Pitching
The Angels once great pitching was mediocre last year, finishing ranked 18th in ERA. It looks to be just about the same this year, with journeyman starters Joe Blanton, Jason Vargas, and Tommy Hanson, behind ace Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson. The bullpen, equally bad last year, looks to Ernesto Frieri and ex-Phillie Ryan Madson to slam the door on wins, something which did not occur time and time again last year.
The Key
It always comes down to pitching. The Angels have a lineup capable of winning the World Series, but if they don't get consistent starting pitching from the back-end of the rotation, they might be the biggest waste of money not named the Dodgers.
2. Texas Rangers
2012 Record: 93-69
Projected 2013 Record: 90-72
The Lineup
The Rangers may have lost Josh Hamilton, but the top scoring team in MLB will still put up a lot of runs, as they signed veterans Lance Berkman and A.J. Pierzynski to fill holes at DH at catcher, respectively. 3B Adrian Beltre and RF Nelson Cruz, as well as 2B Ian Kinsler should still be great, but the Rangers really need Berkman, Pierzynski, as well as LF David Murphy to produce from the left side of the plate.
The Pitching
The Rangers starting pitching wasn't terrible last year, but it wasn't great either. Righty Yu Darvish looks to follow up an outstanding rookie season and become the ace of the staff, while lefties Matt Harrison and Derek Holland, as well as converted reliever Alexi Ogando round out the staff. In the bullpen, the Rangers have reliable Joe Nathan, as they converted 83% of save opportunities last year, 2nd best in the majors.
The Key
In order for the Rangers to get over last September's collapse and get back to the World Series, they are going to have to get great starting pitching from a rotation that was average last year, as well as consistent production from declining veterans Lance Berkman and A.J. Pierzynski.
3. Oakland Athletics
2012 Record: 94-68
Projected 2013 Record: 88-74
The Lineup
The A's lineup was average last year, and should be again this year, as Bob Melvin's team got production from a lot of different guys last year on their way to stunning the Rangers and winning the AL West. RF Josh Redick and LF Yoenis Cespedes are the anchors of the lineup, which will also need consistent production from 1B Brandon Moss, and new DH Chris Young.
The Pitching
The Oakland rotation is what got them to the ALDS last year, as Brett Anderson, Jarrod Parker, and Tommy Millone were outstanding last year. The bullpen may be even better, as Grant Balfour, Ryan Cook, Jerry Blevins, and Sean Doolittle make up the strength of this team.
The Key
Has to be consistent offensive production up and down the lineup, like what happened last year. Cespedes has all-star potential, but getting production from Moss, Young, and Reddick will determine if the magic continues.
4. Seattle Mariners
2012 Record: 75-87
Projected 2013 Record: 81-81
The Lineup
The Mariners’ offense was among the worst in major league baseball last year, finishing 27th in runs scored. To improve that, Seattle signed DH Kendrys Morales and LF Michael Morse to anchor the middle of a lineup that also has C Jesus Montero and 3B Kyle Seager. Veteran outfielders Jason Bay and Raul Ibanez are also available off the bench.
The Pitching
The Mariners' starting pitching is the strength of the team. Felix Hernandez, who signed an enormous contract in the off-season is the best pitcher in the division, and behind him, Hisashi Iwakuma and Joe Saunders are decent major leaguer starters. In the bullpen, the Mariners are average, as Tom Wilhelmsen will hope to duplicate his 38 saves from a year ago.
The Key
Has to be offensive consistency. Morales and Morse have to be the 3-4 combination in the middle of the lineup to jump start an offense that has been among the worst in baseball for the last five years.
5. Houston Astros
2012 Record: 55-107
Projected 2013 Record: 52-110
The Lineup
Still in full scale rebuilding, hometown team's offense was dead last in the majors in runs, and looks to about the same this year. 2B Jose Altuve should be an all-star second baseman again, but behind him are a lot of unknowns. New LF Chris Carter, acquired from Oakland for Jed Lowrie, has the most power and potential, and CF Justin Maxwell looks to build off of last season, when he hit 20 home runs. Former prospects 1B Brett Wallace, C Jason Castro, and 3B Matt Dominguez also look to improve and prove they are major leaguers.
The Pitching
The Astros’ pitching got a few nice surprises last year, as righty Lucas Harrell came out of nowhere to post a respectable 11-11 record. Bud Norris is the team's best pitcher, but is coming off a disappointing 2012, when he was 7-13 with a 4.60 ERA. The rest of the rotation consists of perfect game wonder Phiip Humber trying to make the majors, Brad Peacock, acquired from the A's, and ex-Mariner flop Erik Bedard. In the bullpen, ex-Rockie Jose Veras will be the closer.
The Key
New league, new logo, new uniforms, but should be same result for a team that has the potential to lose the most games in MLB history. Getting any consistency in terms of batting average from the everyday lineup would be nice for a team that has a total team salary less than that of Alex Rodriguez.
