2009 American League Preview: West
We take a look now at the most unpredictable of divisions in possibly all of Major League Baseball. Over the past four seasons, three different teams have come out of the AL West as champion, and two of them have won the World Series. Not only that, but three teams tied for second place last season. While no one knows whats going to happen this year, most are sure it's going to be a fun ride.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2008 Record: 72-90, T-2nd, AL West
Key Additions: Kaz Ishii-SP, Chipper Jones-3B, Bobby Howry-MR, Khalil Greene-SS, Dioner Navarro-C
Key Losses: Carlos Lee-LF, Jason LaRue-C, Rich Aurilia-SS, Alex Rios-RF, Kendry Morales-1B
The L.A. Angels were one of those three teams to win the AL West in the last four seasons, and they also won the World Series back in 2006. Since then, however, they've had two straight seasons under .500 as their key players on offense have shown signs of age. Of course, the Angels still also have to rely on their pitching staff, which has talent, but sometimes fails to show it. Although they had three pitchers win 10 or more games last season, staff ace Justin Verlander was horrific, going 6-17 with an ERA over 6.00 last year. The Angels are hoping that he can get back to form and join Carlos Zambrano, Chris Sampson and Chad Billingsley as 10 game winners this season. Veteran free agent pickup Kaz Ishii provides leadership and a lefthanded starting pitcher. In the bullpen, Orber Moreno was given the closer's job over Joel Zumaya, and Los Angeles hopes he can keep up with his 2.94 ERA from a year ago. Aside from Zumaya, the Angels also have new addition Bobby Howry, as well as holdovers Chad Qualls and John Riedling to help hold down any lead the rotation may hand over.
On offense, the lineup is jokingly refered to as the "Over the Hill Gang." Six starters are over 30 years old, with starting shortstop Royce Clayton leading the way at age 39. Free agent signee Chipper Jones adds a still potent bat to the lineup, and will provide protection for Jim Thome and Carlos Beltran, both of whom struggled last season. Left fielder Rob Mackowiak is looking to build on a solid season last year, while promising youngster Alex Gordon is hoping he can bounce back from a disappointing 2008.
Prognosis: The Angels are a team in a state of flux. They have the talent in their rotation to go a long way, but many of their offensive weapons are on the wrong side of 30, and aren't getting any younger. If Los Angeles wants to win this season, they're going to have to hope for bounce back years first from Justin Verlander, and then from much of the offense. The addition of Chipper Jones will provide a spark, but it won't be enough for the Angels this season.
Prediction: 2nd Place, AL West
Oakland Athletics
2008 Record: 72-90, T-2nd, AL West
Key Additions: Eric Munson-C, James Hoey-MR, Robb Quinlan-3B
Key Losses: Garret Anderson-LF, Jonathan Broxton-CL
During the 1990s, the Oakland Athletics were the team to beat in the AL West. Seven times they won the division during the decade, including a World Series win in 1990. However, since another World Series championship in 2002, the Athletics have been on a slipperly slope down to the bottom of the division they once ruled.
If the Athletics are going to make their way to the top again this season, it will more than likely be on the arms of their solid starting rotation. C.C. Sabathia, Branden Webb and Aaron Harang make an excellent 1-2-3 punch, while fourth starter Casey Fossum would be at least a number two guy on almost any other team in the majors. Jair Jurrjens may be young, but he won 11 games in 2007 before an injury plagued 2008, and he's looking to bounce back as well. Once the bullpen comes into play, however, things get interesting. New addition James Hoey is the best setup man Oakland has, while Matt Wise will attempt to fill the shoes of departed closer Jonathan Broxton, who left for rival San Francsico.
Meanwhile, the offense is bothered with inconsistant players. Only Jason Kubel drove in over 100 RBI last season, and just he and catcher Dave Ross hit over 20 home runs. Doug Mientkiewicz and Jody Gerut are not the best third and fourth options a team could have in their lineup, while Eric Valent belongs nowhere near a major league dugout, yet he's starting for Oakland. The team does have speed, thanks to Willy Taveras and Alexi Castilla, but the two rarely get on base at the best possible time to use it. The best thing the lineup has going for it is age, as only three starters are over the age of 30.
Prognosis: With a pitching staff like that, you would think that Oakland would be able to compete this season for a playoff spot, but with an inconsistant bullpen and power short batting order, it doesn't look like the Athletics are going to be anything but average this year. Afterall, there's only so many 2-1 games a team can lose, right?
Prediction: 3rd Place, AL West
Seattle Mariners
2008 Record: 72-90, T-2nd, AL West
Key Additions: Fred Lewis-LF, Angel Pagan-RF, Aaron Guiel-RF, Adam Kennedy-2B, Jake Peavy-SP, Jeff Baker-RF, Jason LaRue-C, Christian Guzman-SS
Key Losses: David Dellucci-LF, J.D. Durbin-SP, Juan Pierre-CF, Julio Lugo-SS, Randy Winn-RF, Alex Sanchez-RF
The Seattle Mariners were one of the big winners in free agency, landing pitcher Jake Peavy in January. However, much like the other two teams that tied for second last year in the AL West, inconsistant play from just about everywhere else is still looming over them, even with the addition of one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.
Aside from Peavy, Javier Vazquez is the only other salvagable starting pitcher for the Mariners. Chris George lost 17 games last year, while Rolando Arrojo allowed opponents to bat .339 against him for the season. Fifth starter Josh Hall is a relative newcomer in that he only started one game last season, and gave up six runs in just four and two thirds innings. Joba Chamberlain is a breath of fresh air at closer, though other than Peavy and Vazquez starts, it's unlikely that he'll get many save chances. The rest of the bullpen is scary, with just four pitchers getting major time last season, and only Glen Perkins having a decent season. Right now, Seattle's pitching staff is a mess, to put it nicely.
Things aren't much better on offense, where their two best options are either a 37 year old Ryan Kelsko, or Ryan Braun, who is coming off a horrific ankle injury that cost him all of 2007. Catcher Victor Martinez, who paced the team with 21 home runs last season, is starting this year on the bench, replaced by Jason LaRue. Needless to say, Martinez is not happy with the situation, and he shouldn't be, as he was the best offensive player for the Mariners last season. Michael Bourn and new addition Christian Guzman provide the speed for Seattle, but there are very few players who can drive them home, even when they steal bases.
Prognosis: Aside from Jake Peavy, Javier Vazquez and Joba Chamberlain, the Mariners are not a good looking team. If Ryan Braun can successfully return from his ankle injury, the team should improve, but it won't be by that much. It's really hard to believe that these guys won the 2007 World Series.
Prediction: 4th Place, AL West
Texas Rangers
2008 Record: 87-75, 1st, AL West, Lost to Tampa Bay 3-0, ALDS
Key Additions: Carlos Guillen-1B, Carlos Ruiz-C
Key Losses: Lance Berkman-RF, Chone Figgins-3B, Richie Sexson-RF
Even with the loss of one of their bigger stars in Lance Berkman, the Texas Rangers still appear to be the class of the American League West. With a solid pitching staff, and good overall lineup, there's no reason to believe that Texas won't again lay claim to a division title.
The starting rotation is one of the more complete in the majors. Matt Cain and Mark Hendrickson provide the 1-2 punch at the top, while Jon Lieber is a decent third option. Meanwhile, Ervin Santana and Anthony Reyes are two young, up and coming pitchers with a lot of potential that could reach new heights this season. In the bullpen, strikeout artists Brad Lidge, Jose Garcia and George Sherrill attack opposing batters with wicked stuff. Sherrill is the closer for now, but if he slips, there's no way of knowing whether or not Lidge could move into that spot the very next night. Manny Corpas and Matt Smith are also decent setup men, giving the Rangers a solid bullpen from top to bottom.
On offense, team hitting is the name of the game, and team leader Yunel Escobar fits right into that idea. Escobar led the way last season with a .348 batting average to go along with 12 home runs, 119 RBI and 108 runs scored. Also working the plate with Escobar are Placido Polanco (.333, 14-89), Brian Giles (.305, 15-80) and newcomer Carlos Guillen (.286, 30-113). In fact, only one starter this season hit under .260 last year, and that's rookie Gonzalo Cruz. Jerr Cirillo continues to defy age at 39, while Jacque Jones, Rod Barajas and Brandon Fahey provide decent offense from their respective positions, leaving the Rangers well balanced across the board.
Prognosis: In a better division, the Rangers might be lucky to finish in second place. However, even without Berkman, the Rangers are still better than any other team in the AL West. With a complete lineup and well balanced pitching staff, there's no reason to believe that the Rangers wouldn't be back in the playoffs this season, and this time, they may even win a game or two.
Prediction: 1st Place, AL West