AL West Offseason Update

AL West Offseason Update

Houston Astros-

Notable Addition(s):  Carlos Peňa
Notable Loss(es):  N/A

The newcomers to the division have made little improvements on their roster from last year in which they went 55-107. This roster is loaded with young talent, but much of it hasn't translated to the big leagues yet. They are apparently happy moving forward with just the addition of a DH in Carlos Peňa for now. It may be a few years before they are even competitive, especially in this loaded division. I don't see them winning many games this year with this roster, they will be lucky to squeak out a few wins within the division.

LA Angels-

Notable Addition(s): Josh Hamilton (TEX), Joe Blanton (LAD), Jason Vargas (SEA)
Notable Loss(es): Zack Greinke (LAD), Kendrys Morales (SEA), Dan Haren (WAS), Torii Hunter (DET), Maicer Izturis (TOR)

The Angels have not been afraid to spend money this offseason. They acquired Josh Hamilton from division rival Texas for a 5 year $125 million contract, and Jason Vargas from the Mariners. They also doled out 2 years and $15 million to Joe Blanton who looks to be more of a 4th or 5th starter in most other teams rotations. The amount of money they gave him showed how desperate they were for pitching. Vargas looks to be an upgrade as he's coming off what was probably his best year in the Majors, but they also had to give away a good middle of the order bat in Kendrys Morales to get him. Hamilton does give the Angels what could be the best 3-4 punch in the Majors with him and Pujols. The Angels got better on offense, but their pitching has not.
One major difference I expect from last year, I don't think this team will start off as awful as it did last year. They should be in the thick of things straight from the beginning. They will probably start the year as division favorites, and may finish in first place.

Oakland Athletics-

Notable Addition(s): Hiroyuki Nakajima (JAP), Chris Young (ARI)
Notable Loss(es): Jonny Gomes (BOS), Stephen Drew (BOS), Brandon McCarthy (ARI), Brandon Inge (FA), Dallas Braden (Injury), Cliff Pennington (ARI)

Many people are overlooking the A's because they haven't made many moves this offseason, but this is a very talented team. Last year they didn't really hit their stride until late June, and after the All-Star break, they had the best record in baseball. I would have liked to see them bring Jonny Gomes back, simply because he was a great right handed DH vs. lefty pitchers and he was a great clubhouse presence. I look for the A's to make one more signing to platoon the DH with Seth Smith again this year. Potentially they could bring Inge back on a one year basis, and cut him loose if things don't work out. He could be a great cheap signing, with veteran savvy to pass along to many of the young A's hitters. The loss off McCarthy shouldn't hurt too bad with Brett Anderson back and ready to go, especially with McCarthy's recent injury problems. Drew signed with Boston as well. With his asking price, and the addition of Nakajima, I see his void as already being filled.
The A's silently have stockpiled arms, and look to be very good at pitching again next year. Pitching keeps teams in games no matter how bad the offense is, and the A's offense looks only to get better with the emergence of Cespedes, Moss, Reddick, and more as well as the addition of Chris Young from Arizona. He should add some depth to give the loaded outfield some rest as well as being a decent added bat and an above average defender. This could be a very exciting year for the Athletics if they can hold off Texas and LA. I think this is a repeat year for Oakland, as they should have the team to take the division again.

Seattle Mariners-

Notable Addition(s): Jason Bay (NYM), Kendrys Morales (LAA)
Notable Loss(es): Jason Vargas (LAA), Brandon League (LAD)

The Mariners could be a very interesting part of the AL West division. They have a lot of unproven talent that they have been building up. They also had a great second half of the season last year making a serious push for a .500 record after an abysmal start. The addition of Kendrys Morales from the Angels coupled with Jesus Montero, the M's could finally have a decent 3-4 option in the middle of their lineup. Losing Vargas looks to be tough to overcome though, he was their 2nd best option behind King Felix in the rotation, and had his best major league season last year. They also lost some talent in the bullpen with League leaving town for the Dodgers. The Mariner's seem to have become worse in pitching and marginally got better on offense with the addition of Bay and the trade for Morales. The trade benefited both teams, but I don't think it put either team over the top. I see the Mariners as an improved team from last year, but I don't think it will be enough to challenge for the division crown.

Texas Rangers-

Notable Addition(s): Joakim Soria (KC), A.J. Pierzynski (CHW), Lance Berkman (STL)
Notable Loss(es): Josh Hamilton (LAA), Michael Young (PHI), Mike Adams (PHI), Ryan Dempster (BOS), Mike Napoli (BOS),  Scott Feldman (CHC)

After sitting back and letting free agent after free agent sign with other teams, Texas finally jumped in the pool. They signed their catcher for next year (Pierzynski) after losing Napoli to Boston. They held onto Giovanni Soto, but went ahead and signed A.J. to be their primary catcher. He looks to be an upgrade at the position, as he's always been a solid starter and an above average bat at the catcher position. Napoli has seen his 3 year $39 million contract become in jeopardy because of a hip issue that was discovered during his physical, so Texas may end up better off after letting him walk and signing the veteran Pierzynski away from the Chicago White Sox.
This teams is also dangerous because of their farm system. This may be why they let so many free agents walk, because they are seriously loaded with near-ready prospects for the major league level. They look to feature a still very dangerous lineup even sans Hamilton, and should be near the top of the offensive standings.
However, their pitching may be their weakness again this year. They will be getting Colby Lewis back, but Neftali Feliz will most likely miss significant time after his Tommy John surgery from last season. They also lost two of their starting pitchers from last year in Dempster and Feldman, plus lost one of their better bullpen arms in Mike Adams. The team's offense will keep them in most games, and often bail the bad pitchers out, but over a long season it is tough to win without a decent pitching staff. Texas should stay in the race till the end, but I don't think they'll have the arms to win the division.

Predictions:

1st Place: Oakland Athletics
2nd Place: LA Angels (WC)
3rd Place: Texas Rangers
4th Place: Seattle Mariners
5th Place: Houston Astros

Oakland has the best pitching staff in the division, both the rotation and bullpen. They have enough offense to win close games, and above average defense. This continues next season and they ride it to back-to-back division titles.