AL West preview

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 93-69

Sure the contract they gave to Torri Hunter was ridiculous, but you can’t argue that it doesn’t make them a better team. I’d put them second on my list of contenders for the American League, especially if they’re young pitching can come through. Don’t discount their young hitters either, because it always seems like great teams have a few that put them over the top. Brandon Wood is a player to watch.

Seattle Mariners 84-78

It’s hard to tell how good Seattle is, but this division is weak enough for them to win over 80 games. Erik Bedard and Felix Hernandez have the potential to be the best 1-2 combo in baseball this year, and if that happens, they may hold the title for a long time. Can they score enough runs to support that great pitching staff? Who knows, but few hitters are more undervalued than Raul Ibanez.

Oakland Athletics 72-90

We love Billy Beane as much as anyone else, but it’s easy to see the A’s get off to a slow start this season. The second half could be fun if they are out of contention though, as some of those former White Sox prospects should be called up. Here’s hoping that Fautino de los Santos doesn’t cost Ken Williams his job.

Texas Rangers 70-92

Unless Brandon McCarthy has a monster year, Texas is going to struggle to find starting pitching. It’ll be cool to see what Josh Hamilton can do, but is he really an MVP candidate? According to Cubs fans from Indiana, yes, yes he is. I’ve been wrong before- “Shawne Merriman will be the biggest bust of the 2004 draft,” House, 17- but if Hamilton wins MVP, I may just say something nice about Ron Santo.


Note 1: FCP topic of the day: final roster moves for the Cubs and Sox. I never thought I'd say this but I wish Joe Crede would just go away. He'll go down as one of my favorite players of all-time, but if Ozzie and KW had guts, they'd just make Fields the everyday starter.

Note 2: Brian from DP is supposed to have a live blog running tonight for the Bulls-76ers game. If you've got nothing to do, turn on the game and follow along with us on your laptop. I'm gonna need some Chicago support over there, I hear these Phili guys like to throw batteries.