2011 MLB Preview Part 2 - AL West

AL West Preview -

1. Texas Rangers - 95-67
 In most other divisions, they would have less wins, but the AL west is a weak division (cough cough MARINERS). This year, the defending AL Champions will have a little more competition. MVP Josh Hamilton returns, and Cliff Lee does not. Still, the addition of Adrian Beltre adds some elite defense to 3rd base in a hitters park. Expect another great year from the Rangers, but they probably aren't good enough to beat the Red Sox.

2. Oakland Athletics - 82-80 (Sleeper Alert)

Trevor Cahill and the A's are AL West sleepers.

With a 1-2 punch of Anderson-Cahill, the A's are a great young team poised to make a playoff run sooner or later. Both Anderson and Cahill had ERA's of under 3, and 2 legit closers (Fuentes and Baily) make a strong staff. The problem is offense, with few noticeable players in the starting lineup.

3. Los Angeles Angels - 74-88
The Angels aren't that great of a team anymore. Besides Dan Haren, they have a sub-par rotation and with no closer or SU,an atrocious bullpen. They don't really have a catcher, which can't help them with raising leadership, command, and knowledge of prospects. Things are starting to look bleak for Anaheim, but not all hope is lost. All-Star 1st baseman Kendry Morales returns from missing most of '10 and will provide power, average, and fielding. Their outfield adds Vernon Wells, which adds to the teams offense and makes their outfield arguably the best fielding in a long time. Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells, and Bobby Abreu are all gold glovers. But, pitching and batting are much more important than fielding any day. Especially in a division already heavy on pitching.

4. Seattle Mariners - (60-102)
It seems as if the roof's always closed at beautiful Saefco Field. Ichiro - perhaps the best hitter in baseball. Felix Hernandez - perhaps the best pitcher in baseball. Rest of Seattle Mariners - nothing. The Seattle Mariners have 2 elite players and nothing else. Cliff Lee and R.A. Dickey left. Chone Figgens disappointed. That's the story of last year, and don't be surprised if Seatle gets a high pick in the draft next year.