AL West Teams Ranked

Here is the conclusion of my exhaustive analysis of each team in the AL West. While I'm wrestling with formatting issues, I wanted to give you my conclusions. I'll show my work later. Lo!

1. Mariners
2. Astros
3. A's
4. Angels
5. Rangers

The Mariners are, by far, the DEEPEST team in this division. Deep starting pitching, deep bench depth, offensive production spread throughout the lineup, several superstars, several stars, several reliable vets, complementary platoons, and several youngsters with upside. Don’t think I’m making this pick because I’m a Mariners fan. Last year I picked the Astros to be an unlikely division winner and, behold! They almost were.

The Astros put forward the most impressive projections in the division with top-end talent in starting pitching, consistent quality in the bullpen, a top-o-the-line 2B, and budding stars in RF and SS. Shallow depth amongst starting pitching and on the bench may become a bugaboo over the course of the 2015 season. Also, beware the fickle nature of production from youth. The team has to hope that Springer and Correa continue to produce and hoping for production from youth can bite you in the ass, as this Mariners fan can tell you.

The Athletics present an above average offensive profile, decent bench depth, starting pitching with young, talented upside and depth, and a deep, DEEP bullpen full of crazy talent.

The Angels can try to ride Mike Trout to a pennant but it won’t be enough. The supporting cast is not in place. There’s talent on this team, just not enough. There’s this year’s Angel’s slogan. ANGELS BASEBALL! It’s not enough

The Rangers went and won the division last year but my projections indicate that they’re bound for the cellar this year. They have a deep bullpen and a heart of the order that includes Choo/Beltre/Fielder and an upcoming 2B looking to solidify his talent. Once Darvish is healthy the Hamels/Darvish 1-2 punch is amongst the best in the MLB. I just don’t see enough supporting talent on this team to predict any kind of pennant run.

Final Word

The AL West is going to be an oiled-up machete match this year. The Mariners, Astros, and A’s will trade blows like heavyweights while the Angels and Rangers have enough talent to slip in their kidney shots and rabbit punches throughout the year. It should be a great year for baseball. Go M’s.