The MLB regular season is just around the corner. Authority Athletics is starting a new series where we will look at each division and predict who will win starting today with American League West.
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Oakland Athletics:
The Athletics are bad…like really bad! They might be the worst team in baseball this season. There are still a couple players I’m looking forward to watching; Zach Gelof and Shea Langeliers. Both players should at least give Athletics fans some excitement and a glimpse into the future. I’m picking the Athletics to finish dead last in the division.
Los Angeles Angels:
I don’t see the Angels doing much this season. The loss of Shohei Ohtani is simply too much to overcome. The pitching is not there and unless the Angels can outscore this problem, they are going to have serious issues this year. I’m looking forward to seeing the development of Logan O’Hoppe and whether or not Jo Adell can finally find a permanent role with the big club. I’m picking the Angels to finish 4th in the division.
Texas Rangers:
This is where it gets interesting in the division. Picking the defending champions to finish third in the division might be a shock to some, but that’s how highly I think of the Astros and Mariners. Texas has a solid lineup with standouts Corey Seager, Josh Jung, and Adolis Garcia. The one player I am really looking forward to watch is youngster Evan Carter. The only knock on the Rangers is starting pitching. The starting rotation is quite thin considering that Max Scherzer and Jacob DeGrom will start on injured reserve.
Houston Astros:
It’s hard to pick against the Astros at this point. Their core remains intact led by superstars Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, and Kyle Tucker. The starting rotation is also solid led by Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander. This team is World Series or bust. If they can stay healthy, they will be contenders once again at the end of the year. I went back and forth, but I’m picking them to finish 2nd in the division.
Seattle Mariners:
My surprise pick to win the AL West is the Seattle Mariners. What started out as a disappointing offseason with the trade of Jarred Kelenic turned into some solid roster managment. I’m looking for Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh to take another step in their development. I think Ty France is set to have a bounce back year and I really like the signings of the Mitch’s (Garver and Haniger). But the main reason I’m taking the M’s to win the division is pitching. The starting rotation is one of, if not the best, starting rotation in all of baseball. Couple that with a bullpen led by up and comers Matt Brash and Andres Munoz, there simply isn’t a weakness anywhere to be found.
Who do you think will win the AL West? Comment below!
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