The American League West got bigger for 2013, adding the horrendous Astros to the fold. Although the Astros will bring down the overall quality of play in the division, a trio of contenders keep things plenty interesting.
* - Denotes wild card
1. Texas
Projected Wins: 90
Explanation: Even with Josh Hamilton in southern California, the Rangers are going to score plenty of runs. It seems to be only a matter of time until elite prospect Jurickson Profar shows up, bumping Ian Kinsler to first base and replacing Mitch Moreland in the lineup. With Profar likely beginning his career at second base, Texas will have the best infield defense in baseball, anchored by the recently extended Elvis Andrus and perennial Gold Glove third baseman Adrian Beltre. The bullpen is deep and it should preserve plenty of wins for a deep rotation led by Cy Young candidate Yu Darvish. This is a team that does everything well without too many huge names.
Player to Watch: Derek Holland. After signing a sizable extension, Holland struggled to repeat his 2011 success in 2012. Holland lacks any elite abilities, but if he can avoid allowing too many home runs, he should be a nice complement to Darvish and Alexi Ogando.
2. *Anaheim (they don't pay me to pretend they're in LA)
Projected Wins: 88
Explanation: The Angels rotation is shaky. After ace Jered Weaver - out until late May with a broken non-throwing elbow - the quartet of C.J. Wilson, Joe Blanton, Jason Vargas, and Tommy Hanson screams of average pitching. Fortunately for the Halos, teams can survive the lengthy campaign on the strength of excellent pitching/defense or excellent offense, not requiring both. The Angels offense is second to none with three MVP-level talents in the top four spots and superb depth.
Player to Watch: Wilson. After a pair of elite campaigns in Texas, Wilson headed west to join the rival Angels and struggled through an average year in 2012. At 32, a return to the elite is just as likely as a career drop off. For the team to play into October, Wilson needs to be that 1B option behind Weaver.
3. Oakland
Projected Wins: 86
Explanation: The Athletics will have a good starting pitcher on the bump every night this year, a benefit that cannot be underestimated for a contender. Unfortunately, none of those pitchers are more than good, nor do they have ceilings beyond that level with the exception of young Jarrod Parker. The lineup is led by cornerstone talent Yoenis Cespedes. Sadly, Cespedes stands alone as an impact offensive talent, and the bottom of the Oakland lineup is truly awful. In another division, they might be a playoff team.
Player to Watch: Josh Reddick. The 26-year-old burst onto the scene in 2012, blasting 32 home runs and contributing superb right field defense. However, he managed only a .305 on-base percentage, so a rounding out of his offensive game is necessary for Reddick to stick as an everyday player over the long haul.
4. Seattle
Projected Wins: 73
Explanation: The Mariners are improving steadily, but a deeper starting rotation or lineup stands between them and contention. After Felix Hernandez, Seattle has depth in the rotation but no impact arms. Supreme prospects Taijuan Walker and Danny Hultzen should both appear in Seattle at some point during the 2013 season, but neither is expected to have a serious impact this year. The offense is improved with the addition of former Nationals masher Michael Morse, and it features solid depth via youthful talent in Dustin Ackley, Jesus Montero, and Kyle Seager. With Walker, Hultzen, and top catching prospect Mike Zunino on the scene, 2014 could be the year that the Mariners return to contention if the team can add a big, middle-of-the-order bat. Given the failure of first baseman Justin Smoak, a 1B/OF like Corey Hart could be a great fit.
Player to Watch: Even though 2013 is really about the development of the club's high-level minor league talent, Montero faces an early career crossroads. With questions about his ability to catch every day and his bat disappointing some thus far, the big, 23-year-old righty needs to rediscover his offensive profile.
5. Houston
Projected Wins: 58
Explanation: The Astros are incredibly bad. Jose Altuve is a good speed/batting average second baseman. Altuve will likely be Houston's only above-average player in 2013, and he might just be their only average player too. None of the very poor starting pitchers figure to be around in two years, and only stopgap power hitters Carlos Pena and Chris Carter could total average offensive production.
Player to Watch: Jason Castro. The former top pick showed some on-base ability in 2012 and a bit of pop, although he struggled behind the plate. He will be 26 in two months, so 2013 is a big year for determining whether he can be a decent regular or will be a fringe starter at best.
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