Unless some major trades go down between now and October, this is how the AL West will probably shape up this year:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - all told, the Angels didn't really make that many moves this winter, but they didn't need to either; Torri Hunter will join an already crowded outfield, making last year's big signing, Gary Matthews, Jr., a DH until Mike Scioscia realizes that he's a much better left fielder than Garrett Anderson; Juan Rivera may only be trade bait at this point, and the same goes for Reggie Willits, as this team is loaded in their starting lineup; the rotation is easily the best in the West, but may be the best in the league before its all said and done; and unless K-Rod ends up falling off this year, the Angels are going to turn some heads and run away with the division
2. Seattle Mariners - Bedard was an outstanding pickup, but the Mariners have a few more needs to be addressed; Brad Wilkerson is not the answer in right, and Raul Ibanez is getting older quickly; the infield is fairly good, and their bullpen will be a decent bridge to lights out closer J.J. Putz; the rotation is fairly stout, especially if Carlos Silva and Jarrod Washburn can turn out good seasons; they're not as good as the Angels, and I would anticipate they'll make another move before the trade deadline, but they probably won't make the playoffs this year; next year is a distinct possibility
3. Texas Rangers - I'm not sure what the answer is for the Rangers, but Josh Hamilton is not the only answer, though he was an excellent pickup; the infield is possibly the best in the division, but Blalock and Kinsler are too inconsistent to rely on their bats; Salty should end up starting behind the plate by the end of the year, but pitching is, and will always be, the problem here; Kevin Millwood, Jason Jennings, Brandon McCarthy, and Kason Gabbard are all either good or up-and-coming, but at the Ballpark their abilities are overshadowed by the excessive number of home runs; they will suffer greatly from not having Teixeira this year, but their pitching will again be the biggest obstacle
4. Oakland Athletics - the A's seem to be in a constant state of rebuilding; gone are Nick Swisher (the heart and soul of the team)and Mark Kotsay, leaving the outfield young and inexperienced, though Travis Buck had a decent season last year; Bobby Crosby and Rich Harden are good, but are usually hurt, which means that there must be a starter as their backup, a virtual certainty not to happen with Billy Beane; still, Blanton is good and an innings-eater, Gaudin had a breakout year last year, and Lenny DiNardo is getting better, so the rotation has some life, but there are too many question marks and inexperience for this to be a viable team at this point.
Next Up: The NL, probably pretty quickly, as I will have finished the bar exam before I post again. I will start with the East, go to the Central, and then the West.
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