HOW THEY'LL FINISH:
1. Texas Rangers
2. Seattle Mariners
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim California America Earth
4. Oakland Athletics
Division Player of the Year: Chone Figgins, 3B, Seattle Mariners.
Figgins is such a unique player and has had such an impact on the A.L. West that his departure from the Angels immediately helps swing the balance of power in the division. Figgins is the prototypical leadoff hitter, getting on base, tearing up the basepaths, and scoring a ton of runs. If the Mariners are going to compete for a playoff spot, Figgins will have to have a monster season. Here's betting he will.
Division Pitcher of the Year: Cliff Lee, Seattle Mariners.
Difference Maker: Nolan Ryan, President, Texas Rangers.
Ryan has made a bigger impact on the entire pitching staff of the Rangers as team president than he did when he was pitching. And that's saying something. Ryan is old-school, and is heading a revolution of sorts with his pitching staff. Instead of being more careful with his talented young arms (and the Rangers have some in Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz,) Ryan wants them to work hard, throw a lot, and develop more arm strength. If his old-school approach works, Ryan may be responsible for stealing some clients from the notorious Dr. James Andrews.
Biggest Surprise: Texas Rangers Pitching.
Biggest Letdown: Seattle Mariners Power Bats.
BOTTOM LINE: If the Rangers young pitching comes around, Texas will be the team to beat in a depleted A.L. West. The Angels are facing the departures of SP John Lackey, 3B Chone Figgins, and DH Vladimir Guerrero, and the Mariners just don't have enough power in the lineup to compete. Texas will win a watered-down version of the A.L. West this year.
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