2014 AL West Preview – Brad Beneke

The Rangers made an amazing haul for the short term in acquiring Prince Fielder for Ian Kinsler.  They also made the (free agent) trade of Nelson Cruz for Shin-Soo Choo, which gives them one of the best leadoff and cleanup hitters in the game.  This takes a great lineup and makes it potent. The rotation and the pen suffered some pretty big hits this offseason, but the organization has depth, and can now out pitch you or out slug you on most days.

The A’s just keep retooling, and retooling while never really losing much. They have the deepest rotation in the American League (though not the best). The lineup is filled with gamers and they are managed by one of the best in the game.

The Angels have spent a ton of money to essentially be Mike Trout and the Geriatrics. Trading young slugging first baseman/outfielder Mark Trumbo for up-and-coming stud lefty Tyler Skaggs from Arizona should help, especially if Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton are healthy and have anything left in the tank. The lineup is old, the rotation is not as strong as it used to be and the pen is middle of the road.

The Mariners have the best one-two punch in the division for the rotation and the team picked up a lot of very good pieces, but they have new management, new coaching, new everything … except the same old misfortune.  Seattle improves upon last season, but isn’t good enough to move up.

The Astros made some questionable moves at first glance this year.  Looking deeper it appears they are trying to fill in a few pieces while the kids season in the farm system, and then trade the vets at the deadline.  At least that’s what I would do, but this team has limited talented, limited major league experience, and limited expectations.  They could improve on last year but the record won’t point it out because everyone above them improved as well.

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