Post by D Backs GM (Tyler) on Feb 2, 2018 11:46:26 GMT -5
Welcome to the AL West! This is the first division we have not had a consensus winner. One ranker had the Mariners dropped way down to third. In fact, not a single consensus pick in the whole division. Should be a fun one to follow all year. Write ups are from Swo for this division. As always, tell us why we're wrong in the comments. Enjoy!
Previously on Winter Power Rankings: Overview, AL East, AL Central
Oakland Athletics - 5th AL WEST (One 4th, Three 5th)
The As have been stuck in the same spot for a number of years and my opinion is that they've been incredibly unlucky with the risks they've taken. There's a handful of players who just didn't pan out like expected. As has always been the case, the As will keep chugging along and I'm rooting for them to put it all together. It amazing where this franchise has come from where it was before Bird took over.
LA Angels - 4th AL WEST (Three 4th, One 5th)
John's team isn't very good, but at this point I think that's the point. John has embraced full rebuild and has enough cap room to procure valuable assets at the trade deadline and in FA. He's a few years away from realizing the gains of his hard work, but he's on the right path and has shown the commitment that he'll need to see this thing through. Good luck John.
Houston Astros - 3rd AL WEST (One 2nd, Three 3rd)
The Astros have a bunch of guys that I'm a big fan of, but unfortunately number of players Swo likes isn't a category (despite my campaigning) (ed. note: stop this campaign!). There are too many holes for the Stros to to make a run at the juggernaut that is the Mariners. The Astros are on a solid path, with a number of promising youngsters and a healthy cap, plus Lorenzo Cain is going to love playing in Milwaukee (go beermakers).
Texas Rangers - 2nd AL WEST (One 1st, Three 2nd)
Bad news - the Rangers' hitters are going to strike out a lot. Good news - we don't penalize people for that kind of behavior & all the strikeouts are going to come with a metric ton of homeruns (literally). There are a bunch of pitchers on this team who were previously highly thought of and the emergence any of them as front line starters would help the Rangers challenge the Mariners for AL West supremacy.
Seattle Mariners - 1st AL WEST (Three 1st, One 3rd)
A healthy and productive Alex Reyes would make this team scary good. Regardless the offense is potent and balanced, and the pitching has Corey Kluber. Mike probably has another playoff appearance coming up this year. The bullpen is probably the only weakness, and even calling it a weakness is a stretch. Like doing a review of Black Kevin's team, I'm getting bored with praising Mike.
Next up: NL East (tomorrow)
Previously on Winter Power Rankings: Overview, AL East, AL Central
Oakland Athletics - 5th AL WEST (One 4th, Three 5th)
The As have been stuck in the same spot for a number of years and my opinion is that they've been incredibly unlucky with the risks they've taken. There's a handful of players who just didn't pan out like expected. As has always been the case, the As will keep chugging along and I'm rooting for them to put it all together. It amazing where this franchise has come from where it was before Bird took over.
LA Angels - 4th AL WEST (Three 4th, One 5th)
John's team isn't very good, but at this point I think that's the point. John has embraced full rebuild and has enough cap room to procure valuable assets at the trade deadline and in FA. He's a few years away from realizing the gains of his hard work, but he's on the right path and has shown the commitment that he'll need to see this thing through. Good luck John.
Houston Astros - 3rd AL WEST (One 2nd, Three 3rd)
The Astros have a bunch of guys that I'm a big fan of, but unfortunately number of players Swo likes isn't a category (despite my campaigning) (ed. note: stop this campaign!). There are too many holes for the Stros to to make a run at the juggernaut that is the Mariners. The Astros are on a solid path, with a number of promising youngsters and a healthy cap, plus Lorenzo Cain is going to love playing in Milwaukee (go beermakers).
Texas Rangers - 2nd AL WEST (One 1st, Three 2nd)
Bad news - the Rangers' hitters are going to strike out a lot. Good news - we don't penalize people for that kind of behavior & all the strikeouts are going to come with a metric ton of homeruns (literally). There are a bunch of pitchers on this team who were previously highly thought of and the emergence any of them as front line starters would help the Rangers challenge the Mariners for AL West supremacy.
Seattle Mariners - 1st AL WEST (Three 1st, One 3rd)
A healthy and productive Alex Reyes would make this team scary good. Regardless the offense is potent and balanced, and the pitching has Corey Kluber. Mike probably has another playoff appearance coming up this year. The bullpen is probably the only weakness, and even calling it a weakness is a stretch. Like doing a review of Black Kevin's team, I'm getting bored with praising Mike.
Next up: NL East (tomorrow)
