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 It seems like the Angels have been dominating the AL West for years and this year should be no different if they get anything out of their starting pitchers. The Mariners made a big trade this season bringing Erik Bedard to town but I don't think they have enough to even hold off the Texas Rangers. Oakland should bring up the year in a major rebuilding year that will test the patience of all 4,000 A's fans.
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 1st Place - Los Angeles Angels - 94-68 - The Angels made a big splash this off-season by signing free agent Torii Hunter to play center field after signing Gary Matthews, Jr. to do the same the year before. This will mean more time at DH for Vlad Guerrero, which could lead to even more production from the Vladinator. Don't underestimate the trade the Angles made for SP Jon Garland as he could win 20 games with the offensive firepower the Angels should have. The starting rotation for the Angels is currently going through some health issues, so having a stalwart like Garland in the chute will help out.
What to watch for: In order to get Garland, the Angels had to trade away sure-handed shortstop Orlando Cabrera. They are left with Erick Aybar and Macier Izturis playing what is the most important position on the infield. Chone Figgins gets the everyday job at third base and could end up being one of the worst defensive third basemen in the majors.
2nd Place - Texas Rangers - 86-76 - You didn't see that one coming, did you? Every season there is a surprise team in baseball and I think it's going to be the Rangers. With Mark Teixeira gone, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton and Hank Blalock will need to take over for the Rangers to make a move in the AL West. Their pitching is always going to be a concern in that bandbox they play in, but they could find help in former Red Sox prospect Kason Gabbard. Manager Ron Washington is going to have this team playing hard every game.
What to watch for: If Josh Hamilton can stay healthy for the entire season he will be a candidate for the AL MVP Award.
3rd Place - Seattle Mariners - 83-79 - Felix Hernandez may be a stud but I'm just not sold on Erik Bedard being healthy for an entire season or the rest of the rotation for the Mariners being above average. I think the Mariners offense is going to struggle at times as Richie Sexson, Jose Vidro, Raul Ibanez and probable RF Brad Wilkerson don't age gracefully. They have one of the best closers in the game in J.J. Putz, who is the best pitcher you've never heard of.
What to watch for: If the Mariners don't keep up with the Angels look for them to move the veterans mentioned above around the trade deadline.
4th Place - Oakland A's - 75-87 - Every team has a down year and that is what this will be for the A's. They have questions in the starting rotation around the possible trading of Joe Blanton and the health of Rich Harden. Third baseman Eric Chavez is going to try to work through back issues to become a productive player again.
What to watch for: GM Billy Beane is going to be working the phones all season long as he tries to pick up players to help this team. He's made a few 'under the radar' pick-ups over the years that have really paid off for the A's.
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2008 Cubs Preview
As a fan of baseball, I think it would be a pretty cool story to see Josh Hamilton go from 1st pick, to out of baseball, and then to the MVP.
Too bad he isn't in a different division or I'd root for him a little more!
I've been meditating a lot lately in preparation of the long season the A's will have.