1. Anaheim Angels Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Five years $90 million for Torii Hunter? He’s 32 years old and not very good! And he is going to get progressively older and less good. That’s almost as bad as 5 years $50 million for Gary Matthews Juicer. Both are fire-able offenses. Is it really that hard to get players to come to Southern California?
They still lack a lineup presence to protect Vlad Guerrero, even after spending $90 million. They don’t have guys who get on base. Even with Howie Kendrick, the lineup will be average.
Healthy, their rotation would be quite excellent. However, Lackey is lost until May and Escobar is out indefinitely. Weaver and Garland aren’t bad. If Earvin Santana can find his early form, they will be a force.
The backbone of the team has been the bullpen. They have depth and experience with F-Rod, Speier and Shields.
2. Seattle Mariners
The Mariner’s lineup remains old and uninspiring. “Sexy’s” numbers took a prodigious plunge, not a positive sign with last season’s amphetamines ban. How long can indistructable Ichiro continue his act?
The rotation should be competent as well. A+ for the Bedard Signing. D– for the Carlos Silva deal. They still have Felix Hernandez and Washburn. They should be ok.
The bullpen has one of the best closers in baseball with J.J. Putz who put up a stunning 0.70 WHIP last season. He should be solid.
The Mariners will be a better ball club with Bedard. But, it may not show up in the standings. Despite finishing 12 games ahead of Oakland and Texas, Seattle had the same expected W-L of 79-83, meaning they got very lucky. Bedard bolsters them, but not necessarily past 88 wins.
3. Oakland Athletics
Oakland’s lineup looks poor, but may be better than expected. Barton and Cust can provide AL level power, with Sweeney potentially pitching in if he can find the fountain of youth (and health). They also have guys around who can hit and get on base.
The rotation will be abused. Blanton is not bad. Harden is one of the best in the bigs if prevented from sudden movements or sneezing. But after that they are scraping the bottom to get Gaudin and Duchsherer out of the bullpen to start.
The bullpen will be good, but only until Billy Beane trades Houston Street.
The A’s are a rebuilding project. Let’s see how Billy can do without the roids.
4. Texas Rangers
For the first time in forever, the Rangers have no power. They have marvelous Marlon Byrd occupying a corner outfield spot. Hamilton will have to prove last year was no fluke.
Tell me who scares you out of their rotation. Kevin Millwood? Vincente Padilla? Jason Jennings? Kason Gabbard? Luis Mendoza? Enough said.
Texas have the bullpen with C.J. Wilson and experienced guys like Benoit and Guardado. But the rotation struggles may stifle their effectiveness.
