There’s a lot of buzz for the Astros entering the season. They already have a high-powered batting lineup that has the fantasy darling Jose Altuve, underrated-yet-very-talented George Springer, and up-and-comers Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman. They even loaded up with a handful of great hitters in Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, and Josh Reddick. Adding the firepower of all those guys can really intrigue and excite the baseball fan in you. They may possibly own the most explosive group of batters in the American League.
Writer’s Prediction: Houston wins the division, goes over 90 Ws.
Speaking of explosivity, it’s something that the Mariners are not short of. The core of Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, and Kyle Seager slugged the team to rank inside the top seven in hits, runs, homers, and RBIs in 2016. And with the addition of Jean Segura, who was fourth last season in hits (203) and is bringing 20-plus homers and 60-plus RBIs with him, one can only guess how dangerous this team can be.
HOWEVER, do remember that this franchise hasn’t entered the postseason since 2001. It’s the longest active playoff drought in the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL.
The x-factor in breaking the drought will be in the pitching, particularly of former Cy Young awardee Felix Hernandez. As the number two guy in the rotation, he only went 11-8 (3.82 ERA). If he can somehow comeback to his old form, or at least be a couple of notches better than last year’s rather dud performances, Seattle could be back in the playoffs.
Writer’s Prediction: Seattle goes over 85 wins and finally gets a taste of the playoffs.
It’s about balance for the Rangers. From one through nine, you’ll see a nice collection of speed, power, and more – a respectable rotation against anyone in the league. Their top two hitters from last season – Rougned Odor and Adrian Beltre – each had over 160 hits, 30 homers, and 88 RBIs.
Like the Mariners, pitching will be key to this team’s success. Cole Hamels (15-5, 3.32 ERA) did well, but number two guy Martin Perez (10-11, 4.39 ERA) didn’t, and it didn’t help that Yu Darvish missed a huge part of the campaign, as he only made 17 starts (7-5 W-L) in 2016 and earned an unappealing 3.41 ERA. If Perez and Darvish can stay healthy and play better, the Rangers should be a very solid and competitive club.
Writer’s Prediction: The Rangers will win 78-83 games.
The Angels, as you may know, are all about the Millville Meteor – Mike Trout – the fantasy darling of all fantasy darlings today. The two-time AL MVP, which could easily have been more, has been piling up great numbers since his first full season with the team in 2012, and should continue doing so moving forward. His key numbers during that span are as follows: 163 HRs, .310 BA, .564 SLG, .410 OBP.
That, however, is the Angels’ problem. Trout couldn’t and shouldn’t be tasked to do everything. He’s been the sports’ best player for years, but no one can carry a whole baseball club all by himself. There’s not much depth below Trout and Albert Pujols, who’s obviously in his dog years.
As for the pitching, the’s also not much to get excited about. They have no decent starters and their bullpen wouldn’t be able to save them. Last year, their relievers combined to have an 3.77 ERA, ranked 18th in the league.
Writer’s Prediction: The Angels win below 73 games.
It was an interesting off-season for the AL West’s reigning last placer. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t appear to be really appealing. They do deserve some credit for boosting the bullpen with the signing of Santiago Casilla, since the pen finished 20th in ERA this past season. He may be a nice addition to the group.
Aside from expecting the obvious, which is Khris Davis and Marcus Semien unloading maybe 60-70 homers together, there’s nothing left to look forward to.
Writer’s Prediction: The A’s will have under 70 wins and bottom the division again.
