MLB 2011 Previews and Predictions- AL West
The Texas Rangers ended Los Angeles’ string of three consecutive AL West titles with a 90-72 record in 2011. They took out Tampa in five games in the ALDS and shocked New York by ousting the Yankees in six games in the ALCS. The Rangers bid for a world title fell short as they lost to San Francisco in five games in the World Series.
Oakland improved from its 75 wins in 2009 with a .500 record at 81-81 to take second place. The Angels fall from grace dropped them to 80-82 for the year, while Seattle plummeted from contention with the worst record in the AL at 61-101.
Here is a brief preview of all the teams in the AL West along with their future odds to win the division as posted by Sportsbook.com.
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Texas Rangers +125
Texas will have to defend its 2010 AL Pennant without one of the main reasons it got there in the first place; ace pitcher Cliff Lee, who signed with Philadelphia this offseason. C.J. Wilson have to step and anchor the rotation, but they could still struggle with some questionable talent as the back end of the staff. Josh Hamilton will be joined by Adrian Beltre to anchor a lineup that remains the best in the division.
Oakland Athletics +190
Optimism is running high on this team with a starting rotation that is led by Trevor Cahill. If Brett Anderson can remain healthy and Dallas Braden can anchor the back end of the rotation, the Athletics’ bullpen should make them a serious contender in the West. Offense remains the key question on this team after finishing 11th in the AL in runs scored with 663.
Los Angeles Angels +225
Los Angeles took a major step at getting back on top in the West by signing Vernon Wells to a four-year $86 million deal this past offseason. If starting pitcher Scott Kazmir and infielder Maicer Izturis can return to the form they both displayed in 2009 it could go a long way towards turning things around. Another key will be the ability of Bobby Abreu to adjust to life as the Angels new DH. Also key will be the return of Kendry Morales, who only played 51 games last season after breaking is ankle.
Seattle Mariners +2000
Seattle still has staff ace Felix Hernandez, 3B Chone Figgens, and outfielder Ichiro Suzuki as a core group of talent, but the holes throughout the rest of the roster are just too many to fill to keep this team from bringing up the rear in the West for the second year in a row. If prospects Dustin Ackley and Michael Pineda can add some meaningful production this season and the rest of the team plays to its capabilities, 70+ wins could be a realistic goal for the Mariners in 2011.
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