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by Digger

All World All Sports continues our division by division breakdown. Each day this week will feature a different division in order of predicted finish. Part 5, AL West.

Los Angeles Angels (Mgr. Mike Scioscia, 94-68 in '07)
Mike Scioscia must be feeling anxious for opening day to arrive. LA is ready to run away with another AL West crown. No one will stand in their way unless this team get humbled by injuries. Even if a few get banged up, this franchise has assembled a fine bench. Here we go.
Starting Pitchers: John Lackey (19-9, 3.01) has 20 wins in his sights. With an explosive lineup which might just score at will, he'll be back contending for the AL's Cy Young (3rd in '07). 25 wins is within reach. Kelvin Escobar (18-7, 3.40) is expected to miss at least all of April. His arm will be missed. Scioscia will not risk letting him return early. Orlando Cabrera (SS) was traded to Chicago so LA could land former back to back 18 game winner Jon Garland (10-14, 4.23). This guy is a work horse control specialist starting no less than 32 games dating back to 2002. He will flourish in Anaheim. Jared Weaver (13-7, 3.91) is a rising star. Scioscia will keep a close eye on Jared to preserve a sometimes tender arm. Southpaw Joe Saunders (8-5, 4.44) has been victimized by this squads deep rotation over the years. He was bounced back and forth between AAA Salt Lake and Anaheim last year. Once Escobar returns from shoulder tendinitis, Saunders may be knocked out of his current starting role. He has talent and poise. He could see time as a long reliever. When Ervin Santana was on top of his game last year he was tremendous. Unfortunately, he was not consistently on his game (7-14, 5.76) after starting his MLB career 28-16. LA is counting on Ervin to return to previous winning years. Blazing closer Francisco Rodriguez has posted three consecutive 40 save seasons and will be lights out once again in '08 preserving late inning leads.
In the Field: This team is deep and talented as many of these guys are multi-positional players. Casey Kotchman (.296 BA, .372 OBA) returns as the everyday 1B. He has a keen eye (43 K, 443 AB) while snagging everything hit and thrown his way (.995 FP). Howie Kendrick (.322) opens as everyday 2B. He's been an instant fan favorite since arriving on the scene two years ago. Competing for opening day SS honors this spring is Eric Aybar and Maicer Izturis. Izzy would be my everyday selection based on better plate presence. We'll see how this shakes out when camp breaks. Over on third, will be speedster Chone Figgins (.330, 41 SB's). This kid is multi-talented and ready, willing and able to play wherever his name gets penciled into LA's potent attack. Angels are jammed in the outfield. This squad is deep. Starting '08 appears to be veteran Garret Anderson in LF (career .297), newly acquired superstar Torii Hunter (.297, 45 2B, 26 HR) in CF, and Angels free swinging-slugging-cannonball armed Vladimir Guerrero (.324, 125 RBI) in RF. Vlad owns a career .325 BA and has driven in 100+ runners in 9 of the past 10 years. Scioscia has indicated he will be shifting Anderson and Guerrero in and out of DH slots attempting to give these guys rest. Gary Mathews Jr. and Reggie Willits plan to see plenty of action in reserve roles but not enough to satisfy their thirst for playing. Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis will get their share of catching assignments. Napoli struggled with injuries last year while being limited to 75 games (.443 SLG).
Prediction: Scioscia's biggest problem will be figuring out how to delegate AB's with this deep and talented crew. Every managers dream! Angels spread their wings and fly high out of the gates. 1st place.

Seattle Mariners (Mgr. John McLaren, 88-74 in '07)
Seattle may not have enough juice to catch LA but they will be in the hunt for division and wild card honors all season long. The Mariners had a rough time scoring runs last year (794) with only one player knocking in more than 100 (Ibanez, 105). Pitching and defense remain big keys for success. Richie Sexson, who struggled all season long, must find his power stroke for Seattle to challenge LA.
Starting Pitchers: Mariners traded for Orioles star Eric Bedard (13-5, 3.16, 221K) who should love pitching friendly Safeco Field. Maturing fireballer Felix Hernandez (14-7, 3.92) will have a monster season. He should set personal career high's across the board in '08. Dependable Jarred Washburn returns for his third Mariner season and hopes to be on the receiving end of better run support. If these front three turn in good years, this team will be tough to beat. Expected to round out this rotation are vets Carlos Silva (13-14, 4.19) and Miguel Bautista (16-11, 4.29). All Star closer JJ Putz (40 SV, 1.38) was nearly unhittable in '07 surrendering a miniscule 37 hits in 71 innings while sitting down 82 batters by way of K. Middle relief roles to be won during the spring by a wide open field of competitors.
In the Field: 6'8" monster Richie Sexson (1B,.205) struggled all year from day one. He must get back on track early or Seattle will have to find another answer. Steady ground ball gobbler Jose Lopez returns to 2B. Yuniesky Betancourt returns to play SS after posting back to back .289 seasons at the dish. Adrian Beltre mans 3B and needs to be this teams consistent run producer. At times he seems overly anxious at the plate and hits from deep counts (only 38 BB in 595 AB). A player of such longevity must have better self control and work ball/strike counts to his advantage. LF Raul Ibanez is a steady swatter (.291, 105 RBI) who will shine once again in '08. Internationally renown superstar All Star CF Ichiro Suzuki (.351) has surpassed 200 hits and 100 runs scored every year since his MLB arrival back in 2001. Oddly, he's only scored more than 111 runs one time... a sad testiment to poor team hitting with runners in scoring position. This will be unacceptable if Seattle wants to catch LA. Brad Wilkerson arrives from Texas to play RF. Wilk needs better plate discipline (107K in 338 AB) and must stop swinging for the fences in every at bat. Japanese import Kenji Johjima (.287) is a solid dependable backstop. Many "if" questions need to be answered this spring for McLaren's team to make a serious run... most importantly - run production.
Prediction: 2nd place.

Oakland Athletics (Mgr. Bob Geren, 75-86 in '07)
Oakland's recent organizational strength has been to churn our solid pitchers. A good thing since this punchless offense scratches and claws to put runs on the board (741). 2008 will be challenging by the Bay as this is considered their "rebuilding" year. Numerous injuries put the breaks on Oakland's '07 chances. Lack of depth will cripple this squad if injuries run ramped again this year.
Starting Pitchers: Joel Blanton (14-10, 3.95) enters camp as the #1 starter. Question remains as to whether or not he's still an Athletic by the time spring training ends with trade rumors continuing to swirl. Injury prone Rich Harden tries to bounce back after missing most of '06/'07. Chad Gaudin (11-13, 4.42) looks to improve in his second year as a starting pitcher. Chad will need to gain better control to keep runners from scoring (100 BB in 199 IP). Jason Duchscherer will be given an opportunity to win a rotation slot this spring. He was a lights out middle reliever until injuries curtailed his '07 year. Lenny DiNardo (8-10, 4.11) is projected as fifth starter. Returning Closer Hudson Street (16 SV), missed 10 weeks due to injury, appears to be ready. A healthy staff is the key... and those returning from injury remain question marks.
In the Field: 3B Eric Chavez was limited to 90 games and already has back problems this spring. Not a good sign of things to come. SS Bubba Crosby played only 93. 2B Mark Ellis tied for the team lead by playing in 150 games while hitting a career high 19 round trippers. 1B Daric Barton is part of Oakland's rebuilding process. If he can't handle everyday pressures... Dan Johnson will take the field. LF Emil Brown, CF Chris Dinorfia and RF Travis Buck are all unproven. Kurt Suzuki takes over full time catching duties replacing Jason Kendall. DH belongs to the A's lone 2007 power threat, Jack Cust (26 HR).
Prediction: Bob Geren has his hands full and fingers crossed. It's a good thing Texas is in their division to save them from the cellar. Distant 3rd place finish as they attempt to finish ahead of the Rangers.

Texas Rangers (Mgr. Ron Washington, 75-83 in '07)
Texas front office continues to passionately disregard the importance of good starting pitching. Owner Thomas Hicks lack of baseball know-how has become the running joke around Dallas' Metroplex. Hicks burns thru GM's quicker than NASCAR drivers change tires. Clubhouse team chemistry has long since evaporated and could very well be at its' all time low once Texas' burning 100 degree summer days arrive. Washington must find a way to keep players focused and trouble free for the Rangers to post victories.
Starting Pitching: #4 starter Brandon McCarthy (5-10, 4.87) sadly posted the ONLY sub 5.00 ERA in this rotation. An amazing feat considering he walked 48 in just under 102 IP. It's somewhat of a miracle Texas didn't lose 100 games in '07. #1 SP Kevin Millwood (10-14, 5.16 - $9.3M) was pounded all year long. He's far from a prototypical #1 starter. Vincente Padilla (6-10, 5.76 - $9M), a former 15 game winner, was horrendous. Jason Jennings (2-9, 6.45 for Houston) is a Dallas native. Jennings was derailed by a torn flexor tendon last year. He's Hicks big free agent pitching acquisition at $5.5M. This is comical. Kason Gabbard is projected to land a rotation spot but it's too soon to tell for certain. Pitching coach Mark Connor might as well set up a lawn chair next to the mound so he doesn't wear out his shoes this season. Closing duties will be won this spring... but how many leads will Texas have when they're not playing Baltimore?
In the Field: SS Michael Young (.314) and 2B Ian Kinsler (20 HR) are bright spots up the middle and represent the nucleus of this team. It seems as though Hank Blalock (3B, .293) will remain subject of trade rumors each year. Blalock was slowed by injuries last year and finally learned plate discipline (.358 OBA). Beaumont native Brian Broussard was brought in as everyday 1B. This lefty hacker must make an impact and could very well take full advantage of the Ballpark's short right field porch. Hicks spent $3.55M for a player who hasn't been a full timer since 2005. Detroit castoff Chris Shelton could share time at first if he makes the opening day roster. Marion Byrd (.307) was one of the few bright spots last year and needs to produce. Rangers will take a chance with Josh Hamilton playing CF. Hamilton was selected as Tampa Bay's 1999 First-Year Players Draft. He was flying high after signing a $3.96M contract... then higher when he wasted it on crack cocaine which led to suspension by MLB for failing multiple drug tests. He's a new man now, has found God, and saved his soul, career and life. Second chances are amazing gifts in life and don't come often. Hamilton is determined never to squander this opportunity. His first MLB game was in a Reds uniform last season and he responded while quickly becoming a fan favorite. He lands in Texas by way of trade after posting a .292 average with 19 homers in 90 Cincy games before injuries interfered. Expect a tremendous 2008 from this kid. Switch hitting RF Milton Bradley joins team number six in a roller coaster career since 2000. Catching duties fall on the shoulders of Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Gerald Laird. Both will be plenty busy trying to tame an erratic pitching staff. DH is a hitters by committee group with Frank Catalanotto and Jason Botts expected to platoon.
Prediction: Too many question marks and no pitching. It's going be a long year in Arlington. 3rd place is within view... 4th is a likely landing.

Stay Tuned.... NL West on Deck