7
2158
All
Jaydawg^1283
Who Will Win The A.L. West?       
2/19/06, 10:50am (<font size=1 color=white>Last Edited: 2/19/06, 10:55am</font>)
     This was a hot topic in Podcast #7.  The A.L. West will be just as competitive as the N.L. East was in '05 and don't be surprised if five games separate the top three teams at the end of the season.  I'll expect an all-out battle between the A's and Rangers down the stretch.  But, in the end, I think Oakland will most likely take the A.L. West.  They have the best starting rotation in the game and they added a few big bats to complement Eric Chavez with Frank Thomas and Milton Bradley.  The Rangers have, arguably, the best lineup in the American League (yes, I'm including the Yankees) and added some quality pitching in Padilla and Millwood.  But, their pitching isn't as stacked as Oakland's and that is what usually wins it in September and October.  The Angels have been in court battles over a silly name change and haven't brought in a powerful bat to back up Vlad Guerrero.  Signing Jeff Weaver--a mediocre pitcher at best-- doesn't make up for the loss of Jerrod Washburn at all.  Seattle could improve if Richie Sexson has a comeback year and Jeremy Reed starts living up to his potential.  But, overall, I see a nail-biter at the end of the season with Oakland and Texas.

[Jaydawg from Tarzana/CA]
Replies:  <a href="read.pl?1-2162">2162</a> <a href="read.pl?1-2164">2164</a> <a href="read.pl?1-2170">2170</a>