MLB 2014 Previews and Predictions – AL West
The 2014 MLB season is rapidly approaching, which leaves the savvy bettor little time to finalize their futures card. Spring Training has given us a preview of what to expect from each squad during the regular year, while a busy offseason has greatly changed the complexion of most divisions.
The Seattle Mariners made the biggest splash by luring Robinson Cano away from the New York Yankees. The Texas Rangers weren’t quiet either, pulling off a blockbuster deal that saw the team unload its franchise second baseman. The Oakland Athletics continue to defy logic, and look to defend their crown from a year ago. The Los Angeles Angels were again a high-priced bust last season after years of dominating this division. Meanwhile, the Astros should be coming up the rear once again.
Here is a preview for each A.L. West team, and their chances of claiming the division title.
Oakland Athletics
Division odds: +160
Season win total: 88.5
The Athletics have won the West division crown in back-to-back seasons. Prior to that, the Rangers won it in consecutive years, and before that, the Angels won the division three consecutive times, so repeat winners aren’t uncommon.
Buy Razor Ray’s MLB Picks in 2014. You won’t regret it!! —–>
As for pulling off the title three years in a row, the Athletics have defied conventional logic before. The team’s young pitching staff could pose a lot of problems for opponents this year, while Billy Beane helped solidify the team’s bullpen with the additions of guy’s like Jim Johnson and Luke Gregerson.
Los Angeles Angels
Division odds: +175
Season win total: 87
The Angels had a disappointing year last season despite the high-priced addition of Josh Hamilton, which appeared to have the team in position to mash the ball. This year, they’ve supplemented their offense again with the additions of Raul Ibanez and David Freese. The team’s pitching rotation is strong at the top, with Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson matching up with any top two in baseball, but they are unproven after that. The team’s starting rotation as a whole posted a 4.12 ERA over the last two seasons. Ernesto Frieri slotted into the closer role nicely last season.
Texas Rangers
Division odds: +225
Season win total: 87
[dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
The Rangers made a big splash by moving Ian Kinsler to Detroit in exchange for Prince Fielder. Jurickson Profar could make the team’s fan base quickly forget about Kinsler if he can smoothly make the transition over to second base, while Fielder and third baseman Adrian Beltre will make for a fearsome middle part of the order. Time has really helped the team’s bullpen, as Neftali Feliz and Joakim Soria are both going to begin the season healthy. Yu Darvish continues to prove he belongs in the conversation as one of baseball’s best pitchers, and should contend for the Cy Young after finishing as the runner up for the award a year ago.
Seattle Mariners
Division odds: +1200
Season win total: 81.5
The Mariners made a significant shift away from past philosophies this season. After years of trying to win with strong defense, the team brought in some bats this year, adding Robinson Cano, Corey Hart, and Logan Morrison. The team had originally gone with the defensive strategy as it suited their ball park. Bringing in power hitters hasn’t work for them in the past, as guys like Michael Morse and Jesus Montero have had their power zapped by the spacious power alleys at Safeco. The team will rely on strong pitching from the likes of Felix Hernandez and Hishashi Iwakuma once again.
Houston Astros
Division odds: +7500
Season win total: 62.5
The team opened up its wallet slightly in the offseason, though spending overpaying for guys like Scott Feldman isn’t going to get them into contention. The team has been handling things the right way, building up its minor league system with young talent that will help them down the road. For now though, the team should be an afterthought in the futures market.
A.L. West Predicition
The division received a major injection of talent in the offseason, but teams have tried and failed when it comes to buying titles before. The Rangers have positioned themselves to make a statement in the division and in through the playoffs.
The play: Texas +225
