AL West: Can The Angels Return To The Top?

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 5:28 am

The AL West could be one of the most interesting divisions in Major League Baseball this year as all four teams have a legitimate shot at the title. The A's are the defending AL West champs and have retooled once again after losing Barry Zito to free agency. The Angels have added more firepower and could contend if their pitching comes around. Texas and Seattle could be surprises as well.

Okay, so the question once again is: Which team do you think will win the AL West title? And who are the top players to watch for in 2007? Who will be the MVP of this division?

Thoughts?

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 6:18 am

Don't mess with TEXAS! A little rebound from Wilkerson and Blalock may make the offense on this team able to stay in the park with any team in baseball (with all due respect to the AL East). Let's just see how many runs they score.

Texas does not have the pitchers of OAK or LAA, but Millwood and Padilla are solid. Young guys like McCarthy and Tejada will have to step up. Gagne back = Great bullpen. Gagne not back = still good bullpen.

MVP is Ichiro.

Vander · Post by **Vander** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 7:57 am

Sorry EK I have to go with the Angels. They do have the pitching. Starting and relieving. Their defense still may be weak, but better than last year. Matthews will help in the outfield. Hopfully enough to justify the huge contract. kendrick may not be gold glove, but is a better 2b than 1b. I swear he was awful last year although it is unfair to ask him to learn a new position at the major league level, especially for a rookie. The offense is good enough, though certainly not spectacular. They'll get a shot in the arm when Rivera comes back, whenever that is. Texas management is among the worst in baseball, though probably not as bad as Tampa's, The pitching will let them down. Seattle and Oakland just don't have the horses. In Oakland's case they can'tr keep people healthy. Crosby, Harden, Piazza's 39 or so, even Street has shown some durability issues. Mariners finish 2nd in a weak league. Ichiro goes elsewhere.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 8:36 am

The Angels should run away with the division. Full staff, good relievers with a great closer. A little weak in the order after Vlad but good enough to win this division. Oakland and Seattle will fight for second. Texas lost Carlos Lee, Matthews, and DeRosa from their offense and did next to nothing to help their starting staff. Another year below .500.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 4:24 am

Folks must really dislike the AL West!!

Or maybe those West Coast fans just aren't as passionate about their baseball as the East Coast fans!!

I mean, there's not even a post from Zaleski about his beloved Angels.

That does it, I'm not putting up a new division poll until this one takes off. NL East tomorrow and be ready for it!!

headhunters · Post by **headhunters** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 4:36 am

what vander said. angels have it all. they win this div, the pennant and the world series. vlad is mvp.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 5:13 am

Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

Gagne back = Great bullpen. Gagne not back = still good bullpen.

???

Name someone else in their bullpen besides Otsuka and Gagne. I don't think the Rangers even know right now.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 6:13 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

quote:Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

Gagne back = Great bullpen. Gagne not back = still good bullpen.

???

Name someone else in their bullpen besides Otsuka and Gagne. I don't think the Rangers even know right now. [/QUOTE]Nobody really...except K-man Joaquin Benoit...GB/control pitcher C.J. Wilson...Wes Littleton...Frank Franciso has another live arm...plus a couple of former starters for long relief.

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 6:18 am

I do agree with the majority that have voted so far and think the ANGELS will win the division.

They have some minor health questions with the pitching staff (but still have MORE depth in the minors if they need it)and have to settle the 1B question, but they are still a better team than anyone else in the division.

I think VLAD leads them and has an MVP season in 2007.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 6:26 am

Originally posted by Vander:

Sorry EK I have to go with the Angels. They do have the pitching. Starting and relieving. Their defense still may be weak, but better than last year. Matthews will help in the outfield. Hopfully enough to justify the huge contract. kendrick may not be gold glove, but is a better 2b than 1b. I swear he was awful last year although it is unfair to ask him to learn a new position at the major league level, especially for a rookie. The offense is good enough, though certainly not spectacular. They'll get a shot in the arm when Rivera comes back, whenever that is. Texas management is among the worst in baseball, though probably not as bad as Tampa's, The pitching will let them down. Seattle and Oakland just don't have the horses. In Oakland's case they can'tr keep people healthy. Crosby, Harden, Piazza's 39 or so, even Street has shown some durability issues. Mariners finish 2nd in a weak league. Ichiro goes elsewhere. Good points Vander. Angels are a classic little-ball team and there pitching will keep them in a lot of games. I do not have faith in Matthews (he must have burned me once). Kendrick and Cabrera add speed (average to below average power at best) to a team with Figgins and Vladdy can still kick in double digits. Hillenbrand is a decent add but Anderson is average (good BA) at best. I just don't see them having enough offense.

They are just one starting pitcher injury from real trouble. I guess a lot of teams could say the same thing, but SP is what makes the Angels really special.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 6:30 am

Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

Joaquin Benoit...GB/control pitcher C.J. Wilson...Wes Littleton...Frank Franciso has another live arm...plus a couple of former starters for long relief. Yecchh!

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 6:32 am

LAA has the easiest path to division winner in the AL. This could look a little like the NL West of recent years, every team could hang around late into the season near the .500 mark until someone finally pulls away with a little streak. The Angels should have one of the better pitching staffs in the lge, so I like them to pull away. I see the other 3 teams finishing just short of .500 with Texas likely in the basement.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 6:35 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

quote:Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

Joaquin Benoit...GB/control pitcher C.J. Wilson...Wes Littleton...Frank Franciso has another live arm...plus a couple of former starters for long relief. Yecchh! [/QUOTE]

But they think the world of you!

MGBMARTY · Post by **MGBMARTY** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 7:38 am

Angels are the logical choice but this years Tigers of last year will be the Mariners Yes you heard it here The lowly M's nip Angels by 2 games. Ichiro contract year Sexsons 2nd 1/2 numbers of last year were top 3 Beltre improves Line Up is not too bad Health of Guillen and Vidro is key If they still healthy with Kenji and Ibanez Hitting improves though in a tough park Pitching not as goos as Angels but like Tigers of last year should have better numbers due to their park Felix becomes a true #1 starter H Ramirez stays healthy and regains 2004 Braves form J Weaver remembers that he is not a bad pitcher and Baek becomes their #4 starter Batista goes into bull pen as set up man for a solid JJ putz Yes folks you heard it here 1st SLEEPER team of year

Marty

bjoak · Post by **bjoak** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 8:29 am

Gosh, to hear you guys, you'd think the A's finished in last place last season. They have great starting pitching and a defense that underperformed last year (and will be infinitely better if Crosby can play short and Scutaro can cheer from the bench--aside from ninth inning-pinch hit appearances). Far and away the best bullpen in the division, if not the league. As for losing Thomas, Piazza and a resurgent Chaez (Does anyone really think he will hit .241 again?) will more than make up for the loss.

Yes, they have health concerns but they seemed to finish in first last year with a team that can't possibly spend any more time on the DL this year. If Harden pitches 25 starts, they are a shoe-in in a weak division.

Texas and Seattle are lost causes.

Best player-Tex.

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 8:32 am

Originally posted by bjoak:

Gosh, to hear you guys, you'd think the A's finished in last place last season. They have great starting pitching and a defense that underperformed last year (and will be infinitely better if Crosby can play short and Scutaro can cheer from the bench--aside from ninth inning-pinch hit appearances). Far and away the best bullpen in the division, if not the league. As for losing Thomas, Piazza and a resurgent Chaez (Does anyone really think he will hit .241 again?) will more than make up for the loss.

Yes, they have health concerns but they seemed to finish in first last year with a team that can't possibly spend any more time on the DL this year. If Harden pitches 25 starts, they are a shoe-in in a weak division.

Texas and Seattle are lost causes.

Best player-Tex. That boys and girls is how you spell HOMER

Kimo · Post by **Kimo** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 10:14 am

I guess I will chime in here. I think Fantasy Players think a little bit different than most Major League Managers and GM's. Fantasy Players forget about Defense. Defense wins Champioships. Don't know much about the other teams but the Angels, last year, finished last in Fielding. Very unlike Mike Scioscia. Look for Scioscia to crack the whip and bring fundamental baseball back this year. Gary Mathews will have a Fantasy banner year. With a .280avg, 110 Runs, 15 HR's, 70 RBIs, and 27 SBs, thats right, 27 stolen bases, There's not a more aggresive manager as Mike Scioscia. Batting lead off for the Angels is a fantasy Goldmine.

American League East:

Boston will not win with Lugo playing shortstopp. Lugo last year, 16 errors in 647 innings.

Jeter, 15 errors, in 1,300 innings.

Lugo is not the answer at Shortstop with Boston. Last year, Boston led thel league in fielding. Believe it or not, Boston is going to miss Alex Gonzalas at SS. Varitek is getting old. LHe can't throw anyone out anymore. American League East is turning into a speed league.

Fantasy Players....Don't forget about Defense.

UPS, the Las Vegas house is all taken care of. All you need to do is show up.

Lost Sailor · Post by **Lost Sailor** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 10:28 am

Man, I just don't see Anaheim doing it. Rotation? Lackeys a #1, but not sold on the rest. Colon is out, Jered Weaver is having recurring arm troubles, and Santana/Escobar are mediocre pitchers to me. Their saving grace is their bullpen, which is real good even with the loss of Donnelly, but they're going to have a lot of work to do this spring.

Lineup: Who are you scared of ourside of Vlad? Garrett? Matthews? Juan Rivera has some pop, but he's also out for a while. I mean, Hillenbrand and Izturis in the power corners? Im not sold.

Give me Texas. Let them win every game 8-7. Offense had an off year in 2006 all around, from Tex to Young to Blaylock to everyones draft day darling Wilkerson. They'll rebound in 2007 and take the pennant in the weakest division in baseball.

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 10:35 am

Originally posted by Kimo:

I guess I will chime in here. I think Fantasy Players think a little bit different than most Major League Managers and GM's. Fantasy Players forget about Defense. Defense wins Champioships. Don't know much about the other teams but the Angels, last year, finished last in Fielding. Very unlike Mike Scioscia. Look for Scioscia to crack the whip and bring fundamental baseball back this year. Gary Mathews will have a Fantasy banner year. With a .280avg, 110 Runs, 15 HR's, 70 RBIs, and 27 SBs, thats right, 27 stolen bases, There's not a more aggresive manager as Mike Scioscia. Batting lead off for the Angels is a fantasy Goldmine.

American League East:

Boston will not win with Lugo playing shortstopp. Lugo last year, 16 errors in 647 innings.

Jeter, 15 errors, in 1,300 innings.

Lugo is not the answer at Shortstop with Boston. Last year, Boston led thel league in fielding. Believe it or not, Boston is going to miss Alex Gonzalas at SS. Varitek is getting old. LHe can't throw anyone out anymore. American League East is turning into a speed league.

Fantasy Players....Don't forget about Defense.

UPS, the Las Vegas house is all taken care of. All you need to do is show up. After drinking with Greg before this event at LABR, I will need "UPS" to deliver me to the house.

PM with the address

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 10:36 am

Originally posted by Lost Sailor:

Man, I just don't see Anaheim doing it. Rotation? Lackeys a #1, but not sold on the rest. Colon is out, Jered Weaver is having recurring arm troubles, and Santana/Escobar are mediocre pitchers to me. Their saving grace is their bullpen, which is real good even with the loss of Donnelly, but they're going to have a lot of work to do this spring.

Lineup: Who are you scared of ourside of Vlad? Garrett? Matthews? Juan Rivera has some pop, but he's also out for a while. I mean, Hillenbrand and Izturis in the power corners? Im not sold.

Give me Texas. Let them win every game 8-7. Offense had an off year in 2006 all around, from Tex to Young to Blaylock to everyones draft day darling Wilkerson. They'll rebound in 2007 and take the pennant in the weakest division in baseball. Live close to Arlington?

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 10:52 am

Originally posted by Lost Sailor:

Man, I just don't see Anaheim doing it. Rotation? Lackeys a #1, but not sold on the rest. Colon is out, Jered Weaver is having recurring arm troubles, and Santana/Escobar are mediocre pitchers to me. Their saving grace is their bullpen, which is real good even with the loss of Donnelly, but they're going to have a lot of work to do this spring.

Lineup: Who are you scared of ourside of Vlad? Garrett? Matthews? Juan Rivera has some pop, but he's also out for a while. I mean, Hillenbrand and Izturis in the power corners? Im not sold.

Give me Texas. Let them win every game 8-7. Offense had an off year in 2006 all around, from Tex to Young to Blaylock to everyones draft day darling Wilkerson. They'll rebound in 2007 and take the pennant in the weakest division in baseball. Must have been away someplace - what makes you think the Texas pitching staff can hold the other team to just seven runs?

bjoak · Post by **bjoak** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:08 am

Yeah, I didn't even go into the Angels defense, but it frightens me, particularly their outfield, which could be a close second to Boston for the worst in baseball. Figgins was the only redeeming character out there, but he has been replaced with the horrid Matthews.

Thanks for the props, Hook.

headhunters · Post by **headhunters** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:18 am

bjoak- don't forget about the cubs and dodgers outfields. kimo- 2005 lugo-1339 innings 24 errors jeter 1353 15 errors- but lugo had higher rf and zr. in 06 jeter rf & zr went way down- he is getting older as are the yankees. i think he and lugo will be a draw. both teams have average defenses and big holes in their pitching. we shall see.

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:37 am

Originally posted by Captain Hook:

quote:Originally posted by bjoak:

Gosh, to hear you guys, you'd think the A's finished in last place last season. They have great starting pitching and a defense that underperformed last year (and will be infinitely better if Crosby can play short and Scutaro can cheer from the bench--aside from ninth inning-pinch hit appearances). Far and away the best bullpen in the division, if not the league. As for losing Thomas, Piazza and a resurgent Chaez (Does anyone really think he will hit .241 again?) will more than make up for the loss.

Yes, they have health concerns but they seemed to finish in first last year with a team that can't possibly spend any more time on the DL this year. If Harden pitches 25 starts, they are a shoe-in in a weak division.

Texas and Seattle are lost causes.

Best player-Tex. That boys and girls is how you spell HOMER [/QUOTE]Better bullpen???

Do you want to hear something funnier than caca?

Google "2006 bullpen ERA"

The THIRD response was "yahoo answers link"

I clicked on it.

Question was from some guy named, "BJOAK"

He even put up a cartoon pic of himself. LOL.

"Where can I find bullpen ERA stats for each team?"

Angels 4th in MLB with 4.04

A's 7th with 4.21

Sinking Donnelly replace with much better Speier.

A's have better bullpen?

Perry was right with homer comment, although A's do have a good pen.

And Matthews "horrid" in OF?

What is "horrid" is Figgins arm in the OF and his lack of being able to judge proper depth of a FB and taking wrong path to the ball. He did that frequently.

Why do you think they went out and got Matthews?

[ February 22, 2007, 05:39 PM: Message edited by: UFS ]

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:54 am

Originally posted by bjoak:

a resurgent Chaez (Does anyone really think he will hit .241 again?) will more than make up for the loss. Guess someone does. Is .241 "horrific"??

Rotowire clip yesterday on yahoo sports...

Update: Chavez admitted that his forearm and hamstring injuries lingered throughout the winter, but he feels confident that he'll be better suited to cope with the injuries should they crop up again this season according to the team's web site.

Recommendation: "I've been through a lot in the first eight years of my career, so hopefully it's all out there and I know what to expect. And if it happens again, I'll know how to deal with it. It will probably be a daily thing. I still have to take care of myself. There are always going to be issues. But I feel good. I feel healthy. My bottom line is that we figured it out. I have people that know how to correct it when things go wrong," Chavez said.

----->>>> It's not real encouraging to see Chavez resigned to the fact that he'll likely battle some lingering injuries again this season, so you may want to knock him down a buck or two if you have an early auction. <<<<<----------------