2014 AL West Standings - quick guess

[Angelsjunky]

With the caveat that I agree with something Chuck said recently, that projections very rarely end up being correct, its still fun to play make-believe. So here we go - based upon rosters at this point (including today's Choo signing), how does the AL West look on paper?

 

Here's how I see it:

 

93-69 Rangers

90-72 Angels

87-75 Athletics

85-77 Mariners

54-108 Astros

 

This isn't as much what I think will happen, but what the teams look like to me on paper. Regardless, I think its going to be a bit of a dog-fight. The Rangers look like the team to beat. The Athletics perennially over-perform but I think the under-performing Angels will edge them this year. The Mariners are going to surprise and be in the mix for much of the season. The Astros...well, with the over four teams in the division and the Angels looking for blood revenge, I'm probably being kind.

[SigBaby]

Astros have had a good offseason, but I think every other AL West team has had a good one as well. If we sign Garza, we will have a good shot at the playoffs IMO.

[Stradling]

I agree with those standings AJ. We will need to have a great health season in order to win over 90 games.

[tdawg87]

Rangers

A's

Angels

Mariners

Astros

Both Oakland and the Angels will compete for the wildcard spots.

[bloodbrother]

As of today

 

Rangers - 91-95 wins

A's - 86-90 wins

Halos - 84-88 wins/ with Tanaka I'd put them on par with Oakland

Mariners - 76-80 wins

Astros - 62-66 wins

[Erick McClendon]

Oakland has gotten better this off-season. its between texas and oakland IMO. if hamilton and old-man Pujols show up then its a 3-team battle. Also yeah the Angels need AT LEAST 1 more starting pitcher. Maybe 2

[Redondo]

A's

Rangers

Angels

Mariners

Astros

 

I think A's find a way to win the division based on their pitching.

[nate]

I think the Angels are more like 77-80 wins.

[HaloCory22]

As of today.

 

Rangers- 96-66

A's- 94-68

Angels- 90-72

M's- 88-74

Astros- 63-99

[Docwaukee]

Oakland has gotten better this off-season. its between texas and oakland IMO. if hamilton and old-man Pujols show up then its a 3-team battle. Also yeah the Angels need AT LEAST 1 more starting pitcher. Maybe 2

I disagree that the A's are better. 

[Angelsjunky]

I think the Angels are more like 77-80 wins.

 

Really? Bummer, dude. So you think the team hasn't or won't improve from 2013? I take it you think Hamilton and Pujols won't step up? Santiago, Skaggs and Richards will all be busts, or at least no better than the Three Amigos? (Blanton, Hanson, Williams).

 

I think a pessimistic outlook is that the team wins 82-86 games, a moderate outlook is 87-91 games, and optimistic is 92+.

[bloodbrother]

I think the Angels are more like 77-80 wins.

 

 

If the overpaid duo stink it up again then yeah. Right now they look like a .500 or slightly over .500 team on paper. Doesn't mean they don't get some luck next year and end up finishing better than that

[nate]

Still have Scioscia, 3-5 in the rotation are filled with young volatile arms.  Lineup will probably be better unless Ibanez is a bust, or Hamilton/Pujols get hurt.

 

Not to mention Seattle, Texas and Oakland are all much better than last season.

[DW711]

Of course, they aren't done yet...but.

 

Rangers 94-68

A's 93-69

Angels 85-79

Mariners 80-82

Astros 65-97

[Troll Daddy]

You guys are under estimating the Mariners ... but then again, they haven't done anything in years.

[Troll Daddy]

A's have won the division two years in a row now ... I would put them on top to start the season.

 

King of the Hill

[DW711]

the M's won 71 last year..with the moves they made (so far)..I think they'll win 80.

 

 

That's pretty kind, I think.

[YouthofToday]

93-69 Rangers

90-72 Angels

87-75 Athletics

85-77 Mariners

54-108 Astros

This isn't as much what I think will happen, but what the teams look like to me on paper.

I dunno. I think the Astros win in the high 50s. Some of that young talent is going to start producing in the late 2nd half.

Mariners are still an 81 win team.

I think the Angels have a ton of variance -- more than any other team in the AL West. They could win 77 or 90. Neither would surprise me.

[Angels]

I think the Angels have a ton of variance -- more than any other team in the AL West. They could win 77 or 90. Neither would surprise me.

 

This. I wouldn't be surprised if the Angels made the postseason. I also wouldn't be surprised if they disappointed again. It depends on a lot of things...and a lot of things will have to break the Angels way, I fear, if they want to have a legitimate shot at the postseason.

 

Will Pujols bounce back? If so, to what extent? How about Freese? Hamilton? How will our young starting pitchers do? Etc. etc. Lots of question marks.

 

I would feel a lot better about their chances if they acquire a good starter. 

[Stradling]

Of course, they aren't done yet...but.

Rangers 94-68

A's 93-69

Angels 85-79

Mariners 80-82

Astros 65-97

The good news about this projection is that the Angels will play in not one but two wild card games, so playoffs here we come!!!

[DW711]

Maybe. I'll give them 20-30 % right now.

 

The Angels would have been better off getting someone like Rajai Davis than Ibanez...Just another one dimensional guy.

[halobob]

I would be surprised if the Angels finish above .500 with their current pitching staff.

[Inside Pitch]

This. I wouldn't be surprised if the Angels made the postseason. I also wouldn't be surprised if they disappointed again. It depends on a lot of things...and a lot of things will have to break the Angels way, I fear, if they want to have a legitimate shot at the postseason.

 

Will Pujols bounce back? If so, to what extent? How about Freese? Hamilton? How will our young starting pitchers do? Etc. etc. Lots of question marks.

 

I would feel a lot better about their chances if they acquire a good starter. 

 

 

I agree....  One more guy and there is a lot less uncertainty.   Freese, Santiago, Skaggs are probably the biggest question marks coming into this season.

[2002_halos_II]

a's 84-78

rangers 82-80

laaoa 81-81

m's 77-85

'stros 70-92

prediction : AL West stinks in 2014

[Brent Maguire]

Rangers 92 wins

A's 90 wins

Angels 86 wins

Mariners 80 wins

Astros 65 wins

If the Angels add Tanaka, they're a 90 win team. Garza outs then at 88.