2021 AL West Season Preview
Apr 4, 2019 10:29:55 GMT -5
Commissioner Erick and Grubs - Philly like this
Post by Ben_Dodgers on Apr 4, 2019 10:29:55 GMT -5
Welcome back, baseball fanatics! Today we're taking a look at the American League West Division.
Texas Rangers
Who they were: As a team, the Rangers didn’t dominate in any area, but they also didn’t have any weaknesses. Led by batting champion C Francisco Mejia, Texas won the West last year, only to fall to Cleveland in the ALCS. Paul Goldschmidt was the best first basemen in the league on both sides of the ball, and Marcus Stroman put up a 2.29 ERA after joining the team in June.
Offseason Summary: The Rangers were patient this offseason, waiting until February to make major signings. In the end, they added more WAR than any other team in the PBA, including SP Cole Hamels, SP Danny Salazar, and OF Giancarlo Stanton, and bringing back SP Rick Porcello.
On the Farm: OSA ranks the Texas system 10th. Their best prospects are SS Luis Ramirez and SP Jorge Cotto, both still teenagers signed during an international spending spree in 2019. Both show immense potential but are years away from the PBA. The remainder of Texas’s best prospects are also in the low minors. With the talent at the major league level, there are not any prospects expected to make a major splash in the big leagues this year.
2021 Outlook: The Rangers have made the playoffs each of the last four years, and are favored to win the AL West again this year. If they have a weakness, it’s lack of depth at key positions. Injuries could bring this team down to earth, but Texas has shown a willingness to make big moves to fill holes in the past. The only question is how successful they will be in the playoffs.
Pressing Questions:
This team has traditionally gotten off to a slow start in the early months. With expectations so high, what are you looking for in the first 2 months?
Kyle Lewis looks poised for a breakout this year. What do you expect from him?
Oakland Athletics
Who they were: The surprise playoff team out of the AL last year, Oakland rode their superb pitching to an 88-74 record and the first wildcard. Ace Brandon Finnegan blew out his arm but lead the team in an upset over the White Sox. Oakland then fell to eventual World Series champion Cleveland in the divisional series.
Offseason Summary: Facing perennial budget restrictions, Oakland was active this offseason trying to control costs and replace the injured Finnegan. They traded a bunch of prospects to bring in SP Jose Berrios and OF Byron Buxton from Minnesota.
On the Farm: Despite trading away half a dozen minor league players in the offseason, OSA still ranks Oakland as the #11 farm system. 20 year old Miguel Hiraldo may be the shortstop of the future for Oakland. He is currently with the team in spring training, but hasn’t yet played above AA. The other prospects of note are Phil Logozzo and Jon Gagen, a pair of pitchers drafted last year. Neither is close to major league ready.
2021 Outlook: Oakland projects to finish a distant second behind Texas in the West this year. Whether they compete for a wildcard will depend on how much they can take advantage of the weaker teams in the division. Playing half his game in the Colosseum, Jose Berrios should be considered a Cy Young candidate.
Pressing Questions:
Pitching was your strength last season, but 3 of last year’s starters are no longer with the team. What are your expectations from the rotation this year?
What was the toughest move to make this past offseason?
Los Angeles Angels
Who they were: For the 4th straight year, Los Angeles finished 4th in the AL West. The standout performers included Andrelton Simmons, who won his third straight Gold Glove at shortstop and added some offense to his game, Sean-Reid Foley, with a 3.15 ERA over 160 IP in his first full season, and rookie first baseman Pavin Smith who hit .302.
Offseason Summary: The Angels saw a shakeup in the front office this year, with Robert Savard taking over as GM. They lost their HR leader Kole Calhoun to free agency. Los Angeles signed Korean pitcher Hyun-Hee Han to a 5 year deal. They also brought in SP John Lester and 3B Nick Castellanos.
On the Farm: OSA ranks the Angels farm system as the worst in the PBA. Their best prospect is 20 year old Doug Syverson, who projects to be an elite closer when he develops.
2021 Outlook: Los Angeles struggled to score runs last year and will likely face a similar problem this year. The team will finish below .500 again, but that doesn't mean there won't be some exciting baseball in Anaheim. The Angels currently have the oldest roster in the PBA, but they debuted two rookies last year who are poised to make great strides this season. Jonathan Arauz filled out over the winter and could be the best 2B in the division. 1B Pavin Smith doesn’t have the power usually expected from his position, but has excellent on base skills. Expect the Angels to be looking to trade off some of their veterans at the deadline to restock their farm system.
Pressing Questions:
Your new star pitcher Hyun-Hee Han hasn’t been spotted in spring training yet. Will he make the opening day roster?
Last year Los Angeles finished dead last in HR with 139. You didn’t bring in any power hitters over the offseason. How do plan to increase run production this season?
Houston Astros
Who they were: In 2019 the 111-win Houston Astros made it to the ALCS. Their quest for a world series trophy led to an active offseason. They added Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Wilmer Flores to the roster for 2020. The favorites going into the season, the Astros offense produced 3 all stars and scored 884 runs, good for 3rd in the league. However, their pitching staff was terrible, giving up 5.9 runs per game. The Astros finished a distant 3rd in the AL West, at 78-84.
Offseason Summary: This past offseason was the opposite of the previous year. Unwilling or unable to extend their players, the Astros lost their entire outfield, best starting pitcher, closer, and several other players to free agency. In total, over 21 WAR left in free agency. Houston hasn’t done much to replace the deficit, though they finally added a couple of journeymen to fill out the roster at the beginning of spring training.
On the Farm: To add insult to injury, Houston lost 4 promising young players in the Rule 5 draft. OSA ranks the system 15th, with 4 players in the top 100, including 3 starting pitchers. All of their top prospects are at least a year away, though. This doesn’t include OF Alex Destino, who has already belted 5 HRs in the first week of spring training. He put up a solid season at AAA last year and looks ready to handle major league pitching.
2021 Outlook: After a valiant effort to reach for the trophy last year, this is a team entering a rebuild. The pitching is worse, the outfield is worse – expect an even more lopsided run differential. The three perennial all-stars in the infield will generate some offense, but this team could lose 100 games. The only thing they’ll be competing for this year is 4th place in the division.
Pressing Questions:
Carlos Correa is a free agent after this season. Will you be looking to trade him before the deadline?
Will Alex Destino make the opening day roster?
Seattle Mariners
Who the were: Seattle embraced their tear down last year, finishing with the PBA’s worst record at 53-109. Their best players were traded away in May and June, returning over a dozen prospects to the system. The performance earned them the #1 overall draft slot for this year.
Offseason Summary: Seattle was one of the most active teams on the trade market, taking advantage of their relatively large budget to take on high priced veterans like Yu Darvish and Stephen Strasbourg with prospects and draft picks attached. The also signed star Japanese catcher Tomoya Mori to an 8-year deal.
On the Farm: Despite spending the last few years stocking their farm system through trades, OSA ranks Seattle only 18th. Last year’s #1 overall draft pick Mike Floyd is being developed as a two-way player. SS Lucius Fox looks major league ready. SS Aramis Ademan is not far behind.
2021 Outlook: Seattle lacks the talent to compete this year, and has little incentive to win. The veterans on the starting staff are saddled with extensive injury history. Just like last year, the best major league players will probably be traded before the deadline as Seattle continues to rebuild.
Pressing Questions:
You committed big bucks to signing Tomoya Mori to a long term deal. What are your plans and expectations for the new face of your franchise?
You invited a lot of young prospects to camp this spring. Who are you most excited about, and who stands to make the roster this year?
Texas Rangers
Who they were: As a team, the Rangers didn’t dominate in any area, but they also didn’t have any weaknesses. Led by batting champion C Francisco Mejia, Texas won the West last year, only to fall to Cleveland in the ALCS. Paul Goldschmidt was the best first basemen in the league on both sides of the ball, and Marcus Stroman put up a 2.29 ERA after joining the team in June.
Offseason Summary: The Rangers were patient this offseason, waiting until February to make major signings. In the end, they added more WAR than any other team in the PBA, including SP Cole Hamels, SP Danny Salazar, and OF Giancarlo Stanton, and bringing back SP Rick Porcello.
On the Farm: OSA ranks the Texas system 10th. Their best prospects are SS Luis Ramirez and SP Jorge Cotto, both still teenagers signed during an international spending spree in 2019. Both show immense potential but are years away from the PBA. The remainder of Texas’s best prospects are also in the low minors. With the talent at the major league level, there are not any prospects expected to make a major splash in the big leagues this year.
2021 Outlook: The Rangers have made the playoffs each of the last four years, and are favored to win the AL West again this year. If they have a weakness, it’s lack of depth at key positions. Injuries could bring this team down to earth, but Texas has shown a willingness to make big moves to fill holes in the past. The only question is how successful they will be in the playoffs.
Pressing Questions:
This team has traditionally gotten off to a slow start in the early months. With expectations so high, what are you looking for in the first 2 months?
Kyle Lewis looks poised for a breakout this year. What do you expect from him?
Oakland Athletics
Who they were: The surprise playoff team out of the AL last year, Oakland rode their superb pitching to an 88-74 record and the first wildcard. Ace Brandon Finnegan blew out his arm but lead the team in an upset over the White Sox. Oakland then fell to eventual World Series champion Cleveland in the divisional series.
Offseason Summary: Facing perennial budget restrictions, Oakland was active this offseason trying to control costs and replace the injured Finnegan. They traded a bunch of prospects to bring in SP Jose Berrios and OF Byron Buxton from Minnesota.
On the Farm: Despite trading away half a dozen minor league players in the offseason, OSA still ranks Oakland as the #11 farm system. 20 year old Miguel Hiraldo may be the shortstop of the future for Oakland. He is currently with the team in spring training, but hasn’t yet played above AA. The other prospects of note are Phil Logozzo and Jon Gagen, a pair of pitchers drafted last year. Neither is close to major league ready.
2021 Outlook: Oakland projects to finish a distant second behind Texas in the West this year. Whether they compete for a wildcard will depend on how much they can take advantage of the weaker teams in the division. Playing half his game in the Colosseum, Jose Berrios should be considered a Cy Young candidate.
Pressing Questions:
Pitching was your strength last season, but 3 of last year’s starters are no longer with the team. What are your expectations from the rotation this year?
What was the toughest move to make this past offseason?
Los Angeles Angels
Who they were: For the 4th straight year, Los Angeles finished 4th in the AL West. The standout performers included Andrelton Simmons, who won his third straight Gold Glove at shortstop and added some offense to his game, Sean-Reid Foley, with a 3.15 ERA over 160 IP in his first full season, and rookie first baseman Pavin Smith who hit .302.
Offseason Summary: The Angels saw a shakeup in the front office this year, with Robert Savard taking over as GM. They lost their HR leader Kole Calhoun to free agency. Los Angeles signed Korean pitcher Hyun-Hee Han to a 5 year deal. They also brought in SP John Lester and 3B Nick Castellanos.
On the Farm: OSA ranks the Angels farm system as the worst in the PBA. Their best prospect is 20 year old Doug Syverson, who projects to be an elite closer when he develops.
2021 Outlook: Los Angeles struggled to score runs last year and will likely face a similar problem this year. The team will finish below .500 again, but that doesn't mean there won't be some exciting baseball in Anaheim. The Angels currently have the oldest roster in the PBA, but they debuted two rookies last year who are poised to make great strides this season. Jonathan Arauz filled out over the winter and could be the best 2B in the division. 1B Pavin Smith doesn’t have the power usually expected from his position, but has excellent on base skills. Expect the Angels to be looking to trade off some of their veterans at the deadline to restock their farm system.
Pressing Questions:
Your new star pitcher Hyun-Hee Han hasn’t been spotted in spring training yet. Will he make the opening day roster?
Last year Los Angeles finished dead last in HR with 139. You didn’t bring in any power hitters over the offseason. How do plan to increase run production this season?
Houston Astros
Who they were: In 2019 the 111-win Houston Astros made it to the ALCS. Their quest for a world series trophy led to an active offseason. They added Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Wilmer Flores to the roster for 2020. The favorites going into the season, the Astros offense produced 3 all stars and scored 884 runs, good for 3rd in the league. However, their pitching staff was terrible, giving up 5.9 runs per game. The Astros finished a distant 3rd in the AL West, at 78-84.
Offseason Summary: This past offseason was the opposite of the previous year. Unwilling or unable to extend their players, the Astros lost their entire outfield, best starting pitcher, closer, and several other players to free agency. In total, over 21 WAR left in free agency. Houston hasn’t done much to replace the deficit, though they finally added a couple of journeymen to fill out the roster at the beginning of spring training.
On the Farm: To add insult to injury, Houston lost 4 promising young players in the Rule 5 draft. OSA ranks the system 15th, with 4 players in the top 100, including 3 starting pitchers. All of their top prospects are at least a year away, though. This doesn’t include OF Alex Destino, who has already belted 5 HRs in the first week of spring training. He put up a solid season at AAA last year and looks ready to handle major league pitching.
2021 Outlook: After a valiant effort to reach for the trophy last year, this is a team entering a rebuild. The pitching is worse, the outfield is worse – expect an even more lopsided run differential. The three perennial all-stars in the infield will generate some offense, but this team could lose 100 games. The only thing they’ll be competing for this year is 4th place in the division.
Pressing Questions:
Carlos Correa is a free agent after this season. Will you be looking to trade him before the deadline?
Will Alex Destino make the opening day roster?
Seattle Mariners
Who the were: Seattle embraced their tear down last year, finishing with the PBA’s worst record at 53-109. Their best players were traded away in May and June, returning over a dozen prospects to the system. The performance earned them the #1 overall draft slot for this year.
Offseason Summary: Seattle was one of the most active teams on the trade market, taking advantage of their relatively large budget to take on high priced veterans like Yu Darvish and Stephen Strasbourg with prospects and draft picks attached. The also signed star Japanese catcher Tomoya Mori to an 8-year deal.
On the Farm: Despite spending the last few years stocking their farm system through trades, OSA ranks Seattle only 18th. Last year’s #1 overall draft pick Mike Floyd is being developed as a two-way player. SS Lucius Fox looks major league ready. SS Aramis Ademan is not far behind.
2021 Outlook: Seattle lacks the talent to compete this year, and has little incentive to win. The veterans on the starting staff are saddled with extensive injury history. Just like last year, the best major league players will probably be traded before the deadline as Seattle continues to rebuild.
Pressing Questions:
You committed big bucks to signing Tomoya Mori to a long term deal. What are your plans and expectations for the new face of your franchise?
You invited a lot of young prospects to camp this spring. Who are you most excited about, and who stands to make the roster this year?
