MLB: 2007 AL WEST PREVIEW

by user Trecole696

1st Place, Los Angeles Angels Lineup: CF Gary Mathews Jr. 3B Chone Figgens RF Vladimir Guerrero LF Garret Anderson DH Shea Hillenbrand 1B Casey Kotchman 2B Howie Kendrick SS Orlando Cabrera C Mike Napoli

Rotation: RHP John Lackey RHP Jered Weaver RHP Ervin Santana RHP Kelvim Escobar RHP Bartolo Colon Closer: Francisco Rodriguez

The Angels offense lost one of their best run producers in Juan Rivera, but they do have a surplus of young hitters, so one of them are bound to step up and fill his void. Getting a solid rebound season from Bartolo Colon would give a deep rotation even more strength. Their bullpen is just as strong as it's been in the last 10 years. I wouldn't be surprised to see John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Jered Weaver all breakout with 18-20 win seasons.

2nd Place, Oakland Athletics Lineup: C Jason Kendal CF Mark Kotsay RF Milton Bradley LF Nick Swisher 3B Eric Chavez DH Mike Piazza 1B Dan Johnson SS Bobby Crosby 2B Mark Ellis

Rotation: RHP Rich Harden RHP Dan Haren RHP Estaben Loaiza RHP Joe Blanton RHP Kirk Sarloos Closer: Huston Street

The A's took a major hit this offseason losing their leader and staff ace Barry Zito, but if Rich Harden is healthy, he should take over and do just fine as the staff leader. The swap of Pizza for Frank Thomas at the DH position is basically a wash. I believe Piazza will return to his 30 home run form without the burden of catching everyday. Eric Chavez has to find his stroke this year if the A's want to challenge the Angels.

3rd Place, Texas Rangers Lineup: CF Kenny Lofton DH Frank Catalanatto SS Michael Young 1B Mark Teixeira 3B Hank Blalock 2B Ian Kinsler LF Brad Wilkerson C Gerald Laird RF Nelson Cruz

Rotation: RHP Kevin Millwood RHP Vicente Padilla RHP Brandon McCarthy RHP Robinson Tejada RHP Josh Rupe Closer: Eric Gagne

I like top of Texas' rotation with Millwood and Padilla, but they are still relying on unproven starters to make up 3/5 of their starting rotation. Their bullpen should be a strength if Gagne is healthy. I like the addition of Kenny Lofton to the top of the lineup. Micheal Young and Ian Kinsler should make up an incredible double play combo (offensively and defensively) for years to come. Hank Blalock needs to get his average up for this offense to be hitting on all cylinders.

4th Place, Seattle Mariners Lineup: CF Ichiro Suzuki DH Jose Vidro 3B Adrian Beltre LF Raul Ibanez 1B Richie Sexson RF Jose Guillen C Kenji Johjima 2B Jose Lopez SS Yunienski Betancourt

Rotation: RHP Felix Hernandez LHP Jarod Washburn RHP Miguel Batista LHP Horacio Ramirez RHP Cha Seung Baek

Felix Hernandez took a step back after busting onto the scene with dominance in '05. He has to rebound and become the leader of an otherwise mediocre staff. I like the makings of the Mariners bullpen. J.J. Putz should finally let Mariner fans forget about Kazuhiro Sasaki. The lineup should be good enough to compete, but there starting rotation will keep them form competing with the A's and Angels.

The San Francisco Giants Blog-http://giantsbaseballblog.blogspot.com/