MLB Predictions: AL West

Day two of baseball, as many teams are getting their first game of the season in today. Unfortunately the weather isn't to friendly in some parts of the country, as a few games are postponed frustrating fantasy owners I am sure. Well its time to put in my picks for the last division, the AL West a division that has got some strong teams with good aces and MVP bats.

Carlos Correa, boy is that guy a beast. He is only 21 but already looking like he's been a professional for years. Watch him smack 30 plus this year while stealing at least 30 as well. To go with him offensively Houston has Altuve, Springer, and Gomez who will all put up great numbers and make them one of the leading scoring teams in the league. Now Houston is starting with a few people on the DL, as Gattis is out of the DH spot and McCullers out of the rotation. Shouldn't be to much to worry about however, as the addition of Fister should be beneficial for the team and Giles in the bullpen. I think Houston will dominate the AL West, with a guy like Dallas Keuchel (Photo) and such a powerful offense it will be tough to overcome this team this year. Astros take the AL West with ease as htey get ready with their battle in the ALCS with Toronto.

Like Houston, I think the Rangers have a great lineup this season as well. The addition of Desmond, they should have some good pop lead by Fielder (Photo) and Beltre. I think Deshields will be impressive this season batting in the leadoff spot, as he was just part of a three run inning against King Felix. Cole Hamels has looked good on his first start, allowing two runs so far. But he should put together a good year picking up 13 plus wins and having an ERA in the low threes. Darvish is out to start the season, but he hopefully wont be out long for the Rangers, as he and Hamels make a great 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. The Rangers need to stay healthy if they want to try and catch Houston at some point in the season, but I see them as contenders of a wildcard seat. The Rangers will be keeping their fans entertained with power, hopefully their rotation can bring them wins along with it.

The Mariners have a lot to look forward to this season, as they got a lineup that can do some damage. You can expect Cano to have a better season, especially with Nelson Cruz hitting behind him. I really like Kyle Seager (Photo), he is one of my favorite players in the league with his pop and clutch, he is a guy that comes through when you need him to. His $100 million contract seemed a little crazy when I first heard about it, but now I would say it is a deal for Seattle. Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma are the kind of guys you want at the top of your rotation, as Felix can over power you then fool you with the off speed stuff. While Iwakuma always gets his victims to chase with his sinker ball. The addition of Aoki should help run production, as he will get on for Seager, Cano, and Cruz. I am not so sure about Iannetta and Adam Lind due to their poor numbers last year, but Leonys Martin is a good all around guy who will help in the outfield and at the plate. Seattle also picked up Wade Miley who hasn't looked to sharp in his career, but going from ballparks like Chase Field and Fenway to Safeco should help him out a good amount. Seattle will have a good year, as they will hunt for a seat in the wildcard matchup.

The Los Angeles Angels have some of the best bats in baseball. Mike Trout (Photo) is a guy who will go 40-40 will his amazing power and speed. I mean we've all seen him jump up at that wall and rob homers, the guy is unstoppable. Pujols looks to be healthy and ready to hit 25-30 homers this year, as the additions of Simmons and Escobar should help the Angels both offensively and defensively. The Angels real problem is out there in the mound. Weaver was known as their ace, but has his degenerative spine problem now and hasn't looked to good. Garret Richards is making the start on opening day for them tonight, but don't expect ace type numbers from him either. The Angels have a good bullpen lead by Street and Joe Smith, but they will need to get help in the rotation if they want to make the playoffs. I also don't expect the team to have a very good batting average, so unless Trout will be the only regular guy on base, they need to sacrifice some of their power, such as C.J. Cron or Calhoun for a little more connection. The Angels always have a chance with a guy like Trout in the lineup, but it will be a challenge to make the playoffs.

I like the Oakland A's this year. They got a good group of guys who I think fit well within their roster. What they got to fix is the ballpark they play in, I mean don't get me wrong, I love the Coliseum. I mean I worked in it for two seasons, but it just seems to bring down their players. It is like a graveyard for power hitters, as look at Donaldson's numbers in his year away from Oakland, I mean MVP. The A's added guys like Khris Davis and Yonder Alonso who have the potential for 25 plus homers. These guys will look great on the road, but back in Oakland I think their numbers will take a dive. I like Billy Burns (Photo) and Danny Valencia, these guys will put up good averages and keep their offense going as they may go through some power struggles. Many don't expect much from Oakland this year, but if there was to be a team to surprise everyone, it would be these guys. Sonny Gray is missing his start today due to food poisoning, but he should have a great season. I just hope they don't end up dishing away their players this year and get a new ballpark soon.

   AL West Records:

1. Astros 96-66

2. Rangers 87-75

3. Mariners 80-82

4. Angels 78-84

5. Athletics 70-92