American League West: The Week That Was

This past week has been a hectic one for the Angels. Here at Halo Hangout, we have brought you every piece of news, and provided you with analysis every step of the way. But, plenty has happened to the rest of the clubs in the American League West. This article will bring you the entire goings on with the Angels’ competition over the past seven days.

Seattle Mariners

The M’s racked up the accolades this week, with Chris Young being the big breadwinner. Young took home the Players Choice Award for American League Comeback Player of the Year. Young also won the official AL Comeback Player of the Year Award handed out by Major League Baseball.

Felix Hernandez added to Seattle’s haul on Tuesday night, winning the AL Pitcher of the Year in the Players Choice Awards. King Felix was deemed by his peers to be the best pitcher in the American League in 2014, and deservingly so.

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Mariners’ All-Star third baseman, Kyle Seager, won his first Gold Glove Award this week. Seager is a former second baseman, and he utilized his athleticism at the hot corner in 2014. Seager is one of the best young players in baseball, and figures to add a few more Gold Gloves before his career is over.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports filed a report on November 5^th suggesting that the Mariners are likely to schedule a workout with Cuba defector, Yasmany Tomas. The M’s are searching for a middle-of-the-order right-handed bat this winter, and Tomas seems to fit the bill. Tomas is reportedly seeking 100 million for his services. This is a story to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

It has been a tumultuous offseason for Mariners right fielder, Michael Saunders, and it appears to be coming to a head. There were rumblings in October that the club was unhappy with Saunders’ lack of durability. On Friday, it was reported by Jerry Crasnick on twitter that Seattle is likely to dangle Saunders at the upcoming winter meetings.

Texas Rangers

It was something of a homecoming this week for former Rangers star, Michael Young, as he was named as a special assistant to the GM in Texas. Young will work closely with Rangers general manager, Jon Daniels. It has been suggested that Young will have a hand in all aspects of the front office.

Third baseman, Adrian Beltre, won his fourth Silver Slugger Award this week. Beltre was one of the few bright spots for Texas in 2014. At age 35, Beltre seems to just keep getting better. He is arguably one of the greatest defensive third basemen in baseball history, and this season he posted a .324 batting average.

Oakland Athletics

The big news coming out of the east bay this week was the A’s decision not to extend a qualifying offer to shortstop, Jed Lowrie. A’s general manger, Billy Beane, opted not to offer Lowrie the one-year deal worth 15.3 million. Lowrie is now free to sign with the highest bidder, or return to Oakland if he so chooses.

Jennifer Trumpp of Swingin’ A’s questioned whether the Athletics should pursue a reunion with southpaw, Brett Anderson. Trumpp emphasized the split reaction amongst A’s fans in her piece, but Anderson does present an intriguing buy-low candidate for the cash strapped Athletics. Anderson has huge durability issues, but his talent is undeniable. A one-year “prove it” deal might work best for both parties.

Houston Astros

The Astros picked up veteran catcher, Hank Conger, from the Halos this week in exchange for Nick Tropeano and Carlos Perez. Conger will be sorely missed in Anaheim next season, but he has a chance to see more playing time in Houston. It was interesting that the ‘Stros were in the market for catching depth with both Jason Castro and Carlos Corporan already on the roster. It was reported by Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe there is growing speculation that the Astros are open to moving Castro this offseason.

Dallas Keuchel capped off his breakout 2014 season by taking home his first Gold Glove Award. Keuchel was a revelation for the Astros this year, and this Gold Glove may just be the tip of the iceberg on what has the look of a very productive career.

Jose Altuve was unbelievable this past season. The mighty mite was awarded with a Silver Slugger earlier this week, the first of his career, but most likely not the last. Altuve won his first batting title in 2014, posting a .341 average and swiping an American League best, 56 bags. Altuve is joy to watch, and could be challenging for an MVP before you know it.