American League West – The Week That Was

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Hopefully everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! While most people are busy making merry this time of year, the talented writers from around the FanSided baseball network have been slaving away trying to bring fans the best coverage of their teams. This week may not have produced many gifts under the trees of the teams from the American League West, but that did not stop these writers from churning out stories about the Angels’ competition.

Seattle Mariners – SoDo Mojo

SoDo Mojo co-editor Dan Hughes is relieved the Mariners opted not to pursue a trade for outfielder Matt Kemp. There was a fog of mystery surrounding Kemp’s health after his recent trade to San Diego was announced, and it was discovered in his physical with the Padres that he is developing arthritis in his hips.

Next: Mariners Dodged A Bullet With Matt Kemp

Charlie Spencer-Davis, co-editior of SoDo Mojo, pleads with voters to elect legendary M’s designated hitter Edgar Martinez into the Baseball Hall-of-Fame. Martinez is more than deserving in my opinion of being enshrined in Cooperstown after proving himself to be the greatest DH in Major League history.

Next: A Case For Edgar Martinez and the Hall of Fame

Oakland Athletics – Swingin’ A’s

Jason Burke, co-editor of Swingin’ A’s, believes that the Athletics do not need to add Ben Zobrist in order to field a competitive club in 2015. The Tampa Bay Rays super utility man’s name has been bandied about in trade rumors all offseason, but Burke explains why the A’s acquiring Zobrist would be redundant.

Next: The A's Don't Need Ben Zobrist

Swingin’ A’s co-editor Tony Frye suggests that recently acquired third baseman Brett Lawrie may make his first All-Star appearance in 2015. The talent is definitely there for Lawrie to be an All-Star, but his career has thus far been plagued by injuries and immaturity.

Next: Brett Lawrie: 2015 All Star Candidate

Matt McHugh thinks Daniel Nava would be an intuiting addition to the Athletics outfield. McHugh believes Nava would present Oakland with a signifiant upgrade in left field for a relatively low price.

Next: Daniel Nava: A Possible Solution for the Athletics in Left Field?

Texas Rangers – Nolan Writin’

Nolan Writin’ co-editior David Cash ponders if it is the right time for Adrian Beltre to transition from third base to the designated hitter spot. Beltre’s defensive prowess is well known, and if he does shift to DH I will sincerely miss watching him make spectacular plays at the hot corner.

Next: Should Adrian Beltre move to DH?

Cash also wrote an interesting article questioning whether the Rangers still possess one of the most feared lineups in baseball. It is hard to argue with the notion that the Rangers are one of the best offensive clubs when all of their big bats are healthy, but last season that was rarely the case.

Next: Is the Texas Rangers lineup still the best?

Houston Astros – Climbing Tal’s Hill

David Hill, co-editor of Climbing Tal’s Hill, believes the Astros would be smart to utilize All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve out of the number two hole next season. Altuve hit .340 out of the leadoff spot last season, but Hill believes the diminutive second baseman has more potential to be a run producer batting lower in the order.

Next: Jose Altuve Should Hit Second for the Astros

Climbing Tal’s Hill co-editor Jason Burke debates which Astros third base prospect is better; Rio Ruiz or Colin Moran. The Astros are blessed with a bevy of talented youngsters in their system, but Ruiz and Moran are two of their best young infielders.

Next: Rio Ruiz or Colin Moran: Who's Better?