American League West – The Week That Was

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It has been a busy week for the clubs in the American League West, and the Angels have been at the heart of it. The Halos pulled off a trade for a couple of intriguing prospects earlier this week, but they were not the only team sparking headlines. As Angels’ fans, it is important to keep a weather eye on the competition as spring training approaches. Since it is the end of the week, we figured it would be an appropriate time to spin you around the FanSided sites devoted to the American League West.

Oakland Athletics – Swingin’ A’s

The big story of the week came out of Oakland where Billy Beane once again pulled off a trade that shocked the baseball world. This time around the A’s landed Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays. Jason Burke, co-editor of Swingin’ A’s, breaks down the move, and discusses the potential impact Zobrist and Escobar can have on the A’s in 2015.

Next: Ben Zobrist, Yunel Escobar Headed to Oakland

The A’s have plenty of question marks about the composition of their roster heading into the 2015 season. Tony Frye, co-editor of Swingin’ A’s, believes the Athletics should consider employing Craig Gentry as the club’s number three hitter this season.

Next: Craig Gentry Should Bat Third. Always.

Billy Beane is widely recognized as one of the foremost thinkers in the game — I mean they made a lengthy film about his genius. Joseph DeClercq writes about Beane’s formula for crafting successful teams. Beane does have an impressive track record of producing playoff teams during his tenure in the East Bay.

Next: Billy Beane Does Not Tolerate Losing

Texas Rangers – Nolan Writin’

The Texas Rangers were bit hard by the injury bug in 2014, and the results were catastrophic. Lisa Weatherall, co-editor of Nolan Writin’, updates fans on how the injured Rangers’ players are progressing on the road to recovery.

Next: Texas Rangers Injury Update

Matt Harrison is another Ranger currently on the shelf due to injury. Harrison underwent back surgery last summer, and likely will not be ready to pitch again until at least the All-Star break. David Cash, co-editor of Nolan Writin’, notes that Harrison has taken a significant step towards getting back on the hill by beginning a throwing program.

Next: Matt Harrison starts throwing program

Seattle Mariners – SoDo Mojo

The 2015 Baseball Hall of Fame class was announced earlier this week, and yet again the voters overlooked the best designated hitter in the history of the sport. Joshsandaker of SoDo Mojo breaks down Edgar Martinez‘s illustrious career, and discusses his chances for one day being enshrined in Cooperstown.

Next: Edgar Martinez: Deserving of the Hall?

The M’s have been very active this offseason identifying players they believe will give them a shot to dethrone the Angels in 2015, and then going out and acquiring them. Chace Davy of SoDo Mojo pleads his case why the Mariners should trade for 27-year-old southpaw reliever Brian Matusz from the Baltimore Orioles.

Next: Brian Matusz is a good fit for the Mariners

Houston Astros – Climbing Tal’s Hill

Astros’ fans were excited to hear this week that Craig Biggio has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Thomas O’Banion of Climbing Tal’s Hill reminisces about Biggio’s career by listing off his seven favorite moments from the career of the Astros former second baseman.

Next: Craig Biggio: Highlights from a Hall of Fame Career

Tony Sipp had a surprisingly good season for the Astros in 2014 after being signed last May. Jason Burke, co-editor of Climbing Tal’s Hill, believes 2015 might be even better for the 31-year-old southpaw.

Next: Tony Sipp: 2015 Breakout Candidate