American League West – The Week That Was

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The first month of 2015 is officially in the books. My commitment to following through on my New Years resolutions has dwindled, hopefully your backbone is stronger than mine. If you were hoping to keep better tabs on the Angels’ competition from around the American League West this year, then you have come to the right place . It is once again time to take a trip around the FanSided sites devoted the to the AL West to find out what the enemy has been up to this week.

Seattle Mariners – SoDo Mojo

SoDo Mojo co-editor Charlie Spencer-Davis wonders if the M’s will field the most potent offensive attack in baseball this season. The Mariners lineup has greatly improved this offseason, but I still give the edge to the Halos as they scored the most runs in baseball last season.

Next: Seattle Mariners Lineup: the Best in Major League Baseball?

The Mariners have produced a bevy of talented youngsters over the past few seasons, but they appear far from finished producing top-notch talent. Spencer-Davis reports that the M’s currently have two young men featured in ESPN’s list of the top 100 prospects in baseball.

Next: Alex Jackson: One of Two Top-100 Prospect for the Seattle Mariners

Texas Rangers – Nolan Writin’

Rangers’ reliever Robbie Ross was shipped to the Boston Red Sox this week for prospect pitcher Anthony Ranaudo. The southpaw was a fan favorite in Arlington, and David Cash, editor of Nolan Writin’, took a moment to reminisce about some of Ross’ best moments in a Rangers uniform.

Next: Robbie Ross fan favorite will be missed

With spring training rapidly approaching, Jenny Federici decided to discuss the potential impact of the moves made by the Rangers this offseason. Federici also broke down the current state of the Rangers’ roster for fans.

Next: How are your Texas Rangers looking 68 days out?

Oakland Athletics – Swingin’ A’s

It was announced last week that the Athletics stud closer Sean Doolittle would miss some time due to a torn rotator cuff. The injury is not believed to be of the season ending variety, but naturally, news of the injury sparked anxious feelings amongst fans. Nick Avila makes the case that despite the Doolittle injury, the A’s will thrive in 2015. This is because the Athletics front office has done a fabulous job shoring up the bullpen this offseason.

Next: A's Bullpen In Good Shape Even With Doolittle Injury

Rob Manfred officially took over as commission of baseball this week, and he was quick to suggest changes. Commissioner Manfred has stated his intent to get a new baseball stadium built in Oakland in the not too distant future. Tony Frye, co-editor of Swingin’ A’s, wrote an in-depth article discussing the idea, and debating the likelihood of a new stadium actually coming to fruition.

Next: Manfred Says the Oakland Athletics Need New Stadium

Houston Astros – Climbing Tal’s Hill

Commissioner Manfred mentioned he would like to implement a pitch clock to quicken the pace of games. Larry Manch disagrees with Manfred’s notion, and argues that the deliberate pace of baseball is what makes it unique, that baseball is a game about more than just the action on the field. Baseball allows for personal interaction with friends and family that the time constraints of other sports simply do not allow.

Next: The Pace of the Game: Is Baseball Too Slow?

Jason Burke, co-editor of CTH, wonders if the Houston Astros are going to be the surprise team in 2015. The Astros possess an uber-talented farm system, and many of those players are either at the big league level or near it. 2015 might be their year to make some noise, but I believe the Astros will reap the rewards of their shrewd drafting during the 2016 season.

Next: Are the Houston Astros 2015's Surprise Team?