American League West – The Week That Was

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It has been a rough week for the Angels and their fans with Josh Hamilton once again falling victim to injury. With the 2015 season just around the corner, now is the time to pay attention to the Angels’ competition in the American League West. 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

The Mariners acquired veteran first baseman Logan Morrison prior to the start of the 2014 season. With his charismatic personality, he quickly endeared himself to the M’s fan base. Charlie Spencer-Davis, co-editor of SoDo Mojo believes 2015 will be Morrison’s best as a pro. LoMo plays the game with joy and enthusiasm, and I hope he has a breakthrough season this summer in Seattle, just as long as it does not come at the Angels expense!

Next: Logan Morrison: A 2015 to Remember With the Seattle Mariners?

Kyle Seager became a star in 2014, making his first all-star appearance, and winning his first Gold Glove at third base. Patrick Ringelstein wonders if M’s fans have seen the best of what Seags has to offer.

Next: Have We Seen The Best Of The Mariners Third Baseman?

Texas Rangers – Nolan Writin’

Lisa Weatherall, co-editor of Nolan Writin’, took some time this week to breakdown the Texas Rangers’ non-roster invitees to spring training. The Rangers have many familiar names making the trip to Surprise, AZ, including outfielders Kyle Blanks, Ryan Ludwick, and Nate Schierholtz.

Next: Texas Rangers Non-Roster Invitees

The Rangers are a team in transition, and as with many teams in similar situations, they have some significant holes on their roster. Perhaps the biggest void is out in left field. Colin Holmes wonders if anybody on the Rangers’ roster is ready to take hold of the job this spring. Blanks, Ludwick, and Schierholtz are all veteran outfielders, and they should all get long looks in left in Surprise.

Next: Texas Rangers Left Field – Anybody Want This Job?

Houston Astros – Climbing Tal’s Hill

The Houston Astros have been connected to a couple top flight free agent starters this offseason, but thus far have come up empty. Jason Burke, editor of CTH, believes now may be the time to pursue James Shields. Big Game James’s market has been extremely slow to develop this offseason, and Burke hopes the ‘Stros may be able to land Shields at a bargain price.

Next: Is it Time For Houston to Pursue James Shields?

The Astros have reeled in a number of quality relievers this offseason, but they are still without an obvious choice to close games in 2015. Jose Veras handled the closer duties for much of 2013 in Houston, and Eric Huysman wonders if the Astros should sign the veteran right-hander.

Next: Now Pitching for Astros: Jose Veras?

Oakland Athletics – Swingin’ A’s

Coco Crisp has been a staple of the Oakland A’s offense for the last five seasons, demonstating an ability to produce quality numbers in nearly every statistical category. Joseph DeClercq believes the 35-year-old centerfielder is capable of batting third in the A’s lineup in 2015. If Crisp can put up anything close to the numbers he had in 2013, I have no doubt he can be a productive number three hitter for Oakland this season.

Next: Coco Crisp Should be Batting Third

The A’s have retooled their roster this winter, and have many new faces expected to play significant roles in 2015. Two of their newest acquisitions are first baseman Ike Davis and designated hitter Billy Butler. Jason Burke, co-editor of Swingin’ A’s, debates which slugger is likely to warrant more applause this summer in Oakland.

Next: Ike Davis or Billy Butler: Who's Primed For a Better 2015?