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, with arbitration season in full swing. The Angels agreed to terms with many of their arbitration eligible players, but still a few remain unsigned. Teams around the American League West have been busy this week re-signing their own players, and even pulling off a few big trades. For Angels’ fans, it is important to keep a close 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.

Houston Astros – Climbing Tal’s Hill

The Astros have been rebuilding their roster for years now, and as a result their fans have suffered through six straight losing seasons. Larry Manch of CTH believes the Astros should stay the course, and remain patient with their talented young prospects.

Next: The Houston Astros Should Continue Rebuilding

Eric Huysman of CTH wonders if the Astros recent trade for Evan Gattis will push top prospect Mark Appel into the starting rotation in 2015. Appel has been a name tossed around this offseason as a potential number 5 starter in Houston. Even if Appel does not break camp with the ‘Stros, he likely will be mowing down big league hitters before the All-Star break.

Next: Does Gattis Trade Open Door for Mark Appel?

Oakland Athletics – Swingin’ A’s

Jason Burke, co-editor of Swingin’ A’s, analyzed the FanGraphs Steamer offensive projections for the 2015 Oakland A’s starting lineup. Based on his findings, Burke believes the Athletics have a decent chance to be even better than last season.

Next: Oakland Athletics 2015 Lineup Projections

The A’s pulled off yet another big trade this week, sending recently acquired shortstop Yunel Escobar to the Washington Nationals in exchange for veteran reliever Tyler Clippard. Joseph DeClercq of swinging’ A’s believes the Athletics got a great deal for the 32-year-old shortstop, netting themselves one of the game’s premier set-up men.

Next: Tyler Clippard Passes the Eye Test

Seattle Mariners – SoDo Mojo

Remarkably, former Cy Young winner Max Scherzer remains unsigned midway through January. Dan Hughes, co-editor of SoDo Mojo, believes the Mariners should be on the phone with Scherzer’s agent immediately trying to get a deal done. Adding an arm like Scherzer to the M’s rotation anchored by Felix Hernandez may make them the heavy preseason favorites to win the AL West.

Next: Seattle Should Throw Stacks Of Cash At Max Scherzer

James Shields is one of the top hurlers still available on the free agent market, and he is another guy on many M’s fans wish lists. Chace Davy of SoDo Mojo makes the case why the Mariners need to sign Shields this offseason.

Next: Why the Mariners should pursue James Shields.

Jamie Moyer is one of the top pitchers in Mariners’ history, and this season he will take his rightful place in the Seattle Mariners Hall-of-Fame. Dan Hughes reminisces about Moyer’s unlikely career, and discusses the impact he was able to make away from the game.

Next: Seattle Mariners To Induct Jamie Moyer Into Hall of Fame

Texas Rangers – Nolan Writin’

The Texas Rangers had a disastrous season last year, and Colin Holmes of Nolan Writin’ details the seven deadly sins of the Rangers must avoid committing in the upcoming season.

Next: The Texas Rangers Must Avoid These 7 Things in 2015

Earlier this week, Jim Bowden of ESPN suggested the Ranger should ship their top prospect Joey Gallo to the San Diego Padres for top catching prospect Austin Hedges. Lisa Weatherall, co-editor of Nolan Writin’, gives her take on Bowden’s suggestion.

Next: Should the Rangers Trade Joey Gallo?