TheDude's AL West Predictions

1.) Mariners
They have a killer 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation, and that is what's tipping the scales in their favor to win the AL West. They played very solid ball down the stretch last year, and should continue that momentum in 2008.
W: 89-93

2.) Angels
The offense isn't as horrendous as people think. Compared to playoff teams last year they weren't much to look at, but they are in the top tier in MLB. This team needs another great year from Escobar, and for Jered Weaver not to flame out like his brother.
W: 87-92

3.) Athletics
Wasn't this team set up for the future with Zito, Mulder, and Hudson? Not only have they shed those three, but Rich "My Injuries have made me" Harden is not able to sustain a full season, and Haren was traded in the offseason. Yet they somehow have a better starting rotation than Texas. They have all the pieces to compete, so if everyone is extrmely healthy and the top two teams suffer a setback this could be your uber dark horse of the season. Side note here...the Swisher trade was a hosing Billy should be proud of. Swisher is probably the most overrated outfielder in all MLB.
W: 78-85

4.) Rangers
Yikes! They were once able to boast a lineup of Young, Soriano, Teixiera, and Blalock that looked absolutely devastating on paper. The current lineup is younger and cheaper and full of gritty hard playing competitors, but it couldn't carry a mediocre pitching staff to victory let alone a horrendous one. The Rangers pitching is so bad it could quite possibly beat out the Nationals for worse staff of the year, and that team has no idea who is going to pitch.
W: 70-75