League Preview Part 6-Wrapping up the American League West

Seattle Mariners
Postseason Appearances: 1995, 1997, 2000-01 (total-4)
World Series Titles: 0
Best Season: 2001 (116-46)
Worst Season: 1978 (56-104)

It took the Mariners almost 20 years to reach the postseason for the first time, then they went on a run of four in eight years culminating with the remarkable 2001 season. Since then nothing's been doing, but the M's may be turning the corner soon.

Pitching-With The Big Unit hurling in Arizona, it appeared the M's were not going to have a pitching ace. Enter King Felix. Hernandez finally began to fulfull his potential in 2009 (19-5, 2.49) and will be at the top of the rotation. Following King Felix will be Freddy Garcia 2001 (18-69, 3.05), Jamie Moyer 2001 (20-6, 3.43), Mike Moore 1985 (17-10, 3.46) and Erik Hanson 1990 (18-9, 3.24). Another 2001 starter, Aaron Sele (15-5, 3.60) adds depth. Acing the bullpen is Kaz Sasaki 2001 (45 saves), helped by Jeff Nelson 1995 (8-3-2, 2.17, 107 K in 88 IP), Bill Caudill 1982 (12-9-26, 2.35), Arthur Rhodes 2001 (8-0-3, 1.72) and Joel Piniero 2002 (14-7, 3.28). Piniero will serve as the long man. More 2001 pitchers are in reserve, such as Norm Charlton (4-2-1, 3.02), and also Bill Swift 1991 (17 saves, 1.99 ERA).

Catching-Not the Mariners strong point, Dan Wilson 1996 (18, 83, .285) will start, with Scott Bradley 1986 (.300) as the backup. Dave Valle 1993 (13, 63, .258) and Kenji Johjima 2007 (14, 61, .287) add depth.

Infield-First base will be occupied by long forgotten 1984 Rookie of the Year, Alvin Davis (27, 116, .284). Edgar Martinez 1995 (32, 126, .356) will be the DH. Bret Boone 2001 (37, 141, .331) is at second, a young Alex Rodriguez from 1996 (36, 123, .358) is at short and Jim Presley 1985 (28, 84, .275) is at third. Backing them up are Paul Sorrento 1997 (31 HR plus steady 1B glove), Feliz Fermin 1994 (.317) and Mike Blowers 1993 (.280, 15 HR). In reserve are limited AB bombers Ken Phelps 1987 (27 HR in 332 AB with 80 walks) and Greg Pirkl 1994 (9 HR in just 77 AB).

Outfield-Phil Bradley, who had hit NO HR's prior to 1985, slammed 26 HR in 1985 while batting .300 and gets the left field spot. Ken Griffey Junior 1994 (58, 120, .323) is in center. Right field is a tough choice, but I'm going with Ichiro 2004 (.372) over Jay Buhner 1996 (44 HR). A possibility would be to move Edgar to third base and put Buzzcut Buhner at DH, but that wastes Buhner's defense. Another 2001 player, Mark McLemore (.286, 39 SB) is the jack of all trades here, and Raul Ibanez 2005 (20, 89, .280) is a prime bat off the bench. Should Junior get hurt, Mike Cameron 2000 (19, 78, .267) can fill in without losing much.

Outlook-too weak a pitching staff outside of Hernandez to really contend. If the offense falters, the M's could drop all the way to the cellar.

Texas Rangers
Also known as the Washington Senators (second version) 1961-71
Postseason Appearances: 1996, 1998-99 (total-3)
World Series Titles: 0
Best Season: 1999 (95-67)
Worst Season: 1963 (56-106)

The Rangers have not had a good existence. It took them 36 years to get to the post season, and their three chances all ended at the Yankees expense (the latter two in embarassing sweeps). Lately, some signs of revival are apparent; it will remain to be seen if this is a trend or a fluke.

Pitching-Poor hurling has been a Rangers trademark almost from the beginning. That's the main reason why Nolan Ryan 1989 (16-10, 3.20, 301 K) is here-to ace the staff. Joining the Express are another Met farm prodcut, Jon Matlack 1978 (15-13, 2.30), Bobby Witt 1990 (17-10, 3.36), Kevin Brown 1992 (21-11, 3.32) and Charlie Hough 1983 (15-13, 3.18). Kenny Rogers 1995 (19-8, 3.18) and Dick Donovan 1961 (2.40 ERA) add depth, as does Dick Bosman 1969 (14-5, 2.19) who will serve as the bullpen long man. Also in the pen are Jeff Zimmerman 1999 (9-3-3, 2.36, 0.83 WHIP), Darold Knowles 1969 (9-2-13, 2.25), Jim Kern 1979 (13-5-29, 1.57) and closer Jeff Russell 1989 (6-4-38, 1.98). Two Steves, Foucault 1974 (12 saves, 2.25) and Comer 1978 (11-5, 2.31) add some depth.

Catching-Pudge-and little else. Ivan Rodriguez 1999 (35, 113, .332) is the starter behind the plate, with Geno Petralli 1987 (.302) serving as a backup. Jim Sundberg 1977 (.291) can give good D behind the plate should Pudge get hurt, and Bill Haselman 1998 (.314, 6 HR in only 105 AB0 provides behind the plate pop in reserve.

Infield-Good thing Big Tex came along in recent years, otherwise outed roider Rafael Palmiero would have to play first. Mark Teixeira 2005 (43, 144, .301) is at first, with big Frank Howard 1969 (48, 111, .296) DH'ing to more than compensate for Palmiero's "snub", which is the main reason I could leave Raffy out in the first place. Rounding out the infield are Julio Franco 1991 (15, 78, .341, 36 SB) at second, Toby Harrah 1975 (20, 93, .293) at short and Dean Palmer 1996 (38, 107, .280) at third. Frank Catalanotto 2001 (.330) can fill in almost anywhere, as can Mark DeRosa 2006 (.296). Michael Young 2003 (.306) fills in for Franco in the late innings defensively. Hank Blalock 2004 (32 HR) is too weak against lefties to merit full time duty, but is first in line at the hot corner if Palmer struggles.

Outfield-Rusty Greer 1996 (18, 100, .332) is in left, 2008 revelation Josh Hamilton (32, 130, .304) is in center and Juan "Gone" zalez 1998 (45, 157, .318) is in right. Chuck Hinton 1962 (17, 75, .310, 28 SB) adds more versatility in the outfield, and Ruben Sierra 1989 (29, 199, .306) would start if not for Hamilton's emergence. Two 1998 outfield backup bombers, Roberto Kelly and Mike Simms (combined 32 HR and 92 RBI in only 443 AB), are strong reserve players.

Outlook-the lack of pitching will likely doom the Rangers to a cellar battle with the Mariners. Only the Ryan Express's presence and solid pen work from Zimmerman, Kern and Russell will keep Texas from the bottom rung.

Predicted Order of Finish: 1. Oakland 2. Minnesota 3. Anaheim 4. Chicago 5. Kansas City 6. Milwaukee 7. Texas 8. Seattle.

Next time-we begin previewing the National League, starting with the NL East.