2010 Predictions: AL West

The Angels should win the division again this year, but not without a fight from the newly revived Mariners.  Even with the departure of Vlad Guerrero, John Lackey and Chone Figgins, this team will still put up numbers.  The arrival of Hideki Matsui should wash out the loss of Vlad’s numbers and even without Lackey the starting rotation is still stacked.  Jared Weaver should move into the ace spot without much trouble and his supporting cast (Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, Scott Kazmir and Joel Piniero) are very good.  Figgins will be missed, but the Angels won the division last year by 10 games so they have some room to slip a little.

The Mariners made a lot of off-season moves, possibly to get Griffey a ring before he retires.  The addition of Cliff Lee and Chone Figgins should be enough to move the M’s into second in the division.  The starting pitching is solid with Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee and Erik Bedard however the bullpen leaves something to be desired.  If Milton Bradley can get his head straight out West, look for good numbers from Figgins, Bradley, Griffey and Ichiro.

The Rangers should struggle this season due to questionable starting pitching.  The bullpen is strong and and Kinsler, Hamilton and Young should add some excitement for the fans but don’t expect too much in 2010.

The A’s are in bad shape.  This will not be a good season for them.  There pitching is young and they have next to zero offense.  It’s time to make some wholesale changes.

Griffey, Mariners Ready to Compete in 2010

Ken Griffey Jr. has put his arthroscopic knee surgery from three months ago behind him and is getting ready for Spring Training.  Griffey, no DH for the Seattle Mariners, spent much of last season in pain due to bone spurs but says he feels much better now that the surgery is over.  "The Kid" tells the general manager that he'll be "ripped" for the season.   Is Griffey's renewed interest due to concerns that old age is catching up and he may only have a few seasons left or perhaps it is due to the Mariners added key guys this off-season to help Griffey get that elusive ring.  Whatever the reason, the Mariners look to be a force in the AL West this season.  Whether they are or not, I for one and happy that Grif will be back and perhaps we could see glimmers of the past.

This off season, the Mariners have added guys like Cliff Lee, Chone Figgins, and Milton Bradley.  Think what you will of Bradley, in the right situation he can still be a great addition to the team.  Of course, with Ichiro and Griffey returning, the Mariners could once again be relevant. 

MLB.com story