AL West Predictions in 2008

For years, the American League West was one of the stronger divisions in baseball, producing some of the more promising pennant races in the league. Whether it was a money crunch or the shift in power to the American League Central, the West produced one of its worst seasons in recent memory in 2007. Can they reverse course and send two teams to the postseason in 2008?

Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim

2007 Final Record: 94-68 (1st Place)
2008 Projected Finish: 97-65 (1st Place)

Regardless of if they are from Los Angeles, California, or Southern Sri Lanka, the Angels are truly the class of the West, but they were maddeningly inconsistent in 2007, as evidenced by their 54-27 record at home and their 40-41 record on the road. While pitching was an immediate strength all of last season, their holes in the line-up show were exploited when they met up with Boston in the Divisional Playoffs. And while they continue to have a production hole on the left side of their infield, they did manage to bring in a consistent bat in Torii Hunter to rectify the mistake that was Gary Matthews. Having Hunter's bat in the line-up will add production around Vlad Guerrero that Garrett Anderson, Matthews, and an injured Juan Rivera were not. Their acquisition of Jon Garland from Chicago will also help rest a bullpen that may have been overused in years past. Make no mistake about it, the American League West is the Angels division to win or lose, but it is the opportunity to move further into the post season that this team is looking forward to.

Oakland Athletics

2007 Final Record: 76-86 (3rd Place)
2008 Projected Finish: 70-92 (4th Place)