AL West Preview - 1980

1979 Standings California Angels 98-64 (Division Winner, Lost in the ALDS)

Oakland Athletics 95-68 (Tied for WC, lost in 1-game playoff)

Seattle Mariners 58-104

Texas Rangers 56-106

What a wild couple of years it has been in the AL West, at least at the top. Let's talk about it. In 1977, the Angels took the division by 3 games which snapped a 4-season division streak for the A's. In 1978, California and Oakland tied atop the division and the A's took the division title in a 1-game playoff. In 1979, the Angels found themselves back on top, snagging the division by 3.5 games. In 1980, it would be tough not to expect more of the same. After entering the league in 1977, the Mariners have improved upon their record each year. Is this the year they break out? The Rangers have, unfortunately, been heading in the opposite direction, as they have seen their win total decrease in each of the last 6 seasons. Do they have enough to get back on track? Let's take a look at each of the teams:

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Texas Rangers

1979 offensive stats: 26th in AVG, 24th in OBP, 26th in SLG

1979 pitching stats: 26th in ERA, 27th in FIP, 27th K/BB

1979 defensive stats: 9th in Total ZR, 14th in defensive efficiency

The stats show that the Rangers struggled mightily on both sides of the ball, rankings towards the bottom in both hitting and pitching categories. At least they were in the top half as a fielding unit! However, reinforcements are on the way, although not enough to fill all their holes. The offense is lead by a couple big bats: DH Cameron Moody (.308/.383/.458 with 19 homers in 1979) and 1B Matt Monfort (0.273/.308/.437). It appears likely that 1978 4th overall pick, Greg Pagano (Prospect #49), makes his debut in Texas this year. He would be an instant upgrade and profiles as one of the better hitting prospects in the game. The future is bright for the offense as the Rangers hold 4 of the top 50 prospects in the game, all of which are offensive players. Two, CF Scott Braband and 2B Jonathan Waters, rank inside the top 10.

On the other side of the ball, pitching leader Jimmy Sutton departed for free agency and signed with the White Sox. That was a big blow to an already thin rotation. Rich Flynn and Chris Paulino look to head the Texas rotation, but both come with severe warts - Flynn with 25 control and Paulino with 30 movement. Righty starter Joe Nicholson will provide a more well-rounded profile in the rotation, albeit uninspiring. Lefty prospect Danny Rotgers (Prospect #114) could make his debut this season or next and the Rangers have several intriguing prospect arms in their system. It appears to be another year of rebuilding for Texas, but with the 2nd best rated system in the game it's only a matter of time before they become relevant again.

Seattle Mariners

1979 offensive stats: 15th in AVG, 26th in OBP, 21st in SLG

1979 pitching stats: 27th in ERA, 26th in FIP, 26th K/BB

1979 defensive stats: 26th in Total ZR, 25th in defensive efficiency

Although the Mariners struggled mightily in pitching and defense, the team showed some life in it's offense. The offense is lead by 1977 1st overall pick and 1979 rookie of the year John Bar. He mashed his way to a 5.1 WAR with a triple slash of .324/.377/.553, 24 homers and 32 swipes. As long as he stays healthy, he will remain the heart of this offense. Bar will find himself in good company as soon as this season with a few big bats on their way. DH David Lynch made his debut in 1979 and looks to continue developing and destroying right-handed pitching. Top hitting prospects, LF Kalil Greer (Prospect #153) and 1B John Seaman (Prospect #236) look ready to contribute at the major league level in a big way and with additions of Chris Shoemake and almost-a-Giant Mike Luecke via trade, this teams looks poised to outperform last year's record if the pitching improves.

On the pitching side, Josh Grham and Richard Branstetter lead the team with a 3.4 and 2.2 WAR, respectively, however with uninspiring results. This is certainly an area of need. The Mariners went out and traded for righty Pete Dyches, who has pitched well for the Pirates over the last 3 seasons. As long as he can keep BB/9 under 5, he should continue to find success in Seattle. Veteran pitcher Francisco Herrera should help stabilize the rotation after producing a sub-four ERA over each of the last four years in Houston. Righty prospect David Christie (Prospect #200) also hopes to break camp with the club after being selected in the 3rd round of the 1977 draft. All in all, the future is bright in Seattle and we should see good progression this season. I would not be surprised to see this team exceed last year's win total by 15 games.

Oakland A's

1979 offensive stats: 24th in AVG, 14th in OBP, 15th in SLG

1979 pitching stats: 4th in ERA, 8th in FIP, 12th K/BB

1979 defensive stats: 13th in Total ZR, 3rd in defensive efficiency

Oakland continues to churn out quality years, falling just short of a second postseason appearance in a row after driving deep into the playoffs in 1978. One of the most impressive thing about this team's construction and continued success is that they do it without trading. The offense lagged some this past season, but stills return most of it's younger core - lead by 3B Gerardo Gonzalez (.280/.321/.462), 2B John Gribben (.275/.334/.433), CF Brad Pecora (.269/.382/.329) and 1979 Rookie of the Year Candidate LF Mike Proffitt (.239/.3368/.402). Oakland also added a big bat from free agency, inking 6-time All-Star Zachary Cannefax to a 7-year 4.7 million dollar deal. Coming off a stellar year in Colorado, Cannefax looks to be a heart of the lineup type of bat against righties.

Pitching is where Oakland has and continues to succeed. The rotation is lead by 6-time All-Star and 5-time Pitcher of the Year Dave Anderson. He is a true men amongst boys and within his 8-year career, he has never finished a season with a WAR total under 5.8. The rotation is filled out with youngster Carlos Jusino (5.6 WAR and 2.38 ERA) and veterans Joe Johnson (4.3 WAR and 3.97 ERA), Ray Wagner (3.6 WAR and 3.09 ERA) and John Aldridge (1.2 WAR and 3.77 ERA). The A's bolstered the rotation and pen via free agency as well, inking ex-Brewer Miguel Rodriguez to a 5-year 2.61 million dollar deal and re-signing closer Justin Jones to a 2-year 600,000 dollar contract. Based on last year's numbers, that's an addition of 6.3 WAR to their already superb pitching staff. With Oakland maintaining their great core and adding a few key pieces in free agency, it would difficult seeing them anywhere but atop the division.

California Angels

1979 offensive stats: 14th in AVG, 11th in OBP, 12th in SLG

1979 pitching stats: 3rd in ERA, 10th in FIP, 10th K/BB

1979 defensive stats: 3rd in Total ZR, 1st in defensive efficiency

The Angels put together a very well-rounded squad last season and a couple of mid-season acquisitions likely put them over the top to grab the division in '79. The offense will once again feature a core of AL MVP SS Matt Roach (.297/.346/.455), CF Justin Crafton (.274/.324/.401), speedster 2B Hector Arias (.270/.351/.327 with 83 SBs in 1978) and rising slugger Phil Krueger. The offense also welcomes a full season of lefty power hitter Jon Fulton back in his final contract year and rookie right fielder Willie Navarro (Prospect #48). Presuming the young bats continue to progress this season, the offense should take a step forward and hit for some power.

CAL's pitching was excellent last season and also likely a little lucky. Long-time ace Stuart Pierce (3 WAR and 3.20 ERA) was inked to a 7-year 2.8 million dollar extension. Rookie All-Star Charles Pearson (3.9 WAR and 2.71 ERA) looks to build on a great 1979 campaign, while the addition of veteran lefty Rich Hare (4.2 WAR and 2.34 ERA) last season proved to be a difference maker. After spending some time in the pen last year, lefty Nick Montes (2.8 WAR and 2.94 ERA) is primed to slide into the 4-spot this season. The biggest acquisition the Angels made this off-season was obtaining #2 overall prospect Jeremy Miller. Miller is projected to make the rotation out of camp and could potentially be the Angels future ace. Even after losing newly acquired Carlso Sosa (R.I.P.), the pen returns in good shape, headed by the 1979 league leading saves holder Tim Cerino. With the addition of Miller and continued development by their young pitchers, expect the Angels pitching staff to finish close to where they did last season.

The AL West looks like it will shake out similar to last year. Oakland and California will battle for the top spot, while the Mariners will look to narrow the gap. The Rangers will continue their rebuild and finish at the bottom of the division, but should see some top prospects debut this season. The biggest question is can the A's and Angels both grab a playoff spot this season? I have a feeling the AL BEAST will have something to say about that.