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2013 Season Preview: AL West
The Divison’s Best
Top Hitter: Mike Trout – Trout’s come into spring training bigger this season, so he may not be a 50 stolen base threat. The addition of Josh Hamilton helps lengthen the lineup, and if Peter Bourjos becomes the everyday center fielder Trout will most likely slide into the two-hole, where he’ll be protected by Albert Pujols. Trout’s power numbers could increase this season, and should have more RBI opportunities as well.
Sep 1, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) pitches to the Los Angeles Angels during the 1st inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Top Pitcher: Felix Hernandez – The former Cy Young winner, having inked the largest deal ever given to a pitcher, has been this division’s finest for several years. Barring injury, there’s no reason for this to change.
Top Rookie: Jurickson Profar – Profar possesses not only the tools to be a strong rookie hitter, but one of the league’s better shortstops. He should have an opportunity in 2013.
Top Comeback: Jason Bay – It hurts to say it as a Mets fan (and the small sample size), but Bay hasn’t looked this good since 2009. He’s not even guaranteed a spot on Seattle’s bench, but should he make it, Bay’s all but a guarantee to bounce back. Following a .536 OPS in 2012, J-Bay would only have to be average offensively in order to resurrect what has looked like a quickly dying career.
Conclusions
The American League West could be the most hotly-contested division in 2013, with three different teams (OAK, TEX, LAA) that could conceivably win 90 games. The addition of Houston could end up fattening up the other four teams in the division. Even Seattle, should their offseason moves work out, could make an Oakland-esque run in 2013. With plenty of big names and young, marquee talent, the West should be exciting to watch regardless of who you’re rooting for.
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