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Coot Putley has been in the Witless Protection Plan, and has not posted for a while, but I finally located him and obtained the season predictions for the American League West. I must again remind you that these projections were produced early in the season and I have resisted the temptation to alter them based on this year’s performances at this point. Those revisions will be made at the halfway mark. So for now…..
Texas Rangers - I’m not making this pick based on prejudice for my favorite team; it’s based on the Bochy Rule. He manages world champions in alternate years (2010,2012,2014) so after winning in 2023 he’s due for another one this year, right? The Rangers have the potential to have a solid group of starters if DeGrom and Eovaldi are healthy, and they have re-worked the bullpen, so the pitching should be decent. The offense may never again be as good as it was in 2023, but surely it will be better than last season. Most key contributors are back, and they added two potential sluggers in Joc Peterson and Jake Burger, so we should expect improvement. This division is not especially strong - it’s there for the taking.
Houston Astros - This franchise has started to fade, but they have enough left to contend in the West. Bergman and Tucker are gone, but they still have Alvarez and the mighty midget, along with some excellent pitchers. Ranger fans hope this year is the beginning of a precipitous slide back to the days Houston was losing 100 games a season.
Athletics - This is a bold (or crazy) forecast for a homeless franchise, but I like this team. They made a couple of off-season moves to get stronger, and feature some good young players like former Baylor Bear Shea Langeliers, Brent Rooker, and Lawrence Butler, along with baseball’s current fastest closer, Mason Miller. It may be enough to move up in the standings.
Seattle Mariners- The opposite of the A’s. They did nothing in the off-season to improve their anemic offense. They have maybe the best group of five starting pitchers in baseball, but it is unlikely that they can get them all through the season injury free, and their lineup is weak. It will be the albatross of the ancient Mariners.
Los Angeles Angels - Moribund means terminal decline, lacking vitality or vigor. It describes this franchise perfectly. Poor personnel decisions and horrible financial moves have ruined this team. They have a long road back to respectability. Poor Ron Washington probably wishes he was still a coach with the Braves instead of managing the Angels. That’s the way baseball go.
OK, faithful followers. You have all the fearless forecasts. We’ll reevaluate them in about 6 weeks.
That’s one man’s opinion - what’s yours?
"The Mighty Midget" had me rolling! lol
Well you already know my opinion on Rose. Like you said his name and likeness are all over the HOF. He deserves a bust in that sacred hall. If I could vote mine would YES. As you say that’s one man’s opinion.