Baseball Predictions: American Lleague West

I decided a few days ago that I wanted to begin blogging again and I knew that one of the first things I wanted to do were baseball predictions.

Normally, I would begin by going from first place to last place in each division. But I felt I wanted to start with the easiest prediction for the 2013 season.

Ready? The Houston Astros will be the absolute worst team in Major League baseball this year. I don't think I'm taking to much of a chance on being wrong about that. I will even go so far as to predict that they will have a worse record that the 1962 Mets (40-120, .250 win %).

Now that I went out on a short limb to make that not-so-bold prediction I'll get back to my normal prediction method.

These predictions are made solely based on what baseball knowledge I do have. I have been watching baseball every season since about 1975.  I don't know if I am close to being an expert or not but I honestly do believe baseball is what I am most knowledgeable about. It is one of the few things I am passionate about.

1.) Anaheim Angels-- (as a Dodger fan I refuse to call them the other name)  I really thought that the Angels would challenge the Rangers for the division title last year. I'm still not really sure what all happened I believe injuries and poor performances were the main culprits. How a team with the Rookie of the Year LF Mike Trout and RF Mark Trumbo weren't right in the thick of the division race I don't know.

     By the way, I am not predicting that the Angels will win the division because they signed Hamilton as a free agent.  I looked at the depth chart of the Angels and Rangers and I believe Anaheim has the better pitching staff and I believe 1ST Albert Pujols will bounce back and have a great season like he is capable of having, I still think he is still one of the best hitters in the game.

2.) Texas Rangers-- I believe that the losses of Hamilton and 3rd Michael Young will really hurt the Rangers.  Catcher A.J. Pierzynski is a decent addition and should help the pitching staff but he will not replace the offense of Hamilton and Young.

3.) Oakland A's-- Yes, I know they won the division last year. Yes, they have a good young nucleus of players and a good young bullpen. But I believe that because of their youth the A's will not sneak up on anyone as I believe they did last season. I believe they will be competitive and a part of the race for the division title but I just don't think they are as good as the Angels or Rangers.

4.) Seattle Mariners-- I know I heard some national "expert" on ESPN say the M's are going to surprise people but other than  P "King" Felix Hernandez I just don't see the talent on this roster.

5.) Houston Astros-- A couple more things:  I just don't think it is right or fair for the "Stros to be moved to the A.L.. I don't understand why Milwaukee wasn't just moved back to the A.L. where they originally were. You know the careers of Carlos Pena, Rick Ankiel and Eric Bedard  have really gotten bad when you see their names on the Astros roster.