The American League West is chock-full of talented players, possibly one of the deepest divisions in baseball.  AL West players' completely dominate top-200 fantasy baseball rankings heading into the 2013 season.  Pitchers are easily the deepest position for fantasy owners in this division, with a plethora of talent to be found well into the late rounds.  Today's focus is going to be on top-10 pitchers the AL West will have to offer fantasy baseball owners in the upcoming season. 

1.  Felix Hernandez, Starting Pitcher, Seattle Mariners

After signing the richest contract for a starting pitcher in MLB history, Hernandez will now have to prove he’s worth all of that cheddar.  Over the last five seasons, Hernandez has been the third-best pitcher in baseball; yet the former Cy Young Award winner has only eclipsed 15 wins once in his six-year career.  Despite that, his huge strikeout total and impressive ERA, WHIP and innings pitched easily make Hernandez the best fantasy pitcher out of the AL West. 

2013 Projections: 225 IP, 16-9, 3.02 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 205 K’s

2.  Jered Weaver, Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Weaver has been a fantasy stud since making his Major League debut in 2007.  With the Texas Rangers’ new look (see: anemic) offense and the addition of the Houston Astros to the division; there’s absolutely no reason to believe that Weaver won’t continue to shine in 2013. 

2013 Projections: 210 IP, 14-9, 3.21 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 168 K’s

3.  Yu Darvish, Starting Pitcher, Texas Rangers

In his first season after coming over from Japan, the 26-year-old Darvish dominated opposing batters; putting up a 16-9 record with 221 strikeouts and finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.  With a full season now under his belt, Darvish is set to take things to the next level in his sophomore campaign. 

2013 Projections: 201 IP, 15-8, 3.58 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 228 K’s

4.  Brett Anderson, Starting Pitcher, Oakland Athletics

Anderson has had problems staying healthy in each of the last three seasons.  But if he can avoid the injury bug in 2013, expect a return to form circa his rookie season in 2009; when Anderson went 11-11 in 175 innings pitched with 150 strikeouts. 

2013 Projections: 170 IP, 11-7, 3.45 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 121 K’s

5.  Joe Nathan, Relief Pitcher, Texas Rangers

After a disappointing 2011 season (and his last with the Minnesota Twins) Nathan returned to form in 2012, saving 37 games with 78 strikeouts and a 2.80 ERA for the Rangers.  If Nathan can stay healthy, he’ll put up numbers similar to last season and rival Grant Balfour for the title of best closer in the AL West. 

2013 Projections: 60 IP, 38 Saves, 3-2, 2.84 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 71 K’s

6.  C.J. Wilson, Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Wilson had a good first season with the Angels after leaving divisional rival Texas in 2012.  Now that Dan Haren departed to the Washington Nationals via free agency, Wilson will have to step his game up to make up for Haren’s absence.  Wilson has years of experience within the division and just like all of the other pitchers in the AL West; he’ll benefit from the addition of the abysmal Astros. 

2013 Projections: 200 IP, 12-9, 3.60 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 178 K’s

7.  Jarrod Parker, Starting Pitcher, Oakland Athletics

Parker had a breakout rookie campaign for the defending AL West champions.  Now with a year under his belt, and the Angels possessing the only formidable opposing lineup within the division; Parker is set to improve upon his impressive 2012 numbers. 

2013 Projections: 190 IP, 12-8, 3.88 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 146 K’s

8.  Tom Wilhelmsen, Relief Pitcher, Seattle Mariners

The 29 year old Wilhelmsen put up impressive numbers in 2012; his second year in the big leagues as first as a closer.  Now that the Mariners have a more potent offense that will provide their pitchers with better run support, Wilhelmsen will get to more save opportunities. 

2013 Projections: 65 IP, 34 Saves, 3-2, 3.18 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 68 K’s

9.  Alexi Ogando, Starting Pitcher, Texas Rangers

Ogando has spent the last two season oscillating between the starting rotation and bullpen.  In 2011 he put up impressive numbers in 31 starts, but moved back to the bullpen in 2012.  Due to injuries and lack of depth, Ogando has been informed he will once again be part of the Rangers’ starting rotation in 2013. 

2013 Projections: 154 IP, 11-7, 3.54 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 129 K’s

10.  A.J. Griffin, Starting Pitcher, Oakland Athletics

Griffin is part of the A’s impressive 2012 rookie class and a perfect example of general manager Billy Beane’s ability to find young, talented players.  Griffin put up stellar numbers last season, and only pitched in the second half of the season.  With the experience of a division title and deep run into the playoffs under his belt, Griffin is set to dominate in his first full season as part of the A’s rotation. 

2013 Projections: 168 IP, 11-6, 3.91 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 135 K’s