Major League Baseball is in the middle of the All-Star break and it has already been an exciting one. So what happens when we go back to our regular scheduled program? Let’s take a look at the AL West and see what the second half of the season looks like for the division.
Los Angeles Angels
Heading into the 2013 season, the Halos had ones of the most anticipated teams in all of baseball. The roster was filled to the brim with All-Star names and many thought this team would tornado through everyone in their division. However, this was not the case. Josh Hamilton was expected to have a great season since being introduced to the Angels from the Texas Rangers. Unfortunately his numbers are as unimpressive as his acting in his Head and Shoulders commercial. Going into All Star break Josh is batting .224 with 24 RBI’s, and 14 bombs. Not the numbers LA fans were hoping he would rack up. Another slugger, Albert Pujols, who is known for his bat, has a similar batting average with .249, 89 hits, and 57 RBI’s. The Angels currently have a record of 44-49. With a team that was supposed to be dominant, five games behind is surely not sitting comfortably with Angels fans. All-Star Mike Trout has been doing Mike Trout things and giving the Halos hope. He has a .322 batting average with 119 hits, 15 home runs, and 59 RBI’s. However, the rest of the offense needs to come together if they’re going to be at least above water during the second half season, but don’t expect them to make an appearance in post-season play. Just stick to lather, rinse, and repeat C.J. Wilson.
Houston Astros
A 33-61 record may seem deceiving, but this is the actual win/loss record for Houston. To say they are having a rough year is a small statement. Their nickname is “Houston Lastros” for crying out loud. Why are they struggling so badly? They have a few names on the team that are recognizable; however only a few known names combined with a tough division, those ingredients equal a losing record. Chris Carter has been struggling at the plate. Not only does he have a .229 batting average, but he is dealing with 123 strikeouts, and only 18 homeruns. All Star Jason Castro is having an honest season with a .269 batting average, 12 bombs, and 31 RBI’s. Houston unfortunately will be watching the playoffs from home this year.
Oakland Athletics
The recently crowned Home Run Derby Champion Yoenis Cespedes surprised a lot of MLB fans when he took the title this week. Robinson Cano didn’t even invite the A’s slugger to the competition until last minute. He of course is one of many helping the Athletics hold on to first place in the AL West.
If you haven’t heard of Josh Donaldson, you will now. JD’s numbers are filthy. He is hitting .310 with 16 homeruns, 107 hits, and 61 RBI’s. He’s also been a hero a couple times in walk off situations this season. Add Jed Lowrie (.295 batting average, 101 hits, .364 OBP) and Coco Crisp (75 hits, nine homers, and .263 batting average) to the mix, and you have yourself a stacked team. Pitching should not go unnoticed either. All-Star Grant Balfour has an impressive 1.63 ERA, 41 strikeouts, and 25 saves this season. Ryan Cook is always there to save the kitties, and Sean Doolittle’s arm is never short of hot. With Texas as their biggest competition, expect the green and gold to not only be in playoffs, but once again take the AL West Championships. I predict them making an appearance in the World Series, if not, winning the whole damn thing.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers have a respectful 54-41 record this season trailing the tough playing Oakland Athletics. Third baseman Adrian Beltre is racking up hits and it shows with a .316 batting average and 21 homers under his belt. Nelson Cruz has been helping in the batter’s box with 97 hits, 69 RBI’s and 22 bombs. Yu Darvish on the bump is an absolute blessing for Texas as well. The pitcher has a 3.02 ERA with 119.1 innings pitched, and an 8-4 record. Expect him to get that no-no he keeps creeping up to this season, he will only get better if he can get healthy and off the 15-Day DL. All-Star Joe Nathan has a 1.36 ERA, 30 saves in 39.2 innings pitched. Combining Derek Holland into the pitching staff, the Texas Rangers are not a team to be ignored. They will give the A’s a run for their money, and it will be tough, but they should stay in second place.
Seattle Mariners
Going into the 2013 season, I had the Mariners taking the AL West. After the first couple of games, I didn’t look completely like an idiot. Michael Morse hit a few home runs just in his first couple of games, and fantasy owners were smiling ear-to-ear. They began to take a step back at one point and eventually began to lose games. The team is currently 43-52 which makes them in fourth place behind the Angels. This will probably stay this way.
The Angels will have a strong second half. However, the Mariners will still do well. With All-Star Felix Hernandez (2.53 ERA, 10-4 record, in 138.2 innings pitched) taking the bump, and Raul Ibanez (74 hits, 24 home runs, and .267 batting average) helping on defense and offense, the Mariners are definitely strong in the AL West. Don’t expect them to be at the top anytime soon however. Fantasy owners can still be happy with King Felix and Morse on their teams, but Mariners fans shouldn’t expect a playoff season.