Spring Training is officially underway as games have begun. All AL West teams are in the Arizona Cactus League except for the division’s new addition, Houston Astros, who play in the Grapefruit League in Florida. While it is only spring training, these games have a lot of meaning for the teams and how their managers will form their Opening Day rosters. For the AL West, there are many things to look for within each team.
For the defending AL West champion Oakland Athletics, it would have to be how shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima reacts to American baseball and how he settles in with his new team. So far he’s had trouble at the plate, but after a short talk with hitting coach Chili Davis, Nakajima recorded his first hit. The pitching staff is also something to watch, especially the performances of Jarrod Parker, Tom Milone, Daniel Straily, and A.J. Griffin. Also, keep an eye on Brett Anderson who has yet to have a full healthy season for the A’s, but 2013 seems to be that year for him.
One of the A’s new outfielders Chris Young is also a player to watch this spring to see how he handles switching leagues. There is a lot of competition in the A’s camp this spring which is something to look for, especially within the infield. The second base position has the most competition and is undecided as Scott Sizemore and Jemile Weeks will battle it out for the starting job. The amount of depth signed during the offseason has caused some pressure for starting positions as well as a spot on the Opening Day roster.
All eyes will be on Mike Trout in the Angels camp this spring as he burst on the scene in 2012 quickly making a name for himself and becoming a fan favorite. It’ll be interesting to see what type of sophomore year he has and how well he plays during spring training. Josh Hamilton will also bring a lot of attention as he was signed this offseason and is new to the club. Starting pitching isn’t as strong as it’s been for the Angels the past couple of seasons so, the performances of starting pitchers Joe Blanton and Jason Vargas will be something to look for. The Angels offense is expected to be dynamic in 2013, so it’ll be interesting to see how the team gels and how well their at bats are.
Entering spring training this year, the Texas Rangers aren’t as confident as they have been the past two seasons. After losing the division to Oakland and losing key players this offseason they have a lot of work to do to compete within such a tough division. One of the Rangers best players is starting pitcher Yu Darvish who had a great 2012 season, so keep an eye on his spring performance. Offseason acquisition catcher A.J. Pierzynski will also draw attention as he is 36 years old and with a new club. Just seeing how the team performs will be something to look for.
The Seattle Mariners have a lot of new players this season to help them contend in 2013. Obviously starting pitcher Felix Hernandez is someone to watch, especially after signing such a big contract. Outfielder Raul Ibanez will draw a lot of attention this spring with the Mariners as well because he’s new to the club. The return to Seattle of Michael Morse is also something to keep an eye on and see how well he plays in the spring. The Mariners aren’t expected to contend within the AL West this season, but with their new acquisitions they are definitely a team to look for this spring.
The Houston Astros, who are a part of the Grapefruit League, don’t have any players who stand out nor are they a team expected to contend in 2013. However, they did sign some new players including first baseman Carlos Pena who has had success in past years. They also acquired first baseman Chris Carter from the A’s via trade, who has a lot of potential. These players will be interesting to watch this spring and during the season. The Astros young prospects are something to look for as they are the future of the organization.
Spring training games may not count in terms of championships, but they matter in terms of making a team or not. The performance of the players in the spring affects the making of the team and where they will play. Health is also something to look for and seeing which players, if any, suffer injuries before the start of the season. For the AL West, there are many all-stars and competition to keep an eye on this spring.