2013 was an interesting season for AL West teams.  The Oakland A’s took the division for the second year in a row while the Texas Rangers fell short and missed out on the postseason.  The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Seattle Mariners, and Houston Astros all finished with losing records last year.  For a division that was supposed to be full of talent and have a three-team race for first, they fell short, but will look to turn that around for next year. 

It’s been a busy offseason for all five AL West teams as they each attempt to make a run at the postseason and win it all in 2014.  Here’s a look at where each team stands after winter meetings.

5. Houston Astros

The Astros are a rebuilding team and have a lot of work to do to contend with the division leaders.  After finishing 2013 in last place with a 51-111 record, they have made a few moves, but it will take time for their young players to develop.

They acquired Dexter Fowler from the Colorado Rockies via trade as they sent Brandon Barnes and Jordan Lyles to Colorado.  Fowler is a solid player who will provide some offense for the Astros.

They also acquired Anthony Bass for their bullpen.  

The Astros will still be the weak link in the AL West in 2014 as they continue to rebuild their franchise.

4. Seattle Mariners

The Mariners had some ups and downs last year, but still finished in fourth place with a 71-91 record.  They’ve made some moves this offseason, but still aren’t at the level of the Rangers, Angels, or A’s as there are still some concerns with the team.

So far they’ve acquired Robinson Cano, Corey Hart, and Logan Morrison to help aid their struggling lineup, however there are injury concerns with Morrison.  There’s no doubting the value Cano can have to a team, but his numbers may take a hit in 2014 due to the fact that he won’t have fellow superstar names hitting around him.

The Mariners have two aces in their rotation in Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma, but that will only take them so far.  There’s rumors the M’s are done wheelin’ and dealin’ and if that’s the case, then the M’s have a chance to drastically improve next year.

3.  Texas Rangers

Even though there were concerns about the Rangers last year, they battled and nearly made the postseason.  They finished with a 91-72 record which put them in second place of the AL West.

Last year they suffered many injuries, but overcame those hurdles to finish strong.

They acquired top prospect Michael Choice from the A’s, Prince Fielder from the Tigers, but lost Ian Kinsler and Craig Gentry in the process.

Their rotation looks to be even better this season as those who were injured will return.  Guys like Colby Lewis, Alexi Ogando, Martin Perez, and Matt Harrison all battled injuries last season while only Yu Darvish and Derek Holland made it through the entire season.

The Rangers need to consider some pitching moving forward as they have lost some players due to the offseason.  They always seem to find a way to win, and they’ve made some good acquisitions, but health and production will be key for them to contend this year.

2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The Angels had one of, if not the most, disappointing seasons last year.  They were expected to win the division and were early World Series favorites, but instead, finished with a losing record of 78-84 finding themselves in third place.  

The Angels rotation was a problem for the team last season and they have looked to fix that for 2014.  The Halos traded a big bat in Mark Trumbo in a three-team trade as they acquired Tyler Skaggs and Hector Santiago.  

Last year, the Angels were riddled by injuries as they lost their ace Jered Weaver for awhile which affected their rotation.  This season, they will have a more  complete rotation with some more talent.

The impressive play of Kole Calhoun made losing Trumbo manageable for the Angels.

The Halos also received David Freese this offseason, who will provide an improvement at the third base position.

They also recently signed Raul Ibanez who has had many big hits over his career.  Despite his age he still has what it takes to be a major leaguer and can help get the Angels back on track.

The Angels have a stacked lineup which includes Josh Hamilton, and Albert Pujols, but the chemistry just wasn’t there last season.  This season they will look to put it all together and be the team they have been expected to be.

1. Oakland Athletics 

Hard to go against the back-to-back AL West champs moving forward.  Billy Beane continues to make moves and improve this club.  They finished in first place with a 96-66 record in 2013.  Again, they fell short as they lost to the Detroit Tigers in a five game ALDS series.  They’ll hope that changes in 2014.  

The A’s have had a very busy offseason as they acquired Jim Johnson, Craig Gentry, Scott Kazmir, Luke Gregerson, Fernando Abad, and Drew Pomeranz.  The A’s, however, lost Choice, Jemile Weeks, Jerry Blevins, Seth Smith, and Brett Anderson in the process.  Grant Balfour and Bartolo Colon won’t be returning either.

Last year the bullpen was inconsistent at times, but now the A’s have arguably the best bullpen in the majors.  

The A’s did well offensively, despite some disappointing numbers from their top hitters, and they hope they get back on track for next season.  With the addition of Gentry, there is now more platoon options for Bob Melvin as well.  

Last year it was said that the A’s had a roster full of depth, and this year it has even more depth with players who can play multiple positions opening up the platoon situations.  

The A’s have come close to advancing to the ALCS, but that isn’t good enough.  They want to win it all, and they have made some moves this winter to put them in a good position to do just that.