The Texas Rangers will miss the playoffs in 2011. There is no way these Rangers pitch as well as they did in 2010. C.J. Wilson led Rangers starters in 2010 with a 3.35 ERA. Matt Harrison and Derek Holland join the rotation full-time this season. They will join Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter in trying to pitch the Rangers back to the World Series. Offensively the Rangers have added Adrian Beltre and subtracted Vladimir Guerrero. They were the best in the AL in batting average in 2010 and should rank near the top again in 2011. Pitching will be the question mark for the Rangers in 2011 and I just don't see them being good enough to get back to the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Angels will win the AL West in 2011. They were 80-82 last season in what seemed like a horrible season. Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, and Ervin Santana will each win at least 15 games and should pitch the Angels to the division title. The Angels have added Vernon Wells to their outfield this season. He is a "Ranger killer" and him, Torii Hunter, and Kendrys Morales will each have over 20 homeruns.
The Oakland Athletics were 81-81 in 2010 with a horrible offense. They aren't much better on offense this season. They add Hideki Matsui and Josh Willingham to the lineup in 2011 (yawn). Pitching is the key to success for the Athletics. Last year they had the best team ERA in the American League, at 3.58. Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez are the aces of the staff and will need to be again in 2011 for the A's to be competitive in the division.
The Seattle Mariners will be better in 2011. Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez will need to pitch great again and will have to get help from the other starters and most importantly, from the offense. I am most looking forward to young pitcher Michael Pineda joining the rotation. He has been great in the spring and should do well in his rookie season.
Projected Standings:
Los Angeles Angels 91-71
Texas Rangers 84-78
Oakland Athletics 79-83
Seattle Mariners 77-85
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