Chasing the world champs, an AL West reality

BY FABIAN ARDAYA

The A’s are probably a year away from contending — but they have some pieces that either are just breaking through in the big leagues or are on the horizon. As Oakland attempts to stockpile talent in an effort to match the class of the division, the defending World Series champion Houston Astros are back and better than ever. It’s a roster led by homegrown talents Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer and Dallas Keuchel plus new offseason addition Gerrit Cole. They should again compete to be the best team in baseball, let alone the division. They’ll have competition, at least in the intrigue department, as the Angels have added the “Japanese Babe Ruth,” two-way star Shohei Ohtani to pair with former American League MVP Mike Trout. The two stars, coupled with renewed health in the Angels rotation, should make them an interesting option to make a run at the postseason. Seattle suffered a mass flood of injuries to be the only team in baseball to use 40 or more pitchers. But a revamped staff and the offseason additions of Dee Gordon and Ryon Healy to a lineup that already has some talented bats could make Seattle dangerous in a pennant race. The Mariners haven’t made the postseason since 2001, the longest such drought in baseball. They may be a move or two away from ending that drought. It’s everyone battling for second behind the defending champs, but here’s a closer look:

1. Houston Astros

Last year: 101-61, first place (won World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers)

Key losses: Carlos Beltran, Joe Musgrove, Mike Fiers, Luke Gregerson, Cameron Maybin

Key newcomers: Gerrit Cole, Joe Smith, Hector Rondon

Best-case scenario: Cole adds depth to the rotation, Justin Verlander retains his top form for at least another year, and Jose Altuve maintains his American League MVP-level form.

Worst-case scenario: Verlander’s run of dominance comes to an end, Dallas Keuchel again battles injury issues, and the lineup suffers from a lack of depth. Hot prospect: Right-hander Forrest Whitley had a 2.83 ERA across three levels in 2017 but has to sit out 50 games for violating MLB’s drugprevention program.