Texas Rangers: Predicting the year-end American League West standings

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How will the American League West division look at the regular season conclusion? Where will the Texas Rangers end up in the standings?

Every American League West team is at least five games into the regular season. The two that began the year in Japan (Mariners and Athletics) have played eight games. Despite an offseason firesale, Seattle is off to a first place start with a 7-1 record. Oakland is in second at 5-3, the Texas Rangers are 3-2, Houston is 2-4 and Los Angeles is 1-5.

How will the AL West look when each team has 162 games in the books?

HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 16: Roberto Osuna #54 of the Houston Astros reacts after walking Mitch Moreland #18 of the Boston Red Sox (not pictured) and scoring Steve Pearce #25 (not pictured) in the eighth inning during Game Three of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 16, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

1st Place: Houston Astros (98-64)

The Astros taking the division title this year is practically a no-brainer. If they take a step back at all from their previous two dominant seasons, it will only be slight. I have them winning just under 100 games.

Their offense improved with the addition of Michael Brantley and their bullpen essentially carried over from 2018. However, a drop-off in starting rotation quality is a definite possibility with Lance McCullers lost for the year and Charlie Morton having moved on to Tampa Bay. Still, Collin McHugh, Brad Peacock and Wade Miley should close out what is still seen as a well above average staff.

Don’t hold your breathe Texas Rangers fans. Houston remains a cut above its American League West counterparts.

OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 01: Chad Pinder #18 and Mark Canha #20 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates at home plate after Pinder hit a two-run home run against the Boston Red Sox in the bottom of the six inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on April 1, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

2nd Place: Oakland Athletics (90-72)

Next up, the low-budget Athletics will complete another impressive season. They constantly find ways to win a lot of games, kind of like the other notoriously low-budget MLB team — the Tampa Bay Rays.

Both teams win with reliable pitching and deep lineup production. Ultimately, the Athletics and Rays are built on the premise of maximizing output up and down the roster. Moneyball pays in victories, not actual money (hence the strategy, and the movie plot, if you’re more familiar with that).

The A’s Moneyball approach will lead them to 90 wins. Per usual, they’ll grind out wins and dominate at home. Depending on the results of other second tier AL teams, such as the Twins and Rays (coincidentally), the A’s may earn another wildcard berth.

ARLINGTON, TX – MARCH 31: Elvis Andrus /

3rd Place: Texas Rangers (77-85)

Why can’t the Rangers take third in the AL West? (That’s a rhetorical question — no negative responses welcome.) They have a really talented offense. They also have arguably the best closer in Major League Baseball. Those two things are part of the winning equation. Unfortunately, inconsistent pitching will hold Texas back.

The club could see a several significant roster changes as well throughout the year. Any veteran having a decent year will very likely be traded away for prospects. Trades could worsen the roster, but they could also strengthen the roster.

Young guys like Taylor Hearn, C.D. Pelham and Joe Palumbo will get a fair shot at proving big league capable towards the end of the year. The trio is obviously talented, so it would not be surprising if they improve the team come August and September.

In addition, the Angels nor Mariners are very good. 77 wins from the Texas Rangers could solidify a third place divisional standing.

SEATTLE, WA – APRIL 01: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim reacts after being hit by a pitch thrown by Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at T-Mobile Park on April 1, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

4th Place: Los Angeles Angels (76-86)

The Angels won 80 games each of the last two years. They may have the best player on the planet, but baseball is a team sport. Sadly for Mike Trout, his teammates don’t typically carry much weight.

They aren’t poor in many areas, but they’re not good in many areas either. Their offense is average, their bullpen is average and their rotation is below average. It will take vintage production from players like Albert Pujols, Kole Calhoun, Justin Upton and Zack Cozart for Los Angeles to have nice season. Oh, and add Matt Harvey to the mix.

In the end, the Halos will have what the critics will call a “disappointing season.” Though, it will only be “disappointing” because Mike Trout will once again miss the playoffs. In all seriousness, 75-80 wins is the expected outcome.

SEATTLE, WA – APRIL 01: Yusei Kikuchi #18 of the Seattle Mariners stands in the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at T-Mobile Park on April 1, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

5th Place: Seattle Mariners (72-90)

The Mariners will come back to Earth sooner rather than later. I just can’t see their roster doing big things in 2019. They will be an interesting watch, however.

This season’s Japanese sensation, Yusei Kikuchi, will prompt deserved attention. Mitch Haniger is a fun player to watch, and Tim Beckham and Domingo Santana are capable of putting up impressive numbers.

The problem is they boast a very pedestrian rotation, and I haven’t even heard of half their bullpen. Does that mean the relief crew is bad? Not necessarily, but it can’t be that good. 72 wins would be a competitive season for the rebuilding Seattle Mariners.

Next. First Impressions of Chris Woodward this Regular Season. dark

We’ll learn more about each AL West opponent as the regular season carries on. The Texas Rangers will play each about 18 times. A third place finish would be a massive accomplishment for a team that is still considered a couple of years away from playoff contention.

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