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

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 06: Jose Leclerc #62 of the Texas Rangers reacts after shutting down the Seattle Mariners in the top of the ninth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 6, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 06: Jose Leclerc #62 of the Texas Rangers reacts after shutting down the Seattle Mariners in the top of the ninth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 6, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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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.