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MLB 2017: American League West Rankings

By Jason Evans

Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; American League outfielder Mike Trout (27) of the Los Angeles Angels poses with the MVP trophy after the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. The American League all stars won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; American League outfielder Mike Trout (27) of the Los Angeles Angels poses with the MVP trophy after the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. The American League all stars won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Starting Pitching

5. Angels – A ton of questions in the Angels rotation, though if they get some positive answers, the team could be interesting. Are Garrett Richards and Matt Shoemaker healthy? How deep can Tyler Skaggs go into the season? He only pitched 49 innings after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Daniel Wright, Jesse Chavez and Alex Meyer will compete for time there as well.

4. A’s – Sonny Gray had food poisoning right before his first start of the season and never really got back on track. The rest of the rotation is made up of young guys looking to make an impact on the club. Sean Manaea and Jharel Cotton could be part of the rotation moving forward. Kendall Graveman should be the team’s number-two starter. After that, Jesse Hahn, Andrew Triggs and Daniel Mengden could be a part of it.

3. Astros – Dallas Keuchel went from Cy Young to Cy struggled/injured in 2016. Lance McCullers was injured last season as well, but has excellent stuff when healthy. Collin McHugh had his third straight double-digit win season (although his ERA has gone up each of the last three years). Charlie Morton and Mike Fiers should fill out the rotation. Look for Joe Musgrove as well.

2. Rangers – Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels are an excellent 1-2 at the top of the rotation. Right up there among the best. Martin Perez still hasn’t taken that next step. What can Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and A.J. Griffin give them at the back end?

1. Mariners – Felix Hernandez is looking to rebound after an injury-plagued season. Hisashi Iwakuma is steady when healthy. Can James Paxton build on his 2016 season? Drew Smyly and Yovani Gallardo are now in the fold to finish off the rotation with Ariel Miranda and Chris Heston as depth.

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