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MLB: Updated (Again) Playoff Predictions as the Season Is Underway

By Jason Reed

Apr 7, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Phillie Phanatic cheers on in front of an opening day field graphic before action between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Phillie Phanatic cheers on in front of an opening day field graphic before action between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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MLB – Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
MLB – Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

AL West

  1. Houston Astros 90-72 (Up 1)
  2. Seattle Mariners 86-76 (Down 1 – WC #2)
  3. Los Angeles Angels 80-82
  4. Oakland Athletics 74-88 (Up 1)
  5. Texas Rangers 73-89 (Down 1)

Call it bold, but I genuinely think that the Texas Rangers will fall to the bottom of the division just a year after leading the AL in wins. No, I am not trying to hop onto some bandwagon because the Rangers have started the season 1-4, I have genuinely argued for months now that the Rangers cannot repeat the magic of last year. Leading the MLB in one-run games, the Rangers’ luck shall run out.

The Angels have shown some promising play, yet lack the true depth to keep a consistent run throughout the season. Ace Garrett Richards has already continued his injury streak, and the roster is surprisingly thin. Expect Mike Trout to carry the team to challenge a .500 record, but anything more than that may be too far fetched.

As for the rest of the division, I had originally expected the Seattle Mariners to finally make the push to the postseason and top the division. While they will certainly still make the postseason, the Astros offense looks too good to place anything but first.

I think it will be a very tight race atop the AL West and will be one of the most interesting divisions to watch in all of baseball. With the best player on the planet only playing for the third best team, expect fireworks to flare out of the American League and its west coast.

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