Call to the pen
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Predicting the 2022 AL West standings

By David Hill

Mar 30, 2022; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) reacts from the field during the game against the New York Mets during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2022; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) reacts from the field during the game against the New York Mets during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers spent over half a billion dollars in free agency. While it bodes well for their future, they are likely to move up just one spot in the AL West this season.

There is no question that their roster is better than it was. The free agent signings of Corey Seager and Marcus Semien have dramatically changed the dynamic of their lineup. Jon Gray is a viable major league starter, something that the Rangers were missing. Several of their top prospects are on the cusp of the majors as well, making the future bright in Texas.

But that future is not close to being here yet. The Rangers still need a viable top of the rotation arm, something that Gray is not. The bullpen needs plenty of work. And the lineup, as improved as it may be, could still use a few more pieces. Add it all up, and the Rangers are a fourth place team in an improved division.

3. Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels are tasked with trying to get Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout into the postseason. They finally took steps towards doing so this offseason.

After years of ignoring their pitching staff and attempting to slap bandages on the problem, the Angels have done something. Michael Lorenzen and Noah Syndergaard may be on one year deals, but they will improve the rotation. The bullpen has been completely overhauled, with Aaron Loup, Ryan Tepera, and Archie Bradley being brought in to set up Raisel Iglesias. The lineup, if healthy, could be dangerous enough for the Angels to push for a playoff spot.

But health is going to be the key factor. Trout has been battling injuries and Anthony Rendon struggled when he was not on the Injured List last year. Syndergaard is not a paragon of health either. Those health concerns could be the difference between a team that vies for a berth in the postseason and one that hovers around .500 all season.

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