AL West teams, via Google Images

Over the past year, the AL West has had some of the most interesting storylines in the league: The Astros looked primed to repeat as World Series Champions, only to fall just short. The Athletics broke countless expectations and projections and secured the second Wild Card spot ahead of Tampa Bay. The Cano-less Mariners played some of their best baseball in recent years thanks to standouts Haniger and Diaz, only to trade practically anyone of value this offseason in hopes of rebuilding. The Angles went for it and, again, fell way below the mark. And the Rangers are in the middle of a long rebuilding tunnel.

As we approach Opening Day, questions surround each ball club: Will the Astros’ rotation be deep enough without Lance McCullers and possibly Dallas Keuchel? Are the Athletics for real, or was last year a fluke? Can the Angels ever figure out how to build a team around Trout? What are the Mariners thinking? It will be interesting to see what each team does before the end of March to try to answer those questions.

My pick to win the division in 2019, like many others’, is the Houston Astros.

Altuve, Bregman, Springer, and Verlander; via Google Images

Team Strengths? Last season, the Astros went 103-59 and beat the Indians in the Division Series and then lost to the Red Sox for the Pennant. This season, many of their key pieces return. All-Star players like Jose Altuve, George Springer, Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Alex Bregman all have the potential to win the MVP and/or Cy Young awards and will be the main horses driving this Houston ball club into the Postseason. The team also has a strong bench, consisting of both outfielder Jake Marisnick and utility man Tony Kemp.

Keuchel and McCullers Jr., via Google Images

Major Concerns? The Astros will be without starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. for likely the entire season due to Tommy John surgery. Dallas Keuchel is currently in free agency, and although I expect the Astros to be one of the teams trying for his signature, it is very possible he signs elsewhere. This means that they are without two key pieces to their rotation. Because of this, it is fair to worry about the guys who will likely be the ones replacing them: Josh James and Framber Valdez. James made his debut in September of this past season and only pitched two MLB innings. Valdez also debuted last season, going 4-1 in eight games (starting five) and posting a 2.19 ERA. They have both showed a lot of promise in the minors, but it is a risk for the Astros to depend on rookies to take  up 2/5 of their starting rotation.

Michael Brantley, via Google Images

Key Acquisitions? The Astros signed Michael Brantley in December. He will be the starting Left Fielder and will be key to adding depth and protection in the middle of the lineup. If he can put up statistics like he has throughout his impressive career (when he wasn’t injured), he will be worth the money. The ‘Stros also signed veteran catcher Robinson Chirinos to play with Max Stassi behind the plate. With that said, it is likely the Astros will add to their rotation as well, and I expect Keuchel to be one of the guys coming (back) to Houston.

Projected Lineup (with current roster):

C – Robinson Chirinos, 1B – Yulieski Gurriel, 2B – Jose Altuve, 3B – Alex Bregman, SS – Carlos Correa, LF – Michael Brantley, CF – George Springer, RF – Josh Reddick, DH – Tyler White

Starting Pitchers: Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Colin McHugh, Josh James, Framber Valdez

Relief Pitchers: Roberto Osuna, Ryan Pressley, Hector Rondon, Will Harris, Chris Devenski, Cionel Perez, Brad Peacock