Extra Innings

New Faces: A.L. West

Coming into the 2008 season, the Angels look as the favorites in the West. With the A’s and Rangers in rebuilding mode the Angels looked cemented to win, yet how things have changed since the new year. With the addition of LHP Eric Bedard, the Mariners and Angels will battle it out for the A.L. West crown.

1. Los Angeles Angels

CF Torii Hunter:

Coming into this season, Torii Hunter has much to prove after signing a 5-year $90 million dollar deal. He posted career highs in home runs, hits, games, runs and RBI’s. He is scheduled to hit 4^th in the lineup and should be able to get plenty of opportunities to drive in runs. How will he adapt in Anaheim?

Fantasy Analysis:

He should fit in very well into his new home in Orange County. Out goes the snow and here comes the beach. At age 32, he received a 5-year contract worth almost $100 million dollars. Needless to say, the Angels desperately overpaid for 6-time Gold Glover. Looking into 2008, Hunter comes into the season as a possible top 25 outfielder. If he can continue to progress, Angels fans will forget that he is making more than Guerrero annually. He posted career highs in 5 different offensive categories. What worries me about Hunter is his lifetime OBP. He comes to Los Angeles with a .324 OBP from his time in Minnesota. I do not think his numbers of last year will translate in 2008. Look for him to steal more bases in an Angel’s uniform, but offensively he will not match last year numbers. Expect him to hit between .270-.275 with 23 home runs and 90 RBI’s. His OBP will certainly be under .330 and will steal over 25 bases.

SP Jon Garland:

Coming into 2007 the White Sox had playoffs in there sight. How things changed in only a few months into the season. The White Sox had a year to forget and Garland only managed to win 10 games. In 2005 and in 2006, Garland won 18 games and ends his career with the White Sox with a record of 92-81 with a 4.42 ERA. Now in Los Angeles, will he be able to regain his form of 2005 and 2006?

Fantasy Analysis:

Coming into this season, Garland could not have asked for a better situation to be in. He switches from a hitter’s park to a pitcher’s park and goes to one of the best bullpens in baseball. Add one of the best closer’s in the game and he is entering the final year of his contract, makes him an intriguing fantasy pitcher. He will pitch behind John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar and Jered Weaver. At the number 4^th spot, he should easily be able to win over 18 games. Also, he only received 4.27 runs (RPG) and goes to a team that averaged 5.07 (RPG). Expect Garland to have over 18 wins and have an ERA under 4.00.

2. Texas Rangers

OF Josh Hamilton:

One can only root for the guy he was in and out of rehab on 8 separate occasions. He was out of baseball from 2003-2006 and the former number 1 pick finally got a chance to show his promise in Cincinnati. Traded in the off-season to Texas, how will he do as an everyday player?

Fantasy Analysis:

He will get every opportunity to become an everyday player in Texas. It is transition season for the Rangers and at age 27, Hamilton might have just found a home. Last year in Cincinnati, in only 298 (AB) he had 19 home runs with 47 RBI’s and hit .292. Translate those numbers into over a full season; he would have easily had over 40 home runs and over 120 RBI’s. One of my favorite sleeper candidates coming into 2008, he should be selected among the top 50 fantasy outfielders.

3. Seattle Mariners

SP Eric Bedard:

What are the Orioles thinking trading away a left-handed pitcher who is in his prime? I thought the Orioles needed pitching? What a steal for Seattle to acquire a CY Young candidate in Bedard. Kudos to GM Bill Bavasi who was the architect to the Angels team the won the World Series in 2002. Bedard to Mariners means fantasy bliss for those who draft him.

Fantasy Analysis:

In 2008, Bedard will become one of the elite starting pitchers in the Major Leagues. He will have an outstanding season and with Johan Santana now in the N.L., he should be in the mix for the CY Young award. Last year, Bedard was 13-5 with a 3.16 ERA. He struck out 221 hitter’s and only allowed 64 runs. My only concern about Bedard is he has never in his career pitched over 200 innings. For those who draft him beware of fatigue entering the dog days of August and September. Expect career highs in every pitching category.

SP Carlos Silva:

What does a 13-14 record with an ERA of 4.19 in 2007 translate in a weak starting pitching free-agent market? It equals $48 million. How will he fair in Seattle?

Fantasy Analysis:

It was only last year that Silva went 11-15 and had an ERA of 5.94. He can only be counted on when he has favorable match ups and will pitch twice in a week. Going to Seattle should help him and playing for a contender will benefit him. Last year with the Twins it was a disappointment, yet he will have a chance to contend for an A.L. West title with the Mariners.

4. Oakland Athletics

1B/DH Mike Sweeney:

Health has been an issue for Sweeney ever since the time he put on a uniform. He has not played more than 126 games since the 2001 season. Now, in an A’s uniform he has the chance to compete for a job.

Fantasy Analysis:

Having a plethora of young players on the roster, the A’s would want a veteran like Sweeney to tutor the youngsters. However, one has to ask how much is left in the tank? Over the last two years, Sweeney has only played 134 games. If healthy, he has to prove he can still hit. Expect for Sweeney to make the team and could be a good fill in candidate throughout the season.

Next week, I will have the A.L. East. Comments or questions send them to jca112@yahoo.com