AL West preview: A's look strong, but cannot afford to be slow out of the gate

AL West preview: A's look strong, but cannot afford to be slow out of the gate
Projected finish for 2020: A's, Rangers, Astros, Angels, Mariners. After two consecutive seasons of 97 victories and wild card postseason losses, the Athletics are the favorites to win American League West this season. That's assuming Oakland gets off to a fast start, something that hasn't happened in the last two years. In a 60-game season, the Athletics can't afford another slow start. In 2018, the A's were 31-29 after 60 games, good for fourth place in the AL West. Last season, the team...

Nats to open 2020 at Mets, will face entire AL West

Nats to open 2020 at Mets, will face entire AL West
The Nationals just completed a high-intensity series at Citi Field, and now they already have to start looking ahead to their next trip to Queens - in March. Major League Baseball unveiled its 2020 schedule this afternoon, never mind the fact there are still seven weeks remaining in the highly compelling 2019 season, and it features the earliest opening day in history: March 26. All 30 clubs will be in action on that Thursday, with the Nationals opening up on the road against the Mets for a...

Even with pitching questions, Astros look to be cream of AL West crop

Even with pitching questions, Astros look to be cream of AL West crop
The Astros won their first World Series in 2017 and followed that with a franchise-record 103 victories last season. But they were then beaten in the postseason by the eventual World Series champion Red Sox. "Last year was a disappointment, but we are an organization that's built to win multiple championships,'' says Jeff Luhnow, the general manager who puts the roster together. The Astros' core of players includes a healthy middle infield in Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa. There's also...

In AL West, question marks aplenty on patchwork pitching staffs

In AL West, question marks aplenty on patchwork pitching staffs
Where has all the pitching gone? That's the theme for rotations in the American League West. Houston had to replace three starters going into the offseason. Oakland isn't sure who is going to be in the final three rotation slots. Texas is hoping for a bunch of injury comebacks. Los Angeles is banking on comebacks, some from injuries others from subpar seasons. Seattle traded its No. 1 starter, James Paxton, to the Yankees. The Mariners pin their hopes on pitchers such as Mike Leake and Wade...

Defending World Series champion Astros remain favorites in AL West

Defending World Series champion Astros remain favorites in AL West
Who says rebuilding lasts forever? It only seems to be the case. The Astros, who had 100-loss seasons each year from 2011 to 2013, won their first World Series last season. This season, they are the favorite to win the American League West. And they could be the first team since the 1999-2000 New York Yankees to win consecutive World Series. In the rest of the AL West, the stories are the same. The Mariners, Angels, Athletics and Rangers have potent lineups, but rotation questions. The...

Breaking down the AL West, where Astros will battle Rangers for supremacy

Breaking down the AL West, where Astros will battle Rangers for supremacy
The Houston Astros are the trendy pick to win the American League West because of their dangerous lineup. But don't count out the Texas Rangers. They are the defending division champions, even though they didn't major moves over the winter. The always-changing Seattle Mariners could be the surprise team. The Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels each have too many questions, although of the two teams, the Angels made the biggest improvement. Here's a look at the AL West: HOUSTON: The...

Astros and Rangers hope they have enough pitching to remain top of AL West

Astros and Rangers hope they have enough pitching to remain top of AL West
Spring training is gearing up, and in the American League West, the Astros and Rangers are expected to be the top two teams. But do the Astros have enough pitching? The same question goes for the Rangers. Seattle expects to contend as well, and Oakland, with a healthy rotation and deep bullpen, could be a surprise team. Here's a look at the pitching in the AL West: Houston: The Astros might have the best lineup in the American League, but the rotation appears thin. ... The X-factor is...

Nationals open 2017 at home vs. Marlins, face Orioles in May

Nationals open 2017 at home vs. Marlins, face Orioles in May
The Nationals will open the 2017 season at home against the Marlins, will meet the Orioles in early May for their traditional home-and-home Beltways Series and face the entire American League West in interleague play. Major League Baseball revealed next season's schedule this afternoon. It begins Monday, April 3 when the Nationals host Miami, the third time in 11 years those teams have opened a season in D.C. Following their opening series, the Nationals make a brief road trip to Philadelphia,...