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2017 American League West Preview: A Three Team Race

By Rob Hill

Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) runs the bases after hitting a two-run homer against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) runs the bases after hitting a two-run homer against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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#3 Houston Astros 

This is where the list takes a turn for the better. Houston possibly has the best core group out of any team within the A.L. West. A group of hitters consisting of Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Alex Bregman will carry Houston all season long. Newly acquired veterans Josh Reddick, Carlos Beltran, and Brian McCann provide stability and much added power to an already impressive Houston team.

The only reason why I cannot place this team any higher than third is their lack of staring pitching. 2015 A.L. Cy Young award winner Dallas Keuchel had a rough 2016 season and it is hard to determine which version we’ll see in 2017. Lance McCullers has all the makings of an ace, but staying healthy has been an issue for the 23-year-old right hander.

Mike Fiers, Charlie Morton, and Joe Musgrove fill out the rest of a rotation that can simply be summed up as a giant question mark. Houston’s bullpen should be strong all year long as fireballer Ken Giles looks to continue thesuccess he found in the second half of last season. If the Astros starting staff can stay healthy, and Keuchel can revert back to his 2015 self, the Astros could be in place to win their first division title since 2001.

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