Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette
Shenaynay - Special Correspondent from the Psychic Friends Network
The AL West was one of the weakest divisions in Season 3. Let's take a look at what the teams have done to improve the division this season.
AL WEST
4. Kansas City Tweakers
Last Season: 58-104
Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: more tweaking is needed.
Gazette says: Kansas City is still in the midst of rebuilding, so this season will be spent acquiring prospects and building its minors up. They will struggle again this season at the Major League level.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 58-104, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 150-1
3. Colorado Springs Hammer'd Leprechauns
Last Season: 75-87
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: dancing leprechauns downing shots of Jameson.
Gazette says: Colorado Springs wins the best team name of the new teams, hands down. The Colorado Springs squad features improved pitching from last season, when the staff got pretty roughed up. They definitely took a step forward in that capacity. Offensively, they have a few good pieces in place, but aren't quite there yet in putting together a lineup that can contend. A low payroll will help them reel in some prospects to help in that area.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 68-94, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all:100-1
2. Vancouver Blaze
Last Season: 62-100
Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: the franchise has moved to a colder place, so the team must bring the heat.
Gazette says: veener seems to be bringing stability to the franchise, which is a good thing. They also moved away from the offensive graveyard, San Diego, which is also a good thing. The franchise has never won more than 62 games, and we certainly see them eclipsing that mark, as the team continues to build. They're not that far way from being a player in this division, and should make some big strides forward this season.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 80-82, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 40-1
1. Oakland Brusiers
Last Season: 82-80
Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: the Brusiers continuing to rough up the divison.
Gazette says: This franchise has won the divison 3 straight seasons, and we like their chances for a 4th straight division title. desanders has made some nice moves in the offseason to improve the club. The offense looks to have taken strides, and the lineup will feature a lot of powerful bats. The pitching is there too, as the staff features several control specialists, that should help the team improve on last year's team ERA. Oakland look like a better team this season, and we like them to hold on to the division title.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 89-73, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 18-1
UP NEXT: Playoff Predictions