MLB: Is the AL West Ready to Tighten Up? - Joe Chacon's Blog

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Joe Chacon's Blog

MLB: Is the AL West Ready to Tighten Up? Stuck

Posted on June 5, 2012 at 02:00 PM.

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Photo Credit: Star-Telegram

Look out Texas, Los Angeles is closing in fast.

Just two weeks ago the Texas Rangers were coasting along with an eight game lead over the last place Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

As of today that lead has been trimmed down to 4.5 games and the Rangers now see Los Angeles in their rear view mirror.

Sure, the season is just one-third of the way through, but these games count the same today as they will in August and September.

The climb up the standings for the Angels has been done in large part to the play of Mike Trout. Touted by many to be just as good as Bryce Harper, Trout is batting .338 on the year with five home runs and nine stolen bases.

Albert Pujols has also come alive as of late. Over the last 30 days Pujols has a stat line of .278/8/25. He is still batting just .236 on the year, but there have been glimpses of his former self.

Although their lead has shrunk, Texas still leads the majors in most major offensive categories. They rank first in batting average (.286), runs batted in (294), hits (559), and are tied for second in home runs (78).

There is no reason to believe at this point that the AL West will be more than a two pony race between Texas and Los Angeles. Both teams have tremendous talent on both offense and defense that well surpasses what Oakland and Seattle have to offer.

Who's your favorite to win the AL West: Rangers or Angels?

Joe Chacon is a Staff Writer for Operation Sports and a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JoeChacon.

Comments

# 1 DustinT @ Jun 6

Why aren't the Mariners an option?

I choose them!

# 2 bkrich83 @ Jun 6

I am an Angels fan and really can't stand the Rangers, but imo the Rangers are the more complete team, and should be considered the favorites to win the division.

I think both teams will make the postseason however.

# 3 Thrash13 @ Jun 6

I'm a big Rangers fan, but it's no surprise the Angels are closing in. I fully expected a tight race all season, and I knew the Angels wouldn't struggle for long. I still like the Rangers overall team a little better, but anything can happen for sure. It might come down to a move or two at the trade deadline. I'm excited to watch it unfold.

# 4 YeOldTonk @ Jun 6

I really don't think you can count the Mariners out. Still a lot of baseball left and they seem to be starting to build some confidence.

# 5 bkrich83 @ Jun 6

@Thrash13 or an injury here or there could be the difference. Say if Jered Weaver's injury lingers or the Rangers suffer an injury to Josh Hamilton for an extended period of time.

I think talent wise they are close, but give the nod to the Rangers, I think the Rangers have more depth as well.

I will say this for the Angels, Mike Trout injected a level of energy that I don't think anyone anticipated. He wreaks havoc on the basepaths and actually might be a better defender than even Peter Bourjos. I thought he'd be good, but didn't think he'd contribute this much this early. I can't believe he's only 20 years old.

For the Angels I think the key is the continued development of Trout and Trumbo, along with Albert Pujols continuing to become Albert Pujols as the season continues. That and they have to stay relatively healthy as they don't have a ton of depth on the farm. Which is another place the Rangers have the advantage.

This should be a fun race to watch.

I like the Mariners as well, but they just don't seem to be ready to play with the big boys just yet.