Godfather previews the AL West

Angels: The Angels were good last year, but they got even better in the offseason. The additions of Finley in CF and Cabrera at SS give them a potent offense. Figgins adds speed to the top of the lineup and Finley adds to the already powerful lineup of Anderson and Guerrero.

Cabrera and Finley also make the Angels a much better defensive team up the middle and Molina may be the best defensive catcher in the game.

The starting rotation is average. If Washburn could put up the numbers he did in 2002 and Paul Byrd recovers from an injury plagued 2004 season, the starting rotation could carry the Angels deep into the postseason.

With Percival gone, the bullpen needs Francisco Rodriguez to be the man. He has all the tools and Donnelly and Shields add depth and a good setup combination.

Look for the Angels to repeat as Division Champs.

Mariners: The Mariners spent the money in the offseason to compete for a playoff spot in 2005. Boone is the only returning starting infielder and Beltre and Sexson should bring power to the lineup and Reese is a gold glove caliber shortstop. Ichiro anchors the OF. The Mariners will need Raul Ibanez to step up and put up the big numbers that they expected last year.

The starting rotation is their weakness. Moyer, Pineiro, Franklin and Meche all have the potential to win double digit games, but all of them could also lose as many games.

The bullpen is anchored by a solid closer in Guardado and Hasegawa is a good setup man. Nelson is a veteran, but has long passed his prime.

Rangers: The Rangers surprised a lot of people last year by winning 89 games. They added Hidalgo in RF which could be a big acquisition for them if he lives up to the standards that he had in Houston. Young, Texeira, Blaylock and Soriano give them a potent top to middle of the lineup.

Kenny Rogers had a great record last year despite a 4.76 ERA. Unfortunately, the Rangers are still carrying the contract of Chan Ho Park and do not have much more talent in their starting rotation.

Cordero had a breakout year last year with 49 saves and should get many opportunities this year if the offense can keep them in some close games.

A’s: The A’s were again hurt by losing players in the offseason due to their budget constraints. Zito is the only remaining member of the Big 3 and Harden will have to pitch better than he did down the stretch last year. Danny Haren will get his shot to live up to the hype. Dotel is a solid closer, but look for his save totals to drop as the A’s will not win as many games this year.

The A’s offense has never been their strength and now the pitching does not have the talent to bail them out. One key is for Erubiel Durazo to continue to develop into a All Star player.