Oakland Athletics: Offseason AL West Power Rankings

Rank #1: The Los Angeles Angels

Sep 17, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels react after the Texas Rangers beat the Oakland Athletics after the Angels defeated the Seattle Mariners 5-0. The Angles clinched the AL west title. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Angels are number one because, not only did they win the division last season, they proved that they have what it takes to last a whole season. The Angels had a number of injuries to key players down the stretch, but they continued to find a way to win.

With Garrett Richards out with an injury, the Angels turned to an unlikely hero in Matt Shoemaker, who in 27 games (20 starts) went 16-4, with a 3.04 ERA and recorded 124 strikeouts. Shoemaker, who was a rookie, came up big when it was most important to his team. The Angels also have two well-established pitchers in their rotation in C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver who can be lights out on a consistent basis.

Oct 3, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher

throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning in game two of the 2014 ALDS playoff baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The Angels also have a deep bullpen, and good teams have dominant bullpens. Pitchers Joe Smith and Huston Street both had ERA’s below two last season. The next best ERA  is Vinnie Pestanos at 2.89, which is about 20-30 points lower than the rest of the Angels relievers.

What makes the Angel bullpen so deep is that their relievers have either previously been starters, or are strikeout pitchers. Having experience and a high capability of getting batters out will only help your team for the better.

Not only do the Angels have depth in pitching, they also have weapons on offense. Their lineup has the likes of Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and David Freese. Together, this power four had 84 home runs, 122 doubles, 315 RBI’s, a collective batting average of .270 and a collective on-base percentage of .338. It doesn’t stop here, as most of the Angels hitters have a batting average at or above the .250 mark.

The Angels have not changed their roster too much other than losing Howie Kendrick and Jason Grilli. Therefore, the Angels will be a force to reckoned with once again in 2015, and will give a division race until the bitter end.

Next: Seattle Mariners