The only team not mentioned so far is seattle. I like their balance, and they are only 2.5 behind the angels, with king felix adding only 5 wins.
I think this is the angels year. 7 solid starters, guys that would start on most teams. (Lackey, Escobar, Weaver, Colon <hes healthy, timing off> Santana <too good to continue to struggle....he was the key to the tejeda deal> +Saunders <sub 3 era in 5 starts> and Moseley)
Speier, Rivera, McPherson will be back soon. They've been without Weaver, colon, figgins, Anderson, napoli, kotchman and morales at times and all its done is let the younger guys shine. Mathews was a huge upgrade defensively.
Pen is as good as any. #1 in steals 4 years straight. Lots of guys that can play anywhere, and not 1 cancer in the clubhouse.
Sure they aren't middle of the pack......but use care betting against them in the A.L. Oakland has lost too much........catcher can't hit much more than his weight. Harden and Piazza might not contribute. Buck has a hand/wrist injury. Stewart's slugging .400. imo.....gaudin, kennedy and dinardo are pitching over their heads.
Its Detroit, Boston and L.A..........I'd be stunned if one of those 3 didn't win.
Manny and Ortiz are sub par this year...........plus Boston has serious starter health/depth issues. Subtract Schilling and you get to gabbard/lester/taverez.
In the N.L. if SD adds any offense.........look out.
lol........baseballs a great source of opinions.......in that we all see strength and weakness though our own stilted perception.
I guess what I'm saying........is there aren't any dark horses in the A.L.
Doc