In a weekly segment, we'll take a look around the AL West — what's happened so far, and what's on tap in the coming days.
1. Seattle Mariners (3-0) — There's still plenty of reason to be skeptical about just how good the Mariners might be this year. There are still several holes on the roster, but there are also two stud starting pitchers on the DL right now in Hisashi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker. Starting 3-0 is a lot better than starting not 3-0, and a whole lot better than starting 0-3. Next up: Today, 9:05 p.m., at Oakland A's.
2. Houston Astros (2-0) — OK, it's cute that the Astros have started 2-0, but don't get too excited, Houstonites. This team will still lose around 100 games this season, but hey, things are on the uptick with the guys in the front office now and the minor league system they've put together. It's still a few years away, though. Next up: Today, 7:10 p.m., vs. New York Yankees.
3. Texas Rangers (2-1) — After the sky fell on Monday, things sure did get better on Tuesday and Wednesday as the Rangers scored back-to-back walkoff wins over the Phillies to take the season's first series. Considering the early injuries the Rangers are dealing with, and the fact they get Yu Darvish back on Sunday, things are looking brighter. The upcoming six-game road trip isn't going to be easy. Next up: Friday, 6:10 p.m., at Tampa Bay Rays.
4. Oakland Atheltics (1-2) — The A's could easily be 3-0 along with the Mariners, who come to Oakland for a four-game set beginning Thursday. Instead, their new high-priced closer, Jim Johnson, has blown saves in two of the first three games, and the fans have already turned on him — all 10,000 of them. Next up: Today, 9:05 p.m., vs. Seattle Mariners.
5. Los Angeles Angels (0-3) — Hahahahahaha. Ha. Jered Weaver let a win slip away late on Opening Day, and the past two days have been an utter failure for the Angels, who just got the floor mopped with them by the Mariners, at home. Next up: Friday, 7:10 p.m., at Houston Astros.
