The Sports Dons 2009 AL West Preview

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim won the American League West by 21 games in 2008, a margin 13 1/2 games wider than the next largest difference which was the Chicago Cubs’ 7 1/2 game lead over National League Wild Card winner Milwaukee. With the departures of some key Angels and the acquisitions of some big name players by the other teams in the West, the race will tighter, but don’t expect Texas, Oakland or Seattle to leapfrog Los Angeles who should capture their fifth division title in six years. To read Monday’s AL East Preview, click here.To read yesterday’s AL Central Preview, click here. 1. LOS ANGELES ANGELS (100-62, first place and lost in the ALDS in ‘08) The golden prize of free agency left the West Coast when Mark Teixeira signed a megadeal with the New York Yankees rather than returning to the Angels which has left a gapping hole in the middle of Los Angeles’ lineup. Kendry Morales will step in at first base but will only ...