AL WEST 2011-2012 SEASON AT A GLANCE

With the no remaining AL West teams in the playoffs, we take a look back on the regular season that it was

(AP Photo)

By Azor Cole

4th Place: Seattle Mariners

The lowly Mariners finished with a record of 75-87, improving eight games from last year but also marking their third straight last place finish. The Mariners have a dangerous pitching staff, led by ace Felix Hernandez. Coupled with the crafty, fast improving Jason Vargas, this team has the pitchers necessary to compete in the dangerous AL West. The offense is a different story. Finishing with a team average of .234, it is no surprise that the Mariners found themselves in the cellar once again.

3^rd Place: Los Angeles Angels

The Angels came into the season thinking World Series. Having just signed Albert Pujols to further bolster an already dangerous offense, the Angles looked to have all the pieces necessary to make a deep playoff run. The emergence of rookie sensation Mike Trout was a joy to watch all season as he remains in the MVP debate along with Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera. The Angels stayed competitive all season and were only eliminated in the last few days of the season. Look for this team to come back with a chip on their shoulder next year.  

2^nd Place: Texas Rangers

The defending division champs looked to have the Al West in the bag once again this year, atop the standings for 178 days. The Rangers let this season get away. As the Oakland A’s stormed back and won the division on the last day, the Rangers were forced to settle for a wild card spot, only to go down weakly to the Orioles. Still, the Rangers look like a contender going into the 2012-1013 season. Be on the lookout for key offseason moves involving superstar Jason Hamilton, Mike Napoli, and Ryan Dempster. 

1^st Place: Oakland Athletics

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

These Oakland Athletics silenced the critics all year. The feel good story of the season, the A’s proved it is still possible to win in this league by building within the organization. The A’s did make one big free agent splash, Yoenis Cespedes. It worked out, as Cespedes provided some much needed power and served as an anchor in the middle of their lineup. Along with the breakout season of Josh Reddick, the A’s were able to manage just enough offense. The future looks bright for these Athletics, as their young prospects will only get better. With a pitching staff as good as any in the league, it will be up to the offense in the 2012-2013 if they wish to repeat as division champs.