The Houston Astros have jumped out to a 7.5 game lead atop the American League West through the first 28 games. As the only team in the division with a better than .500 record, they will certainly be tough to catch. The Astros have the potential to contend for a World Series this season. However, even Houston has at least one weak link that must be addressed in order to make a serious championship run. Here is a look at the weakest link of each team from the American League West.
Houston Astros: Left Field
The Astros don’t have many weak links. Their 99 wRC+ from the left field position isn’t terrible but it might be their weakest link. Nori Aoki is primarily a quality defensive outfielder but he has hit a respectable .282 this season. However, some of Aoki’s production has come when playing in right field. Aoki has hit just .231 when playing in the left outfield spot. Carlos Beltran and Marwin Gonzalez have both shown flashes of their immense potential this season. Houston also has top prospect Derek Fisher in the minors if they want to take that route. However, the Astros should have enough talent on their roster to improve from within at the left outfield spot. Houston owns the best record in baseball for a reason. Even their biggest weakness right now shouldn’t be a major concern for them in the AL West.
Texas Rangers: Bullpen
Texas has won six in a row to fight its way back to the .500 mark. The Rangers still have a lot of work to do to close the gap on a playoff spot. There is no doubt that Texas has the talent to contend in 2017. Their biggest weakness is a bullpen that has several holes. Matt Bush has been solid since replacing Sam Dyson in the closer role. However, Josh Leclerc is on the DL with a finger contusion and the rest of the arms haven’t inspired confidence. Jeremy Jeffress, Keone Kela and Tony Barnes can all be quality options but consistency will be a major factor. Jake Diekman will return at some point so having him and Leclerc back could provide a major boost for the Texas bullpen.
Los Angeles Angels: Second Base
Danny Espinosa was supposed to be an upgrade for the Angels at second base. However, Espinosa has hit just .138 while striking out at a 35.8 percent clip this season. His DRS and UZR/150 both sit in the negatives and he is certainly running out of time to prove his worth in Los Angeles. Kaleb Cowart is hitting .283 with five doubles and three home runs for Salt Lake in Triple-A. If Espinosa continues to struggle then the Angels might have no choice but to give Cowart a chance.
Seattle Mariners: Catcher
Catcher isn’t the only position plaguing the Mariners. However, it’s one of the biggest weaknesses and Seattle needs to address the concern soon. Mike Zunino has hit just .167 with a 37.5 percent strikeout rate so far this season. Veteran Carlos Ruiz and Tuffy Gosewich have taken turns filling in for him but neither is capable of performing at a high level over an extended period of time. The Mariners have given the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 draft plenty of opportunities to prove he can handle the job. It might be time to shift the focus to finding a capable replacement.
Oakland Athletics: Designated Hitter
Even with Yonder Alonso in the midst of a breakout season the Athletics could still use more help on offense. Oakland is tied for 26th in the majors in runs scored. A lack of production from the DH spot has been a major issue with Ryon Healy struggling to find his game while Jed Lowrie and Trevor Plouffe haven’t lived up to the task when penciled in to that role. The Athletics have a number of holes throughout their roster. The lack of a star option at the DH position is a major weak link that needs to be addressed before this time can take a step forward in the AL West.
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