With the 3rd start of the season starting in a matter of hours, we're going to have to breeze through the AL and NL west with abridged versions. I'm not sure this division is as straight forward as most expect. The Angels will still win it, but they won't be clinching by August 1st.

1. Los Angeles Angels - addition of Torii Hunter not only maintains a decent defensive outfield but gives Vlad Guerrero some protection in the lineup. Chone Figgins was on fire at the end of last season, should cement his status as one of the best leadoff hitters in the game. Assuming the Angels gets support behind John Lackey, they'll win the division by a few games. Prediction: 88-74

2. Seattle Mariners - I suppose this is the trendy pick, but it's for good reason. The addition of Erik Bedard gives Seattle the best staff in the division. Assuming Ichiro's hitting woes were just a spring training fluke, the lineup will produce enough runs. Raul Ibanez just gets it done. Hopefully Sexson can continue driving in some clutch runs and anything more from Adrian Beltre would be icing on the cake. Still love this pitching staff too much -- Bedard, Hernandez, Silva and Putz closing. Prediction: 86-76

3. Texas Rangers - Banking on the lineup remaining in the top 5 in runs scored. They'll have to with yet another weak AL pitching staff. You could do a whole lot worse than this top 5: Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton, Milton Bradley and Hank Blalock. Just rake, boys. When do the Rangers plan on getting a decent pitcher? Think new team president Nolan Ryan would like to comeback? He'd be at least the #3 pitcher right now. Prediction: 77-85

4. Oakland Athletics - Quick: name more than 3 hitters in the A's lineup. Before you were able to do that, Jack Cust struck out 4 times. Moneyball is under construction. Will be back in 2010. Prediction: 74-88

Your thoughts? Can Seattle overtake the Angels?