The Z Files: AL West Playing Time Preview

It's time for Part 3 of our foray through the MLB divisions. This installment begins with the defending World Series winner and including stops in a couple of cities looking to knock the champs off their throne. Fasten your seat belts, we're heading to the American League West.

HOUSTON ASTROS

Catcher

The news here isn't who is catching, but who isn't. If the early scuttlebutt is true, Evan Gattis will be the primary designated hitter, with Max Stassi assuming the backup role. If this is true, Gattis could be a top-five catcher for fantasy purposes, though with so many Astros worthy of playing time, expect Gattis to sit on occasion.

Outfield

Marwin Gonzalez ended the season as the left fielder. With the news Gattis will be the primary designated hitter, that's the only logical place left for Gonzalez to play since the infield is stacked.

Starting Pitching

The Astros were able to go short staffed in the postseason, but are cognizant of their need to add depth with a couple of division opponents looking to make the 162-game trek to the playoffs more arduous than last year. Houston is obviously set at the top but injury concerns for Lance McCullers need to be addressed. The other spots will be filled by Charlie Morton and Brad Peacock, with Collin McHugh in the mix.

Bullpen

It's befuddling that the closer role on the championship team is unclear, but after the way the Astros handled Ken Giles, along with some of the moves they've already made, it isn't 100 percent certain Giles will be the Opening Day closer. Houston has added Joe Smith and Hector Rondon, both with closer experience. Joe Musgrove looks like the move to the bullpen agrees with him. Chris Devenski's role shouldn't chance. Also, keep in mind the club acquired Rule 5 draftee Anthony Gose. Yes, that Anthony Gose, the former outfielder. Gose can approach triple digits, but he needs to show a modicum of control. Houston isn't going to dedicate a roster spot to a project, so they must have some confidence Gose can maintain a role in the bullpen all season. Circling back to Giles, I'm willing to take the uncertainty discount in early drafts, but only if I have another reliable closer.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Infield

First base is the only question, complicated a bit by the acquisition of Shohei Ohtani as Albert Pujols is allegedly going to don a mitt a couple of times a week. The odd man out could be C.J. Cron as he and Pujols are both right-handed while Luis Valbuena swings from the left side. This is exactly the scenario I like for AL-only. I'll be thrilled to snag Cron on the cheap in the end game. Too much has to go perfectly for him not to get ample at-bats for deep formats.

Starting Pitching

I'm on record as expecting 125-135 innings from Ohtani, admittedly lighter than most of my colleagues and well under that hoped for by those picking him in the top 75 in early drafts. The rest of the rotation is talented but risky, led by Garrett Richards and Matt Shoemaker. With Tyler Skaggs and Andrew Heaney coming off injury, it's understandable why the Halos are dangling the idea of a six-man rotation.

Bullpen

I'm drafting Blake Parker as if he's going to close, but it's a risk with Cam Bedrosian in the picture. The rest of the bullpen is sketchy. The Angels will need to add more than Jim Johnson if they want to make the six-man rotation work.

TEXAS RANGERS

Catcher

While it's possible the Rangers bring in a free agent, Robinson Chirinos looks to be a nice fantasy option, currently being taken as the 18th catcher off the board.

Infield

It appears the Rangers are willing to move Joey Gallo across the diamond with Adrian Beltre expected to return healthy. How long he remains that way is a question, so it wouldn't be a shock if Texas signed a corner infielder, especially since they don't have a regular designated hitter so more at-bats are available.

Outfield

He may not be ideal with a higher strikeout rate than desired for a leadoff hitter, but Delino DeShields Jr. deserves to start in center field and be left alone. Willie Calhoun could be a sneaky pick in AL-only formats since he could pick up playing time at designated hitter, though it hurts being a lefty hitter backing up a couple more, as Nomar Mazara and Shin-Soo Choo both swing from the left side.

Starting Pitching

Cole Hamels is likely the Opening Day starter, but after that it's anyone's guess. Recent acquisitions Matt Moore, Doug Fister and Mike Minor are earmarked for the rotation. I could be wrong, but none elicit warm and fuzzies toiling in Globe Life Park. The fifth spot could go to Matt Bush, who is supposed to be stretched out in the spring.

Bullpen

Alex Claudio ended last season in the closer role, thus is the favorite to break camp with the job. If the squad fancies themselves a contender, they're likely in the market for a veteran stopper.

SEATTLE MARINERS

Outfield

Dee Gordon is saying all the right things, though it remains to be seen if he can make the conversion from middle infield to outfield as seamlessly as Billy Hamilton and Mookie Betts. He'll be flanked by Mitch Haniger and Ben Gamel, both of which have durability concerns. It wouldn't be shocking if the club brings in another fly chaser.

Starting Pitcher

So much depends on the health of James Paxton. Even if the talented southpaw escapes injury, though, the Mariners will need some rotation support to compete with the Astros and Angels as Felix Hernandez is better suited for mid-rotation deployment, not at the top. Not to mention, a playoff team rounds out their starting five with something better than Erasmo Ramirez and Marco Gonzales. Steady Mike Leake will eat innings, but he should be the fourth or fifth starter on a competitive club.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

Catcher

Oakland doesn't seem concerned with Bruce Maxwell's legal issues, expecting his assault charges to be plea bargained, though discipline levied by MLB could still be an issue.

Infield

To the surprise of some, Jed Lowrie was brought back. It would be more shocking if he made it through a second straight season injury-free. Franklin Barreto looked overmatched his first time in the Show but could get be ready next time in the event Lowrie gets hurt, or is moved.

Outfield

Recently acquired Stephen Piscotty will grab a corner spot. Oakland is always in the market for cost-efficient platoon parts, so Boog Powell in center field isn't a lock, but he is the leading in-house candidate to roam the pasture on Rickey Henderson Field. A hidden component of the Piscotty deal is that Khris Davis could assume the regular DH spot, which is actually his best position.

Starting Pitching

There are ample arms here, how many remain healthy, or useful, is another story. The Athletics aren't likely to go big, but they could be in the market for some rotation reinforcement. Anyone working in Oakland Alameda Coliseum is of fantasy interest, if only as a streaming option for home affairs.

Bullpen

Blake Treinen is the incumbent, but Oakland doesn't hesitate to go with the hot hand. The name to keep in mind is Emilio Pagan, acquired from the Mariners. The Athletics may invest in the 'pen, but it won't be for a front-line reliever.

Happy Holidays everyone. As always, don't hesitate to hit me up in the comments with any questions.

Next Week: NL East

Previous installments: AL East, AL Central