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Minnesota Twins: 2017 MLB Projections and World Series Predictions

By Jordan Ison

Apr 17, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The Cleveland Indians during batting practice prior to tonights game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The Cleveland Indians during batting practice prior to tonights game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros
Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Carlos Beltran (15) and Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) observe action from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

AL West Final Standings

1) Houston Astros (94 – 68)

Key Pitcher – Dallas Keuchel

Key Batter – Jose Altuve

Reason Why They Will Succeed – The Astros possess a lot of speed and can put the ball into play possibly better than any team in the league. Their ability to get on base then use their speed to cross home plate could be the tipping point in 2017.

Reason Why They Will Fail – Two reasons: they don’t have a lot of bat power and the bullpen has been stagnant at times. Their lack of home-runs and inability to keep leads could come back to bite them in the playoffs.

2) Los Angeles Angels (83 – 79)

Key Pitcher – Matt Shoemaker

Key Batter – Mike Trout

Reason Why They Will Succeed – Mike Trout is arguably the best player in baseball. If he can step up and be a leader to the rest of this team, their ceiling is unbelievably high.

Reason Why They Will Fail – The depth of the Angels could haunt them. They have some super-stars, then they have some no-names. Those no-names could really hurt them down the stretch.

3) Seattle Mariners (76 – 86)

Key Pitcher – Felix Hernandez

Key Batter – Robinson Cano

Reason Why They Will Succeed – The Mariners have a great pitching staff. I mean, all around. Their bullpen can be great and their rotation can be lights-out. If they want to make a run in 2017, pitching is key.

Reason Why They Will Fail – Outside of Robinson Cano, the Mariners don’t have a lot of consistent hitters. This could definitely come back to haunt them. No matter how good your pitching is, other talented MLB teams will put runs on the board.

4) Texas Rangers (70 – 92)

Key Pitcher – Yu Darvish

Key Batter – Rougned Odor

Reason Why They Will Succeed – The Rangers have a nice combination of hitting and pitching. If they can get both of them clicking for a string of games, watch out.

Reason Why They Will Fail – They have trouble getting their talented hitters and pitchers clicking. One game, they’ll get 9 runs, but give up 10. The next, they’ll give up 2 runs and score 1. The Rangers have always had consistency issues.

5) Oakland Athletics (67 – 95)

Key Pitcher – Andrew Triggs

Key Batter – Rajai Davis

Reason Why They Will Succeed – The A’s may be young, but they have a lot of talented. Combined with some seasoned veterans, they could click well and make a run at the postseason.

Reason Why They Will Fail – They are unproved. The A’s seem to always disappear into the mist as the year goes on. They give us no reason to believe this year will be any different.

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