1. Houston Astros (88-74): The Astros stumbled a little bit down the stretch and ceded the division to the streaking Rangers, but it was a magical year for Houston. A young rotation lived up to expectations while a scrappy roster found ways to win. I like them to continue on the path to playoff expectations and redemption. Before you know it, Jose Altuve might be leading the next successful Astros era.

2. Texas Rangers (87-75): I know I alluded to it in the intro, but it cannot be said enough – Ron Washington crippled this franchise with boneheaded management and playoff collapses when this roster was among the best in baseball. Now that he’s out of the way, the Rangers should be very competitive again this year. A decent rotation and a hitter friendly park with a strong lineup will be all the Rangers need to replicate last season’s success.

3. Los Angeles Angels (83-81): Something about this team just rubs me the wrong way. Expensive free agents that never pan out, a weak division that they never seem to win, a franchise name that has two cities in it because they cheated Anaheim out of an MLB franchise… whatever it is, I hope they miss the playoffs again as their big names are another year older and Mike Trout can’t do it all by himself.

4. Seattle Mariners (71-91): Remember when Robinson Cano wanted to come back to the Yankees and instead they brought in Starlin Castro and moved him over from shortstop? Remember when Michael Pineda had a bum shoulder and Jesus Montero was going to anchor the lineup? Remember that 1B prospect they had… the lanky white kid that they got when Cliff Lee went to Texas? Justin Smoak? Mike Carp? It seems everything this franchise does goes wrong – plus they’re in a rainy sad city where playing bad baseball and being miserable is all there is. That and being the Twilight vampire kids.

5. Oakland Athletics (70-92): This is what happens when the small ball organization tactics that kept you relevant are given to rival franchises with more money than you. Sorry Oakland – good luck.