When Angels lose their wings

As pitchers and catchers arrive in Florida and Arizona, Baseball Prospectus will be previewing every division in MLB. Today: the AL West and NL West.

Baseball's smallest division figures to be one of its most interesting in 2010.

The Los Angeles Angels have won three straight American League West titles, and five of the past six. However, they appear vulnerable after losing ace pitcher John Lackey to the Boston Red Sox as a free agent; third baseman/leadoff hitter/defensive whiz Chone Figgins to the division rival Seattle Mariners as a free agent; and designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero to another division rival, the Texas Rangers.

Meanwhile, the Mariners and Rangers are looking for more after being surprise teams last season. The Mariners have added a second ace in Cliff Lee to team with Felix Hernandez in the rotation -- and the Rangers' financial situation should improve now that the Nolan Ryan/Chuck Greenberg group is ready to assume ownership.

PECOTA, Baseball Prospectus' system that projects player and team performance, expects a shakeup in the AL West this season.

To see how far the Angels may be falling (all the way to the cellar?) -- you must be an ESPN Insider.

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