AL West

The Astros' system took a hit last season with the graduations of George Springer and Jonathan Singleton to everyday players in the major leagues, and the organization’s failure to sign draft picks Brady Aiken and Jacob Nix cost them two of the class’ premier high school arms. Yet, it’s still a system that’s loaded with potential impact talent, from top to bottom.

Following rumors surrounding an expected trade between the Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers all day Monday, the two sides eventually came together to complete the deal, which involves right-hander Yovani Gallardo as the headliner in exchange for three prospects, as T.R.

Addison Russell was viewed as the only potential star in Oakland's farm system headed into 2014, but that obviously changed when he was dealt in early July to the Cubs in the Jeff Samardzija-Jason Hammel trade. Outfielder Billy McKinney, the A’s first-round pick in 2013, also was shipped out in the trade.

Some expected the Texas Rangers to address their pitching need on the free-agent market. Instead, they've dipped their feet in the trade waters, acquiring Yovani Gallardo from the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday.  

Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan reported the news as well as Milwaukee's return in the deal:

The Oakland A’s have planned to contend in 2015 all along.

Ben Zobrist, one of the most versatile players and best bargains in Major League Baseball since becoming a full-time player with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009, has a new home. 

After playing more than 1,000 MLB games with the Rays, Zobrist has been traded to the Oakland Athletics, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:

It's no secret: The Seattle Mariners regained relevance last season due in large part to their starting rotation.

As general manager Jack Zduriencik puts the finishing touches on 2015's roster, however, that may not hold so true as the M's make their first playoff push since the early 2000s.

With the additions of Nelson Cruz, Justin Ruggiano and Seth Smith, the 2015 Seattle Mariners roster is nearly complete.

Seattle did a nice job of addressing its major needs while only adding payroll and trading marginal prospects. At the very least, this team looks ready to contend for a playoff spot.

You can bet, like most people, the players on the Oakland A's have New Year's resolutions for 2015.

During the week of Christmas, I asked A's fans what would be on their wish list. This week I'll keep the holiday spirit alive and venture a guess as to what many of the A's starters' New Year's resolutions might be, specifically pertaining to the 2015 baseball season.

Of course there are a few disclaimers to mention.

Taken in isolation, the trade that landed Seth Smith on the Seattle Mariners won't rock the baseball world.

Taken in the context of Seattle's offseason outfield overhaul, however, it could shift the balance of power in the American League West.