AL West

When Bartolo Colon signed with the Oakland A's last year there weren't high expectations for him.  

Although he had won a Cy Young earlier in his career, he was expected to be an average middle-of-the-rotation starter in 2012.

Colon surprised everyone in 2012 as he went 10-9 with a nice ERA of 3.43.  

The San Francisco Giants’ Cinderella-like postseason run that was capped by their second World Series championship in three seasons will forever be cemented in franchise history.

The Giants proved they could compete and be successful with far inferior talent than their opposition. The Giants were the best team during the 2012 playoffs for one reason; they had a solid nucleus of veteran leadership that never weakened.

Whether or not you like the moves that the Seattle Mariners made this offseason, you must applaud the effort that the front office put into making the M's a better team.

When signing Josh Hamilton didn't happen, GM Jack Zduriencik turned to the trade market to acquire the necessary hitters to improve the Mariners lineup in Kendrys Morales and Michael Morse.

Since Jon Daniels was hired as general manager after the 2005 season, the Rangers haven't had many quiet offseasons.

Although he has done a lot of his best work at the trade deadlines, Daniels has also made many key additions during these offseasons. There have been a few misses too.

The offseason isn't technically over yet, but there's a good chance the Rangers won't make any more moves.

A repeat as AL West champions for the Oakland Athletics starts with manager Bob Melvin. Without him at the helm, it's not happening this year and it wouldn't have occurred last season either.

The team is talented, but Melvin pulled the right strings at the right times throughout the 2012 season. With the first base platoon returning and five outfielders for four spots, he'll have to hope his magic touch hasn't waned.

Take comfort, A's fans.

The Oakland A's shocked the baseball world last year by winning 94 games and sweeping the Texas Rangers during the final weekend of the season to win the AL West. Have they done enough this winter to give themselves a legitimate shot to repeat as division champs in 2013?

This offseason, general manager Billy Beane traded for outfielder Chris Young, catcher John Jaso and reliever Chris Resop. He also signed shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima and re-signed starting pitcher Bartolo Colon.

The Seattle Mariners haven't necessarily had the best offseason so far.

What an offseason it's been for the Seattle Mariners and their fans.

From being in hot pursuit of superstar free agent Josh Hamilton to contemplating a potential signing of leadoff man Michael Bourn, the Mariners have looked to make moves all offseason.

Eventually GM Jack Zduriencik was able to bring in a few bats via trade in Kendrys Morales and Michael Morse.

The Los Angeles Angels announced that they have invited 21 non-roster players to spring training this season. The organization’s pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report on Feb.

In order to keep up in the competitive AL West, the Texas Rangers must sign Kyle Lohse to solidify their rotation. 

Lohse entered free agency as one of the best pitchers on the market, but his age and the draft-pick compensation attached to him have kept him from finding a new home.