To be quite honest, creating a “Preseason All AL West Team” is a futile exercise. If you are looking for an MLB season preview, full of sound analysis and predictions, this isn’t it. But I’m a visual learner, and there is some value in seeing where the power is in the division, position by position. Of course this isn’t an exact science, no predictions are, and only 2 players are selected per position, so you have a guy like Kyle Seager, the M’s second best position player, not making this list thanks to Beltre and Donaldson. So ya, take this for what it is. A quick snapshot of the division headed into 2014. Although I should point out, by forecasting who has the most 1st and 2nd teamers, I correctly guessed the order of finish in the division last year!
My selection process looks at last year’s performance as well as projections for the upcoming season, and anticipated playing time. Some of the picks are obvious and others are less obvious, so of course I’d love to hear your thoughts too.
Taking the visualization one step further, here’s a super scientific bar graph intended to show the separation between teams, by awarding 2 points for a 1st team selection, and 1 point for a 2nd team selection.
andrewlong7
dpscansen
Joe Loughery
Matthew
The Good Guys Sports Blog 
I think I made this comment last year, or close to it, but I’m surprised at the lack of depth in the AL West at catcher and shortstop. Elvis Andrus wasn’t all that great last year and Brad Miller has played half a season but I’d probably put him at the same spot you did. Catcher is even worse probably.
I agree. Zips actually has Castro and Brad Miller in top 8 projections at their position but that seems generous. I try hard not to be a her with this which is tough. Paxton might be a stretch but with the injuries in division, Perez, Parker, Griffin, it’s really weakened the pitching.
Looking through line-ups for really the first time today, I was surprised how talented Texas is. The injuries are hitting them hard, but they’re fairly loaded otherwise. The injuries throughout the division will make this interesting. It could really go a lot of ways.