2015 projected lineups/rotation: AL West

Based on rudimentary math, the American League West was MLB's most successful division last year. The Los Angeles Angels finished with the league's best record and it was the only division in baseball to produce three teams with a winning percentage of .530 or higher. 

The division's top-heavy structure promises to even out in 2015 with an improved Houston Astros club and gutted Oakland Athletics roster. Below is a preliminary look at the projected (and, in some cases, optimal) lineups and rotations for teams in the AL West next season.

Related: AL East
Related: AL Central
Related: NL East
Related: NL Central
Related: NL West

Los Angeles Angels

Projected lineup

If Josh Hamilton doesn't rediscover his form quickly (his OPS has experienced more than a 25 percent drop the last two seasons from its previous three-year average), this is an Angels lineup that looks especially vulnerable, despite scoring the most runs in the majors. Kole Calhoun will be heavily relied upon to produce at the top of the order over a full season, while the acquisition of Matt Joyce helps deepen a lineup that was shaping up to be extremely heavy from the right side.

Projected rotation

Garrett Richards isn't scheduled to return until May but once he does he'll help form a solid top-to-bottom rotation. Left-hander Tyler Skaggs, however, will likely spend the year on the disabled list recovering from Tommy John surgery. One rotation battle to watch: rookie Andrew Heaney's spring training bid to win the No. 5 spot.

* added this offseason

Oakland Athletics

Projected lineup

Billy Butler, Ike Davis and Brett Lawrie will replace Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss and Yoenis Cespedes in the Athletics' lineup next year, though it's a safe bet the returns won't outweigh the loss. Oakland lacks power from the right side and will be hard-pressed to get league average offensive production from more than half its lineup, as currently constructed.

Projected rotation:

Pitching-wise, Oakland remains relatively stable at the top of its rotation, though losing Jon Lester and Jeff Samardzija shifts the focus on Scott Kazmir more than A's fans are likely comfortable with. The challenge facing Oakland pitchers will be making up for the club's less-than-desirable offense.

* added this offseason

Seattle Mariners

Projected lineup:

Robinson Cano hit out of the No. 3 hole in every game he played last year, but the Mariners would be smart to move him up a spot to ensure their best hitter even more plate appearances. Nelson Cruz's right-handed power provides necessary balance to Seattle's lineup, and the scales could tip even more to the middle if the club elects to go with Chris Taylor​ as its starting shortstop.

Projected rotation:

Seattle's trade for J.A. Happ created a surplus of starting pitchers and prompted speculation that either Roenis Elias or Taijuan Walker will be moved prior to the start of the season. The Mariners would be wise to cash in on Elias' strong rookie season and let the (full-time) Walker era in Seattle begin.

* added this offseason

Houston Astros

Projected lineup:

The Astros' lineup has the potential to be sneaky good, especially if George Springer develops the way many expect him to and Robbie Grossman produces at the top of the order. The former is a better bet than the latter, and the Astros shouldn't hesitate to replace Grossman with on-base machine Dexter Fowler if the youngster falters in the leadoff role.

Projected rotation:

The top half of the Astros' staff looks promising, especially pitchers Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh. There figures to be plenty of competition this spring for the final spots of the rotation, and all eyes will be on hard-throwing rookie Mike Foltynewicz to secure one of them.

* added this offseason

Texas Rangers

Projected lineup:

The worst team in the AL (record-wise) figures to be much improved next season, provided Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder return to good health. Leonys Martin could very well be the key to this lineup - if he can't stick at the top, the middle gets considerably worse and creates a bottleneck of mediocre left-handed hitters in the bottom half of the order. 

Projected rotation:

Texas traded for Ross Detwiler this winter in an effort to bolster the middle-to-back of its rotation, but three-through-five still leaves plenty to be desired. It will take a herculean effort from Yu Darvish and Derek Holland for this staff to enjoy collective success in 2015.

* added this offseason