AL West Link Dump: Cruz, Tomas, Darvish and McHugh

This past week was a big one for Athletics fans. The A’s landed Billy Butler early in the week, which signifies that the team will not go into a full rebuild this offseason, and then landed Ike Davis, who gives the A’s some trade options as the Winter Meetings approach. We know what the A’s have been up to, but what about the rest of the AL West? Here are some interesting articles from our colleagues at the sites of our competition.

The Mariners page, Sodo Mojo, has been focusing on what Seattle can do to land the big bat that they desperately needed in 2014. They have written about a few of them, so here is what they consider to be some solid options.

Next: M's Prefer Nelson Cruz to Hanley

The Mariners also believe they are still in the running for Yasmani Tomas, as this post indicates.

Next: Mariners May Still Have a Shot at Yasmani Tomas

For a look at how players currently under contract are performing, Dan Hughes, editor of Sodo Mojo, provides an update.

Next: Mariners Winter League Update

Next, the Houston Astros are a team on the rise, and our friends at Climbing Tal’s Hill have been focusing on the future, with Houston being likely to contend in 2016 or 2017. Here is a piece I thought A’s fans would find intriguing.

Next: Collin McHugh: Better Than Jeff Samardzija?

It came out late Saturday night that the Astros are in the running for David Robertson. Adding an elite closer to their bullpen could give the Astros a big boost.

Next: David Robertson to the Astros?

A couple of weeks back, the Astros traded for Angel catcher, Hank Conger. This move has lead to much speculation about the future of Jason Castro with the team. David Hill goes a different route, suggesting that Carlos Corporan could be on the move, as well as Castro.

Next: Carlos Corporan May Be the First Astros Catcher Traded

Speaking of the Angels, what have they been up to? Well, they acquired Daniel Robertson for starters.

Next: Angels Trade for Daniel Robertson

The Angels also stated that they plan to hang on to Howie Kendrick, who it was rumored they would consider shopping earlier this offseason.

Next: Halos Hanging on to Kendrick

With Ryan Vogelsong being a free agent, staff writer Brian Helberg speculates if he is a fit with the Angels.

Next: Could Ryan Vogelsong be the Answer in Anaheim?

Finally, we turn to the Texas Rangers. We are all expecting the Rangers to have a better showing in 2015, and this one proves that they think they could too.

Next: Rangers Reportedly Looking to Acquire Justin Upton

Yet, this piece shows that they may need to be smarter with their money.

Next: Do the Rangers Have Some of the Worst Contracts?

The Rangers may already be getting some bad news for 2015 as well.

Next: Yu Darvish to Have MRI Next Week

This is what has been in the news in regards to the AL West in the past week. If you’re looking for A’s news, follow us on Twitter, or like us on Facebook below!