[Runscott]

Last year before the start of the season, I read an article describing the most hopeless franchises, and the Astros and Mariners were the focus. It doesn't look like either team has done anything to improve their prospects since that article was written.

The Mariners minor league yielded a bit more hope than expected, but the only other thing they've done is add a Japanese middle-reliever and a Japanese utility player - in keeping with the Japanese owners prior strategy of drawing fans based on the Seattle areas's Asian population, as opposed to actually spending money and building a winning team.

The Astros have done nothing.

Meanwhile, the Angels have signed Pujols, the Rangers continue to stay strong...

Thoughts from other West Coasters? (or other)