With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training this week, it's time to take an early look at the upcoming baseball season. Here's a look at four starting pitchers from the AL West who could be key factors in the overall fortunes of their clubs in 2008:

Los Angeles Angels: Jon Garland-After posting consecutive 18-win campaigns in 2005-06, Garland dropped to 10 wins last year in his final season with the White Sox. However, his E.R.A. was lower in 2006 (4.23) than in 2005 (4.51). Garland has been one of the most durable starting pitchers in baseball over the last six years as he has made 32+ starts in each season since 2002. He should benefit from a better supporting cast and a favorable home pitching yard in Anaheim in his debut season with the Angels in 2008.  

Oakland: Rich Harden-He is only 26 but the A's have to be concerned about Harden's future. Due to injuries, Harden has made only 13 starts over the last two seasons. He is still viewed as one of baseball's top young arms but that viewpoint could soon change if the injuries continue. With Dan Haren's departure and a possible trade of Joe Blanton, Harden could be the key to a respectable season for the rebuilding A's in 2008.   

Seattle: Jarrod Washburn-The veteran lefty has had an E.R.A. of over 4.30 in four of the last five years after a mediocre 10-15 2007 campaign. The Mariners are hoping that he can recapture some of his early career success from his days with the Angels in his third year in Seattle. With the additions of Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva, a slight improvement from Washburn could move the M's to the top of the AL West in 2008.   

Texas: Vicente Padilla-He went from a 15-win season in his debut year with the Rangers in 2006 to a 6-win campaign a year ago. After a DL stint, Padilla did post a solid 3.86 E.R.A. in his eight starts after the all-star break. With some question marks at the bottom of the rotation, the Rangers will need a strong year from Padilla to have a realistic shot at any kind of contending status in the AL West.