Shea’s MLB Power Rankings (as of 7/7/2011)
As the All-Star break approaches, a handful of slow-starting teams are returning to prominence in this week’s power rankings.
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It’s a reminder that the MLB season is a marathon, not a sprint.
(Previous rankings in brackets)
1. (1) Philadelphia Phillies (55-33): There isn’t really much to say. The Phillies are a virtual lock to stay at or near the top of the rankings because of their pitching alone. 
2. (3) Atlanta Braves (52-36): Is Jair Jurrjens the Cy Young frontrunner in the National League? Most of us thought he was only the third-best pitcher on his own team entering the season.
3. (2) New York Yankees (51-34): 2011 has the potential to be a banner year for the New York Yankees, who could enjoy Derek Jeter’s 3,000th hit and another World Series title.
4. (6) Boston Red Sox (51-35): Stringing wins together but their rotation’s health is a major concern. A losing streak might be looming, though the All-Star break comes at an opportune time.
5. (12) St. Louis Cardinals (47-41): Officially weathered the storm without Albert Pujols, holding onto first place in the National League Central, and the big fella is back. Look out.
6. (10) New York Mets (45-42): I don’t want to overvalue the Mets too much but, truthfully, they’ve been one of baseball’s best teams for about 20 games now.
7. (11) Cleveland Indians (46-39): They continue to surprise. I didn’t think they’d rally to win six of 10 after it appeared their hot start was over. Carlos Santana’s power surge helps.
8. (5) Tampa Bay Rays (48-39): After guys like James Shields and Matt Joyce went so far above and beyond expectations in the first half, it’s up to Evan Longoria and David Price to carry this team going forward.
9. (8) Texas Rangers (47-41): Maybe it’s because Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz got hurt early, but the Rangers are strangely under the radar for a team that won the AL Pennant last season.
10. (7) Los Angeles Angels (46-42): You get the feeling that Kendrys Morales’ absence is the one thing keeping them out of first place.
11. (4) San Francisco Giants (49-39): Any chance that Buster Posey returns for the fall? He’d be a nice piece to add back to the puzzle for the playoffs.
12. (17) Pittsburgh Pirates (45-42): Is something magical actually happening in Pittsburgh? Unlike previous flashes in the pan, when a few Pirates performed, inflated their value, and left town, Pittsburgh seems to be getting a team effort.
13. (9) Milwaukee Brewers (46-42): Has there been a more frustrating team to watch this season than Milwaukee? Based on talent alone, they arguably should be running away with the NL Central.
14. (13) Detroit Tigers (46-42): The Tigers could be a sleeper if they sneak into the playoffs as a Wildcard team. They lack depth but Verlander-Scherzer-Porcello could do damage in a short series.
15. (14) Arizona Diamondbacks (47-41): Encouraging to know that they view themselves as contenders in the NL West. Why not? The other contenders are banged up and vulnerable. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
16. (16) Cincinnati Reds (44-44): A year ago, they had a strong young pitching rotation. Now, they look like a candidate to trade for an arm in July.
17. (20) Washington Nationals (45-43): All aboard the Michael Morse hype train! The All-Star hopeful has 30 homers over his last 522 at-bats dating back to last season.
18. (15) Chicago White Sox (43-45): How much more will this team underachieve before the 2005 World Series title stops mattering and Ozzie Guillen’s job status becomes shaky?
19. (25) Seattle Mariners (43-44): Rumor has it Ichiro “could hit 30 homers if he wanted to” but prefers to hit .300 ever year. He’s only hitting .274 this season, though – so let’s see some dingers!
20. (19) Toronto Blue Jays (42-46): Slipping in the standings but they’ve played the Phillies and Red Sox in consecutive series. It’s forgivable.
21. (22) Minnesota Twins (38-47)
22. (23) Oakland Athletics (39-49)
23. (29) Kansas City Royals (36-51)
24. (21) San Diego Padres (40-48)
25. (27) Florida Marlins (39-48)
26. (18) Colorado Rockies (41-46)
27. (24) Los Angeles Dodgers (37-51)
28. (26) Chicago Cubs (35-53)
29. (30) Houston Astros (30-58)
30. (28) Baltimore Orioles (36-48)
We’re nearly halfway thru the 2011 MLB gambling season. It’s time to NOW bring your best baseball betting hat to the table for gambling on baseball. Cappers Picks all season long provides MLB baseball gambling predictions, so check back often.
