Dave B’s MLB Power Ratings – Aug 20
September is nearly here and as always we are seeing some clear separation between the haves and the have-nots in Major League Baseball. There are only two real close division races in the Bigs – the rest of the divisions have leaders running away.
For the second Ranking in a row, National League teams occupy the top two spots – let’s take a look at how it all shakes down in Dave B’s bi-weekly version of the MLB Power Rankings.
1. Washington Nationals (2) – The Nats lead MLB in wins but have some controversy following them around – will Steven Strasburg exceed his innings quota or will the Nats do the unthinkable and shut him down? Bryce Harper is slumping badly at the moment as well putting Washington’s top spot in peril.
2. Cincinnati Reds (1) – The Reds have been the best team in the Majors since the All-Star break and have opened up a six game lead over the Pirates. All this without Joey Votto!
3. New York Yankees (3) – The Yanks made the Rangers look average last week – not an easy task. CC Sabathia is on the DL right now along with a host of New York pitchers but they still keep plugging along with the best record in the American League.
4. Texas Rangers (4) – The Rangers are 5-5 in their last 10 games and the addition of Ryan Dempster doesn’t seem to have had much effect just yet. Yu Darvish is struggling a tad as well. But with the best hitting lineup in the majors, expect the Rangers to remain near the top of the rankings.
5. Atlanta Braves (5) – Have been coming on as of late and are now 20 games over .500. They have opened up quite a decent lead in the Wild card and should qualify for the playoffs barring a meltdown.
6. Tampa Bay Rays (15) – Has been the hottest team in MLB the last couple of weeks and they have finally leap-frogged the pesky Orioles. Having Evan Longoria back should help an offensively challenged team down the stretch.
7. Los Angeles Dodgers (10) – The Dodgers seem to have gotten over their funk and are now locked in an intense battle with the Giants if the NL West. They added some key pieces at the deadline – most of which are paying off!
8. San Francisco Giants (9) – The Giants lost their MVP Melky Cabrera for 50 games due to suspension and although they still lead the Dodgers in the standings they now lag behind in the Power Rankings!
9. Chicago White Sox (7) – have been just Ok the last couple of weeks but still stand 11 games over .500 and atop the AL Central. Adam Dunn is scorching but the absence of Paul Konerko could be an issue.
10. Baltimore Orioles (14) – The Orioles just keep hanging around! They have gone 6-4 in their last 10 and are still in the playoff hunt – amazing!
11. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (8) – had the best record in baseball from May through the All-Star break but they have struggled lately – the rotation and the offense just aren’t getting it done consistently.
12. Pittsburgh Pirates (6) – sliding a bit but still sit an incredible 12 games over .500. AJ Burnett has proven to be a solid Ace – I can’t believe I just said that!
13. Oakland Athletics (11) – hangin’ tough – they are a nice story aren’t they? [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
14. St. Louis Cardinals (12) – The Cards linger in the NL Central thanks to Carlos Beltran and Matt Holiday. They are built for success and could creep up the Rankings in the near future.
15. Detroit Tigers (13) – have been awful on the road this season but play some games at home the next week or two. Let’s face it – this team is full of Studs!
16. Boston Red Sox (18)
17. Arizona Diamondbacks (16)
18. Toronto Blue Jays (18)
19. Cleveland Indians (19)
20. Philadelphia Phillies (23)
21. New York Mets (20)
22. Miami Marlins (21)
23. Seattle Mariners (22)
24. Milwaukee Brewers (24)
25. Minnesota Twins (25)
26. Kansas City Royals (26)
27. San Diego Padres (27)
28. Chicago Cubs (28)
29. Colorado Rockies (29)
30. Houston Astros (30)
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