WHERE DO TEAMS STAND IN MLB?
Looking for some early 2016 MLB power rankings? Two weeks have now passed in the MLB season – we have caught a glimpse into what we can expect from each team in the league. There are some definite contenders out there and some sure-fire doormats already.
Version 1.0 – 2016 MLB Power Rankings
There are overachievers, underachievers and some teams that are exactly what we thought they would be.
So where does your team sit two weeks of the Regular season. Let’s break it down in the April 18th edition of Dave B’s MLB Power Rankings.
1. Washington Nationals (9-2)
Have won six straight games entering the week – no hotter team in the game right now. It looks like the Dusty Baker factor has paid off earlier than expected.
Pitching and offense have been working in perfect unison and make the Nats #1 on this edition of the MLB Power Rankings.
2. Chicago Cubs (9-3)
The Cubs are more like a 1B than a #2. They have scored 71 runs this year and surrendered just 29 – clicking on all cylinders indeed. The injury to Kyle Schwarber could come back to haunt this team at some time but for now the Cubs are who we thought they’d be!
3. Baltimore Orioles (8-3)
The biggest early surprise in MLB the Orioles have definitely exceeded expectations, especially the pitching staff.
I don’t know if it lasts – games this week against the Blue Jays and the Royals will go a long way in determining just where this team is!
4. Kansas City Royals (8-4)
The Royals are contenders again – no surprise! Their formula remains the same – situational hitting, decent starting pitching and a stellar bullpen. That formula has them looking like a dynasty in the making – an easy top 5 team in the Rankings!
5. Chicago White Sox (8-4)
The Sox have been at or near the top of the AL in pitching and offense all season long. Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, and Carlos Rodon have been sensational in the starting rotation and Austin Jackson, Melky Cabrera Jose Abreu, Todd Frazier have provided the offense needed to make this team a contender.
6. Detroit Tigers (7-4)
The offense has been terrific so far and the rotation has surprisingly been doing its part. It is the bullpen that has been the nicest surprise for this team however – hopes are that it can last and the Tigers can keep up with the Royals and the Whites Sox.
7. Los Angeles Dodgers (8-5)
The Dodgers look like the best team in the NL outside of the Cubs and the Nationals. Injuries have plagued this team so far but Clayton Kershaw alone makes this team formidable. LA is under the radar for some reason and it looks good on them so far.
8. Boston Red Sox (6-5)
Have been a tad up and down this season but there is no doubting that this team is prime for a big bounce back. David Price has been a difference maker, Craig Kimbrel will pay dividends and the Sox offense should continue to be one of the more dynamic in the game.
9. St. Louis Cardinals (7-5)
Arguably the best organization in baseball always finds a way to win – don’t they? Adam Wainwright has yet to find his form but when he does the Cards should be a force – a +35 run differential so far this year is reason for optimism!
10. Texas Rangers (7-6)
The Rangers have been up-and-down but their one constant – the offense hasn’t skipped a beat. Pitching has been a bit of an issue but with Cole Hamels on the roster and with Yu Darvish closer to a return the Rangers look poised to be a playoff team again.
11. San Francisco Giants (7-6)
The Giants are barely a .500 team so far – a bit of a disappointment indeed and have had a difficult time beating who they need to beat – the Dodgers. Surprisingly the pitching hasn’t been strong although Johnny Cueto has been terrific. Things will come around for SF – it’s just a matter of time.
12. Colorado Rockies (7-5)
Trevor Story’s story has been one for the ages but all Story-books have to an end. He was magical to start the season but cooled off in Week 2.
That said the Rockies offense has been strong – the pitching on the other hand has been bad and threatens to knock Colorado out of the dirty dozen sooner than later.
13. Cleveland Indians (5-5)
14. Pittsburgh Pirates (7-6)
15. Cincinnati Reds (6-6)
16. Toronto Blue Jays (6-7)
17. Philadelphia Phillies (6-7)
18. New York Mets (5-6)
19. Milwaukee Brewers (5-7)
20. Los Angeles Angels (5-7)
21. New York Yankees (5-6)
22. Seattle Mariners (5-7)
23. Houston Astros (5-8)
24. Arizona Diamondbacks (5-8)
25. Oakland Athletics (6-7)
26. Tampa Bay Rays (5-7)
27. Miami Marlins (3-7)
28. San Diego Padres (4-9)
29. Minnesota Twins (3-9)
30. Atlanta Braves (3-9)
What do you think of our 2016 MLB Power Rankings + Handicapping Analysis? Comments are welcome below.
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