10. Texas Rangers – The Rangers are 30-27 and played exceptionally well in the month of May. They are 7-3 over their last 10 games. They have a 19-12 record on the road and could be looking to join things in the AL West.
9. New York Mets – Because of pitchers like DeGrom and Harvey, the Mets should never have long losing streaks. After choking away their big lead they are back on top of the NL East after the Nationals came back down to earth.
8. Kansas City Royals – They still have a +41 run differential but the Royals have been struggling of late. They are looking up to the Twins in the standings and their offense has been turned off recently.
7. San Francisco Giants – The Giants offense has been fantastic when we are used to their pitching being the reason they are on top. They trail the Dodgers by only a .5 game and should be able to keep it interesting in the NL West.
6. Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers own a +49 run differential and Kershaw looked like he was getting back on track against the Cardinals. However, they faltered late on Sunday night.
5. New York Yankees – You write the Yankees off and then they rattle off 6 straight victories. Standing at 32-25, back on top of the AL East they have a +30 run differential. They seem like they could have these hot and cold streaks all season long. The Blue Jays look like they could finally be getting into the mix.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates – At 31-25 they are a much better ball club than their record would indicate. They have a +45 run differential and still can’t quite win all of those close ball games. Everything is starting to go right for the Pirates for now.
3. Houston Astros – At 34-24 they still are the biggest surprise in the AL West, but they have been cold lately. The Astros have consistently been one of the top clubs since they went on that win streak early on.
2. Minnesota Twins – I really can’t believe I’m putting the Twins up this high on the rankings. But, they deserve to be there. Tied for the second best record in baseball, the Twins were the hottest team in May. They have a +18 run differential and out of the tough AL Central, no one would be picking the Twins to be leading the division this deep into the season.
1. St. Louis Cardinals – +70 run differential, best record in the MLB at 38-19, Jaime Garcia has been brilliant on the mound. No Wainwright. No Adams. No problems at the Cardinals continue to keep winning. Even with Pittsburgh playing much better the club has built up a nice, early lead. Wacha could win the Cy Young if he continues.
