The season is still young and there have been many changes across the divisions of baseball. The power rankings will change often early in the season until teams become more consistent. Here is the 2nd edition:
10. Chicago Cubs: Last Week: Not Ranked – The Cubs sit in second place of the NL Central Division with a run differential of +11. Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo are carrying the team offensively as they hope Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler and Addison Russell will be productive this season. Do the Cubs have enough to sustain a playoff pace?
9. San Diego Padres: Last Week: Ranked 6 – The Padres sit with an 11-9 record in the NL West and a run differential of +18, top in the West. The offense has not been a problem for the club, producing 96 runs, leading the National League. Defense will be the overall question with this team moving forward.
8. Houston Astros: Last Week: Not Ranked -The Astros are winners of three straight games and sit atop the AL West with an 11-7 record. They only have a +6 run differential, but they have won 8 of their past 10 games. The Astros will be an inconsistent team offensively all year long with how they’re built.
7. New York Yankees: Last Week: Not Ranked – The hottest team in the AL East is surprisingly the Yankees. They have a +21 run differential and have won 8 of their past 10 games. Mark Teixeira has found some of his old power and has 8 home runs. Starting pitching will continue to be a question, but the AL East has shown much in the pitching department.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates: Last Week: Honorable Mention – The Pirates are 11-8 and have won 5 straight games. After a 6-6 start they continue to improve and should be able to compete for the Central crown. Offensively speaking Andrew McCutchen needs to get going.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers: Last Week: Ranked 3 – With an 11-7 record they are sitting atop the NL West for another week. They own a +15 run differential and Adrian Gonzalez is tearing up the league. Zack Greinke has been the best pitcher on the team, not Clayton Kershaw.
4. St. Louis Cardinals: Last Week: Ranked 4 – The Cardinals are 12-5 with a +25 run differential. They are 8-2 in their last 10 and beat up on a sorry Brewers club. The problem? Adam Wainwright appears to done for the season. The Cardinals pitching has been fantastic, they have others in the rotation. But, it’s tough to replace Wainwright.
3. Kansas City Royals: Last Week: Ranked 5– The Royals continue to fight with the Tigers for the top spot in the AL Central. They own a 12-6 record and an outstanding +30 run differential. The have an excellent rotation and bullpen. Edison Volquez appears to have kept his stuff from last season and has been the best pitcher so far.
2. Detroit Tigers: Last Week: Ranked 1 – The Tigers are 13-6 with a +14 run differential. Alfredo Simon continues to be great for the team. They lost Joe Nathan to Tommy John and will need some bullpen help.
1. New York Mets: Last Week: Ranked 2 – The Mets continue to win with a 14-5 record and are undefeated at home. They have a +25 run differential despite little star power offensively. They took some injuries last week but their pitching continues to shine. They’ve been the best team in baseball to this point. Will it continue?
Honorable Mention:
Tampa Bay Rays – The Rays only own a +5 run differential but they have won 5 straight games and are 11-8 overall. While the club has very little offensive firepower, they do have the best pitching in the AL East. Archer is developing into an ace.
Miami Marlins – They are only 8-11, but they have won 5 straight games. They look ready to be competitive now.
