One month into the MLB season and the dust is starting to settle. Early favorites of Detroit, Seattle and New York (Mets and Yankees both) are struggling. The LA Dodgers, underachieving thus far, but are making a little run, and don’t look but Tampa Bay and Baltimore are both living above the .500 mark.
While it’s way too early to say how things are going to turn out, it is time now to unveil the first FPS MLB Power Rankings:
1. Diamondbacks 20-9 – Arizona boasts the best record in the game. The bats are producing and Brandon Webb has been untouchable. The D-Backs look poised early to win back-to-back division crowns.
2. LA Angels 18-13 – No Lackey, no Escobar, no problem. The Angels are getting key performances from young guns Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana and are establishing themselves at the AL West front runner.
3. Cardinals 19-11 – Ludwick, Schumaker, these aren’t the Cards of old. However, Albert Pujols (.364 Avg, 5 HR, 20 RBI) is still the anchor in St. Lou and has found base in every game so far.
4. Cubs 17-12 – Catcher Geovany Soto is batting with .333 with five home runs, second baseman Ronny Cedeno has a 1.059 OBP as the Cubs are getting production for unexpected sources. If Alfonso Soriano comes around the NL should watch out.
5. Athletics 18-13 – Billy Beane is at it again. After trading away more top talent the A’s are again the best team in the Bay Area. It also helps when relievers Santiago Casilla and Andrew Brown combine for 30 1/3 scoreless innings.
6. Rays 16-13 – You’re not going crazy; the Tampa Bay Rays make this original list. Winners of eight of the last 10, including a sweep of the Red Sox, the young Rays are rolling.
In the Chase: Brewers 16-13 – Still awaiting for outfielder Ryan Braun to start producing with power, but the Brew Crew and Ben Sheets are looking to contend again.
Red Sox 18-13 – Although the defending champs are leading the AL East, their play lately has been anything but stellar. Manny Ramirez, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis are swinging the bats, David Oritz has yet to show up.
Look for updated FPS MLB Power rankings throughout the summer.
No comments:
Post a Comment