2013 Week 4 Power Rankings

Biggest Move Up: Milwaukee Brewers


Biggest Move Down: Chicago White Sox


1. Atlanta Braves (1)


Even after losing a few games to the Pirates and losing Jason Heyward to an emergency appendectomy, this is still one of the hottest teams in the league and show no signs of slowing down.

2. Boston Red Sox (11)

Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz could carry this team all the way through the season. This is what we expected out of these two when they arrived on the scene and both threw no hitters early in their carriers. Getting Big Papi back didn’t hurt.

3. Colorado Rockies (10)

This team is hot and surprising. The pitching probably can’t hold up much longer, but Carlos Gonzalez and Tulo’s bats can make the team much better than people thought they would be in March.

4. Texas Rangers (5)

Their pitching is performing extremely well and the hitting is as good as it was last year, even with the big losses over the offseason.

5. San Francisco Giants (7)

After being swept by the Brewers the Giants went on a role. They have lost one game since and climbed back to the top. Their starters are finally starting to pitch like we know they can and the bullpen continues to hold things down late.

6. St. Louis Cardinals (15)

Proof that they have been playing well is the fact that the Brewers are winning almost every game they have played, but are still behind the Cards. And St. Louis has been playing some tough opponents.

7. Cincinnati Reds (9)

The Reds are taking advantage of some bad competition but they still bumped way up from their .500 mark

8. Arizona Diamondbacks (6)

They had a rough week, but are losing to some very hot teams. They are still strong and better than most predicted.

9. Oakland Athletics (2)

After a very hot first couple of weeks, they are losing to talent that isn’t as good as they are, but even after losing this week, they are still in first with a good record.

10. Washington Nationals (3)

The Nationals have to be one of the biggest disappointments in the first month. They are better than they are playing which is why it is very hard for me to bring them down very far and Bryce Harper is playing at an MVP level.

11. Milwaukee Brewers (26)

It takes a lot to make me move a team this high, and the Brewers gave me a lot. Nine straight games, pitchers throwing gems and timely hitting has brought the Brewers back in April.

12. Kansas City Royals (14)

The Royals beat some of the top teams in these Power Rankings over the past week. If they want to keep it up, the bats need to pick up.

13. Detroit Tigers (4)

On a four game losing streak and lost a series to the reeling Angels. The Tigers should be fine overall but had a bad week.

14. Baltimore Orioles (17)

These are the O’s we saw last year! They are winning some very close games and climbing in the division. If they keep it going they will shock everyone for the second year in a row.

15. New York Yankees (20)

Still winning series with almost no one left on the team. If CC can’t correct his issues this team will fall off the map at some point.

16. Los Angeles Dodgers (8)

They might as well be last after being swept by Padres. This is just the latest example about how combining the best players won’t always give you the best team.

17. Pittsburgh Pirates (22)

Taking 2 of 3 from the Braves is a big step for this team. They are still too hot and cold to have any confidence in their recent success.

18. New York Mets (16)

The Mets are starting to fall into place. Swept by the red hot Rockies, lost a few to the Nats and now losing to the Dodgers. No one expected the Mets to do much, but the young talent is still fun to watch.

19. Cleveland Indians (25)

They took advantage of the Astros, but they still aren’t playing well. They are just better than the worst of the league right now.

20. Minnesota Twins (23)

I think they are taking advantage of unexpected off days and pulling together wins, but still not doing well enough.

21. Los Angeles Angels (12)

I know they swept the Tigers, but they aren’t performing that well. Weaver needs to come back. Thankfully Garrett Richards is helping the rotation.

22. Tampa Bay Rays (18)

They had a good week but their record keeps them in the cellar.

23. Toronto Blue Jays (19)

Welcome the 2012 Miami Marlines, round two.

24. Chicago White Sox

They are losing too many games to bad teams. They need to beat the bad ones and at least spilt games with the good to keep up in the Central.

25. Philadelphia Phillies (24)

I can’t believe this is almost the same roster that went to two World Series. The pitching staff just can’t hold up their end of the deal and Ryan Howard needs to find his power swing.

26. Seattle Mariners (21)

They only won two games over the last week, and lost a series to the Astros. If Michael Morse recovers from his injury and gets his home run swing back this team can start winning again.

27. Chicago Cubs (27)

The Cubs stay put, but not even Dale Sveum wants to be a fan of the Cubs right now.

28. Houston Astros (29)

They won a series! That might be a highpoint for them!

29. San Diego Padres (28)

They are bad! I can’t believe they swept the Dodgers! And that account for over half their wins!

30. Miami Marlins (30)

Their only player isn’t even performing. Did they just hire this team off the street?

-Brad

2013 Week 3 Power Rankings

Biggest Move Up: Oakland Athletics


Biggest Move Down: Cincinnati Reds


1. Atlanta Braves (1)

Winners of 10 of their last 10. Best record in the league. Current winner of best offseason move. Justin Upton could carry any team in the MLB right now.


2. Oakland Athletics (10)

The A’s are killing it on the road. They just need to pick up the slack at home. The most impressive part of their success? Cespedes and Reddick aren’t helping a bit.


3. Washington Nationals (4)

Sure they were swept by the Braves, but the Braves are invincible right now. The backend of the bullpen has had a few lapses, but once they get it figured out the losing should stop and the Nationals and Braves could have the best race for the division in years.


4. Detroit Tigers (7)

The bullpen continues to be a problem, but they still win. Once the Tigers figure out the backend of the pen, they should run away with the central.



5. Texas Rangers (5)

The Rangers have a strong record and very strong pitching. Brining Alexi Ogando back to the rotation is helping them have one of the best groups of starters in the AL.


6. Arizona Diamondbacks (8)

They have had a great start to the season but let’s see if they can keep it up without Aaron Hill.


7. San Francisco Giants (9)

They won 6 of 7 and then dropped the first game of the series to the Brewers. But even in that loss the Giants still almost won. Sergio Romo has been the bright spot for this Giants team.


8. Los Angeles Dodgers (3)

Losing Zack Greinke might be their biggest defeat in April. The rest of the rotation (besides Clayton Kershaw) will need to pick up the slack with Greinke out.


9. Cincinnati Reds (2)

Johnny Cueto is out for at least a few weeks. They dropped five games in a row. They should get back on the track with the Marlins and Cubs on deck.


10. Colorado Rockies (15)

Five wins in a row have helped erase being swept by the Giants early last week. If Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez can stay healthy, they might carry this team to the playoffs.


11. Boston Red Sox (13)

Where have the Red Sox come from? When they get David Ortiz back, they will be even more dangerous.


12. Los Angeles Angels (6)

I’m a little disappointed by the Angels. Josh Hamilton and Mike Trout are homerless and the only pitcher this team has is on the DL until May.


13. St. Louis Cardinals (17)

Swept the Reds, took the division lead, all while having closer issues. The Cardinals continue to be good for no good reason.


14. Kansas City Royals (12)

After sweeping the Twins they have dropped 3 of 4 to the Blue Jays and Braves. Now they sit under .500 and have fallen back in division after leading for a very short while.


15. Chicago White Sox (11)

All the home runs in the world won’t matter if no one is on base when you hit them.


16. New York Mets (16)

The Mets young players are starting to take shape. When this team gets everyone it needs up, and more consistent it will be very good, but that’s a few years away.


17. Baltimore Orioles (20)

After an early season slump they are starting to get things figured out. It especially helps that they are defeating division rivals.


18. Tampa Bay Rays (14)

Let me repeat what I’ve been saying all year. Until they bring up Wil Meyers, this lineup cannot regularly win.


19. Toronto Blue Jays (19)

They are starting to win now that the rotation is putting things together. The loss of Jose Reyes hurts a lot, but at least Brett Lawrie is back.


20. New York Yankees (21)

I guess you can win with a patchwork offense. I really thought the Yankees would be cellar dwellers all season. The offense is bad, the pitching staff is bad. The only top performer is Andy Pettitte. Robinson Cano isn’t even performing. I don’t really think they will be better when some of their injured players get back.



21. Seattle Mariners (18)

Losing two of three to the Astros is enough to move anyone down a few. Losing 5 of 7 doesn’t help either.

22. Pittsburgh Pirates (25)

They swept the Reds which is impressive, but this is still the same team that almost lost a series to the Cubs.


23. Minnesota Twins (24)

The move up is less because they are good and more because everyone else is worse.


24. Philadelphia Phillies (26)

Roy Halladay won a game! But it was against the Marlins… And Giancarlo Stanton was out.


25. Cleveland Indians (22)

Two postponed games against the Yankees might be the best thing that happened to the Indians in the past week.


26. Milwaukee Brewers (23)

A huge victory for the Brewers, they have won 2 games in a row. Maybe the fact that they have winning 2 games in a row is the highpoint for season is more than enough reason for them to be 26th. They also lost three in a row to division rivals. And Yovani Gallardo was arrested for an alleged OWI. Want me to go on?


27. Chicago Cubs (27)

They beat the Giants… And that’s basically it in the past week.


28. San Diego Padres (28)

The Padres lost 5 straight, but at least they have 2 wins against the Dodgers.


29. Houston Astros (30)

The fact that they have four wins is astounding, and really slowing down their quest for 100 losses.


30. Miami Marlins (29)

The battle for last place continues and the Marlins are beating the Astros by losing.


-Brad

2013 Week 2 Power Rankings

Biggest Move Up: Boston Red Sox


Biggest Move Down: Philadelphia Phillies


1. Atlanta Braves (6)

The Braves couldn’t be hotter. Justin Upton looks like a man on a mission, to prove anyone who wanted him out of Arizona wrong.


2. Cincinnati Reds (7)

Playing perhaps the toughest schedule in the first week, the Reds came away 5-2. The only weak spot on the team right now looks like Shin Soo Choo’s defense, but Choo’s offense might be one of their biggest bright spots.


3. Los Angeles Dodgers (4)

They dropped two to the Giants, but swept the Pirates. Clayton Kershaw looks like a lock for the CY Young. He is probably the only reason they are getting a boost this week.


4. Washington Nationals (2)

They swept Miami, which they should, but dropped two to Cincinnati. They still have one of the best rosters in the league and shouldn’t lose many seasons this year.


5. Texas Rangers (9)

From shutting down the Angels and now foe Josh Hamilton, to Yu’s near perfect game, it has been a great start to the year for the Rangers. They shouldn’t have lost to Houston, but if they continue to play like this, they shouldn’t have a problem getting back into the playoffs.


6. Los Angeles Angels (1)

It’s hard for me to drop the Angels far, but they haven’t showed much. The pitching has been poor. Now with Weaver out for a while, not sure they can compete if the others don’t pick up the slack.


7. Detroit Tigers (3)

Dropping two to the Twins and getting shutout by the Yankees is not a good start for the Tigers. They still have strong pitching and an even stronger offense, they just need it to come together. Especially the back end of the bullpen.


8. Arizona Diamondbacks (12)

They are leading the division and could win it if they keep performing. Not sure if part of their record was picking on an injury plagued Brewers team or they are actually this good.


9. San Francisco Giants (5)

The Giants need Buster Posey to start hitting. Good thing pitching is performing, and Hunter Pence.


10. Oakland Athletics (13)

There record is good, but the teams they have beaten aren’t. It’s a small jump, mostly because they’re tied for the division lead.


11. Chicago White Sox (19)

Could the Chicago’s team from the South Side surprise us even more than last year? One thing is for sure, they don’t miss AJ Pierzynski with how Tyler Flowers is hitting, yet.


12. Kansas City Royals (18)

The Royals had a great first week. They would be 11 if they didn’t lose a series to the White Sox.


13. Boston Red Sox (25)

Surprise team of the year so far. If Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz can continue to pitch the way they have been so far, the Red Sox will be back in the running to be division leaders.


14. Tampa Bay Rays (8)

A couple of losses to Baltimore helped put them behind to start the season. I still think they need Wil Myers to be a formidable team.


15. Colorado Rockies (24)

Some are comparing this team to the ’07 Rockies. I don’t think the pitching can hold up, but CarGo and Tulo will most likely continue hitting at their current pace, which won’t hurt.


16. New York Mets (27)

The Mets are playing way over their head. One thing they do have going for them that should stick throughout the season, Matt Harvey.


17. St. Louis Cardinals (11)

A couple losses to Arizona and a huge loss to Cincinnati have the Cards in an early hole. They need to get the back end of the bullpen figured out until Motte gets back. This will be one of Matheny’s biggest tests early in his managerial career.


18. Seattle Mariners (17)

The Mariners draw even at the end of the first week. Jack Zduriencik looks like a genius for bringing in Michael Morse and Kendry Morales.


19. Toronto Blue Jays (10)

The Blue Jays had a lot more potential. RA Dickey needs to get right. The offense shouldn’t be a problem.


20. Baltimore Orioles (14)

The power hitters are doing all of the work for this team. They only won last year because of the starting pitching and right now, the starting pitchers are not performing. No way can they repeat like this.


21. New York Yankees (21)

The offense is bad, the pitching staff is bad. The only top performer is Andy Petite. Robinson Cano isn’t even performing. I don’t really think they will be better when some of their injured players get back.


22. Cleveland Indians (22)

They defeated the two reigning CY Young award winners. Unfortunately, that might be the highlight of their season. A .500 week and they stay put.


23. Milwaukee Brewers (15)

Injuries and poor pitching, that’s the story for the Brewers. The pitchers will need to pick up the slack with key power hitters out. Also, Henderson had better be more reliable than Axford if they hope to compete.


24. Minnesota Twins (28)

The Twins have gotten off to a quick start, but they should cool off soon.


25. Pittsburgh Pirates (20)

Losing two to the Cubs is pretty bad. So is the rest of the team. I don’t even see a bright spot here.


26. Philadelphia Phillies (16)

Wow this team is bad, bad, bad. Roy Halladay is a shell of his former self, and Cole Hamels could not be getting off to a colder start. At least they have Cliff Lee?


27. Chicago Cubs (23)

The Cubs are facing pretty much every problem possible. The only thing they have going for them is Jeff Samradzija.


28. San Diego Padres (26)

Five losses already. One win against the Mets.


29. Miami Marlins (29)

They aren’t hitting, they aren’t pitching, even Giancarlo isn’t doing anything. The Marlines and Astros are fighting for the number one pick next year.


30. Houston Astros (30)

The Astros are a bad.

-Brad

2013 Week 1 Power Rankings

 

1. Los Angeles Angels

The Angels are the best team in the best division in baseball, so of course they take the top ranking. They have four 30 HR hitters packed into one lineup, an amazing defense in the outfield, the only true question: can the pitching hold up?

2. Washington Nationals

They are young, fast, powerful, and might have the best pitching staff in baseball. The Nats are poised to be the NL’s first dynasty since the Braves of the 90’s.

3. Detroit Tigers

The Tigers are getting Victor Martinez back, have two MVP’s and are competing in a division that isn’t even close to them in talent. Questions surround the back of the bullpen, but they are poised for another World Series run if they can find someone to finish off games.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers

They spent and it shows. The additions the Dodgers made in 2012 and the offseason come together in a full season. Not having Hanley for a few months hurts, but their staff is great. Not many rotations would carry Harang, Lilly and Capuano as extra starters.

5. San Francisco Giants

I find it difficult to bury the defending World Champions out of the top five. San Francisco has almost every piece returning from last year’s fantastic run. If Brandon Belt can add power to the lineup and Cain and Bumgarner can hold up to expectations, they should move up rather quickly.

6. Atlanta Braves

The Braves have the Upton brothers in the outfield, Andrelton Simmons back in the lineup and top prospect Julio Tehran in the rotation. They might end the year with the second best record in the NL, but it would only earn them a Wild Card berth.

7. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are almost locks to win the NL Central. With Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos, they have the best pitching in the Central and a potential MVP in Joey Votto. The big scare for the Reds, almost any injury causes a big problem for the team.

8. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays continue to excel at putting together a pitching staff, and with Boston and New York in the dumps for the year, they can grab the AL East. Unfortunately the offense might not be able to hold up. The sooner the Rays get Wil Meyers into the majors, the better.

9. Texas Rangers

Even without Josh Hamilton, this offense can still shine in Arlington. Yu Darvish and Matt Harrison will need to continue getting better for them to compete with the Angels.

10. Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays have the best parts of the 2012 Marlins and 2012 Blue Jays, beside Giancarlo Stanton. They need Josh Johnson to stay healthy and they could be in a fight with the Rays for AL East supremacy.

11. St. Louis Cardinals

As a Brewer fan this one hurts me the most. Even without Chris Carpenter, the team has enough potential aces hidden away in the minors to be great for years. And the offense is just as good as it was in 2012, just a little bit older.

12. Arizona Diamondbacks

It’s not an easy task to lose Justin Upton and actually get better. Adding Martin Prado and Jason Kubel will really help the offense and the rotation should shine behind Ian Kennedy and Brandon McCarthy.

13. Oakland Athletics

The rotation had an ERA under 4 and the bullpen is strong. Can Cespedes and Reddick get better? If they do, this team can surprise the MLB again.

14. Baltimore Orioles

The other surprise of 2012 is taking the next spot. If the offense and pitching repeats, the team will shine, but it’s hard to win that many one-run games two years in a row.

15. Milwaukee Brewers

Adding Kyle Lohse helps the Brewers rotation in 2013. The offense is still strong. Estrada, Peralta and Fiers can help the team compete. Can the back end of the bullpen save games? This is a team that needs every win they can get to compete.

16. Philadelphia Phillies

This team needs Ryan Howard and Chase Utley to stay healthy. Their big downfall will be if Roy Halladay is just as bad as we saw at the beginning of last year and in Spring Training.

17. Seattle Mariners

Adding Kendry Morales and Michael Morse should help the team, along with moving the walls in. King Felix is still one of the best pitchers in the league, but will the rest of the rotation be worse now that hitting is a little easier in Safeco?

18. Kansas City Royals

The Royals added a lot in the offseason. Shields should help the team greatly, but Ervin Santana and Jeremy Guthrie shouldn’t help as much as some think. Their biggest weak spot? Ned Yost.

19. Chicago White Sox

I honestly think the White Sox will be one of the surprise teams in the league. Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn have more than enough power for any team. Chris Sale should only get better in his second full season as a starter. The team will really suffer if Jake Peavy doesn’t stay healthy.

20. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates really need a winning season. Unfortunately Andrew McCutchen isn’t enough to keep this team in contention.

21. New York Yankees

It is hard to put a playoff team this low on the list, but with all the injuries and questions in the rotation they will sink. This team could be in the bottom five in a month.

22. Cleveland Indians

The Indians are better than last year, but not by much. Adding Swisher and Bourn will help, but the rotation is miserable. Aside from a few things to like offensively this team is going to be bad.

23. Chicago Cubs

I think the Cubs could be better than most people expect. The rotation should be an improvement with Edwin Jackson joining Jeff Samardzija. The bullpen is miserable. Carlos Marmol will be gone by the end of the year, but as we learned last year, they have no one to fill in for him.

24. Colorado Rockies

Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki are MVP caliber players. Unfortunately the Rockies will be buried in the NL West and only fantasy players will notice the two are any good.

25. Boston Red Sox

If Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz are as bad as they were last year, Boston will be in the cellar. If they perform like the pitchers who astounded in their early careers, Boston could compete again. The offense isn’t as bad as some might think.

26. San Diego Padres

The Padres don’t have much to look forward to besides a good draft pick in 2014.

27. New York Mets

I think the Mets will be really fun to watch this year. They are young and have a few prospects coming into the fold. Matt Harvey could repeat last year’s awesome performance. Travis D’Arnoud will help them be bearable whenever he is brought up.

28. Minnesota Twins

With a staff that will have an ERA will over 4 for every pitcher, not much to expect as far as winning goes for the Twins.

29. Miami Marlins

Miami is almost a lock to be the worst team in the NL. Hopefully they get a great return whenever they finally decide to let Giancarlo Stanton join a team that can support his huge power.

30. Houston Astros

The Astros are a lock for 100 losses. That’s really all you need to know to understand why they are in dead last.

2012 Week 2 Power Rankings

Compared to last week the standings are going to change a bit. It’s power rankings and with another week of games in the book some of these have changed quite a bit. I imagine they will become more stable soon enough but for now here they are.

1. Texas Rangers (4)- The second best record in baseball and the best standing in this Power Ranking. The Rangers have it figured out. It’s early but this group can make it a three peat… they just need a title.

2. Detroit Tigers (2)- They don’t have the best record in baseball but with Justin Verlander throwing complete games and strike out after strike out, he can carry this team all the way. Even with a series loss to the White Sox.

3. St. Louis Cardinals (3)- Whatever high they hit last year, they are still on it. They keep rolling, winning every series of the year. It seems that they have found more than enough to replace what they lost over the winter.

4. Washington Nationals (8)- The Nats are dealing, hitting and pitching. We all knew that this would come soon enough just did not know it was coming so soon. It’s early, but they look like they have it all together and a big arsenal waiting to help lower in the system.

5. New York Mets (10)- The Mets could be the surprise team of the year. Right now they are just a team that’s lucky to be doing so well.

6. Los Angeles Dodgers (13)- The Dodgers are playing above themselves. They host the best record in the MLB but are one of the worst. I fully expect them to come crumbling down.

7. Tampa Bay Rays(1)- After a strong start they started getting beaten up by division rivals. They still own the best staff in the majors and a great manager. They should gain some ground pretty quickly.

8. Toronto Blue Jays (7)- They still hold the best record in the AL East but the big dogs are catching up quick. The Blue Jays could see the cellar again soon but their staff could keep them in it for a while.

9. Arizona Diamondbacks (3)- The Diamondbacks are still competing but after losing a series in Colorado they took a small set back. They should pass the Dodgers soon if through nothing other than their bats.

10. New York Yankees (12)- The Yankees are rebounding from their horrible starts. They are coming on strong. The Yanks have all the power to be at number one in their division.

11. Cincinnati Reds (9)- Sharing the same record as Houston has to hurt. Their losses are coming to hot teams right now and because of bad back end pitching.

12. Los Angeles Angels (6)- The Angels added a lot and are falling like their National League counter parts. I think Pujols and their pitching staff will pull them out of it but it will take a lot of work.

13. Seattle Mariners (15)- One of the few winning record teams lest and one of the least deserving. Really they are just beating up on the A’s.

14. Atlanta Braves (20)- They beat up the Brewers and won 5 straight. Their last series showed off their pitching and offense and most of all that bullpen. That pen can keep them in anything.

15. Chicago White Sox (30)- Even though I am upset with confusion you can’t deny their winning style. Beating Detroit may say more than their record. Without Ozzie they could be good.

16. Philadelphia Phillies (11)- Injuries are taking their toll on the Phillies. They can’t even win at home let alone on the road. Something needs to change, mostly someone getting healthy would make a world of difference.

17. Baltimore Orioles (19)- They are the worst team in first. And they will show it soon enough. You can only get so far with Jake Arrieta as your ace.

18. Colorado Rockies (22)- The Rockies beat the D-backs and they haven’t been swept. That’s a lot for a team that doesn’t have a lot.

19. San Francisco Giants (16)- The only thing the Giants have going for them is Matt Capps. Tim Lincecum needs to figure his problems out quickly and they need to replace Brain Wilson. The Giants are in a real bad place, real early.

20. Milwaukee Brewers (14)- The Brewers proved they won’t stand down with a big comeback against the Braves. And then they proved they can’t finish it. The Crew better hope they only play like this is Turner Field.

21. Boston Red Sox (18)- Manager troubles and only one good series. At least the home opener went well.

22. Houston Astros (24)- They’re doing as well as you can ask for a team that has nothing. I’m just surprised they aren’t the worst team in baseball.

23. Kansas City Royals (23)- I really thought they’d play better than this. They are the Nationals of the American League. Just their offense is better than their pitching.

24. Pittsburgh Pirates (17)- They are sinking back down to reality. The Pirates are a bad team because they keep getting rid of everything good with the team.

25. Cleaveland Indians (27)- Going .500 might be a good enough goal for the other Ohio team.

26. Oakland Athletics (28)- They just keep getting beaten up by the Mariners but being above the Angels is something.

27. Chicago Cubs (25)- They haven’t been swept. And I think they think they’re better. Dale deserves better.

28. Minnesota Twins (29)- They aren’t getting better. The other teams are just getting worse.

29. San Diego Padres (26)- The only way they can score runs? Walking them in. No one hits and all the pitches get hit.

30. Miami Marlins (21)- Not winning, no manager, lots of controversy and a crappy stadium. Not much to be happy about.

-Brad

2012 Week 1 Power Rankings

A new feature at View From Bernie's Chalet for the 2012 season. Each week Brad will do his power rankings from the best team to the worst in MLB. Who doesn't love lists? Here is week 1 (well technically weekend 1).

1. Tampa Bay Rays-Have to go Rays here. One of, if not the best, starting rotation in baseball. Dominated the powerhouse Yankees on all aspects of their game. The Rays are playing like they are sick of the wild card and are itching to claim the AL East crown.
2. Detroit Tigers- 5 bombs in 4 innings off Josh Beckett. That will be the story all season for the Tigers. They have a very potent offense and will destroy even the best pitching. And there staff is very strong. We all know how good Justin Verlander is. Don’t worry, Valverde will not keep giving up games like he did on opening day.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks- The D-Backs took it to the top starters of their toughest enemy. They made Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner look like #5 starters. The last place Arizona team from a few years ago is now an after thought. These guys are playing on a new level.
4. Texas Rangers- It’s the offense that keeps producing. I would have put them higher, but wins against Chicago and Seattle aren’t all that convincing. Once they play some tougher opponents they will jump up.
5. St. Louis Cardinals- The reigning world champs are playing tough baseball. Their rotation is still succeeding, even without Dave Duncan or Chris Carpenter, and the offense doesn’t seem to be phased from the loss of Albert Pujols.
6. Los Angeles Angels- The Angels aren’t playing the best out of the top 10 teams, but they are a very tough team. They might be showing their age a little. Some of their prospects might be up in mid-season to kick the old guys to the curb.
7. Toronto Blue Jays- Probably played the most innings in baseball thus far. Over came some early deficits to have a very good opening weekend.
8. Washington Nationals-This might be a little high, but to kill the Cubs with pitching and late inning heroics, they really showed off how tough they are going to be in the coming years. I expect them to fall big from this spot as the year goes on.
9. Cincinnati Reds- Another NL Central team that was not intimidated by the much improved Miami Marlins. However they probably only have a couple of years to succeed, I can’t imagine that deal to Votto will give them much flexibility in the future. Still, can’t blame them for locking up a stud.
10. New York Mets- The Mets can pretend they expected to be at this level all along, but we know the truth. It’s only a matter of time before they come crashing down to Earth, even if Johann returns to form.
11. Philadelphia Phillies- The Phillies were everyone’s favorite a year ago. Now their age and injury problems might have them falling behind in the East already. The East was full of potential… now the Mets are the best team looking down on three playoff contenders. Still a lot of baseball to go.
12. New York Yankees- The Yanks can’t be this bad… Can they? I’m guessing a very young, very tough Tampa team just got the best of them.
13. Los Angeles Dodgers-The Dodgers looked good against a bad team. But we have seen before, teams that pick on bad teams can make the playoffs, even if they aren’t great against the good teams.
14. Milwaukee Brewers- Poor performance on opening weekend. But this team has way too much upside to keep performing at that level.
15. Seattle Mariners- They have a few freebie wins from easy battles against the A’s but are still looking good for the Mariners. The fight only gets harder though, eventually they have to meet the Angels and Rangers.
16. San Francisco Giants-Despite getting swept by the Diamondbacks the Giants still showed a lot… Arizona just showed more. Multiple comebacks in that series show the offense might actually produce this year.
17. Pittsburgh Pirates- They beat a good Phillies team. Now are they going to play all year or just the first half again?
18. Boston Red Sox- The Sox can’t be that bad can they? Starting 0-3 is not a good sign, but they still have all the pieces to be major contenders.
19. Baltimore Orioles-I know I’ve given higher rankings to teams that are just as bad for poor performance. I just trust them more than the Orioles. At least other teams have some good signs in their organization. I can’t find many things to like about Baltimore.
20. Atlanta Braves- This offense really needs to get going to have any hope of success. They look like the Atlanta team that got beat up at the end of the year last year, and it’s hard to see them improving if they can’t put anything together.
21. Miami Marlins- Another dream team stinking it up. They are having a lot of troubles, and the possibility of losing their manager can’t be a good sign.
22. Colorado Rockies-Not much going on here. Jamie Moyer is old, not aged, old.
23. Kansas City Royals- I would rank them higher, but their pitching staff isn’t this good. A lot of success from two bad pitchers. They’ll come down to earth. Most talented bottom 10 team though, without a doubt.
24. Houston Astros- They are bad! And they have too many wins for a bad team. They just look better than any one on the bottom half of this list through the first week.
25. Chicago Cubs-The only reliable part of their team two years ago is now a black hole. What happened to Carlos Marmol?
26. San Diego Padres- Their only big inning started on three straight bases loaded walks. Only one run was driven in with a hit. The Padres are a sad sad team.
27. Cleaveland Indians- The Indians will not be in second place again. They have too many holes to fill and it doesn’t look like anyone is on their way to fill them.
28. Oakland A’s- This team gave it all away. Not their new import is the only thing to watch on a dismal roster.
29. Minnesota Twins- Horrible. This team always seemed to win, even when things were bad. Not even they know what to fix first.
30. Chicago White Sox-The White Sox are this low because they can’t decide whether they are rebuilding or not. Why trade away all your team and then sign people to extensions. Once they figure themselves out or start winning, they can move up.

-Brad