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

Series Preview Milwaukee Brewers (1-5) Vs. Chicago Cubs (2-4)

Probable Starters

Monday April 8th 1:20pm

Game 1

Marco Estrada (0-0 7.20 ERA) Vs. Edwin Jackson (0-13.60 ERA)

Tuesday April 9th 7:05pm

Game 2

Wily Peralta (0-1 6.75 ERA) Vs. Travis Wood (1-0 0.00 ERA)

Wednesday April 10th 7:05pm

Game 3

Kyle Lohse (0-0 1.50 ERA) Vs. Scott Feldman (0-1 7.71 ERA)

The Brewers head into Chicago for their first road series of the year, and they really need a win. After winning the first game of the season, the Crew is 0-5 and not only are the bullpen woes from last year back but now injuries are plaguing the lineup.

On the other side of the matchup, the Cubs had a strong opening series, but were just swept in Atlanta by a superior Braves team. As we all know, their expectations for the season aren’t very good to begin with and they were probably lucky to get 2 wins from division rival Pittsburgh.

The Cubs are coming into the picture at the perfect time for Milwaukee. Not only does Wrigley field give plus power to anyone with a little bit of pop, but the Cubs hitters aren’t intimidating. Without Corey Hart and Aramis Ramirez for the next few weeks the Brewers need to scrap together every win they can get.

The first game should be fun to watch if Marco Estrada pitches better than he did in his first game. Both Estrada and Edwin Jackson can strike out batters at a decent rate and keep runners off base. It could shape up to be an unexpected pitching duel with two sub-par offenses behind them.

Game 2 is a matchup that should go in Milwaukee’s favor but according to current stats won’t. Wily Peralta is a very good pitcher, but falling behind in the count his first start gave hitters the upper hand. If he is more aggressive he should rebound. Travis Wood pitched above his own ability. He’s done this before in his career and can either repeat or give up 10 earned runs.

The best matchup for the Brewers to win is without a doubt Kyle Lohse against Scott Feldman. Feldman is a poor pitcher to begin with and Lohse is coming off a strong first start with the Brewers. His career numbers aren’t great against Chicago at 4-4 and a 5.17 ERA in 16 starts, however in the last 2 years he is 3-0 with a 3.38 ERA again the Cubs.

Prediction? I hope the Brewers go 2-1 but with all the injuries I’m predicting 1-2. If Ryan Braun returns they will be better off, and more likely to win at least two games. They could sweep with Braun and if their pitchers perform up to expectations.

-Brad

Series Preview Arizona Diamondbacks (2-1) Vs. Milwaukee Brewers (1-2)

Probable Starters

Friday April 5th 7:10pm

Game 1

Wade Miley (0-0 – ERA) Vs. Kyle Lohse (0-0 – ERA)

Saturday April 6th 6:10pm

Game 2

Patrick Corbin (0-0 – ERA) Vs. Mike Fiers (0-0 – ERA)

Sunday April 7th 1:10pm

Game 3

Ian Kennedy (1-0 2.57 ERA) Vs. Yovani Gallardo (0-0 5.40 ERA)

The Arizona Diamondbacks come into Milwaukee for a three game series. Milwaukee faced some tough losses against the Colorado Rockies in the first series of the season. Meanwhile the Diamondbacks are heading out of the desert, where they took 2 of 3 from the St. Louis Cardinals.

Both teams are coming off a series where their bullpen pitchers saw a lot of action. None of Milwaukee’s starters made it through six innings, and they opened the year with an extra inning win against the Rockies. Meanwhile the last game Arizona played lasted 16 innings against the Cardinals. Good for them both, there is an off day separating the series. Bad news, Wade Miley and Kyle Lohse could both have short leashes.

Lohse was signed very late into spring training and only squeezed in one start. He will probably be on a very tight pitch count in his first start. Miley on the other hand suffered from dead arm in spring training and had to be shut down for a small period of time.

Milwaukee stands to gain some ground in this series. If Miley’s dead arm continues into the season, Lohse should easily out match him in game one. Corbin had a strong spring, but still had an ERA well over 4 in 2012. In his one game against Arizona, Mike Fiers went 6 innings and allowed zero runs while striking out ten. Also, Milwaukee tends to feast on left handed pitching, continuing to tilt the scales in favor of Fiers.

The best chance to win for Milwaukee? Yovani Gallardo against Ian Kennedy. Although Kennedy is Arizona’s staff ace he is just .500 against the Brewers with a 3.03 ERA. That’s very good, but Yovani is even better against the Diamondbacks. In seven games started Yo is 6-0 with a 1.02 ERA. He has been nearly untouchable against Arizona since he entered the league and gives Milwaukee the advantage in what could be a great pitching duel in the third game of this series.

Overall I predict the Brewers to come out 2-1. I think Miley Vs. Lohse is a tossup, but the matchups over the series goes in Milwaukee’s favor. Milwaukee should head into Chicago with a record at .500. The biggest win for the Brewers would be if Axford could squeeze in a couple of saves before they leave town.

-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.

Episode 60 "Wily Peralta Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Kyle Lohse Signing Reaction 0:00-23:00

Break

AL Preview/Predictions 23:00-1:11:00

Break

NL Preview/Predictions 1:11:00-1:58:00

Break
Around NL Central 1:58:00-2:04:00

Episode 59 "John Axford Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Gomez Extension 0:00-16
Break
The Bench 16:00-28:00
Break
Most Impressive Camp Players 28:00-40:00
Break
Around The NL Central 40:00-47:00

Episode 58 "Gary Glover Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

1B Situation 0:00-18:00
Break
The Kyle Lohse Conundrum 18:00-35:00
Break
1 maybe 2 Bullpen Spots Up For Grabs 35:00-46:00
Break
News & Notes (Rambling) 46:00-53:00

Episode 57 "Francisco Rodriguez Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Hart to Have Knee Surgery, Faith In Gamel? 0:00-17:00
Break
Rotation/Bullpen Take Shape 17:00-39:00
Break
Brewers In WBC 39:00-49:00
Break
News & Notes 49:00-1:00:00