Tis the season for a little “Same Faces, New Places”. With the trade deadline right around the corner let’s see how the teams stack up this week’s Power Rankings.
(All stats via MLB.com)
The Tops-
1. Oakland A’s (65-39, 2 game lead in AL West)
It’s getting closer. Much closer. The A’s will hold onto the top spot this week with the Angels right on their heels. 7-3 in their last ten games is impressive for the best team in baseball and the only thing I could see them looking for is some middle relief and a bat. Consistency will carry this team into the playoffs.
2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (63-41 2 GB in AL West)
There’s something missing. There’s just one piece of this puzzle that’s keeping this team from taking off. My solution- one more starter. It doesn’t have to be David Price, but a mid rotation innings eater would do wonders for this team. 3.70 team ERA isn’t bad, but there is always room for improvement. Add another fresh arm into the mix, could be just what the doctor ordered.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers (59-47, 1.5 game lead in NL West)
That’s more like it. After a down week the Dodgers pull back into first place and heal up the bumps and bruises in the meantime. I take a look at them and see almost no weaknesses. I would however address the bullpen heading into August. A package deal for some relief help could help them run away with the pennant.
4. Milwaukee Brewers (59-47, 2 game lead in NL Central)
It almost frightens me to put them this high, but every time I don’t they seem to gain steam. They currently have the lead in the NL Central with the Cardinals sputtering, the Pirates stagnant and the Reds pulling guys out of the crowd to take the field. A solid record and a solid squad, they just lack consistency. Stability in the rotation will be key for The Crew.
5. Baltimore Orioles (58-46, 3 game lead in AL East)
Who? My best friend told me that they might be one of the worst over .500 teams ever a couple weeks ago, so why are they in my top five? They perform well against good teams (26-18 vs the East, 17-10 vs the West). There’s something about Showalter’s team that has been quietly sitting atop the division all season. They need a bat no doubt. Too many close calls with these one run games will eventually catch up.
The Rest-
6. Washington Nationals
7. Detroit Tigers
8. San Francisco Giants
9. Saint Louis Cardinals
10. Atlanta Braves
11. Toronto Blue Jays
12. New York Yankees
13. Pittsburgh Pirates
14. Seattle Mariners
15. Cincinnati Reds
16. Kansas City Royals
17. Tampa Bay Rays
18. Miami Marlins
19. Cleveland Indians
20. Chicago White Sox
21. New York Mets
22. Boston Red Sox
23. Philadelphia Phillies
24. San Diego Padres
25. Minnesota Twins
26. Arizona Diamondbacks
27. Colorado Rockies
28. Chicago Cubs
29. Houston Astros
30. Texas Rangers
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