Big time roster moves have propelled a few more teams into the playoff hunt. Trades ARE factored into this week’s power rankings and it is getting much closer.
MLB Power Rankings Post Trade Deadline
The Tops
1. Oakland A’s (67-43, lead AL West by one game)–
They have been number one the last four weeks and there’s not too much that can change my mind about this team….for now. The acquisition of Jon Lester was indeed a good one, but at what price? They gave up one of their best, young offensive weapons in Yoenis Cespedes to Boston. I will be watching this offense to see how it will respond to this loss. They are safe for now, but it’s only a matter of time if this offense doesn’t start moving.
2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (66-44, one back in AL West)–
Sometimes the most surprising move is not having a move at all. The Halos decide to not make any noise at the deadline and will ride the roster to October. Considering the upgrades to Oakland and Detroit, I would have thought the Angels would have made a play at Lackey, etc. The good news is that they have played well lately. If Josh Hamilton can hit his stride, they are as good as anyone.
3. Detroit Tigers (61-47, five game lead in AL Central)–
Third best record? No, but look at this team. After a Jack and the Beanstalk type of trade for David Price, there is not a better rotation in the American League. Price is locked up past this season and is finally in a winning situation. The biggest loss will be Austin Jackson, but Rajai Davis looks more than ready to assume the center field spot. I see no holes in this team. Good consistency with the bats and now a playoff rotation that boasts three Cy Young Award winners, the Tigers are in business.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (63-49, 2.5 game lead in NL West)
This is another team that just wasn’t feeling any spark at the deadline. But when you look at their roster, there’s really nothing that needs to be changed. The rotation is the best in the National League, they have power, and now many of them have speed. This is a deep team as well. The only concerns I have are with health. Why does Yasiel Puig keep getting banged up? Can Matt Kemp return to form? Those questions keep them from moving up right now.
5. Baltimore Orioles (62-48, 3.5 game lead in AL East)-
This was a very close call for this spot in The Tops. The O’s proved themselves this week by taking two out of three games against the Angels. My only question was how could they compete with the elite and they showed they can play with anyone. This is a team on the upswing and potential dark horse in the AL Pennant race. Don’t sleep on Baltimore.
The Rest of the League-
6. Milwaukee Brewers
7. Saint Louis Cardinals
8. Washington Nationals
9. Toronto Blue Jays
10. San Francisco Giants
11. Atlanta Braves
12. Pittsburgh Pirates
13. New York Yankees
14. Seattle Mariners
15. Cincinnati Reds
16. Kansas City Royals
17. Cleveland Indians
18. Chicago White Sox
19. Miami Marlins
20. New York Mets
21. San Diego Padres
22. Tampa Bay Rays
23. Minnesota Twins
24. Philadelphia Phillies
25. Boston Red Sox
26. Houston Astros
27. Arizona D’Backs
28. Chicago Cubs
29. Colorado Rockies
30. Texas Rangers
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Main Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images
