Here’s where things get interesting…Folks it’s that time of the year. It’s finally time to start thinking about the postseason. It’s September. Let’s take a look at who is on top…for now.
(All stats via MLB.com)
MLB Power Rankings: The September Chase Begins….
The Tops:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (83-53, 5 game lead in AL West)-
No surprises to start this week’s power rankings. The Halos make it to 30 games over .500 and extend their lead over the fading A’s to five games. 7-3 in their last ten games and this team is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Mike Trout hits the 30 home run plateau and the rotation seems to be bouncing back despite losing Garrett Richards to a knee injury. Just business as usual for the Angels.
2. Baltimore Orioles (79-56, 9 game lead in AL East)-
At this point in the season, the division is a forgone conclusion. They have the East and do not have to worry about a one game playoff. They are even taking this relaxing stretch to potentially reach out to Nelson Cruz about an extension. My only question about the O’s: do they start to save some of their tank for the postseason. This has been a surprising run so far for Baltimore and they just might end up the darkhorse in the AL.
3. Washington Nationals (77-58, lead NL East by 6 games)-
A fairly disappointing week (5-5 in their last ten), they still support a healthy lead over Atlanta in the East. The Nationals have no doubt one of the most complete rosters in the National League and should compete for the pennant easily. Looking like a potential number one seed, they could use the home field advantage (43-25 at home, 34-33 on the road). My only question: will lack of consistency finally catch up to the boys in the capital?
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (77-60, lead NL West by 2.5 games)-
Strangely enough, this team may want the second seed instead. Get this: 34-32 at home versus 43-28 on the road. They have been decent as of late (6-4 in their last ten) and have been trying to conserve bodies for the stretch run. It’s been fairly quiet in LA, but that’s not a bad instance in this case. They have stayed under the radar, yet very effective. I have no concerns for them at the moment.
5. Saint Louis Cardinals (73-63, tied for lead in NL Central)-
Two words: Yadier Molina (SIA Profile). Mr. Everything for the Redbirds has returned and it could not have been at a better time. After losing Yadi for eight weeks, Saint Louis not only kept their footing, but they pulled even with Milwaukee for the division lead. With Molina’s return behind the plate and the pending return of young ace Michael Wacha, there is no reason they should have a problem making the postseason.
Rest of the League:
6. Oakland A’s
7. San Francisco Giants
8. Kansas City Royals
9. Detroit Tigers
10. Milwaukee Brewers
11. Atlanta Braves
12. Seattle Mariners
13. New York Yankees
14. Pittsburgh Pirates
15. Cleveland Indians
16. Toronto Blue Jays
17. Miami Marlins
18. Cincinnati Reds
19. Tampa Bay Rays
20. New York Mets
21. San Diego Padres
22. Chicago Cubs
23. Philadelphia Phillies
24. Chicago White Sox
25. Minnesota Twins
26. Boston Red Sox
27. Houston Astros
28. Colorado Rockies
29. Arizona Diamondbacks
30. Texas Rangers
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