MLB Power Rankings: Week 20
The first week after the deadline proved to be interesting and also shows huge changes in contending teams. Therefore, this week’s rankings will also partly reflect a team’s performance at the deadline, along with their performance throughout the week.
30. Texas Rangers (43-69)
Last Week’s Record: 2-4
The Rangers were rather quiet at the deadline, and also failed to make any major moves, resulting in another lackluster week in the Lone Star state. Failing to trade any major chips, the waiver trade deadline is the Rangers’ last chance to garner any significant return to help Texas for next season.
29. Colorado Rockies (44-67)
Last Week’s Record: 1-6
The Rockies continue their abysmal play on the road, and also perhaps had the worst trade deadline performance, doing absolutely nothing. Losing three of four to the struggling Cubs and getting steamrolled in three games by the Tigers may not seem ideal, but it’s giving them a fair shot at the #1 overall pick, one that they can utilize to add more pitching to their farm system.
28. Houston Astros (47-65)
Last Week’s Record: 5-2
A series win against Oakland and then taking three of four against Toronto always calls for a good week, and reinforces the idea that the Astros can become huge spoilers in the playoff race later on. Notable improvement from Jonathan Singleton also serves as a good sign for the future of the Astros.
27. Chicago Cubs (47-63)
Last Week’s Record: 5-2
Two series wins and an overall strong week for the Cubs, who also performed quite well in July regarding trades. The Cubs should have a high draft pick in 2015. They can use that to their advantage as they project to re-enter contention next season as well.
26. Philadelphia Phillies (49-63)
Last Week’s Record: 3-4
It was a mediocre week for the Phillies and their silence at the trade deadline didn’t do them any good. There is not much left in the veteran crop for the Phillies. The waiver trade deadline shows some potential to move their aging stars, but Philadelphia will be on the long road to rebuild.
25. Arizona Diamondbacks (49-63)
Last Week’s Record: 4-3
A decent week for the D-Backs, but they can expect this week to be the last to fall in that category as the face of the franchise, Paul Goldschmidt, is out for the remainder of the season. Arizona has been plagued with injuries this year and a healthy D-Backs team in 2015 can be much better.
24. Boston Red Sox (49-62)
Last Week’s Record: 1-5
The Red Sox definitely benefited more from the fire sale and their returns this week than they did on the field. While 2014 is a lost cause for the BoSox, with the moves made this past week make it very probable that Boston will once again be competitive next season.
23. San Diego Padres (51-60)
Last Week’s Record: 5-2
Sweeping the Braves is great for the Pads who despite the great week still stand far out of contention. With the addition of a few bats in July the Padres should tilt their concentration toward offense to revamp their lineup which would make San Diego a threat in 2015.
22. Minnesota Twins (50-60)
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
The series win in Chicago was very nice contrasting to their series loss in Kansas City. A mediocre week for a mediocre team that appears to be turning a corner beginning in 2015 considering their elite farm system. The Twins saw great performances from Danny Santana this week who appears to be the leadoff man of the future.
21. New York Mets (53-58)
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
The Mets put out an average week, and a week with typical results. With pitching help on the way, the Mets should look to find reliable bats for their future as the pitching depth in their farm is certainly enough to turn a corner themselves in 2015.