MLB Power Rankings: Week 21
Pennant races are heating up, and pretenders and contenders are beginning to emerge in the home stretch of the 2014 season. Many changes occurred once again in this week’s MLB power rankings.
30. Colorado Rockies (46-71)
Last Week’s Record: 2-4
The Rockies’ once promising season is proving to be promising again, in a whole new fashion, as they are presently tied for the worst record in baseball, caught in the heat of the race for the #1 overall draft pick. The Rockies may very well benefit from that, to add to what is a very frail team in need of a rebuild.
29. Texas Rangers (46-71)
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
Unfortunately for the Rangers, they finish .500 for the week, which now ties them with Colorado for worst in the league. For a team that is likely struggling due to an anomaly, a first overall pick would be a monumental gain for Texas, who can utilize that to build and come off as a contender as soon as next season. This season, however, should involve tanking to get that pick.
28. Houston Astros (49-69)
Last Week’s Record: 2-4
Not the best week for the Astros, who stay near the bottom of the league, and haven’t shown much promise for too much change next year, despite the powerful farm system. Progress from younger players should continue to be the focus for Houston from here on out.
27. Arizona Diamondbacks (51-67)
Last Week’s Record: 2-4
The D-Backs were swept by the Royals, but then took two of three from the lowly Rockies, ending their week in a decent fashion. The D-Backs should at least consider an Archie Bradley call-up, as getting the TOR starter of the future some time in the big leagues does no harm for an already struggling team.
26. Chicago Cubs (50-66)
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
Aug 5, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) watches his game winning home run ball as he runs the bases during the twelfth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Cubs won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
A decent week for the Cubs, who have been high off of the buzz of the arrival of top prospect Javier Baez (right), who has contributed with 3 HR and 6 RBI in his first week as a Cub. The Cubs will look to end 2014 on a strong note, and with the arrival of more prospects imminent, the future is here for the Chicago Cubs.
25. Boston Red Sox (52-65)
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
Another mediocre week for the Red Sox, who did make some noise late, winning a series over the Angels in Anaheim, making quite the statement and showing the potential to be a significant playoff spoiler later in the season.
24. Minnesota Twins (52-64)
Last Week’s Record: 2-4
Rough week for Minnesota, but the contributions from the young stars continue to flow in. The Twins may debate calling up the top prospect in baseball, Byron Buxton for a taste of the big leagues in September, but it is far from certain that it will happen.
23. Philadelphia Phillies (53-65)
Last Week’s Record: 4-2
The Phillies continue to distance themselves from the bottom, which isn’t working in their favor, as with an aging core of players, it will be difficult for the Phils to extend success beyond this year. With a weak farm system, this year may be the last taste of mediocrity for Phillies fans.
22. San Diego Padres (54-62)
Last Week’s Record: 3-2
The Pads pull off an above average week, and continue to prove that a few good hitters can right the ship for a team that possesses a strong pitching staff. The Padres will need to make moves in that fashion, and experimenting in the rest of 2014 does no harm for the future.
21. Chicago White Sox (56-63)
Last Week’s Record: 2-5
A bad week for the ChiSox, who may now regret not selling off any pieces at the deadline. With a considerably light farm system, not trading for any prospects can hurt the long term future of this team, and there isn’t much to cheer for regardless on the South Side as it is right now.
20. New York Mets (56-62)
Last Week’s Record: 3-4
A mediocre week for a mediocre team, who currently possess an even run differential, somewhat of a rarity this late in the season. The Mets do have the answers on the way, and with strong pitching and competent bats, New York may serve as the future of the NL East.
19. Miami Marlins (57-60)
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
The Marlins continue to shoot for the building blocks of next season and the future, with a fan base hopeful of this plan finally coming to fruition in 2015. Vast improvements have been shown, and this season will prove to be a success for the Marlins, regardless of final results.
18. Tampa Bay Rays (57-60)
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
Joe Maddon is pulling on all strings for one last push of the 2014 Rays, but a 3-3 week does not help it much. It remains a tall order for the Rays to contend, but crazier things have happened in the final weeks of the MLB season.
17. Cleveland Indians (59-59)
Last Week’s Record: 3-4
Aug 4, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches during the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Losing a ton of games to the Reds never helps, but a swift recovery against the Yankees does, as the Indians continued to participate in the Corey Kluber (right) show, showcasing the best pitcher in baseball since the All-Star Break. The Indians still have a fighting chance at a run, but it will take a lot to get back in it.
16. Cincinnati Reds (60-58)
Last Week’s Record: 4-3
Standing just five games back in the NL Central, the Reds still have the tools and the chance to come back and win the division. While this week wasn’t a definitive step in the right direction, it certainly didn’t hurt as the Reds can be the surprise team going into September to make some noise in the Midwest.
15. Atlanta Braves (60-57)
Last Week’s Record: 2-3
The series win in the Nation’s Capital helps a bit more, but the Braves have still only mustered two wins of their past ten, and stand 3.5 games behind the Nationals for the lead in the NL East, making the playoffs seem less likely in Atlanta.
14. New York Yankees (61-56)
Last Week’s Record: 4-3
Standing six games out of the division and hanging on the cusp of the playoff race, it is still too early to count the Yankees out on October baseball. With time winding down, and with no major questions answered, it will not be an easy ride in the Bronx to get back to their winning ways in the last month and a half.
13. San Francisco Giants (62-56)
Last Week’s Record: 2-5
It’s about time to forget about the NL West in the West Bay, and it’s time for concern for the Wild Card race, which by no means is locked in for the Giants, who are desperately searching to find their early season form.
12. Pittsburgh Pirates (62-55)
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
It will be a rough go here on out for the Bucs of the Steel City, as the loss of reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen delivers a significant blow to the Pirates in all aspects of baseball. While the playoffs are still very attainable, it definitely won’t be easy.
11. Toronto Blue Jays (63-56)
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
Five games out and looking for answers, the rampant Toronto offense mustered a series win over the Tigers this weekend, and are looking to build off of that and inch closer toward the AL Wild Card spot, as the Jays search for their first playoff berth in 21 years.
g>10. St. Louis Cardinals (62-54)
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
The Cardinals are a far cry from what they were in 2013, but with strong deadline moves, the experienced Cards maintain the potential to get hot at the right time, and become a title contender. Things will have to change soon, but the Cards aren’t in any position to panic as of right now.
9. Seattle Mariners (62-55)
Last Week’s Record: 5-1
The Mariners are back in it, taking five of six this week and seven of their last ten. With a complete and balanced 25-man roster, the Mariners may be one of the more feared teams once September approaches, and their potential in a Wild Card game and beyond can make Cinderella’s slipper fit the feet of the Emerald City.
8. Milwaukee Brewers (65-53)
Last Week’s Record: 4-2
Success in a home stand featuring a west coast swing is vital for the Brew Crew, who continue to cling to a two game lead in the NL Central. The Brewers haven’t regained their April and May play, but they’ve surprisingly done enough to stay in it, and with four games against the Cubs this week, the opportunity remains.
7. Detroit Tigers (63-52)
Last Week’s Record: 2-5
Jul 18, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez (19) pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The great Dr. Dre once said, “Never let me slip, cause if I slip, then I’m slippin'”. The Detroit Tigers are slipping right now, and it’s not the right time, as their once dominant lead in the AL Central has shrinked to just a half a game. The Tigers are also faced with adversity from here on out, dealing with injuries to Anibal Sanchez (right) and Joakim Soria. This makes the race in the AL Central far from over.
6. Washington Nationals (63-53)
Last Week’s Record: 3-4
Not the best week in DC, but with a 3.5 game lead, the Nats are looking to get hot at the right time, as when they are healthy, they can and will be very difficult to beat down the stretch, making Washington a dark horse to win it all.
5. Los Angeles Angels (68-49)
Last Week’s Record: 2-5
Right when the Halos were gaining momentum, it quickly faded, as a forgettable week has hurt the Angels in terms of divisional play. While the Angels still remain a formidable contender, putting this week behind them will be for the best.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (67-52)
Last Week’s Record: 4-3
The Dodgers are starting to run away with the NL West, but team chemistry is beginning to become important, especially with a team that has proven to inconsistent at the individual level. Atlanta and Milwaukee await the Dodgers this week, signifying that challenges are plentiful from here on out.
3. Kansas City Royals (63-53)
Last Week’s Record: 6-0
The Royals are getting hot at the right time, and now just stand a half a game behind the Tigers for the lead in the AL Central. Kansas City is desperately looking for their first playoff berth in 29 years, and with hot play down the stretch, it is becoming extremely likely that this is the year it happens in Kansas City. With four games against the A’s this week, the Royals will truly be tested.
2. Baltimore Orioles (67-50)
Last Week’s Record: 5-2
The O’s are making the AL East their own, looking to secure their second playoff berth in just three years. The Orioles have emerged as one of the most balanced teams in the league, and while help on pitching is still needed, hot streaks can work in Baltimore’s favor heading into the final stretch.
1. Oakland Athletics (72-45)
Last Week’s Record: 5-2
The A’s recovered from a lackluster week to re-emerge as the team they’ve been all season, a team that has dominated baseball more than anyone else. Oakland still has some work to do, and nothing is certain, as adjustments to raise their .251 batting average couldn’t hurt,but as of right now, it is tough to take down the Oakland A’s.