MLB Power Rankings: Week 21
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.