Call to the Pen’s MLB Power Rankings: Week 22
The end of August is quickly approaching, and time is running out for teams on the fringe of contention, all of which are reflected in this week’s MLB Power Rankings.
30. Texas Rangers (48-76)
Last week’s ranking: 29
Last Week’s Record: 2-5
The only thing that’s looking up at this point is the potential for the number one overall pick, which would be huge for a Rangers team that can go back to competing after recovering from injuries.
29. Colorado Rockies (48-75)
Last week’s ranking: 30
Last Week’s Record: 3-5
It is very rare to see a team that holds the highest team batting average in the MLB in the running for the first overall draft pick, but the Rockies find themselves there in 2014. Tanking should continue with injuries taking out the offensive core.
28. Philadelphia Phillies (54-70)
Last week’s ranking: 23
Last Week’s Record: 1-5
The Phillies continue to slide without direction, and it may be a very long time before the Phillies can re-enter contention. This year might be the beginning of a long rebuilding process in the City of Brotherly Love.
27. Arizona Diamondbacks (53-71)
Last week’s ranking: 27
Last Week’s Record: 2-4
The D-Backs will look to play spoiler down the stretch in which they have a grand opportunity. With a bad year in the desert, it is hard to imagine that Kirk Gibson will return as manager in 2015.
26. Chicago Cubs (53-70)
Last week’s ranking: 26
Last Week’s Record: 3-4
The Cubs put up another sub-par week and should allocate the rest of the season on working out the kinks in the future. Spoiling the playoff hopes of their division rivals is something they’ll have a chance to do come September.
25. Houston Astros (52-73)
Last week’s ranking: 28
Last Week’s Record: 3-4
The Astros battled two other lowly teams this week and held their own for the most part, displaying that they can have a very explosive offense at times. With the Yankees and Indians on the road this week, a larger test awaits to see how the Astros can close out the year.
24. Minnesota Twins (55-67)
Last week’s ranking: 24
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
It seems that not getting swept by the Royals in Kansas City is a success. For a team with a very bright future, setting building blocks at the end of 2014 can work wonders for April 2015 in what may be a wide open AL Central.
23. Boston Red Sox (56-67)
Last week’s ranking: 25
Last Week’s Record: 4-2
A stronger week instills some confidence for the future, and for a team that is a perennial contender, it is expected that they will be back in 2015. The BoSox swept the sliding Reds in a two game set, and will face huge challenges this week in the Angels and Mariners.
22. New York Mets (59-66)
Last week’s ranking: 20
Last Week’s Record: 2-4
Getting swept by the Nationals at home was not a good showing for divisional play. With the A’s and Dodgers on the road this week, the Mets’ record may very well take a substantial hit.
21. San Diego Padres (58-65)
Last week’s ranking: 22
Last Week’s Record: 4-3
Sweeping the Rockies can’t hold too much water. Dropping three of four to the contending Cardinals is proof that the Padres are an inconsistent team. Their hitting is very far away from being even average.