MLB Power Rankings: Week 19
20. Chicago White Sox (51-55)
Last Week’s Record: 4-3
A decent week doesn’t do much, especially for a team that lacks impact trade chips and/or prospects, creating a bit of a trap for the immediate future on the South Side of Chicago, as far as big league success is concerned.
19. Cleveland Indians (52-53)
Last Week’s Record: 2-5
Rough week on the road against division rivals hurts the Tribe’s chances to get back into the race, regardless of how strong their second half may be. Help is on the way in the form of Francisco Lindor perhaps as soon as next season, which can add a great amount of pop into the Cleveland lineup.
18. Cincinnati Reds (52-52)
Last Week’s Record: 1-5
The Reds appeared poised to make a run for the NL Central, but a very bad start to the second half has resulted in Cincinnati falling back to .500. They are now six games out of first place. For now the Reds should be concerned. They must find a quick way to turn the season back around.
17. Miami Marlins (51-53)
Last Week’s Record: 6-1
It was a great week for the Marlins. While the team may be far out of the race this season, they have quite the future. The Fish may even finally see a new ballpark plan come to fruition. This year may be the most imperative for the Marlins in years, as several strides have been taken, regardless of the final result.
16. Seattle Mariners (54-51)
Last Week’s Record: 2-5
A bad time for a bad week in Seattle, who are far back and are now going to have to fight hard for a Wild Card berth. A few minor additions at the deadline can make the world’s difference in the Emerald City in August and beyond.
15. Tampa Bay Rays (51-54)
Last Week’s Record: 4-1
Just as Joe Maddon had predicted, the Rays are right back in the race, and now have a fighting chance to go for a playoff berth. There is still plenty of work to do, and their current position bears the question whether trading David Price is the right move, especially if the Rays look to make the postseason in 2014.
14. Kansas City Royals (53-51)
Last Week’s Record: 5-2
It was a strong week for KC. It was one that can help them push for a Wild Card spot in what will be a very crowded race in the American League. Things will not be easy for the Royals from here on out and strong divisional play is certainly the key for the remainder of 2014.
13. New York Yankees (54-50)
Last Week’s Record: 4-3
The Yanks still remain in third place in the A.L. East and they are looking to avoid missing the postseason for two straight years. It is almost expected that the Bronx Bombers will do anything to ensure that they can return to October baseball. Failure to make the playoffs two years in a row may show a lack of front office smarts for Brian Cashman and company, especially after a slew of offseason moves last winter.
12. Pittsburgh Pirates (55-49)
Last Week’s Record: 3-3
Pittsburgh is still very much in a position to dominate for the rest of the year especially with such a young, dominant outfield. Yet in the incredibly competitive NL Central, playing above .500 ball from here on out is almost necessary in the Steel City.
11. Toronto Blue Jays (56-50)
Last Week’s Record: 5-2
A great week north of the border pushes the Jays back into 2nd place. Shall the strong play continue, they may very well find themselves in the playoffs for the first time since 1993. A few minor trade deadline moves can’t harm the Blue Jays and perhaps some bullpen additions can work wonders for Toronto.