MLB Power Rankings: Week 21
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.