MLB Power Rankings: Spring Training Edition
By Corey Adams
The push toward October begins today.
It’s the day clubhouses are filled, bonds are created and jersey numbers in the nineties are stitched. While Clayton Kershaw is dusting off his curveball in the desert, Yoenis Cespedes is rolling up in new whips on the banks of Port St. Lucie. It’s all happening at once – storylines from coast-to-coast – which leaves us diehards sneakily watching games at our desks.
It’s Spring Training, and boy is it a tease.
Everyone is in the ‘best shape of their lives’ (except Pablo Sandoval). It’s a season of way too early World Series predictions and overreacting to every Ryan Howard home run. But it’s fun for everyone. From this point forward, baseball will be played every single day until July 11.
“People who write about spring training not being necessary have never tried to throw a baseball.” – Sandy Koufax
Are you ready?
It’s time to roll out the debut edition of MLB Power Rankings. The list will be updated every so often throughout Spring Training, but once regular season play begins, new ranks will publish each Monday at Call to the Pen.
There isn’t a method to my madness, no formula which spits out numbers or projections. Our criteria is based on roster talent, potential, and 2015 statistical analysis. Our goal isn’t to provide predictions of the final 2016 standings. For example, the Cardinals are ranked 11th, but they’ll be a top 10 team, because history says so.
It’s simply a record of how each club is equipped entering the spring based on the factors above plus offseason transactions. Fair warning: you will be upset at some point this season because you believe your team is ranked too low. All comments are welcomed in the section below, so fire away.
Next: 30-26: Phillies bring up the rear