MLB Power Rankings: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
David Hill
Jun 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger (35) hits a solo home run against the New York Mets during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger (35) hits a solo home run against the New York Mets during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past week, several teams had a chance to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the division. Those failures had an impact upon this week’s edition of the MLB power rankings.
Heading into this week, there was an opportunity for several teams to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the division. The Cleveland Indians were set to face the reeling Minnesota Twins, who they annihilated the previous weekend. This time, the Twins got their revenge, sweeping the three game set and retaking the division. In doing so, the streaking Kansas City Royals also pulled ever closer in the Central, as they finally got to the .500 mark.
Staying with the Central, over in the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers had a chance to put some distance between themselves and the Chicago Cubs. As the Brew Crew were set to face the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves, it was a great chance to gain some momentum and increase their lead. Instead, they struggled, going 3-4 in the week to fall back to the pack.
The Tampa Bay Rays were another team to miss their chance this week. Facing a Baltimore Orioles team that was unable to get anyone out, they lost two of three in the series. However, as the Red Sox and Yankees both lost two in a row to end the week, the Rays did not lose any ground.
How much did these missed opportunities impact this week’s MLB power rankings? Let us find out.
Jun 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt (21) celebrates scoring against the New York Yankees in the second inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez (31) throws a pitch to a Boston Red Sox batter in the eighth inning during a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Jorge Bonifacio (38) celebrates with teammate Eric Hosmer (35) after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Chris Gimenez (38) is congratulated by his team after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Indians in the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Eric Thames (7) celebrates after hitting a two-run homer in the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) celebrates with right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) after he hits a two run home run in the first inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
David Hill
Obsessed with 1880's base ball, peculiar moustaches, and craft beer. Somehow, I am allowed to make my thoughts public.
