MLB Power Rankings: The Elite Further Distance Themselves
By David Hill
On Sunday, Jerad Eickhoff finally looked like the pitcher the Phillies hoped he would be this season. If the youth movement is going to succeed, Eickhoff will need to develop into a top of the rotation starter. Otherwise, the Phillies may take even longer to contend than they expect.. . Previous: 30th. Philadelphia Phillies. 30. team. 6
team. 127. Maybe the Padres are not the most talented team out there, but they are going to battle until the final out. Taking two of three from Cleveland may not matter this season, but it can give the young Padres a dose of confidence as they continue the rebuild.. . Previous: 29th. San Diego Padres. 29
San Francisco Giants. 28. team. 40. In some ways, the Giants may be in the worst spot of any of the teams in the basement. Not only did they expect to contend, but their trade chips are not considered all that valuable around the league. San Francisco may need to pin their hopes on improved health and Madison Bumgarner for 2018.. . Previous: 28th
Previous: 27th. Oakland Athletics. 27. team. 96. If the Oakland Athletics make the right moves, their rebuild could get a huge boost this month. Players like Sonny Gray, Jed Lowrie, Sean Doolittle, and Yonder Alonso could bring significant returns in the trade market, helping to spur Oakland forward..
Toronto Blue Jays. 26. team. 39. Speaking of disappointment, we have the Blue Jays. At this point, it is time to dismantle the roster, sending pitchers Marco Estrada and Francisco Liriano elsewhere. And if they can find someone to take the animated remains of Troy Tulowitzki off their hands, so much the better.. . Previous: 25th