MLB Power Rankings: Week One proves unpredictable
By David Hill
90. It is easy to point the finger at Trevor Rosenthal for how bad the Nationals bullpen has been. Yes, every one of the seven batters he faced this year reached base and later scored. However, he is not the only culprit, as Tony Sipp, Matt Grace, and Wander Suero have also been disasters. Craig Kimbrel has to be looking pretty good right about now.. . Previous: . Washington Nationals. 15. team
San Diego Padres. 14. team. 127. The kids certainly look like they belong. Fernando Tatis Jr. is making Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado look good for lobbying for his inclusion on the Opening Day roster, showing solid defense and not looking overmatched at the plate. Chris Paddack has been the phenom the Padres hoped for, even though his command is still a little off. Excitement is building in San Diego.. . Previous:
33. Will the real Miles Mikolas stand up? Last year, he was a Cy Young candidate, earning a four year extension and looking like a top of the rotation starter. This year, he looks like the pitcher he was before going to Japan. Alex Reyes has already been sent back to the minors, as he is potentially turning into a bust instead of the next great Cardinals pitcher.. . Previous: . St. Louis Cardinals. 13. team
17. Kevin Gausman impressed in his first outing of the year, bouncing back from consecutive walks to begin his appearance to fire seven shutout innings with seven strikeouts. However, the big story from the first week is Dansby Swanson, who may finally be emerging as the breakout star of the year. It is early, but he is starting to look like that top prospect from two years ago.. . Previous: . Atlanta Braves. 12. team
. Previous: . Houston Astros. 11. team. 135. Heading into Sunday’s action, the Astros ranked fourth in the AL in batting average, sixth in on base percentage and slugging, and 14th in runs scored. Astros pitchers had held up their end of the bargain, as their 2.49 ERA ranked third in the AL. However, an early season slate involving the impressive Rays and a solid Rangers team did not help the Astros get off to a strong start.