MLB Power Rankings Week 5

Overview

-A great week in baseball that saw the No.1 and No.2 Prospects (Bryce Harper and Mike Trout) get the Big Call to the Majors. Both players made their 2012 Debut Saturday, with Bryce Harper collecting his 1st hit on a double to CF, and later collecting his first RBI on a Sac Fly in the 9th. The bigger story though, is Dodgers CF Matt Kemp who hit a walk off HR in the 10th Saturday to give him 11 HR's on the year. Kemp is the Triple Crown leader with a .425 BA, 24 RBI's , and 11 HR's. In the American League the Rays had a great week winning 6 of their last 7 and taking the 3 game series in Arlington. A great week of baseball that showed us a glimpse of what the future of baseball holds.

By the Numbers:

20: Game Hitting streak by Giants 3B Pablo Sandoval to start the season. The streak set the franchise record, but was snapped Saturday against the Padres.

14: Strikeouts Saturday by Marlins SP Anibal Sanchez. Although Sanchez walked away with a ND

.90: Earned Run Average this season by Diamondbacks SP Joe Saunders.

9: Earned Runs by White Sox SP Phillip Humber Thursday against the Red Sox. Humber threw a perfect game last Saturday against the Mariners.

Power Rankings:

1.) Tampa Bay Rays (14-8)
-The Rays have been scorching hot this week winning 9 of their last 11 games, including taking the 3 game series against the Rangers this weekend. David Price has been stellar in his last 2 starts (2-0 17 1/3 IP 2 ER). Thanks to the hot streak the Rays have risen to the top of the AL East, and only 2 games back of the Rangers in the American League. The Rays may be one of the most underrated teams in baseball and if rookie SP Matt Moore can get it going, they could emerge as the best team in the American League.
2.) Texas Rangers (16-6)
-It may come to a surprise to some people that I have the Rangers in the No.2 spot behind the Rays. I give the Rays the slight edge just based on them taking the 3 game series in Arlington. The Rangers are still an Elite team and are getting even scarier with Yu Darvish finally settling into the majors and using his pitches. The biggest concern for the Rangers is Josh Hamilton leaving Sundays game with back stiffness, he is listed as Day to Day, but it is just proof of his inability to stay healthy. If Hamilton and the rest of the Rangers are healthy, they are still the No.1 or No.2 team in the American League.
3.) Los Angeles Dodgers (16-6):
-This may be the biggest surprise early on in the season, as the Dodgers hit 16-6 this type of success is simply insane. The man who should have been the MVP in 2011 Matt Kemp simply punished the ball in April smashing 11 Bombs to go along with 24 RBI's and a 4.25 BA. Fellow slugger Andre Ethier has found his own power stroke connecting with 5 HR's and 24 RBI's of his own. Ethier and Kemp have been the Dodgers offense, and as long as they keep raking, they will stay atop the National League.
4.) St. Louis Cardinals (14-8):
-The Defending World Series Champions have carried over their playoff success into the regular season. Even with Albert Pujols (now in LA) long gone and Chris Carpenter (shoulder) on the DL, the team has continued to play well. World Series MVP David Freese looks like a star with a .333 BA, 5 HR's and 20 RBI's. Adam Wainwright who missed all of 2011 still is trying to regain the magic. The real Ace of April for the Cardinals is Kyle Lohse who breezed through batters in route to a 4-0 record to go along with a 1.62 ERA and an even more impressive .84 WHIP. The Cardinals were the best team in baseball last year, and they are playing like it again in 2012.
5.) Atlanta Braves (14-8):
-After an 0-4 to start the season, the Braves have been scorching hot ever since. The offense has been solid with CF Michael Bourn hitting .344, RF Jason Heyward proving 2011 was just a sophomore slump, and 1B Freddie Freeman proving that the sophomore slump can't stop him. The rotation has also been excellent as Tommy Hanson has a 3.00 ERA, Brandon Beachy with a 1.05 ERA, and flame throwing Closer Craig Kimbrel leading the Majors in Saves (8). Things will only get better for the Braves as Tim Hudson came back on Sunday, and young guys like Julio Teheran ready at any moment for the call. There is no question the Braves are the best team in the NL East at this point.
6.) Washington Nationals (14-8):
-Another breakout team in 2012, and while many predicted the Nationals would be successful I'm not sure many had them doing it this quickly. Their rotation has been phenomenal with Stephen Strasburg (1.13 ERA 34 K's), Gio Gonzalez (1.82 ERA 34 K's), and Jordan Zimmerman (1.33 ERA) simply blowing through every batter they have faced. What makes it even crazier is the fact that the offense is struggling to provide run support for the trio. The solution, the Nationals hope it is super prospect Bryce Harper who not only will put fans in the seats but should give them a spark in the lineup.
7.) Baltimore Orioles (14-8):

-Raise your hand if you guessed the Orioles would be 14-8 to start the season, OK, keep your hand up if you thought they would be tied for 1st in their division. Nobody. The Orioles have been the biggest surprise so far in 2012 as they continue to find ways to win. C Matt Weiters and CF Adam Jones have been catalysts on offense, with little regarded Jason Hammel leading the team in ERA (1.73), Wins (3-0), and K's (25). I don' think the Orioles can keep the hot streak alive, but this will just build momentum for this young team.

8.) New York Yankees (12-9):

-The Bronx Bombers have been just that so far this year. Derek Jeter discovered the Fountain of Youth, hitting .396 on the year, to go along with a .440 OBP. Meanwhile Curtis Granderson is proving 2011 was not a fluke, as he has already blasted 8 HR's on the season, proving his new swing is where the power surge came from. What continues to hold the Yankees back is their rotation, C.C Sabathia has a 4.58 ERA, Hiroki Kuroda leads the team with a 4.38 ERA and that represents the better half of the Yankees rotation. The Yankees hoped Michael Pineda could come in and give them a boost, but he is still fighting to come back from shoulder discomfort.

9.) San Francisco Giants (12-10):
-After starting the season out being swept by the D-Backs and losing "The Beard' Brian Wilson only a week later the Giants have done a fine job bouncing back. 22 year old LHP Madison Bumgarner is 4-1 with a 2.53 ERA, Matt Cain has also been stellar with a 2.37 ERA, but the real story has been Barry Zito. After nearly losing his job in Spring Training Zito has found the Fountain of Youth with a 1.67 ERA through 4 starts.. The Giants offense isn't good but it is better then last year and if the team can continue to battle, they should be a playoff team.
10.) Detroit Tigers (11-11):
-After signing Prince Fielder few people didn't have the Tigers at the top of the American League, but 5 Weeks in the Tigers have been nothing short of a disappointment. Fielder and Miguel Cabrera have combined for 10 HR's and 31 RBI's (7 HR's and 20 RBI's from Miggy), while the rest of the Tigers offense has struggled to get anything going. Justin Verlander has been an Ace as always and rookie Drew Smyly leads the team with a 1.23 ERA. The duo of Miggy and Prince is the best in the NL, but if the Tigers want to be at the top they are going to need more of a team effort consistently.



11.) Cleveland Indians (11-9):
-The Indians have managed to play great baseball, despite not hitting well or pitching well. Maybe it is the easy schedule they have faced thus far (White Sox, Royals, Mariners, A's,  Royals, Angels) or maybe it is just great team baseball. What the Indians have had go their way is lack of injuries, and poor defense by their opponents. The Indians will count their blessings and continue to play hard, even if it can't be kept up the entire season.
12.) Toronto Blue Jays (12-10):
-The Blue Jays have yet to get the production they have hoped for in 2012 from 2010 and 2011 HR Champ Jose Bautista and young 3B Brett Lawrie. Both players have struggled to find their power early on but should find their power stroke shortly. The biggest surprise on offense is Edwin Encarnacion who is hitting .310 with 7 HR's and 20 RBI's in April. The rotation has been good, but not great, and the bullpen is waiting for Sergio Santos to return. The fate of this team is on JoeyBats and Lawrie, and if they can get it going the Jays can contend in the AL East.
13.) Cincinnati Reds (11-11):
-The Reds are heating up winning 3 of their last series (Cubs, Astros, Giants) as they head into another 3 game series against the Cubs. Johnny Cueto has simply been dominant registering a 1.39 ERA to go along with 22 K's. The incredible thing is that Joey Votto hasn't started heating up yet, and Mat Latos has struggled early on in the year. With the Brewers struggling the Reds have a great chance to be the No.2 team in the Central and get closer to the Cardinals.
14.)  New York Mets (13-9):
-A 13-9 start is something no one was expecting before the year for the Mets. Johan Santana has been brilliant (2.25 ERA 29 K's) and David Wright is hitting .397 on the year. The rest of New Yorks rotation has been reliable with Jon Niese, R.A Dickey, and Mike Pelfrey all pitching well. The absence of Jose Reyes has been evident, but Ruben Tejada has still done a fine job doing what he can to hold down the position. I don't know if the Mets can keep playing like this, but if they do the playoffs aren't out of the question.
15.) Boston Red Sox (10-11):
-After an atrocious 4-10 start to the season, the Red Sox have found their groove winning 6 of their last 6 games. Thanks to Jon Lester getting his control back, and the emergence of Cody Ross, the Red Sox are slowly pushing their way back in the AL East. The bad news for the Red Sox, Carl Crawford is now dealing with elbow soreness and it is now unclear when he can come back.
16.) Arizona Diamondbacks (11-11):
-The Diamondbacks have dealt with several bumps along the road coming off their breakout season in 2011, young SP Daniel Hudson is on the DL with a shoulder injury, and slugger Chris Young will miss the next 4 weeks with a partially torn shoulder ligament. Justin Upton is starting to get hot after missing the first few games with a nagging thumb injury, and Joe Saunders has shocked the whorl with a remarkable .90 ERA. The Diamondbacks are a great team, and should get back into the NL West once Hudson, Young and Stephen Drew return.
17.) Chicago White Sox (11-11):
-I give credit where credit is due, the White Sox have surpassed my expectations thus far. Paul Konerko looks great (.383 BA 5 HR's 15 RBI's). Gavin FLoyd has been solid for the White Sox posting a 3.13 ERA early in the year, and Phillip Humber pitched a perfect game last Saturday vs. the Mariners. It may not be a playoff caliber season for the White Sox, but they should remain near .500 all year long.
18.) Seattle Mariners (11-12):
-The Mariners started off the week hot sweeping the Tigers in the Bronx, and following it up with a Game 1 win against the Blue Jays in Toronto. But after 2 straight losses including a 0-7 Shutout Sunday, the Mariners are right back to below .500. Fortunately for the Mariners, King Felix is back to being dominant giving up only 3 ER in his last 22 Innings Pitched. The Mariners are headed for a bright future with Dustin Ackley, Jesus Montero and Felix, but the future isn't right now.
19.) Oakland Athletics (11-12):
-A's fans haven't had a whole lot to smile about this year. It started with the team opening up Overseas in Japan, and continued with the teams slow start back in state. There is one bright spot for the Athletics and that is young Cuban CF Yoenis Cespedes bursting onto the scene with 5 HR's and 4 SB's. The rest of the A's offense, well it resembles that of their AAA affiliate the Sacramento Rivercats. It is going to be a long season for A's fans, as their hope relies upon Cespedes, and a ballpark they hope will be built one day.
20.) Colorado Rockies (10-11):
-The Rockies came into the season hoping guys like Marco Scutaro, Ramon Hernandez, and Michael Cuddyer could team with Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki to form one of the best offenses in baseball. The plan worked as the Rockies have raked driving in 102 Runs to match a .263 BA. The pitching has fell short as Jhoulys Chacin, Jeremy Guthrie, and Drew Pomeranz have failed to register a sub 5.0 ERA. The Rockies will get Jorge De La Rosa back in June, but it appears the Rockies don't have enough quality pitching to contend in the West.
21.) Philadelphia Phillies (10-12):
-The Phillies haven't been able to get it going early on this season, but that has more to do with injuries then the team as a whole. Cliff Lee, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard are all on the DL, with Utley and Howard not expected back until later in the year.  It is a characteristically slow start for the Phillies, but as long as their guys come back healthy they should still be close to the team of old.
22.) Milwaukee Brewers (10-12):
-After seeing Prince Fielder leave in Free Agency, the Brewers have struggled to get anything going. 2011 MVP Ryan Braun isn't as dominant this year with a .263 BA and 11 RBI's. The biggest problem for the Brewers is their pitching. Yovanni Gallardo  (6.08 ERA),  Shaun Marcum (4.13 ERA),  and Zack Greinke (3.94 ERA) have all struggled early on in the year. It is early and the Brewers still have the fire power to get it going, but the Brewers rotation has to get it back in gear.
23.) Pittsburgh Pirates (9-12):
-Who would have guessed that it would be the Pirates pitching that is the strength of the team. A.J Burnett came off the DL and was dominant in 2 starts (1.38 ERA, 15 K's) and Erik Bedard has also been solid with a 2.48 ERA. The problem has been the offense who rank last in Runs (46), and just can't seem to hit a baseball. The biggest reason for the Pirates struggles is star CF Andrew McCutchen who has yet to hit a HR this year, but as of late has started to make better contact. The Pirates won't be in contention this year but if the rotation continues to pitch well, they will have some great chips at the Trade Deadline.
24.) Chicago Cubs (8-14):
-The Cubs flat out can't hit the baseball, aside from young star SS Starlin Castro (.326 BA) the Cubbies lineup lacks anything close to potent. The Cubs rank 25th in Runs (73), 24th in BA (.237) OBP (.295) and 28th in Slugging % (.332).  The Cubs are coming off a series win against the Cardinals and a chance to take the 4 game series against the Phillies. it would be a great start for a Cubs team that really needs to build some momentum.
25.) Los Angeles Angels (7-15):
-While the Marlins fell flat on their face, the Angels fell on their face got up and fell on their face again. Albert Pujols didn't hit a single HR in April, and only has RBI's on the year. The OF has gotten little production across the board which brought on the call up of No.1 prospect Mike Trout. The rotation is solid and if the Angels offense can get it going, they can start to climb back into relevance.
26.) Miami Marlins (8-13):
-After al the hype that surrounded this team coming into the season, they have fell flat on their face. Their offense was considered lethal but thanks to slow starts by Giancarlo Stanton, Logan Morrison, Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes they just can't produce runs for their pitching. There is a solution for the Marlins, first they have to get their hitting going again, and they have to bring in the walls at their stadium. The hitting will come back, but the walls will have to be fixed in the off season.
27.) Houston Astros (8-14):
-Give credit to the Astros, they have managed to boast an average offense to match their middle of the road pitching. Unfortunately, it just hasn't been enough to overcome some of the great teams they have faced (Nationals, Reds, Braves, Dodgers). The future for the Astros is there, but the present is bleak to say the least.
28.) San Diego Padres (7-16):
-After trading Mat Latos in the off season the Padres have still done a nice job with their pitching. 27 Year old LHP Cory Luebke is 3-1 with a 2.61 ERA and the Padres bullpen is solid as always with new Closer Huston Street. Despite the additions of Carlos Quentin and Yonder Alonso however, the offense continues to struggle. Coming off a series loss to the rival Giants, the Padres now head back home to take on the struggling Brewers in a 3 game series.
29.) Minnesota Twins (6-15):
-After a dismal 2011 season the Twins haven't done anything to change their fortune this year. While Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer have been healthy the team continues to struggle. The lone source of offense is LF Josh Willingham who is hitting .353 with 5 HR's and 15 RBI's. As for the pitching, there is none as the Twins rank last in nearly every category.
30.) Kansas City Royals (6-15):
-Despite young stars like 3B Mike Moustakas and 1B Eric Hosmer, they just can't seem to produce runs (21st in MLB). It's not like that matters as their pitching ranks near the bottom of the league in ERA (4.43), Quality Starts (7), and WHIP (1.44). The injuries to Salvador Perez and Joakim Soria have hurt, but this team just can't produce.