MLB Power Rankings Week 6

Overview:

-It was another great week of baseball this week in which history was made and several 2011 All Stars went down with some serious injuries. First off is Angels SP Jered Weaver who became the 10th Angels player to throw a no hitter in the team's history. It took Weaver 121 Pitches to do so as he struck out 9 Twins and only walking one as part of the Angels 9-0 victory. Just up north in San Francisco Giants slugging 3B Pablo Sandoval found out he had broken the hamate bone in his left hand. Sandoval broke the same bone last year in his right hand and missed 6 weeks which is the expected time table for this injury. Fellow 3B Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays will be out even longer with a partially torn hamstring. Longoria suffered the injury Monday Night while trying to steal Second Base. The biggest injury news though had to be the Yankees loss of Mariano Rivera who went down with a torn ACL during warm ups. It was a hectic week around baseball, with Weavers no-no and the Rays and Giants losing their All Stars, but it still managed to be a exciting week. 

By the Numbers:

7: RBI's by Cardinals OF Carlos Beltran in the teams 12-3 Win against the Pirates on Wednesday

110: At Bats as an Angel before Albert Pujols finally hit a HR. A Major League record for a player with more then 400 Career HR's

97: Pitches thrown by Blue Jays SP Henderson Alvarez in his Complete Game Shutout of the Angels. The 1st of his career. 

1: HR's this season by Angels 1B Albert Pujols. He finally hit one Sunday against the Blue Jays. He is still hitting .196 on the year with 7 RBI's.

5: Wins this season by Giants SP Madison Bumgarner. He didn't have 5 Wins until July 19th last year.

Power Rankings:


1.) Washington Nationals (18-10):
-The Nationals take the No.1 spot in the Week 6 Power Rankings even after getting handled in their 3-9 loss to the Phillies at home. The story for the Nationals though has become 19 year old phenom Bryce Harper who has already set the Majors ablaze. Harper has showed all the tools of a future MVP, he has shown off his rocket arm throwing home both which should have been outs. Harper also has shown off his baseball IQ with smart base running and situational awareness. With the Nats offense continuing to struggle Harper may have found a play to stay in the Majors.
2.) Tampa Bay Rays (19-10):
-You would have thought the devastating loss of Evan Longoria would have crippled this team but they just keep on pressing, that was until Matt Moore and Joel Peralta crushed the teams momentum as they lost a 3 game series to the A's. Rookie Matt Moore hasn't lived up to expectations this year with a 5.71 ERA and a 1-2 record. Despite his struggles and the absence of Longoria the Rays should continue to play like the best team in baseball.
3.) Baltimore Orioles (19-9):
-The Orioles easily have to be the biggest surprise so far early in the 2012 season. A team everyone expected to finish last in the AL East, is not only first in the East, but first in all of baseball. The team has been solid throughout with the offense getting contributions from everyone in the lineup with guys like Matt Weiters, Adam Jones, and even Mark Reynolds. As for their pitching, well it has been great to as Jason Hammel, Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta have been pitching well as of late. The team is now coming off a 3 game sweep in Boston, and now head back home for a 4 game series against the red hot Rays. It will be a true test to determine if this Orioles team is legit or just a flash in the pan.
4.) Los Angeles Dodgers (18-10):
-The Dodgers drop a bit in my Power Rankings after blowing their win Sunday against the Cubs. The Blown Save was the 3rd by Javy Guerra this season, and it appears he may be close to losing the job to Strikeout Master Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers have made it here so far thanks to crazy numbers from Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, but it appears the hot start has faded a bit. As the Dodgers head back home for a crucial 3 game series against the Giants, it will be a true test to determine who is the best team in the NL West.
5.) Texas Rangers (18-10):
-The Rangers are your typical story of the team that could hit well and had great pitching but has just run into some bad luck. After dropping the series to the Rays last Sunday, the Rangers stumbled in their next 6 games losing 4. Coming off a trio of series losses to the Rays, Blue Jays, and Indians, the Rangers just look forward to taking out their frustrations on the team with the best record in baseball. It will be the ultimate test for both the Rangers and the Orioles and will show who is the best team in the American League.
6.) Atlanta Braves (18-11):
-The Braves played decently this week going 4-3. The week started with losing 2 of 3 to the Phillies at home, but they went back on the road and got things going again in Colorado. The Braves swept the 3 game series thanks to an offensive explosion that saw them score no less then 7 runs in the 3 game series. The performance vaulted them to the top of the Majors in runs scored and much of that credit has to go to Freddie Freeman and the old wonder Chipper Jones. The corner infielders have been the balance of youth and experience combined for 14 RBI's in the 3 game span (Chipper did not play Sunday). The Braves are definitely for real and have to be licking their chops as they head to Chicago to take on the Cubs.
7.) St. Louis Cardinals (17-11):
-Your 2011 World Series Champions are simply firing on all cylinders right now and are showing that they may be better off without Albert Pujols, ok well I won't go that far. Never the less the offense is going full force right now with guys like Jon Jay leading the team with a 3.92 BA, RF Carlos Beltran atop the team leader board with 7 HR's, and David Freese doing it all with 24 RBI's. It has truly been a team effort and we haven't even got to the pitching yet. Lance Lynn has simply been a monster registering a stellar 1.6 ERA to match with his 5-0 record.  He isn't the only Cardinals pitcher contributing as Kyle Lohse also has a 2.11 ERA along with an equally impressive 4-1 record. The Cardinals appear to be one of the best teams in baseball, and have a great shot at defending their title.
8.) Cleveland Indians (15-11):
-Remember last season when the Indians were playing great baseball in the 1st half of the season, then cooled down in the 2nd half, well it's happening again. The Indians stand atop the AL Central at 15-11, and have won their past 3 series against the Angels, White Sox, and Rangers. While their pitching hasn't been stellar they have gotten contributions from Asdrubal Cabrera, Jason Kipnis, and Jack Hannahan. The Indians are still waiting on Carlos Santana to start finding his power stroke, but they still have to be happy with the direction they are header.
9.) Toronto Blue Jays (16-13):
-The team up north has hit some early bumps in this 2012 season. Jose Bautista still isn't hitting above .200 and Brett Lawrie hasn't seen his hot start to end the 2011 season carry over into this year. While the Jays offense continues to struggle, their pitching has surprisingly been effective. Most recently 22 year old righty Henderson Alvarez threw a Complete Game Shutout, and Brandon Morrow leads the team with a 2.38 ERA. The Jays are a team with a lot of potential if their pitching can keep it up, because we all know at some point this Jays offense will have a breakout game.
10.) New York Yankees (15-13):
-The Yankees didn't have the greatest week going 3-4 despite some nice performances by their hitters. AFter a 3 game series loss to the Orioles at home, the Bronx Bombers went out to Kansas City hoping to turn things around in a 4 game series. Instead, they walked out of KC with a series split and some devastating news on top of that. Their closer for the first time in nearly 20 years. Rivera tore the ACL in his knee after taking fly balls during warm ups as he has done throughout his career. It is a devastating blow not just for the Yankees bullpen, but for their clubhouse as well. The road ahead will be a long one for the Yankees, as they hope David Robertson can do enough to fill the void.

NFC West Draft Grades

San Francisco 49ers


Draft Recap:
1 (30): A.J Jenkins WR, Illinois
2 (61): LaMichael James RB, Oregon
4 (117): Joe Looney G, Wake Forest
5 (165): Darius Fleming OLB, Notre Dame
6 (180): Trent Robinson FS, Michigan State
6 (199): Jason Slowey C, Western Oregon
7 (237): Cam Johnson OLB, Virginia


Impact Rookie: LaMichael James RB, Oregon
-The 49ers went with the play maker at 61st Overall and it was a steal for their offense. James reminds most people of Saints RB Darren Sproles thanks to his size (5'8) and game changing speed (4.45). He uses his incredible speed and elusiveness to avoid tackles and turn a small dump of pass into a 60 Yard TD. While the 49ers are stacked at RB with Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs, and Kendall Hunter there may not be as many carries for him but he will find opportunities to make plays. The 49ers will likely give him the chance to return kicks and he could come in on passing downs as another speed demon. Due to his speed, James should have a immediate impact as a rookie.
Pick for the Future: Cam Johnson OLB, Virginia
-The 49ers went out with their last pick of the draft to pick up another OLB, Last season the 49ers managed to make it a full season short handed at the position. What they are hoping for is that Cam Johnson can come in as an insurance man at the DE or OLB position while they develop his game. Johnson has nice size but lacks the quick first step you look for in a pass rusher, and struggles to get low. He still struggles against the run, but if the defensive staff can work with Johnson to work on his weaknesses, he can develop into a situational pass rusher.
Questionable Selection: A.J Jenkins WR, Illinois
-I questioned the selection by the 49ers when it happened and I still question it today. While A.J Jenkins is a burner clocking in at a 4.39 40 time to go along with a 38.5 Vertical Jump I don't believe he was the best WR available at the time. Reuben Randle, Stephen Hill were both on the board at 30 and may have been the better WR to take. What Jenkins will bring to the 49ers is a deep threat who Alex Smith can hope to find down the field for the big play. Jenkins doesn't possess the strength or size of Reuben Randle or the upside of Stephen Hill, he could turn into a nice weapon to stretch the field for the 49ers.
Draft Grade: B











St. Louis Rams

Draft Recap:
1 (14): Michael Brockers DT, LSU
2 (33): Brian Quick WR, Appalachian State
2 (39): Janoris Jenkins CB, North Alabama
2 (50): Isaiah Pead RB, Cincinnati
3 (65): Trumaine Johnson CB, Montana
4 (96): Chris Givens WR, Wake Forest
5 (150): Rokevious Watkins OT, South Carolina
6 (171): Greg Zuerlein K, Missouri Western
7 (209): Aaron Brown LB, Hawaii
7 (252): Daryl Richardson RB, Abilene Christian

Impact Rookie: Janoris Jenkins CB, North Alabama 

-Despite being a mid 2nd Round pick thanks to enormous red flags revolving around character concerns, Jenkins was a Top 10 talent in this draft. When he joins Jeff Fisher in St.Louis you can bet there will be a crackdown on his off the field behavior as the team will keep a close microscope on him. What he will do on the field is give the Rams a legitimate CB duo of Jenkins and former Titans CB Cortland Finnegan. The Rams have put together one of the best secondaries in one season.

Pick for the Future: Michael Brockers DT, LSU

-Brockers was a first round pick for the Rams, so it may be a surprise to some that I have him as their pick for the future but consider this. He is being drafted for his enormous upside, which I strongly believe is legitimate. At 6'6 305 lbs Brockers is a force inside, who uses his athleticism to penetrate and create pressure. He is still very raw at the position and has to work on his pass rushing, but the talent is there to be one of the better DT's in the NFL.

Questionable Selection: Brian Quick WR, Appalachian State

-I loved what the Rams did with nearly every selection in this draft, but one of the few problems I had was with the selection of Brian Quick at 33 Overall. Players like Alabama OLB Courtney Upshaw (was my Best Player Available), and even if they wanted to address the WR position LSU WR Reuben Randle was the better WR available. This is not a slight on Quick as I think he has a high ceiling, I just believe Randle or Upshaw would have been the wiser choice/

Draft Grade: A-

Arizona Cardinals

Draft Recap:
1 (13): Michael Floyd WR, Notre Dame
3 (80): Jamell Fleming CB, Oklahoma
4 (112): Bobby Massie OT, Mississippi
5 (151): Senio Kelemte OT, Washington
6 (177): Justin Bethel CB, Presbyterian
6 (185): Ryan Lindley QB, San Diego State
7 (221): Nate Potter OT, Boise State

Impact Rookie: Michael Floyd WR, Notre Dame  

-The Cardinals kept their promise to Larry Fitzgerald at 13 by select Fighting Irish WR Michael FLoyd.The Cardinals have lacked a true No.2 WR since Anquan Boldin from a few years back and now they have their new man in Michael Floyd. Floyd struggled with an alcohol problem in his career at Notre Dame, but his play on the field remained consistent despite inconstant QB play. What Floyd gives the Cardinals is another weapon for Kevin Kolb to throw to with Fitzgerald drawing the double coverage on every play. At 6'3 225 lbs, Floyd will step in right away as the Cardinals No.2 WR and will be an impact player as a rookie.

Pick for the Future: Justin Bethel CB, Presbyterian

-Justin Bethel didn't face the greatest competition at Presbyterian but made an impact that was heard around the scouting world. Bethel blocked an outstanding 9 kicks in four seasons thanks in part to his 60' Vertical Jump he possesses nice size (6'0) and ran a 4.5 40 at his Pro Day. He shows great instincts with the ability to go up and grab the jump ball. He still has work to do when it comes to covering NFL WR's as it will be a big talent jump for him, but until he develops he should step in on Special Teams right away and create pressure on opposing Kickers.

Questionable Selection: Ryan Lindley QB, San Diego State

-This is more of a personal opinion rather then the selection of a QB in the 6th Round. I watched Lindley play 3 times, then once in the Senior Bowl and came away thinking he shouldn't be drafted. His accuracy is below average which is a big problem for QB's in the NF:. He has a big arm but if you can't hit your target that doesn't matter anyways. Lindley doesn't have good instincts and is a strict pocket passer due to his lack of athleticism. In the 6th Round there were plenty of options available that I feel could have offered more upside then Lindley and at a better value.

Draft Grade: B-

Seattle Seahawks

Draft Recap:
1 (15): Bruce Irvin DE, West Virginia
2 (47): Bobby Wagner ILB, Utah State
3 (75): Russell Wilson QB, Wisconsin
4 (106): Robert Turbin RB, Utah State
4 (114): Jaye Howard DT, Florida
5 (154): Korey Toomer ILB, Idaho
6 (172): Jeremy Lane CB, Northwestern State (La.)
6 (181): Winston Guy CB, Kentucky
7 (225): J.R Sweezy DE, North Carolina State
7 (232): Greg Scruggs DE, Louisville

Impact Rookie: Bobby Wagner ILB, Utah State

-Bobby Wagner was one of the more underrated LB's in this draft but what he can do for the Seahawks  is step in as a starter right away and contribute. Wagner is an athletic LB who can play both the ILB and OLB spots. He is fundamentally sound as a tackler, and as the speed to develop into a decent pass rusher. Wagner will start right away for the Seahawks, and be the top rookie performer this year.

Pick for the Future: Russell Wilson QB, Wisconsin 

-I am a believer in Russell Wilson and strongly believe if given a few years to develop he can be a solid NFL Starting QB. Wilson was looked down upon by many scouts and some teams because he stands 6'0 and that's on a good day, but he makes up for that with his athleticism and accuracy. That is no slight on Wilsons' arm as he has shown he can make the throws he needs to. What Wilson will need is just a few years to learn the Seahawks system and develop more as a QB. If after 3 years Matt Flynn doesn't work out Wilson will be ready.

Questionable Selection: Bruce Irvin DE, West Virginia

-The selection of Bruce Irvin with the 15th Overall pick was definitely one of the more sup rising picks for NFL Fans and some individuals inside the NFL. While Irvin was considered to be one of the most talented Pass Rushers in the draft. The problems for Irvin have to do with his smaller size (6'3 245 lbs), the biggest red flag is Irvins' off the field issues, which include an arrest the day after his Pro Day for destruction of property. The talent is there to be great, but at 15 I am not sure the Risk is worth the Reward in the first round.

Draft Grade: C