Monday Power Rankings

If you've ever read this blog before you would know it never really had a schedule, and when it did have a schedule I didn't quite adhere to it too well. Anyways, I think power rankings are a good way to start the week so I'll do that now.

1. Rays- They're still a game back of the Yankees in the division, but the Yankees just put Arod on the DL, Vazquez is throwing about 84 mph, Pettitte won't be back until at least mid-September, and Ivan Nova is making his first career start today. Meanwhile, the Rays have won 7 of the last 10 and are getting Wade Davis and Jeff Nieman back. They're doing so well in fact that they have the luxury of sending down Hellickson and his 3-0 2.05 ERA down to the minors to work on becomming a reliever for September and the postseason.

2. Yankees- Even with what I said above, the Yankees still have the best record in the league, and would need to go on an extended slump to fall below this spot.

3. Twins- They only have the 5th best record in baseball, but have the 3rd best in Varsity, have won 8 of the last 10, and 4 games this week. Joe Mauer won't win the MVP award again this year but he's playing like one recently. On July 24th, Mauer had a .295/.365./.435 line, since then he's gone .470/.557/.699 with 3 homers and 23 RBI in 23 games, of which the Twins have won 18.

4. Red Sox- Even with all the injuries, they are still 17 games above .500 in the toughest division in sports.

5. Padres- They've been good all year equally at home and away. They went 5-2 this week and when you look at how they finished last year, this shouldn't be as big a surprise as it seems. Juggling Mat Latos for the rest of the year and postseason may be difficult, but for now they're a comfortable 6 games up in the division.

6. Braves- They have the 3rd best ERA in baseball, the 4th best run differential, and just acquired Derek Lee. The Phillies have been good of late too, but the Braves have been atop all year and deserve this spot.

7. Rangers- They didn't have a great week but I just can't put 3 NL teams above them. Cliff Lee won't have another dud again.

8. Reds- I still think the Cardinals are a better team, but they've been kind of dece lately while the Reds have gone on a little roll, albeit against bad teams but still. It's the NL Central they can easily win it, but I'm still not sold.

9. Phillies- They've treaded water all year with injuries and now Rollins is starting to hit, Utley is back, Howard is back, and their 3 headed rotation is ready to take off. I still think the Braves hold on, but the Phillies should make it interesting.

10. Cardinals- This may be too high, but Garcia just pitched a shutout, Pujols has been on fire, and I just got a feeling they're better than they've played.

Best of the Rest
11. White Sox- How's Mark Kotsay doing, cause Jim Thome is kinda sick.
12. Blue Jays- Underratedly good, wanted to rank them higher but didn't have the balls.
13. Giants- Is Lincecum hurt? If so, why is he pitching?
14. Rockies- Down year but could re-load and win the division next year.
15. Marlins- Ricky Nolasco has a torn knee, and he's not going on the DL? Sounds 'fishy' to me!
16. A's- Great pitching all year, I can't name 3 hitters though.
17. Angels- Down year although has to be somewhat expected.
18. Dodgers- They're really going to regret giving up what they did for Dotel.
19. Tigers- Cabrera MVP if Tigers finish above .500?
20. Mets- Can't say they've been better or worse than expected, around .500 all year sounds right
21. Brewers- Is McGehee for real?
22. Astros- Finally started the rebuilding plan, it'll be a rough couple years but maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel, or Carlos Lee's blubber.
23. Nats- Pitcher and forearm injury are never a good sign, crossing fingers it's not serious
24. Cubs- Paid less than $2m of Lee's salary and got some promising pitchers back from the Braves, nice work.
25. Royals- Betancourt better than we thought?
26. Indians-Injuries on an already bad roster not a good sign, but they are young and could show signs of goodness next year.
27. Diamondbacks-Kelly Johnson great find, now who will overpay for him this offseason?
28. Orioles- Been great since Buck started managing, but still a rough year.
29. Mariners- Every year that they disappoint they have a surprising year, so look out for them in 2011 and in 2012 to be overrated.
30. Pirates- They are really bad, as usual. However Macdonald and Lambo was a sick brag for Dotel.