MLB Power Rankings: Tigers cling to top spot as Dodgers make their move

team. 14. Boston took a bit of control of a seemingly very weak AL East division this week and as expected, they know how to score runs. The additions of Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez have looked good, although I’m sure Boston is overpaying a bit for a .306 slugging mark from Panda. Which pitcher is going to step up and take control of this rotation?. . Previous: -1th. Boston Red Sox. 6

. Previous: +3rd. San Diego Padres. 7. team. 127. A.J. Preller’s tinkering with the offense has proven to pay positive dividends, with the Padres ranking third in both runs scored and run differential. Even those questioning whether Matt Kemp had enough left in the tank have seemingly been answered. The Padres also have to be quite happy with how Odrisamer Despaigne has stepped into the rotation for Ian Kennedy.

team. 90. At this point, the only thing keeping Ian Desmond at shortstop is his bat, but eventually his fielding (8 errors) could push him off the position, especially with a better option in house in Yunel Escobar. In fact, of the impending free agents for the Nats, only Doug Fister is showing his worth to the team. . . Previous: -5th. Washington Nationals. 8

Previous: +6th. Atlanta Braves. 9. team. 17. The Braves came back down to Earth a bit this week, but they’re still showing a lot more than expected. In particular, not many gave them much credit in terms of their offense. Nick Markakis has proven to be a valuable add and the new approach to limiting strike-outs has been a huge plus for the Braves. Oh, and Shelby Miller has been downright filthy, but has to find a way to pitch deeper into games if he’s going to become the ace many see him becoming..

10. team. 11. Baltimore is somewhat of an odd team at this point. Adam Jones has been outstanding, but the rest of the heart of the order is seemingly lost. The revitalization of Ubaldo Jimenez has been a godsend, as have the early performances of Wei-Yin Chen and Miguel Gonzalez. However, Chris Tillman and Bud Norris have been atrocious and the O’s may need to look for another rotation option.. . Previous: +1st. Baltimore Orioles