MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers climb to the congested top

Boston Red Sox. 21. team. 14. New pitching coach Carl Willis has been a breath of fresh air for a Red Sox pitching staff that needed some sort of jolt. Since taking over the reins on May 9th, Sox pitchers have given up an average of 3.63 runs per game. That’s a far cry below the 5.13 they were surrendering before that.. . Previous: +2nd

62. The Mariners finally made a move this week to address their anemic catching situation, acquiring Welington Castillo from the Cubs. As an offensive catcher, the hope is Castillo can give the Mariners one less dead spot in the line-up. Now if only he could take the ball every fifth day.. . Previous: . Seattle Mariners. 22. team

23. team. 126. Nick Martinez has been a rock for the Rangers staff thus far, throwing six quality starts and a sparkling 1.88 ERA. However, one has to wonder how long he can keep it up. His peripherals stats (4.69 K/9 ratio, 4.93 xFIP, 4.89 SIERA) would indicate that he’s due to regress back to the mean a bit, but the Rangers will ride it as long as possible.. . Previous: +1st. Texas Rangers

team. 82. The Marlins made an interesting choice this week, not only in firing manager Mike Redmond, but in having GM Dan Jennings step into the manager’s seat. The move smells of management (i.e. Loria) wanting more control in the on-field operations, but it doesn’t bode well for a team needing a long-term voice.. . Previous: +7th. Miami Marlins. 24

Previous: -5th. Arizona Diamondbacks. 25. team. 8. Think the Red Sox would want to take back that Wade Miley trade? Rubby De La Rosa has seemingly started to find himself in the Arizona desert. While the 4.08 ERA isn’t fantastic, the peripherals 45% ground-ball rate and the 3.92 K/BB ratio indicate a pitcher who is ready to take a big step forward. .