MLB Power Rankings: Mets, Rockies rise while Braves, White Sox sink
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians
It was either the Jose Ramirez extension or the Steven Kwan magic which has lit a fire under the Cleveland Guardians. Or maybe it was just their usual top-level starting pitching. Whatever it is, the Guardians are looking competitive this year.
The American League Central is incredibly tight right now and it may take more interdivisional games for these five to separate each other. Even though they have a new nickname, Cleveland remains dependent on their pitching for wins. So far, so good.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Minnesota Twins
Carlos Correa hasn’t kicked off an MVP campaign early on for the Minnesota Twins. Quite amazingly, it has been their pitching that has outperformed the hitting.
The American League Central remains up for grabs and a lot of the preseason expectations factor in larger with any power ranking. No team has yet to differentiate itself from the others. In two weeks, maybe we’ll have some better answers. The alternative: everyone remains in a the middle where they are right now.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Colorado Rockies
A huge early surprise is the performance by the Colorado Rockies. They can thank C.J. Cron’s powerful bat for a few of those early victories.
The Rockies make a huge climb up the MLB Power Rankings this week. The schedule may eventually doom them as they have plenty of games left against their tough National League West foes. Enjoy the early success while you can, Rockies fans!
12) MLB Power Rankings: Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox do not have nearly the same level of star power as some other contenders yet they do have a formidable roster capable of winning the division. Young closer Garrett Whitlock looks like the real deal. In what is likely to be the final year of Xander Bogaerts in Boston, the team can’t let their spot in the division slide too much early on.
Of the four teams in the American League East with playoff aspirations, the Red Sox have the most potential to disappoint. There just isn’t enough in the starting rotation, particularly with Chris Sale out, for anyone to get too confident.
11) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres
This San Diego Padres team appears capable of pulling off a ten-game winning streak just as easily as it can lose ten in a row. They’ve held their ground in the first few weeks.
A satisfying start to the year from Eric Hosmer has been a pleasant surprise for the club after trying to trade him all offseason long. With the starting pitching on track again as well, this could be a much better campaign for them.