MLB Power Rankings: Astros, Yankees succeeding while Cubs, Red Sox conceding
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians
If you’re looking for a new team to root for, the Cleveland Guardians might be a fun one. The nickname is different yet the philosophy remains the same. They are pitching-heavy and crossing their fingers with the bats.
Fortunately, the pitching has been good. In particular, they are building a pretty good bullpen. It could be a leap but the Guardians may just need to add two bats between now and next year in order to actually be a threat for a championship. They did practically nothing in the offseason and have found themselves competing.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Arizona Diamondbacks
A lot of what was said about the Colorado Rockies should be restated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This is not a team anyone expects to hang around. The offense is putrid. The bullpen is shaky. How have they achieved success?
The story remains the same this week for the Diamondbacks. Their starting pitching has been fabulous. Still practically a whole starting lineup away from scaring anyone, these players deserve a tip of the cap.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago White Sox
This is beginning to look more like the Chicago White Sox club we expected to see. With Luis Robert and Tim Anderson picking up slack for the other failed offensive performances, the White Sox have found their way back in the win column on a consistent basis.
Chicago should be even more dangerous when they have a fully healthy starting staff. Their bullpen has been pretty reliable with closer Liam Hendriks owning one of the worst ERAs among the regulars. The White Sox can consider themselves lucky to play in the division they do. They have some room to slump.
12) MLB Power Rankings: Toronto Blue Jays
The results haven’t quite been there for the Toronto Blue Jays this year. Very much alive, they seem to be a club that can win big or go silent on both sides of the ball.
It’s beginning to look like the Blue Jays may yet again be in the market for a starting pitcher this summer. Jose Berrios has not pitched well for them. Third baseman Matt Chapman has been pretty bad at the plate, too. There is certainly time to turn things around. Toronto should, for their sake, capture a playoff spot. All of Canada is hoping so.
11) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals
There is nothing truly special about this St. Louis Cardinals team and that’s okay. They are doing Cardinals things. That means winning games and letting everyone they face know there is already a playoff spot with their name on it.
St. Louis could end up benefiting most from a weak National League East and a National League West that beats up on each other. Their games against the three bad teams within the National League Central are their opportunity to feast.