MLB Power Rankings: Marry the Dodgers and Padres, bury the Tigers and Nationals
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: Arizona Diamondbacks
Soon enough, the Arizona Diamondbacks are going to join the Rockies at the bottom of the National League West with a lot of distance between them and the elite members of the division. Packed right into the middle of the MLB Power Rankings this week, they probably won’t get much closer to the top ten.
Pitching remains the big strength of this team almost by default because of how unproductive the batters have been. The Diamondbacks might be able to pull off a magic trick this year and be average. They’ll need Madison Bumgarner, Merrill Kelly, and Zac Gallen to continue pitching like aces.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves
As poorly as the Atlanta Braves have played for most of the season, there have been some positive signs. The return of Ronald Acuña Jr. adds to the struggling lineup. Despite their continued below .500 record, they are inching closer to relevancy.
Based on recent history, we know the Braves have the ability to muster up wins late in the year and make a playoff run. Once the pitching stabilizes and the hitters actually start producing, they should be able to be one of the better teams in the National League. Unfortunately, the on-switch is stuck and hasn’t been properly flicked.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a good baseball team playing bad baseball. Some poor health has detoured their route to a playoff spot. Some cold bats up and down the lineup have contributed greatly as to why they aren’t in the top ten—a place they belong based on the Opening Day roster.
Some recent beatings from good teams shouldn’t get them down too much. Perhaps the Tim Anderson situation with Josh Donaldson can rally them together. Moments like that can bring a team together. Pay close attention to see if it triggers them in the right way.
12) MLB Power Rankings: Toronto Blue Jays
Much like the White Sox but with more success, the Toronto Blue Jays have not met expectations this year. Falling within the top dozen teams in Major League Baseball is still a positive thing as it means they aren’t too far off from digging their heels in as one of the best.
In late May, the Blue Jays could almost be classified as the worst of the good teams. They really should be better at this point. There are just too many guys who can hit for them to not have a place in the top ten. This week, they don’t get it.
11) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals benefit greatly from the division they play in. With three teams to beat up on regularly and only one serious competitor, they should be able to outperform their own numbers. Later on this year, after the Cubs, Pirates, and Reds all sell further, those wins should be easier to find.
Chasing only one team ahead of them in the division, they’ve been fortunate that Paul Goldschmidt has heated up just as Nolan Arenado cooled off. The Cardinals have one of those clubs that could get hot at the right time and streak for a long time. One of the better clubs and organizations in the game, keep a close tab on them to do exactly this.