MLB Power Rankings: Braves running up that hill, White Sox stuck in the upside down
By Tim Boyle
15. MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians
It’s hard to trust the Cleveland Guardians when they fumble the American League Central lead. This team is overachieving in a lot of ways. The lineup runs through Jose Ramirez with mild contributions from others.
Cleveland should remain one of the wild card contenders and a club capable of winning a shallow division. They may have to do it with the roster they currently have in place. The front office was unwilling to make any major additions in the offseason. This could hint that they would prefer to hold onto their best prospects and see if the team they already have assembled is good enough.
14. MLB Power Rankings: Philadelphia Phillies
The National League East might not be possible for the Philadelphia Phillies yet a wild card berth is more than possible. Realistically, they only need to pass one of the National League Central clubs to earn a spot.
The Phillies got an awesome performance out of Kyle Schwarber in June which lifted them greatly during the absence of Bryce Harper. The team should be in the market for a starting pitcher to really push them into serious contention. Right now, when Aaron Nola or Zack Wheeler isn’t pitching, odds fall out of their favor.
13. MLB Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Rays
This year’s Tampa Bay Rays don’t feel so special. Shane McLanahan has been the most fun player on the roster but aside from him it has been a year where they’ve had to win with their brains and not much else.
Because of the low budget philosophy of this organization, it’ll be hard for the Rays to ever have an easy time winning the division. They remain in playoff contention and with a good spot in this week’s MLB Power Rankings. At some point, it could slip.
12. MLB Power Rankings: San Francisco Giants
Consider the San Francisco Giants a team in the National League to do what the Rays may be capable of. Both squads are built somewhat similarly with the Giants having the far bigger budget. Neither has a position player having a spectacular year. Both squads have some good pitching but maybe not enough to win a championship.
The Giants are a club vying for a wild card spot. Their attention might be more geared toward the winter’s free agent class when hometown hero Aaron Judge could end up in their outfield. This year’s team doesn’t have anyone close to him stepping to the plate. Their record holds strong but they do feel like one of the weaker National League playoff clubs.
11. MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals
A healthier year for the St. Louis Cardinals probably makes them clear favorites to win their division. Instead, they’re in a two-team race for supremacy.
Not much has changed for them since last week. They still have an offense that runs through Paul Goldschmidt and a starting staff of three good arms. The Cardinals could use a little boost in just about every department at this year’s trade deadline. Maybe not well-equipped enough to hang with the better clubs, it could be a summer to try but not sell the farm.