MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers leaving little doubt, Giants aren’t so big
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: San Francisco Giants
Somebody needs to get on the phone and sue the San Francisco Giants. They’re not the boss of anyone right now and they’re not so big. Much like Malcolm, they’re stuck in the middle. Life is unfair.
The last two weeks have shown the Giants were outplaying their talent. It felt inevitable all year for them to collapse. How it took them until mid-July to look like sellers is impressive but nothing to pat themselves on the back about. If they do decide to sell, the Giants can take advantage of strong years from Carlos Rodon and Joc Pederson. It would be the smart move to do. They are the third best team in their own division. Buying their way out of this is futile.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Seattle Mariners
The Orioles have gone streaking over the last week and so have the Seattle Mariners. Back over .500, the Mariners are looking to ensure the American League East doesn’t send three wild card teams into the postseason. They might be our only hope. Winning eight games in a row will help.
Julio Rodriguez won’t be the next Ken Griffey Jr. but he could turn into a superstar for the M’s. Mariners fans should be thrilled with him this year. With guys like Eugenio Suarez heating up, the offense is clicking at an opportune time. Can the playoff drought finally end? Keep playing like this and it will.
13) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals
Injuries are catching up with the St. Louis Cardinals. They continue to rely heavily on Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado on offense. Their rotation is a three-man band and in desperate need of some healthy help.
The Cardinals might have let their playoff spot slip but they are lucky to have more than the wild card berth to fight for. There’s still the National League Central to compete for. Fattening up on wins versus the three bad teams in the division is important. However, they also need to make sure they can win against good teams too.
12) MLB Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Rays
It’s the Tampa Bay Rays who feel like they could be heading toward the same fate as the Giants. They haven’t been an exceptional team. Some recent injuries could knock them down further.
The Rays have called upon Shane Baz for some help in the rotation behind Cy Young candidate Shane McClanahan. With no real closer and a starting rotation often featuring an opener, Tampa Bay continues to try reinventing the wheel. They will need to be aggressive at the trade deadline and add a player that fits in well with their unorthodox way of winning—or just settle for a bat that can mash.
11) MLB Power Rankings: Toronto Blue Jays
On the topic of mashing, we arrive next at the Toronto Blue Jays. They have slipped outside of the top ten this week after getting beaten up over the last few days. Their offense is mighty but the rotation desperately needs an addition.
We should expect the Blue Jays to be in on making at least two blockbuster deals this summer. A starting pitcher and a left-handed bat is at the top of their trade deadline needs. Right now, with so much young talent playing well, Toronto has a chance to pounce and make the moves they need to.