MLB Power Rankings: Yankees are brilliant, Mariners are resilient
By Tim Boyle
20) MLB Power Rankings: Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers could have a good week and convince themselves to buy rather than sell at the trade deadline. This would be a mistake. They are too far away from being taken seriously. Their shoes don’t match, their shirt is on backwards, and their haircut was trimmed with a bowl.
The Rangers don’t have a load of good trade deadline candidates so maybe a huge second half does put them in the wild card race. We have seen a few of the American League East contenders falter. If there is a team that can get surprisingly sneaky, it might be them. Don’t count on it, though.
19) MLB Power Rankings: Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are what they are. That’s a flawed team that never seems to have the support of the front office. Unlike some other small spenders, there’s no real identity which can favor the more frugal ball clubs.
This year’s club continues to find victories because of their pitching staff led by Sandy Alcantara. One of the best stories to come out of the league this year, the Marlins will need much more for his efforts to have more meaning than an individual award.
18) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago White Sox
Anyone else get the feeling the Chicago White Sox will be major trade deadline buyers and fail miserably with all of those additions? The White Sox are caught right in the middle at the moment. Currently out of the playoff chase, they are close enough to stay the course or possibly even add.
Sticking with what they have might make more sense because of their depleted farm system. The White Sox have won many major blockbusters deals in the past, helping to create the core of their current roster. Too much has gone against them this season for them to capitalize on a young and exciting ball club. The next two weeks should be fun, wild, and hopefully doesn’t include any intentional walks two a batter one strike away from getting out.
17) MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians
If the Cleveland Guardians were a stock, they’d be one to sell. Although they remain a threat in the American League Central and in the wild card chase, they have a .500 feel to them. The starting lineup needs a big bat or two. The rotation, despite having some names we all recognize, has underperformed.
Cleveland will need to have luck on their side for an improved second half. Most likely, it’s a very evenly-played finale to the season with maybe a few extra wins because other teams in their division will be worse.
16) MLB Power Rankings: Baltimore Orioles
Things keep going their way. Although their winning streak is now over, the Baltimore Orioles are the shock of the season. They don’t even need to grab a second extension cord to reach a wild card spot. Is there a miracle left over for them?
It’s nutty but the Orioles should go for it. Cause some trouble. Make some noise. Baltimore has no business selling the farm for rentals but creating chaos in the market for players who remain under contract beyond 2022 wouldn’t be the worst decision to make. The Orioles are getting closing. Give these kids a little more confidence and help make Baltimore a free agent destination.