MLB Power Rankings: Phillies are out of their cage, Blue Jays doing just fine
By Tim Boyle
20) MLB Power Rankings: Arizona Diamondbacks
A tough division, a down year from the offense, and a few other factors doomed the Arizona Diamondbacks rather early in 2022. Better than the Rockies, the Diamondbacks do have a decent enough starting pitcher core in place to maybe be a surprise contender in 2023.
Arizona has been somewhat lost this year because of their lack of big offseason moves, low expectations, and the fact that they are better in the National League West where there are far more noteworthy stories going on. The Diamondbacks can look to make headlines as soon as next year. For now, see which of the young players will have roles on Opening Day 2023.
19) MLB Power Rankings: Boston Red Sox
It’s an ugly season for the Boston Red Sox. Up against a tough division where everyone is competitive but them this year, what makes this such a tragedy is how well they were playing not all that long ago.
What hurt the Red Sox most was how injured they became. The offense wasn’t bad for them and they managed to get some unexpectedly good performances from guys like Michael Wacha. A short lineup, a shaky bullpen, and too many starts from guys who belong in Triple-A doomed this ball club.
18) MLB Power Rankings: Texas Rangers
Ownership might feel as if the Texas Rangers did a face plant this year. Realistically, to think they had any shot of doing much more than they accomplished was ambitious.
The Rangers have the beginnings of a good club or the end days of one. Considering they just started the process last winter, we can only hope for the sake of the fans it’s the former. This team is built to win 75-80 games. It was obvious from the start and it looks like that could be where they end up.
17) MLB Power Rankings: San Francisco Giants
Another one of those teams that have tanked this year, the San Francisco Giants were apparently the luckiest team in MLB history in 2021. They came back with a relatively similar roster or at least a similar plan.
This season, things haven’t worked out so well. Gabe Kapler looks like he might not be the genius the Giants thought they hired and were convinced they had in the dugout last season. Better players will help. We’ll have to see if management brings them in.
16) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox can’t get out of their own way. The American League Central has been there for them to snatch up all year. It’s not looking like they will catch the lead and will instead settle for excuses. Hopefully, for the sake of the fans, there isn’t enough for Tony La Russa to keep his job.
The White Sox found themselves at the trade deadline in a standoff with themselves. Do they buy, sell, or do very little at all? They picked door No. 3. The result is stagnation. They’ve never quite figured out how to hit or pitch consistently up and down the roster this year. What we’re left with is a talented club that expects to only play 162 games.