MLB Power Rankings: Phillies are out of their cage, Blue Jays doing just fine
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: Minnesota Twins
Things are ending poorly for the White Sox but it’s the Minnesota Twins who broke far more hearts. For a long time, they were leading the American League Central. It’s only recently that they began to flush themselves away and lose a lot of hope of making it to the postseason.
The American League is tough and the only way the Twins can make it to the playoffs is to win the division. Their chance is there but some recent losing streaks and inconsistent play are holding them back. There just doesn’t seem to be anything special about them. Maybe saddest of all, even if they did make it to the postseason as the AL Central winner, their wild card opponent in the first round might be the better ball club.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Baltimore Orioles
Let’s give this team some credit. The Baltimore Orioles could have faded away after the trade deadline when they traded some big pieces. Instead, they’ve hung around. The kids are auditioning for next season. Adley Rutschman already looks like he’s going to be the real deal.
This is a team with no superstars on it in 2022 but a lot of space for veterans to come in and join the fray for 2023. Upgrade a few spots on the infield. Load up on the starting pitching. Keep the bullpen together and maybe even add some pieces. The Orioles aren’t the punchline anymore.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers must have gotten some tips from the Twins. Located nearby geographically, they are doing the same exact thing this season. They’re blowing a lead that they had no business losing.
It’s obvious what the problem is for Milwaukee. Their offense relies almost exclusively on the home run ball. Christian Yelich might be the only player on the roster to bat over .250 and he’ll be lucky if he does. Oh, and he’s also mostly a singles hitter now. Together with just an okay pitching staff, it’s no mystery what has gone wrong. About the only thing going right is Josh Hader is helping to take down the San Diego Padres.
12) MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians
This is your chance, Cleveland Guardians. Do to the Twins what they were unable to do to you. Easily the weakest division leader in MLB, all the Guardians need to do is win the division with a team that nobody would have guessed had what it takes.
Jose Ramirez is doing MVP things in a lineup with very little help. He has already surpassed 100 RBI. The trio of Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, and Cal Quantrill give Cleveland a threesome right there with nearly any other club in baseball. Add in the lights-out closer stylings of Emmanuel Clase and this is a team with one way to get wins. In a short series, who knows? Maybe they spoil someone’s year.
11) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are all glitz and glamour without the results. They weren’t supposed to actually win the National League West. They were, however, meant to at least earn themselves an opportunity to maybe win the top wild card seed.
Instead, they are the only hope the Brewers have at making it to the playoffs. Josh Bell and Brandon Drury haven’t been great for them. The starting pitching hasn’t looked so mighty either of late. Fortunately, there are three wild card spots. Even so, this team feels like a two-game sweep is in their immediate playoff future.