MLB Power Rankings: Cardinals seek and destroy, Red Sox fade to black
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: Minnesota Twins
Not too many teams have fallen harder more recently than the Minnesota Twins. At the MLB trade deadline just over one month ago, they were major powers. As quickly as they added Tyler Mahle, Jorge Lopez, and several others, the Twins gave up the lead in the division.
The American League Central race could come down to the wire with a triple threat match between three clubs. The Twins will be right there. Formerly the prey at the top, it’s their chance to be the predator and retake what was theirs for so long.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Milwaukee Brewers
The Twins don’t want to do what the Milwaukee Brewers did. Milwaukee led the National League Central for a very long time only to cough it up. This was partly because they weren’t good enough but also because their greatest nemesis, the St. Louis Cardinals, got much better at the trade deadline.
The Brewers never seemed to have what it takes to go far into the postseason. Over the last month, they appear disinterested in even making it to the playoffs. They are the closest team out of a playoff spot in the National League without possession of a seed. Can they overcome the obstacles?
13) MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians may have pulled away slightly from the Twins and White Sox but some struggles of late have allowed those two to climb closer and make this a fairer fight. The Guardians did even less than the White Sox at the trade deadline. It could cost them.
The Guardians didn’t seem to have the right stuff to take a championship home at the end of this season. For them to be in the race is a huge surprise for many people. Alive right now, prepare for a hard-fought battle between them and the other two contenders in the division.
12) MLB Power Rankings: Baltimore Orioles
Nobody deserves a better tip of the cap than this year’s Baltimore Orioles. Imagine if they actually bought at the trade deadline instead of sold. Where could they be right now?
Everyone outside of those cheering on some American League wild card clubs should be rooting for the Orioles right now. This team has been putrid for several seasons but things are finally beginning to turn around. It remains one of the best turn of events in the 2022 season.
11) MLB Power Rankings: Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies don’t feel so strong. They are capable of doing some things well but as we have seen plenty throughout the year, just as likely to see the wheels come off the wagon.
Philadelphia is holding onto a wild card spot for the moment but appears to be one of the teams that could give it up to the Brewers. The third wild card spot is actually probably more ideal for them anyway as it would allow them to bypass the rival Atlanta Braves or New York Mets in the first round. Avoiding those two foes would give them a far better chance at advancing. First, they have to get there.