MLB Power Rankings: Bull market Braves, Black Monday for the Twins
By Tim Boyle
10) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres
Maybe the only reason why we think of the San Diego Padres more highly than the Phillies are the names on the roster. But consider this: is Juan Soto all that much better right now than a healthy Bryce Harper? With the way many of the Padres pitchers are playing, it’s no secret why they are also on the postseason bubble and not viewed as strongly as they used to be.
The Padres are still easier to fear than the Phillies because of guys like Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove in the rotation. The offense might not be too terrific but in the playoffs it’s pitching that will usually reign supreme.
9) MLB Power Rankings: Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are probably better suited to play in the postseason than the regular season. It’s because of their shallow starting rotation that only includes three reliable arms. In the playoffs, with the availability to get creative with someone like Jose Berrios, maybe he pitches better.
What makes Toronto a good team, though, is the threat they have at the plate. A few of their big sluggers might not be having the seasons we expected them to. A positive perspective on it: there are a lot of contributors with power and run production. The lineup runs deep and that’s important.
8) MLB Power Rankings: Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners bats are okay. It’s the pitching that should have fans excited. They have a deep rotation and bullpen. If the Mariners are going to do anything, it will be with some low-scoring games and maybe a few big hits.
We should still like their chances in the playoffs even if they play the underdog role. The Mariners don’t seem too caught up in simply ending their postseason drought. Enough time has passed where it will feel like a first-time thing. Their huge series win against the Atlanta Braves this weekend should not be overlooked.
7) MLB Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Rays
It remains a puzzle as to why the Tampa Bay Rays are as good as they are. Randy Arozarena is their best offensive player in just about every category. How is it that they are so scary?
The way Kevin Cash continues to handle his pitching staff is what makes the Rays a credible team and a thorn in the side of many. They will, however, need Shane McLanahan back and healthy to go far into the postseason. While the Blue Jays are better suited for the way playoff baseball is played, the Rays’ lone intention was to have a roster ready for smaller rotations, deeper bullpens, and role-players on offense ready for clutch moments.
6) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees
Don’t let the way the New York Yankees distract you from the fact that they will be in the playoffs and Aaron Judge is probably going to hit 60 home runs. The team is full of problems right now with injuries popping up daily.
Nobody seemed to hold the No. 1 spot in this year’s MLB Power Rankings longer than the Yankees. Was that just a dream? Was there some sort of sorcery involved? Most likely, they’re losing games to make up for ones they should have earlier in the year. Have faith, Yankees fans. This is still a very good team that just needs to get healthy.