MLB Power Rankings: Brewers among the best, Cardinals failing their early test
By Tim Boyle
20) MLB Power Rankings: Cincinnati Reds
Will this be the last time the Cincinnati Reds are at .500? Something about this year’s club seems much better than the squad from last year. After a week and a half, they do have a better record than the St. Louis Cardinals. A bit feisty and with pitcher Nick Lodolo beginning the year looking like an ace, maybe this team is back to playing competitive baseball a little sooner than expected.
19) MLB Power Rankings: Baltimore Orioles
The disappointment of the Baltimore Orioles offseason continues to linger. Now 4-5, they’ll have to take advantage of some games against the Oakland Athletics this week. If not, expect them to fall way down the next MLB Power Rankings. This team is missing that big punch in the rotation. With the bullpen owning some rough starts to the year as well, the Orioles will find it tough to win a lot of games depending exclusively on their bats.
18) MLB Power Rankings: Texas Rangers
This team is still a mystery. The Texas Rangers assembled a pretty good offense last year only for it to underachieve. They did the same with the rotation this season. It hasn’t gotten off to a great start, but there are some hopeful signs. There have been some promising outings from the relievers. The Rangers haven’t had a good balance this season. They’ve been mostly unimpressive. We should give the rotation a few more trips through before declaring it a bust.
17) MLB Power Rankings: Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are an exciting team for baseball fans who like a little bit of everything. They have youngsters like Corbin Carroll. They have the veterans clinging to their MLB careers like Evan Longoria. The pitching staff has been underwhelming with Zac Gallen owning a 7.59 ERA after a pair of starts. They feel like a ball club that will probably stay within the teens of future MLB Power Rankings. A number 17 spot isn’t all that bad.
16) MLB Power Rankings: Toronto Blue Jays
What is bad is how far the Toronto Blue Jays have fallen in the MLB Power Rankings. They’re always an easy pick to win the American League East and yet they never seem to do it. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. seems determined to win an MVP, but Matt Chapman may steal it away from him. The team has hit well but the pitching has been a mix of unhittable and atrocious. Kevin Gausman has yet to allow an earned run in either start while Jose Berrios is sitting at 11.17.