MLB Power Rankings: Reality check for the Braves, White Sox digging their graves
By Tim Boyle
25) MLB Power Rankings: Detroit Tigers
The misery of Detroit Tigers fans hasn’t been as strong this year as it was last but don’t install a sunroof in your home and expect a whole lot of sunshine. They still can’t hit much. The pitching has been difficult to watch, too. The Tigers have been a bit lucky this season. Their year can swing wildly in either direction. About 75 wins is the maximum and that’s being generous. Far more likely, they finish in the upper 60s.
24) MLB Power Rankings: Cincinnati Reds
A lot of the same thoughts about the Detroit Tigers could go toward the Cincinnati Reds. It isn’t as bad as it was last year. Jonathan India has gotten on track. Graham Ashcraft is a name non-Reds fans now know. This is a season of building toward some sort of relevancy. There will be a lot of pain along the way. That’s part of growing up.
23) MLB Power Rankings: San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants had a massive losing streak in the offseason. It has continued into the regular season. The bullpen has been a big problem for them. Starters Anthony DeScalafani and Alex Cobb are a combined 1-2 despite having ERAs of 2.63 and 2.79. Part of the blame falls on the average-at-best offense. The Giants needed the kind of big splash Aaron Judge or Carlos Correa would have brought them. Instead, we’re in late April and they’re already turning back to Darin Ruf who was released by the New York Mets. Speaking of releasing players, does Brandon Crawford get through this season?
22) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals
This hasn’t been a pretty start for the St. Louis Cardinals. If Major League Baseball had a prom, they’d be going stag. What’s wrong with this team? It’s probably the balance. Their lineup is one of the best in baseball. It is living up to expectations. Their weakness is the pitching staff. Inflated ERAs all over the place have helped to put the Cardinals in an early hole. The fear many fans had with this ball club was that they didn’t invest enough into changing the team. They’ve held onto their young position players and avoided bringing in a major upgrade to the rotation. St. Louis could be headed toward a rare off-year sans postseason play.
21) MLB Power Rankings: Philadelphia Phillies
Slowly but surely the Philadelphia Phillies are becoming relevant again. Their horrific start against the Texas Rangers is becoming a more distant memory. Inviting the Colorado Rockies to Philly this weekend to job to them was a great idea. Bryson Stott cannot stop hitting baseballs. We saw how streaky the Phillies could get last year. Imagine how good they’ll be once the pitching figures things out. Oh, and you know, when Bryce Harper returns.