MLB Power Rankings: 12 teams with the most to panic about
By Tim Boyle
6) MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians are having a tough time hitting this year and it shows in their performance. Josh Bell is not carrying his weight. Similar to so many other recent seasons in Cleveland, it’s Jose Ramirez doing the bulk of the work.
A little different is how the pitching staff has looked. Yes, Shane Bieber is looking fantastic. The same goes for Emmanuel Clase. A few other arms are performing but this isn’t one of those classic Cleveland teams from recent seasons where they had a stacked pitching staff.
The Guardians definitely benefit from playing in a weak division. The Minnesota Twins get those same benefits and they’re prepared to separate themselves as much as possible from the Guardians. It’s early, but if you do have your doubts about the Guardians, you’re not crazy.
5) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees
The panic meter is growing in the Bronx. Naturally, if the New York Yankees don’t go 162-0, you’re going to find some fans ready to burn a jersey. No one expects more from their team than Yankees fans. Unfortunately, they’re playing from behind already.
The American League East is as powerful as ever. The Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles have unexpectedly dominated. The Toronto Blue Jays are doing exactly what many expected. The only difference is they’re always playing catch-up alongside the rival Yankees.
Carlos Rodon has yet to step on the hill and the lineup has a couple of guys who don’t have major league swings any longer. This feels like one of the weaker Yankees rosters in a long time. The only saving grace is the expanded playoffs that could still allow them to make the postseason even with a fourth-place finish in the division. They may actually need it.