MLB Power Rankings: Week 7
After a few weeks of mayhem, the power rankings are starting to look back to normal. By normal, I mean what was expected before the season began. There are still a few surprises and still some teams I’m waiting on to heat up. Let’s get to it!
10 - Oakland Athletics (28-21)
They lost a big series to the Astros this week. The A’s are getting great offensive production from Matt Olson, Mark Canha, and Ramon Laureano. Past that however, it’s not good. The pitching is also very inconsistent but not so bad that they can’t compete against the best. In summary, they are a very good average team.
9 - St. Louis Cardinals (26-21)
A very up and down week for the red birds, going 3-2. They lost 2 of 3 to the Cubs who are knocking on the door in the AL Central. Nolan Arenado has cooled down a bit and the pitching depth is a big concern. Expect the Cardinals to go through hot and cold streaks like this all season.
8 - San Francisco Giants (28-19)
They needed a good showing against the Dodgers this weekend and they disappointed by getting swept at home. As Alex said on the podcast, this could be the beginning of the end for the Giants postseason hopes and I agree. They got off to a much better start than most imagined but they are getting production from players who haven’t shown they can sustain that level of play throughout a whole season (Alex Wood, Brandon Crawford, etc.). They have another chance at the Dodgers this weekend in LA but it’s not looking good.
7 - New York Yankees (28-19)
The Yankees have themselves a nice 6 game winning streak and are closing in on the top of the AL East division. What's more impressive is that the Yankees are scoring runs despite an alarming lack of home runs, they only hit 2 all week. Corey Kluber threw a no-hitter and the pitching staff is really starting to find their groove.
6 - Houston Astros (26-21)
They won big against the A’s to start the week but then got swept by the Texas Rangers. Although their offense is very good, the pitching is a huge question mark and is the reason they have been so inconsistent all season. A huge matchup this week at home against the Dodgers will be must watch TV.
5 - Tampa Bay Rays (30-19)
Here comes Tampa Bay! An 11-game winning streak has propelled the Rays to the top of the AL East division. Randy Arozarena has heated up after a slow start and their offense as a whole is performing a lot better than expected thanks to production from all throughout the lineup. Tyler Glasnow is continuing a Cy Young worthy season.
4 - Boston Red Sox (29-19)
Boston lost its division lead to the surging Rays but I do believe they are still the best team in that division. Another good week, winning both series including a key victory over the Blue Jays keeps this team in the top 4. Xander Bogearts is a dark horse MVP candidate and Garrett Richards has come out of nowhere to help a surprisingly good Red Sox pitching rotation. Don’t forget they’re going to get Chris Sale back this season.
3 - Chicago White Sox (27-19)
The White Sox are dealing with some clubhouse drama after their manager, Tony La Russa, threw his star rookie Yermin Mercedes under the bus for violating one of baseball’s unwritten rules. The crime - hitting a home run on a 3-0 count while his team was up 11 runs in the 9th inning. Unfortunately, that story looks like it has caused some distraction and the White Sox were swept by the Yankees over the weekend.
2 - Los Angeles Dodgers (29-18)
The Dodgers look like themselves again. Despite continuing to manage injuries to key players, the depth that has made this team so successful is stepping up. They completed a huge series sweep in San Francisco over the weekend and dominated doing it. Also, Max Muncy is leading all of baseball in WAR, yes Max Muncy, look it up.
1 - San Diego Padres (30-18)
The Padres are on FIRE! They won all 6 games last week and 12 of 13 overall. Granted, they played the Rockies and Mariners but this team is no doubt the best in baseball right now. Fernando Tatis Jr. had a monster week, hitting 4 home runs, knocking in 12, stealing 3 bags while hitting .667...damn.