Monday, May 12, 2008

MLB Power Rankings - 5.12.8

With just over a month in the books, time for our first in-season Power Rankings of 2008.

1). Diamondbacks (23-15) - We think we knew they would be good. We didn't know they could run away in that deep division.
2). Marlins (23-14) - Dan Uggla is on pace to hit 48 HRs.
3). A's (23-16) - As much as we wanted to pick them to win that division, we're glad we didn't because surely this can't last.
4). Cardinals (23-16) - It's official. Dave Duncan is a magician.
5). Cubs (22-15) - Cubs streak immediately after Marty Brennaman spewed his wisdom across the airwaves? 7-1.
6). Red Sox (24-16) - Just 2-9 in domes this year. That doesn't bode well in that division.
7). Rays (21-16) - Bet you didn't know that Troy Percival had a 1.93 ERA with 9 saves.
8). Braves (19-18) - Chipper Jones: .406 / 10 HRs / 30 RBIs / 1.146 OPS. Staggering.
9). Angels (22-17) - Probably didn't think they would have this kind of battle on their hands with Oakland.
10). Twins (19-17) - Power outage. Joe Mauer = 0 HRs.
11). Phillies (21-18) - Here's something we didn't expect. Brad Lidge - 0 ERs in 17 IP.
12). White Sox (18-19) - Carlos Quentin is shining in a year of drastic underachieving by AL position players so far...
13). Dodgers (19-18) - Sliding a bit after just having won 10 of 11.
14). Orioles (19-19) - Nick Markakis leads them in batting average at a whopping .267.
15). Indians (19-18) - Travis Hafner's only 30, but on an apparent decline (3 HRs, .210).
16). Mets (19-16) - Johan Santana is on pace to walk 55 for first time in his career.
17). Rangers (18-21) - Quietly just won 9 of 11. No one noticed.
18). Yankees (19-19) - The Farns has practically matched Joba pitch for pitch so far.
19). Astros (21-17) - Roy Oswalt's previous worst ERA? 3.49 (2004). So far in '08? 5.33.
20). Royals (16-21) - Zach Greinke - 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA.
21). Brewers (18-19) - Check out these ERAs: Dave Bush - 6.98. Eric Gagne - 6.89. Carlos Villanueva - 6.46. Manny Parra - 5.79.
22). Pirates (18-20) - We thought the rotation would be much better. Gorzelanny hasn't impressed at all.
23). Tigers (16-22) - What's worse than a 2-10 start? Winning 2 of 9 in most recent stretch.
24). Blue Jays (17-22) - Vernon Wells destroys hand. Bet they wish they had Reed Johnson now...
25). Giants (16-22) - Barry Zito's career batting average against? .236. This year? .329.
26). Nationals (15-23) - And to think they started 3-0 and had a giant lead in their fourth game.
27). Rockies (15-23) - What was that about last fall not being a flash in the pan? Glad we didn't buy in...
28). Mariners (15-24) - We could've sworn J.J. Putz was going to win the Cy Young.
29). Padres (14-24) - Horrible. Not even Mark Prior can save them now.
30). Reds (15-23) - Just downright shocking that the Dusty / Corey Patterson / Jerry Hairston / Paul Bako conglomeration isn't working out. Who could have ever known?