Power Rankings

[Dan Wood]

Power Rankings 4/30/12

As promised there are some risers and fallers this week...


1. Dodgers - Just a really good team. That is all I can say.
2. Phillies - Hard to argue with the results. This team can pitch, and has enough hitting with Zorilla and Konerko leading the charge. Expect Reyes to rebound at some point.
3. A's - this is a tenuous ranking. The talent is there, but if the guys that should be hitting don't start to hit, this could be a long season. Tough week last week.
4. Rockies - As I said last week the talent is just too good, unfortunately a good portion of it is in traction. Oh and something else happened with their franchise this week, what was it? Crap I forget. Oh yeah, everyone welcome Eric by making him terrible offers for Tulo, Bruce, and Pedroia. Matt Downs for any of them?
5. Yankees - Better pull something out of their hat soon. Team was top heavy to begin with. Injuries and ineffectiveness are starting to bring them further down into the pack.
6. Rangers - At some point it can no longer be considered a hot start. IMO a lot of this team is over performing, but you cannot argue with results.
7.  Boston - Team continues to produce. Might be a long summer if the veterans can't stay on the field.
8.  Braves - Drop two spots, but it is not a slight to them. A very solid team, some over performers, some under performers, should all even out in the end.
9. Reds - Move myself into the top 10 because I can. Beat some good teams last week. Hamilton hurt his back carrying the Reds. Pitching leaves a lot to be desired - Wade Miley for Cy Young! Oh and Gordon Beckham just flat out sucks. Does he even use a bat at the plate?
10. Cardinals - The NL Central where guys named Josh rule. Paul's birds continue to fly (punny right?)
11. Rays - Stay where they were last week, added an arm via the minors, and look to move up in the rankings as others fall.
12. Astros - 3rd place in the toughest division in FGM. It wouldn't surprise me to see this team win the Central.
13,14,15,16 - Twins, Royals, White Sox, Indians - choose which ever order you want to put them in.
17. Brewers - First time since this league started that the Crew has shown some cracks. I don't think they will be here for very long but they have not performed thus far. 
18. Nats - This team is better than expected. Had a very solid week last week and continue to impress.
19. Pirates - High hopes coming into the season, so far this team has performed just below its opponents.
20. Blue Jays - This team really needs a star. It is having a tough time competing in the AL East.
21. Cubs - There is life in Chicago. Bryan LaHair leads the charge as they are now out of the basement, or have company, depends on how you look at it. Trout the tout has arrived.   
22. Mariners - Big jump this week, holding their own in the West.
23. Marlins - Added an arm this past week. Continue to play well. 
24. Giants - Continue to play well. Belt and Pill are free now that Huff is on the DL
25. Tigers - I still think this team has more in them that what they have shown thus far. How long before it is too late to turn it around?
26. Mets - The future has arrived, but is the future ready?
27. D'Backs - Bats need to pull it together in order to right the ship.
28. Padres - Continue to improve over last season.
29. Angels - Looks like it is going to be a long season in Anaheim. Off-season moves have yet to pan out.
30. Orioles - Myers tearing it up in AAA. Should be roaming the OF with Jacoby soon. One piece at a time.

As I stated last week, a lot of teams that got slaughtered week after week last year are playing a lot better. Most notably the Cubs and Nationals. I like the way our league is heading, in that we don't have the 10 top teams and then everyone else. I think everyone in this league should be commended for that.

Now talk amongst yourselves...

[Colby]

Citing the other thread...

Athletics (15-19), 27545 points scored, 3rd in Power Rankings
Pirates (12-20), 26190 points scored, 19th in Power Rankings

Interesting...

Rockies will be interesting now that they have a dedicated GM.

[Dan Wood]

Two completely different teams in my eyes. But this is a reason why rankings this early are so tough.

I think the A's have a lot of underperforming talent - hence the #3 ranking despite their struggles. Teix, Cano, Aybar, and McCutch are all better than what they are showing, but Headley isn't this good. Where as it could be argued that Ethier and Swisher are over performing, Youk is under performing (or a continuance of 2011), and Kotchman's 2011 was an an anomaly, or could also be a slow start.

Again, just one man's opinion.

[Colby]

Yankees are in for a dangerous ride... top heavy indeed and no depth.

[Eric]

4. Rockies - As I said last week the talent is just too good, unfortunately a good portion of it is in traction. Oh and something else happened with their franchise this week, what was it? Crap I forget. Oh yeah, everyone welcome Eric by making him terrible offers for Tulo, Bruce, and Pedroia. Matt Downs for any of them?

I love me some Matt Downs, dont forget if you have Scott Kazmir that could be a huge deal breaker!!!

I will try my best with this team and hopefully seem them stay at the top for majority of the year.

[papps]

In my opinion the Dodgers are by far the best team.  They are incredible from top to bottom.

Reyes is off to a horrible start.  I'm hoping he bounces back soon.

Major kudos to Jake and the Nats!  That team has really turned around fast!

[Colby]

Major kudos to Jake and the Nats!  That team has really turned around fast!

 

[Dan Wood]

Going to be tough to beat the Dodgers, but stranger things have happened...Kelly Johnson and Adam LaRoche are off to torrid starts that no one saw coming. At the same time what's up with Mike Stanton? I am starting to think what Kemp is doing is totally legit.

[Colby]

Three-peat in Dodger Town?

[Dan Wood]

Pat Riley's lawyers will be contacting you Colby