2012 Archair Fantasy League Power Rankings for April
Wanted to get this in after two weeks but life's requirements caused me to push it back till the end of the month. I will make a concerted effort to get these in every two weeks, but we all know that sometimes life can get in the way of fantasy's fantasies.
American League
1. Tampa Bay Rays : Even with the lose of Pineda for the season Tampa Bay's pitching staff has contributed enough to help lead the American League in scoring as predicted in the preseason rankings this team is surely one to keep an eye on as the management has done an excellent job compiling great offensive pieces to go along with one of the most solid pitching staffs. Preseason rank:1
2. Texas Rangers: The outstanding starting pitching of the Texas rangers has helped elevate the Rangers to the top of the AL west. Some real tough early matchups have left this Texas team with a .500 record although that is quite decieving. If the pitching can hold up the team has a chance to make some serious noise in 2012. I think a lot hinges on the performance of Justin Morneau and that has me kinda apprehensive about this ranking but let's see what happens. Preseason rank: 3
3. Kasas City Royals: With stellar pitching the Royals have been able to overcome the fact that they have yet to find a viable option at catcher. I think this team could get stronger as the season goes on so if I was Texas or Tampa I wouldn't be resting on my lorals this team has the chance to make a very strong push in the up coming weeks and might even challenge for the top ranking in the American League. Preseason Ranking:4
4. Chicago White Sox: Having 6 starting pitchers is going to go along way in allowing Chicago to contend in the AL central I think they have their hands full with the Tigers and Royals and this is no way indicative of how this division might end up, but with Peavy pitching the way he is right now I'm going to say that the Sox have an early if not slim advantage so far over the Tigers. Preseason ranking:7
5. Detroit Tigers: I believe this team can win the AL central, but until they find a big bat to add to the middle of that lineup I'm apprehensive about this team. I think I might be wrong because the amount of starting pitching might be able to overcome that fact. As I'm typing this I'm doubting myself, but for right now I'll stick with this ranking. Preseason ranking: 5
6. Seattle Mariners: I think Kinsler has carried this team so far, couple that with a great start by Hammel and this team has put it's self right in the thick of things. I'm not sure that this can be maintained but for now I'm going to be optimistic and put the Mariners right here in the middle of things. Preseason Ranking:8
7. Boston RedSox: My faith in this team is waining, due solely to the fact of the real life RedSox. I believe this team and some of it's individual components need to really get things together before the assend back to the top of the rankings. Preseason ranking:2
8. Toronto BlueJays: I think this team makes a slight improvement in the ranking based solely on some contenders not properly managing their teams on a daily basis. I think I have sold off a lot of my younger talent to contend sooner rather then later but we're not ready fot prime time yet. Preseason Ranking:12
9. Los Angelas Angels: This team has one of, if not the best pitching staff in the AL and has a chance to climb very high up the rankings in the weeks to come but without the middle of the order this team might be restricted in 2012. Preseason Ranking:8
10. Baltimore Orioles: Just don't think that a massive collection of designated hitters is going to get it done.
11. Cleveland Indians: just can's get excited about this team with that infield but I can see the makings of a nice franchise here. Preseason Ranking:11
12. Minnesota Twins: I think this team is an absolute mess, but I trust the ownership to turn this thing around. It's going to be a monumental task but I think Lindner is up to it.
13. NewYork Yankees: No comment. If you dont have something nice to say don't say anything at all
14. Oakland A's: illegal roster during my matchup with them so team needs work to say the least.
