Jul 21, 2016
Cubs back on top of MLB Power Rankings
The Chicago Cubs re-claimed top spot in the TSN.ca MLB Power Rankings, overtaking the Washington Nationals and staying ahead of the San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Indians.
The Chicago Cubs re-claimed top spot in the TSN.ca MLB Power Rankings, overtaking the Washington Nationals and staying ahead of the San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Indians.
After acquiring closer Aroldis Chapman, and getting centre fielder Dexter Fowler off the DL, the Cubs return to the No. 1 ranking, where they spent much of the first half of the season.
Teams that are moving up include the Baltimore Orioles, up from 13 to eight and the Chicago White Sox, rising from 19 to 15.
Heading the other way, the Boston Red Sox slide from three to six, the Texas Rangers dip from nine to 12, and the St. Louis Cardinals fall from 10 to 14.
The Toronto Blue Jays, with a couple of decent acquisitions, continue their upward trend, going from six to five, their highest ranking since the preseason.
Chicago Cubs
This Week: 1 | Last Week: 2 | Record: 60-40
Team Stats
-
RS506
-
RA353
-
Diff.+153
-
OPS.774
-
ERA3.29
Dealing for closer Aroldis Chapman may come with a "selling your soul" feeling, but it undoubtedly makes the Cubs a better team, enough to return them to top spot in the rankings.
Key Injuries: LF Kyle Schwarber (knee), LF Jorge Soler (hamstring)
Washington Nationals
This Week: 2 | Last Week: 1 | Record: 59-42
Team Stats
-
RS471
-
RA360
-
Diff.+111
-
OPS.752
-
ERA3.28
31-year-old 2B Daniel Murphy is enjoying a career year, with his .354 batting average and 1.014 OPS leading the National League.
Key Injuries: RHP Joe Ross (shoulder)
San Francisco Giants
This Week: 3 | Last Week: 5 | Record: 59-42
Team Stats
-
RS462
-
RA407
-
Diff.+55
-
OPS.735
-
ERA3.70
Power, or lack thereof, is an issue for the Giants, who have just two players, 1B Brandon Belt (11) and C Buster Posey (12), with double-digit home runs.
Key Injuries: RF Hunter Pence (hamstring), 3B Matt Duffy (Achilles), 2B Joe Panik (concussion)
Cleveland Indians
This Week: 4 | Last Week: 4 | Record: 57-42
Team Stats
-
RS486
-
RA402
-
Diff.+84
-
OPS.755
-
ERA3.65
The Tribe might have been poised for a move up, given how some top teams have slipped, but they've lost four of five and is keeps them stalled in fourth, where they've been hanging for more than a month. They're expected to make some upgrades before the trade deadline and that could give them a needed nudge forward.
Key Injuries: LF Michael Brantley (shoulder), C Yan Gomes (shoulder)
Toronto Blue Jays
This Week: 5 | Last Week: 6 | Record: 57-45
Team Stats
-
RS501
-
RA425
-
Diff.+76
-
OPS.767
-
ERA3.85
While the Blue Jays have a modest 5-5 record since the All-Star break, they continue to climb, getting RF Jose Bautista back from the DL, as well as adding LF Melvin Upton Jr. and reliever Joaquin Benoit in a pair of trades.
Key Injuries: None
Boston Red Sox
This Week: 6 | Last Week: 3 | Record: 55-44
Team Stats
-
RS560
-
RA478
-
Diff.+82
-
OPS.832
-
ERA4.42
Losing five of six isn't the way to stay in the AL East race, and it's less than ideal that recently-acquired LHP Drew Pomeranz has allowed seven runs in his first nine innings with Boston.
Key Injuries: RHP Craig Kimbrel (knee), RHP Koji Uehara (pectoral)
Los Angeles Dodgers
This Week: 7| Last Week 7 | Record: 57-45
Team Stats
-
RS439
-
RA376
-
Diff.+63
-
OPS.712
-
ERA3.49
3B Justin Turner has been one of the hottest hitters in the game, hitting five home runs and posting a 1.205 OPS in 11 games since the All-Star break.
Key Injuries: LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder), LHP Brett Anderson (back), RHP Alex Wood (elbow), LHP Clayton Kershaw (back)
Baltimore Orioles
This Week: 8 | Last Week: 13 | Record: 58-42
Team Stats
-
RS478
-
RA442
-
Diff.+36
-
OPS.776
-
ERA4.19
While pitching remains a big-picture concern for the Orioles, and their chances to win the AL East, they do have a 3.08 team ERA since the All-Star break, and rotation newcomer Dylan Bundy -- a pitching phenom a couple of years ago -- has whiffed 17 in 14 innings through three starts.
Key Injuries: LF Joey Rickard (thumb)
Miami Marlins
This Week: 9 | Last Week: 11 | Record: 55-46
Team Stats
-
RS425
-
RA409
-
Diff.+16
-
OPS.738
-
ERA3.87
Veteran 3B Martin Prado is rocking a .324 batting average, but his productivity shouldn't come as a surprise. Over the past five seasons, he's been good for 15.2 fWAR, which ranks 11th among third basemen.
Key Injuries: 1B Justin Bour (ankle)
New York Mets
This Week: 10 | Last Week: 8 | Record: 53-48
Team Stats
-
RS372
-
RA355
-
Diff.+17
-
OPS.718
-
ERA3.32
The Mets' pitching has been stellar since the All-Star break, with a staff ERA of 2.77, but it's a familiar feeling, as they aren't getting much offensive support (a devilish .666 team OPS) in that time frame.
Key Injuries: RHP Zack Wheeler (elbow), 1B Lucas Duda (back), 3B David Wright (neck), RHP Matt Harvey (shoulder)
Houston Astros
This Week: 11 | Last Week: 12 | Record: 55-46
Team Stats
-
RS460
-
RA402
-
Diff.+58
-
OPS.747
-
ERA3.73
There are four hitters in the majors with more walks than strikeouts (minimum 30 walks) this season, including Astros 2B Jose Altuve (44 BB, 43 K). Others are Nationals RF Bryce Harper (75 BB, 69 K), Cubs 2B Ben Zobrist (59 BB, 52 K) and Red Sox DH David Ortiz (52 BB, 48 K).
Key Injuries: None
Texas Rangers
This Week: 12 | Last Week: 9 | Record: 58-44
Team Stats
-
RS487
-
RA487
-
Diff.0
-
OPS.752
-
ERA4.45
Key Injuries: LHP Derek Holland (shoulder), RHP Colby Lewis (lat), RF Shin-Soo Choo (back), DH Prince Fielder (neck)
Seattle Mariners
This Week: 13 | Last Week: 14 | Record: 51-49
Team Stats
-
RS475
-
RA435
-
Diff.+40
-
OPS.766
-
ERA4.02
In his past three starts -- his last before going on the DL and then two since coming back -- RHP Felix Hernandez has seen his ERA jump from 2.21 to 3.45, allowing 15 earned runs in 18 2/3 innings (7.23 ERA).
Key Injuries: RHP Taijuan Walker (foot), SS Ketel Marte (mono)
St. Louis Cardinals
This Week: 14 | Last Week: 10 | Record: 54-47
Team Stats
-
RS513
-
RA418
-
Diff.+95
-
OPS.774
-
ERA3.81
Filling in at the hot corner, 3B Jedd Gyorko has slugged seven home runs in the past 10 games, and his current .805 OPS is a career-high.
Key Injuries: 3B Matt Carpenter (oblique), 3B Jhonny Peralta (thumb), 1B Brandon Moss (ankle)
Chicago White Sox
This Week 15 | Last Week: 19 | Record: 50-51
Team Stats
-
RS407
-
RA435
-
Diff.-28
-
OPS.711
-
ERA4.02
Leave it to the White Sox for off-field silliness. In spring training, it was near revolt when they banned Adam LaRoche's son from the locker room, and now staff ace Chris Sale cut up the throwback jerseys that the team was supposed to wear for his last start. All that aside, the White Sox don't seem to be in contention, and that could make them sellers.
Key Injuries: CF Austin Jackson (knee), LHP Carlos Rodon (wrist), C Alex Avila (hamstring), 2B Brett Lawrie (hamstring)
New York Yankees
This Week: 16 | Last Week: 15 | Record: 52-49
Team Stats
-
RS412
-
RA436
-
Diff.-24
-
OPS.702
-
ERA4.15
Key Injuries: None
Pittsburgh Pirates
This Week: 17 | Last Week: 16 | Record: 52-48
Team Stats
-
RS465
-
RA462
-
Diff.+3
-
OPS.745
-
ERA4.28
The Pirates remain in contention for a playoff spot, 2.5-games out in the wild card race, and that's close enough to not throw in the towel. Who knows, maybe CF Andrew McCutchen, who has a career-low .735 OPS, will pick up his game.
Key Injuries: None
Colorado Rockies
This Week: 18 | Last Week: 20 | Record: 50-52
Team Stats
-
RS519
-
RA519
-
Diff.0
-
OPS.785
-
ERA4.87
They're likely not contenders in any way, but winning seven of the past eight games has the Rockies pushing closer to a break-even record.
Key Injuries: LF Gerardo Parra (ankle)
Detroit Tigers
This Week: 19 | Last Week: 17 | Record: 54-48
Team Stats
-
RS475
-
RA477
-
Diff.-2
-
OPS.761
-
ERA4.42
If the Tigers are going to stay in playoff contention, continued strong performance from RHP Justin Verlander, who has a 1.60 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in five July starts, is imperative.
Key Injuries: RF J.D. Martinez (elbow), RHP Jordan Zimmermann (neck)
Kansas City Royals
This Week: 20 | Last Week: 18 | Record: 49-51
Team Stats
-
RS395
-
RA445
-
Diff.-50
-
OPS.718
-
ERA4.36
The Royals don't appear to be prepared to contend this year, so they could be interesting sellers, with closer Wade Davis among their most sought-after assets.
Key Injuries: LHP Jason Vargas (elbow), 3B Mike Moustakas (knee), CF Lorenzo Cain (hamstring)
Philadelphia Phillies
This Week: 21 | Last Week: 21 | Record: 46-57
Team Stats
-
RS362
-
RA470
-
Diff.-108
-
OPS.678
-
ERA4.33
Veteran starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson is having his best season (3.65 ERA, 1.12 WHIP in 21 starts) since his rookie year, and that could make him a valuable candidate for trade. For a Phillies team building for the future, they ought to take advantage of this situation.
Key Injuries: RF Aaron Altherr (wrist), RHP Charlie Morton (hamstring)
Oakland Athletics
This Week: 22 | Last Week: 22 | Record: 47-55
Team Stats
-
RS422
-
RA491
-
Diff.-69
-
OPS.709
-
ERA4.62
Winning five of six is a nice stretch for the A's, but it's not particularly important. Too little, too late, and Oakland should be making some significant deals before the deadline.
Key Injuries: RHP Chris Bassitt (elbow), RHP Henderson Alvarez (shoulder)
Tampa Bay Rays
This Week: 23 | Last Week: 26 | Record: 39-61
Team Stats
-
RS395
-
RA452
-
Diff.-57
-
OPS.723
-
ERA4.33
With the season going down the drain, the Rays are getting some interest in pitchers Matt Moore and Chris Archer, but Tampa Bay would have to receive some serious value in return for such cost-effective starting pitching.
Key Injuries: RHP Alex Cobb (elbow), LF Desmond Jennings (hamstring)
Milwaukee Brewers
This Week: 24 | Last Week: 23 | Record: 44-56
Team Stats
-
RS405
-
RA468
-
DIFF-63
-
OPS.716
-
ERA4.32
The runnin' Brewers have a MLB-leading 96 stolen bases, 14 more than second-place San Diego. Hmm, this may not be a sign of offensive effectiveness.
Key Injuries: RF Domingo Santana (elbow)
Cincinnati Reds
This Week: 25 | Last Week: 25 | Record: 40-61
Team Stats
-
RS437
-
RA580
-
Diff.-143
-
OPS.706
-
ERA5.27
1B Joey Votto got off to a slow start this year, but he's gaining ground lately, putting up a 1.461 OPS since the All-Star break.
Key Injuries: RHP Alfredo Simon (shoulder), C Devin Mesoraco (shoulder)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
This Week 26 | Last Week 24 | Record: 45-56
Team Stats
-
RS473
-
RA470
-
Diff.+3
-
OPS.744
-
ERA4.42
Even with a recent uptick, which includes 28 RBI in the past 21 games, 1B Albert Pujols is still stuck with a career-low .759 OPS. He was never under .900 in St. Louis and hasn't been over .800 since 2012, his first year with the Angels.
Key Injuries: LHP Andrew Heaney (forearm), LHP C.J. Wilson (elbow), RHP Garrett Richards (elbow), 1B C.J. Cron (hand)
Arizona Diamondbacks
This Week: 27 | Last Week: 27 | Record: 42-60
Team Stats
-
RS452
-
RA533
-
Diff.-81
-
OPS.755
-
ERA4.84
A post-hype pitching prospect, 23-year-old RHP Archie Bradley has been okay, posting a 4.17 ERA in 14 starts for the Diamondbacks.
Key Injuries: CF A.J. Pollock (elbow), RHP Zack Greinke (oblique)m RF David Peralta (foot), CF Chris Owings (foot), RHP Rubby De La Rosa (elbow), SS Nick Ahmed (hip)
San Diego Padres
This Week: 28 | Last Week: 28 | Record: 44-58
Team Stats
-
RS453
-
RA501
-
Diff.-48
-
OPS.708
-
ERA4.57
While Melvin Upton Jr. isn't necessarily a prize, it's hard to fathom that the best the Padres could do was get a low-level prospect in order to save just $5-million through the end of next season.
Key Injuries: RHP Tyson Ross (shoulder), 2B Cory Spangenberg (quad), CF Jon Jay (forearm)
Minnesota Twins
This Week: 29 | Last Week: 29 | Record: 37-63
Team Stats
-
RS442
-
RA527
-
Diff.-85
-
OPS.729
-
ERA4.94
Key Injuries: LHP Glen Perkins (shoulder), 3B Trevor Plouffe (rib), RHP Phil Hughes (knee)
Atlanta Braves
This Week: 30 | Last Week: 30 | Record: 35-66
Team Stats
-
RS346
-
RA480
-
Diff.-134
-
OPS.656
-
ERA4.42
Key Injuries: RHP Williams Perez (shoulder), CF Mallex Smith (thumb), RHP Arodys Vizcaino (oblique)