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Sep 29, 2015

Cubs hold No. 1 spot in MLB Power Rankings

The Chicago Cubs continue to hold the top spot in the TSN.ca MLB Power Rankings, ahead of the Washington Nationals and the cross-town Chicago White Sox.

Anthony Rizzo

The Chicago Cubs continue to hold the top spot in the TSN.ca MLB Power Rankings, ahead of the Washington Nationals and the cross-town Chicago White Sox.

The White Sox, with a brilliant bullpen in the early going, climb from six to three this week, and the New York Mets move from 12 to six. The biggest move up goes to the Cleveland Indians, vaulting from 21 to nine.

Heading the other way, the Colorado Rockies come back to earth, and fall from seven to 19, while the Detroit Tigers sink from 11 to 23.

Obviously, it's still early enough that major fluctuations can occur from week to week. It will settle down as time goes on.

The Toronto Blue Jays drop a couple of spots, from eight to 10, still ranking pretty well for a team with a .500 record.

 

Chicago Cubs

This Week: 1 | Last Week: 1 | Record: 14-5

Team Stats

  • RS
    119
  • RA
    51
  • Diff.
    +68
  • OPS
    .790
  • ERA
    2.51

 

1B Anthony Rizzo has mashed eight home runs, driving in 21, in 19 games. He's also walked (14) more than he's struck out (12).

Key Injuries: None.

Washington Nationals

This Week: 2 | Last Week: 2 | Record: 14-4

Team Stats

  • RS
    79
  • RA
    45
  • Diff.
    +34
  • OPS
    .739
  • ERA
    2.24

What a great pitching staff -- Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez etc. -- but their best starter so far has been Joe Ross, the 22-year-old who has allowed one earned run in 16 1/3 innings through his first three starts.

Key Injuries: CF Ben Revere (oblique).

Chicago White Sox

This Week: 3 | Last Week: 6 | Record: 13-6

Team Stats

  • RS
    61
  • RA
    47
  • Diff.
    +14
  • OPS
    .649
  • ERA
    2.28

The White Sox rotation, receiving an unexpected boost from RHP Mat Latos, is really good, but their bullpen has been great, posting a 1.51 ERA. They've done it without overpowering stuff, too, as closer David Robertson is the only reliever with more than a strikeout per inning.

Key Injuries: C Alex Avila (hamstring).

Los Angeles Dodgers

This Week: 4 | Last Week 3 | Record: 12-7

Team Stats

  • RS
    94
  • RA
    71
  • Diff.
    +23
  • OPS
    .726
  • ERA
    3.44

Losing Zack Greinke could have been devastating to the Dodgers' rotation, but RHP Kenta Maeda seems to be filling the void just fine; he's not overpowering, yet has allowed just one run in his first four starts.
Key Injuries:  LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder), RHP Brandon McCarthy (elbow), LHP Brett Anderson (back), LF Carl Crawford (back), LF Scott Van Slyke (back), OF Andre Ethier (tibia)

Kansas City Royals

This Week: 5 | Last Week: 4 | Record: 12-6

Team Stats

  • RS
    70
  • RA
    55
  • Diff.
    +15
  • OPS
    .724
  • ERA
    3.04

There have been some rough years along the way, but it looks like 3B Mike Moustakas is starting to fulfill his potential as the second overall pick in the 2007 Draft. He broke through last year and has six homers and a .920 OPS in 17 games this year.

Key Injuries: LHP Jason Vargas (elbow).

New York Mets

This Week: 6 | Last Week: 12 | Record: 10-7

Team Stats

  • RS
    74
  • RA
    52
  • Diff.
    +22
  • OPS
    .765
  • ERA
    2.95

These Mets can mash. Aside from catchers (Travis d'Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki), 1B Lucas Duda is the regular with the lowest OPS and he's still at .702 with three home runs and 12 RBI. 
Key Injuries: RHP Zack Wheeler (elbow).

Baltimore Orioles

This Week: 7 | Last Week: 5 | Record: 11-6

Team Stats

  • RS
    81
  • RA
    67
  • Diff.
    +14
  • OPS
    .814
  • ERA
    3.81

The Orioles have a punishing lineup, with 27 home runs in 17 games the best per-game rate in the league, and it's happened despite single home runs from CF Adam Jones and C Matt Wieters, both of whom have been good for 20-plus.

Key Injuries: RHP Yovani Gallardo (biceps)

St. Louis Cardinals

This Week: 8 | Last Week: 9 | Record: 10-8

Team Stats

  • RS
    111
  • RA
    71
  • Diff.
    +40
  • OPS
    .849
  • ERA
    3.59

C Yadier Molina, the best defensive catcher of his generation, continues to get the job done offensively too. His .411 on-base percentage is a career high, making the 33-year-old a valuable commodity even when decline might have been the more reasonable expectation. That said, his .400 BABIP does suggest that regression is coming to his .338 batting average.

Key Injuries: SS Jhonny Peralta (thumb), RHP Lance Lynn (elbow)

Cleveland Indians

This Week: 9 | Last Week: 21 | Record: 9-7

Team Stats

  • RS
    71
  • RA
    62
  • Diff.
    +9
  • OPS
    .709
  • ERA
    3.90

Made a big jump this week, largely on their sweep in Detroit, by a combined score of 18-5. They also have the depth to dip into the bullpen for Trevor Bauer in the wake of Carlos Carrasco's injury.

Key Injuries: LF Michael Brantley (shoulder), RHP Carlos Carrasco (hamstring)

Toronto Blue Jays

This Week: 10 | Last Week: 8 | Record: 10-10

Team Stats

  • RS
    85
  • RA
    76
  • Diff.
    +9
  • OPS
    .721
  • ERA
    3.54

In an unexpected twist, it's been pitching that has been more reliable for the Blue Jays -- they even got a solid start out of RHP Drew Hutchison Sunday -- but there are a few holes to be filled in the batting order, one of which was just suspended for half a season due to a failed PED test.
Key Injuries: 2B Devon Travis (shoulder), 1B Chris Colabello (suspension)

Boston Red Sox

This Week: 11 | Last Week: 13 | Record: 9-9

Team Stats

  • RS
    90
  • RA
    90
  • Diff.
    0
  • OPS
    .767
  • ERA
    4.75

The Red Sox are striking out 10.27 batters per nine innings, best in the American League, but their 4.03 walks per nine innings also ranks worst in the AL.

Key Injuries: RHP Joe Kelly (shoulder), RHP Eduardo Rodriguez (knee)

 

Texas Rangers

This Week: 12 | Last Week: 15 | Record: 10-9

Team Stats

  • RS
    81
  • RA
    80
  • Diff.
    +1
  • OPS
    .697
  • ERA
    4.03
The Texas rotation has been lifted by a couple of comeback stories, LHP Derek Holland and RHP A.J. Griffin. They made a total of 15 starts (all by Holland) over the past two seasons.
Key Injuries: RHP Yu Darvish (elbow), LF Josh Hamilton (knee), C Robinson Chirinos (forearm), RF Shin-Soo Choo (calf).
Seattle Mariners

This Week: 13 | Last Week: 19 | Record: 9-9

Team Stats

  • RS
    75
  • RA
    66
  • Diff.
    +9
  • OPS
    .689
  • ERA
    3.44

What a miserable start for 3B Kyle Seager, who has four singles, two doubles and three home runs, with his .118 BABIP leading to a .134 batting average.  He's not driving the ball either, with low line-drive and pull rates.

Key Injuries: None

Oakland Athletics

This Week: 14 | Last Week: 22 | Record: 10-9

Team Stats

  • RS
    66
  • RA
    70
  • Diff.
    -4
  • OPS
    .665
  • ERA
    3.30

Won six straight before back-to-back losses in Toronto over the weekend. Imagine what could happen once one-dimensional players like Billy Butler and Khris Davis start providing that dimension (ie. hitting the ball).

Key Injuries: RHP Henderson Alvarez (shoulder), LHP Felix Doubront (elbow), 3B Danny Valencia (hamstring)

Arizona Diamondbacks

This Week: 15 | Last Week: 17 | Record: 10-10

Team Stats

  • RS
    97
  • RA
    98
  • Diff.
    -1
  • OPS
    .785
  • ERA
    4.39

 

C Welington Castillo has been a difference-maker for the D'backs, leading the team with six home runs and his .935 OPS ranks second to 1B Paul Goldschmidt (.958).

Key Injuries: CF A.J. Pollock (elbow)

Pittsburgh Pirates

This Week: 16 | Last Week: 10 | Record: 10-9

Team Stats

  • RS
    95
  • RA
    94
  • Diff.
    +1
  • OPS
    .808
  • ERA
    4.57

Utilityman Sean Rodriguez is tied for the team lead with 11 RBI, in just 24 at-bats. The Pirates, as a team, have been hitting well, despite CF Andrew McCutchen's slow start (.213 AVG, .684 OPS).

Key Injuries: SS Jung Ho Kang (knee).

San Francisco Giants

This Week: 17 | Last Week: 14 | Record: 9-11

Team Stats

  • RS
    99
  • RA
    89
  • Diff.
    +10
  • OPS
    .756
  • ERA
    4.22

It's early, but the Giants have some pitching problems. Jake Peavy and Matt Cain have ERAs over 6.00, and Madison Bumgarner has already surrendered five home runs. 

Key Injuries: None.

 

Philadelphia Phillies

This Week: 18 | Last Week: 16 | Record: 9-10

Team Stats

  • RS
    62
  • RA
    88
  • Diff.
    -26
  • OPS
    .659
  • ERA
    4.36

Another name to consider at closer for the Phillies (in case Jeanmar Gomez isn't Mariano Rivera): Hector Neris, the 26-year-old Dominican who has a nasty splitter and has struck out 18 in 11 innings.

Key Injuries: RF Aaron Altherr (wrist), RHP Charlie Morton (hamstring).

Colorado Rockies

This Week: 19 | Last Week: 7 | Record: 9-9

Team Stats

  • RS
    99
  • RA
    109
  • Diff.
    -10
  • OPS
    .809
  • ERA
    5.68

 

The Rockies have lost four of five, and may suddenly be mortal now that SS Trevor Story isn't mashing home runs every game (he has one in the past 12).

Key Injuries: C Nick Hundley (concussion), CF Charlie Blackmon (toe)

Miami Marlins

This Week: 20 | Last Week: 24 | Record: 6-11

Team Stats

  • RS
    63
  • RA
    78
  • Diff.
    -15
  • OPS
    .716
  • ERA
    4.50

From top to bottom of the rotation, the Marlins are having trouble throwing strikes. Okay Wei-Yin Chen isn't, but the rest are, and Marlins starters have walked 44 in 90 innings, on their way to a 5.30 ERA.

Key Injuries: None

 

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

This Week 21 | Last Week 18 | Record: 8-11

Team Stats

  • RS
    57
  • RA
    75
  • Diff.
    -18
  • OPS
    .609
  • ERA
    3.69

There are too many holes in the Angels' lineup right now. C Carlos Perez, 1B Albert Pujols, 2B Johnny Giavotella, SS Andrelton Simmons and DH C.J. Cron all have an OPS less than .600.

Key Injuries: LHP Andrew Heaney (forearm)

Tampa Bay Rays

This Week: 22 | Last Week: 26 | Record: 8-10

Team Stats

  • RS
    65
  • RA
    67
  • Diff.
    -2
  • OPS
    .687
  • ERA
    3.52

Injuries have prevented him from getting wide acclaim, but LHP Drew Smyly is an impact starter for the Rays, with a 2.52 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 23 starts with Tampa Bay.

Key Injuries: RHP Alex Cobb (elbow)

Detroit Tigers

This Week: 11 | Last Week: 23 | Record: 8-9

Team Stats

  • RS
    72
  • RA
    75
  • Diff.
    -3
  • OPS
    .700
  • ERA
    4.05

Pretty sure the Tigers expected more than a combined two home runs in 133 at-bats from 1B Miguel Cabrera and LF Justin Upton, but both are struggling out of the gate.

Key Injuries: LHP Daniel Norris (back), CF Cameron Maybin (wrist), C James McCann (ankle)

Cincinnati Reds

This Week: 24 | Last Week: 23 | Record: 9-10

Team Stats

  • RS
    77
  • RA
    117
  • Diff.
    -40
  • OPS
    .694
  • ERA
    5.58

1B Joey Votto isn't displaying his trademark patience at the plate -- 3.95 pitches per plate appearance is his lowest since 2010 -- and he's not drawing walks (eight in 19 games) anywhere near like he did last year when he led the league with 143.

Key Injuries: RHP Homer Bailey (elbow), RHP Anthony DeSclafani (oblique)

San Diego Padres

This Week: 25 | Last Week: 29 | Record: 7-12

Team Stats

  • RS
    72
  • RA
    101
  • Diff.
    -29
  • OPS
    .651
  • ERA
    4.81

1B Wil Myers was a bit of a sleeper candidate coming into the year and he's off to a good start, hitting .316 with a .855 OPS.

Key Injuries: RHP Tyson Ross (shoulder), 2B Cory Spangenberg (quad)

New York Yankees

This Week: 26 | Last Week: 20 | Record: 7-10

Team Stats

  • RS
    66
  • RA
    78
  • Diff.
    -12
  • OPS
    .689
  • ERA
    4.32
The Yankees may be longshots in the American League East, but they will be no-shots without better pitching. Masahiro Tanaka is the only starter with an ERA under 4.50 and Michael Pineda has a 6.75 ERA after surrendering seven homers in 22 innings.
Key Injuries: None
Minnesota Twins

This Week: 27 | Last Week: 28 | Record: 7-12

Team Stats

  • RS
    62
  • RA
    83
  • Diff.
    -21
  • OPS
    .687
  • ERA
    3.80
The Twins have sent CF Byron Buxton to the minors, realizing that it's not doing anyone any good to have their top prospect hitting .156 with a .497 OPS while playing every day in the bigs.
Key Injuries: LHP Glen Perkins (shouldeR), 3B Trevor Plouffe (intercostal)
Houston Astros

This Week: 28 | Last Week: 25 | Record: 6-13

Team Stats

  • RS
    76
  • RA
    96
  • Diff.
    -20
  • OPS
    .757
  • ERA
    4.85

Even as I write about the great start of LF Colby Rasmus, pitching has let down the Houston offence. Their starters have been to easy to hit, giving up 130 knocks in 101 2/3 innings.
Key Injuries: RHP Lance McCullers (shoulder)

Milwaukee Brewers

This Week: 29 | Last Week: 27 | Record: 8-11

Team Stats

  • RS
    76
  • 134
    113
  • DIFF
    -37
  • OPS
    .708
  • ERA
    5.65

Milwaukee's pitching staff is a disaster. Opposing hitters have an OPS of .912 against the Brewers; the next worst team, the Cincinnati Reds, allows opposing hitters a .824 OPS. 

Key Injuries: RHP Matt Garza (lat)

Atlanta Braves

This Week: 30 | Last Week: 30 | Record: 4-14

Team Stats

  • RS
    61
  • RA
    92
  • Diff.
    -31
  • OPS
    .593
  • ERA
    4.72

The Braves, collectively, have hit three home runs. In 18 games.

Key Injuries: CF Ender Inciarte (hamstring)

Scott Cullen can be reached at scott.cullen@bellmedia.ca