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Apr 7, 2015

Tigers take top spot in MLB Power Rankings

The Detroit Tigers have climbed to top spot in the TSN.ca MLB Power Rankings ahead of the Kansas City Royals and the rising San Diego Padres.

Yoenis Cespedes

The Detroit Tigers have climbed to top spot in the TSN.ca MLB Power Rankings ahead of the Kansas City Royals and the rising San Diego Padres.

In the season's first update, there are some big moves compared to the presason rankings.

The Tigers moved up, from five to one, and the Padres jumped from 20 to three, but the New York Mets, from 15 to four, and Boston Red Sox, from 19 to eight, were among the early risers.

By contrast, the Milwaukee Brewers collapsed right from the start, taking their preseason rank of 10 right down to 30, while the Miami Marlins, from 16 to 29, Chicago White Sox, from eight to 27, and Seattle Mariners, from three to 25, all started out worse than expected.

There have been ups and downs with the Toronto Blue Jays thus far, and they sit at 19, down two spots from their preseason ranking.

 

Detroit Tigers

This Week: 1 | Last Week: 4 | Record: 11-3

Team Stats

  • RS
    72
  • RA
    41
  • Diff.
    +31
  • OPS
    .838
  • ERA
    2.59

In six combined starts, LHP David Price and RHP Shane Greene have allowed two earned runs in 45 1/3 innings (0.40 ERA) and the offence has been boosted by the power of RF J.D. Martinez, who has five home runs in 57 at-bats.

Key Injuries: RHP Justin Verlander (triceps), RHP Joe Nathan (elbow).

Kansas City Royals

This Week: 2 | Last Week: 6 | Record: 11-3

Team Stats

  • RS
    81
  • RA
    45
  • Diff.
    +36
  • OPS
    .844
  • ERA
    3.45

It would be enough to get Gold Glove calibre defence and mediocre offensive production out of CF Lorenzo Cain, but he's delivering more than that, hitting .380 with four stolen bases; he's also one of three Royals (Mike Moustakas and Kendrys Morales are the others) to score at least a dozen runs. 

Key Injuries: RF Alex Rios (hand), RHP Greg Holland (pec).

San Diego Padres

This Week: 3 | Last Week: 20 | Record: 10-5

Team Stats

  • RS
    80
  • RA
    56
  • Diff.
    +24
  • OPS
    .779
  • ERA
    3.01

The hope was that adding outfielders Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Matt Kemp would provide a boost for a pathetic Padres attack. So far, so good, as Kemp is hitting .361 with a .945 OPS, Upton hitting .315 wit ha .930 OPS and Myers .313 with a .796 OPS.
Key Injuries: LHP Cory Luebke (elbow), RHP Ian Kennedy (hamstring).

New York Mets

This Week: 4 | Last Week: 15 | Record: 11-3

Team Stats

  • RS
    64
  • RA
    42
  • Diff.
    +22
  • OPS
    .690
  • ERA
    2.85

The offence has only been okay and is missing two of their best hitters, but the Mets' pitching staff has been outstanding, from 41-year-old Bartolon Colon (3-0, 2.25 ERA, 0.80 WHIP) to recovering from Tommy John surgery Matt Harvey (3-0, 3.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP), to second-year emerging ace Jacob De Grom (2-1, 0.93 ERA, 1.14 WHIP).
Key Injuries: RHP Zack Wheeler (elbow), RHP Jenrry Mejia (suspension), 3B David Wright (hamstring), C Travis d'Arnaud (hand).

St. Louis Cardinals

This Week: 5 | Last Week: 4 | Record: 8-4

Team Stats

  • RS
    44
  • RA
    26
  • Diff.
    +18
  • OPS
    .689
  • ERA
    1.90

The Cardinals' pitching has been amazing, with all five members of the starting rotation owning an ERA of 2.77 or better cotnributing to a 1.88 ERA in 76 2/3 innings from starting pitchers thus far.

Key Injuries: LHP Jaime Garcia (shoulder).

Chicago Cubs

This Week: 6 | Last Week: 9 | Record: 8-5

Team Stats

  • RS
    59
  • RA
    53
  • Diff.
    +6
  • OPS
    .722
  • ERA
    4.01
It didn't take long, but now that the Cubs have promoted 3B Kris Bryant and 2B Addison Russell after short stints in the minors, they appear to have a team that can contend for a playoff spot. At the very least, it's going to be exciting watching their young talent develop.
Key Injuries: None.
Los Angeles Dodgers

This Week: 7 | Last Week 2 | Record: 9-4

Team Stats

  • RS
    65
  • RA
    52
  • Diff.
    +13
  • OPS
    .870
  • ERA
    3.48

1B Adrian Gonzalez is the most notable masher in baseball's best offence to this point, but 2B Howie Kendrick and CF Joc Pederson both have an OPS over 1.000 as well.
Key Injuries: RHP Kenley Jansen (foot), LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder). 

Boston Red Sox

This Week: 8 | Last Week: 19 | Record: 9-5

Team Stats

  • RS
    71
  • RA
    65
  • Diff.
    +6
  • OPS
    .682
  • ERA
    4.23

There was lots of love for CF Mookie Betts early, but he's hitting .200 with a .608 OPS, which is still better than RF Shane Victorino (.147 AVG, .469 OPS) and 1B Mike Napoli (.136 AVG, .465 OPS) -- a few early holes in the lineup.

Key Injuries: C Christian Vazquez (elbow).

Atlanta Braves

This Week: 9 | Last Week: 30 | Record: 8-5

Team Stats

  • RS
    55
  • RA
    51
  • Diff.
    +4
  • OPS
    .707
  • ERA
    3.72
Better-than-expected early returns from the Braves, who at least have a nucleus of a starting rotation around which to build with Julio Teheran, Alex Wood and Shelby Miller.
Key Injuries: LHP Mike Minor (shoulder).
Oakland Athletics

This Week: 10 | Last Week: 11 | Record: 7-8

Team Stats

  • RS
    74
  • RA
    60
  • Diff.
    +14
  • OPS
    .757
  • ERA
    3.36

C Stephen Vogt (hitting .349 with a 1.184 OPS), DH Billy Butler (.375 AVG, .949 OPS) and 1B Ike Davis (.317 AVG, .884 OPS) lead a surprisingly potent A's attack.

Key Injuries: RHP A.J. Griffin (elbow), RHP Jarrod Parker (elbow), CF Coco Crisp (elbow), RHP Sean Doolittle (shoulder).
 

Washington Nationals

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

Team Stats

  • RS
    55
  • RA
    53
  • Diff.
    +2
  • OPS
    .681
  • ERA
    2.80

The pitching has been as advertised, but the offence has needed every bit of Bryce Harper's strong start (.940 OPS, 4 HR) to hover around mediocre.
Key Injuries: 3B Anthony Rendon (knee), CF Denard Span (core).

Cincinnati Reds

This Week: 12 | Last Week:22 | Record: 7-7

Team Stats

  • RS
    59
  • RA
    61
  • Diff.
    -2
  • OPS
    .674
  • ERA
    4.13

Lacklustre offensively despite a stunning start from SS Zack Cozart, who has four home runs and is hitting .353 with a 1.036 OPS in the early going. Fortunately, RHP Anthony DeSclafani (2-0, 0.86 ERA, 0.62 WHIP) has given the pitching staff a shot in the proverbial arm.


Key Injuries: RHP Homer Bailey (forearm).

New York Yankees

This Week: 13 | Last Week: 21 | Record: 7-7

Team Stats

  • RS
    70
  • RA
    60
  • Diff.
    +10
  • OPS
    .739
  • ERA
    3.45
Four Yankees have hit four home runs -- DH Alex Rodriguez, 1B Mark Teixeira, OF Chris Young and 2B Stephen Drew -- unlikely candidates all, but they have provided the Yankees with a surprisingly potent lineup early.and the Pinstripers lead the majors with 20 home runs total.
Key Injuries: RHP Ivan Nova (elbow).
Houston Astros

This Week: 14 | Last Week: 23 | Record: 8-6

Team Stats

  • RS
    47
  • RA
    48
  • Diff.
    -1
  • OPS
    .658
  • ERA
    2.98

The lineup is still not pulling its weight, but the pitching staff, led by LHP Dallas Keuchel and RHP Collin McHugh, is buying them some time.
Key Injuries: None.

Tampa Bay Rays

This Week: 15 | Last Week: 25 | Record: 6-8

Team Stats

  • RS
    51
  • RA
    64
  • Diff.
    -13
  • OPS
    .681
  • ERA
    4.24
Tampa Bay's pitching gives them a chance to be competitive, but their bats undo those efforts. Their top offensive performers to this point have been RF Steven Souza Jr., 2B Logan Forsythe and INF Tim Beckham, not exactly a Murderers' Row for a team with a .221 batting average.
Key Injuries: LHP Matt Moore (elbow), RHP Alex Cobb (forearm), LHP Jake McGee (elbow), LHP Drew Smyly (shoulder), 1B James Loney (oblique), DH John Jaso (wrist).
Pittsburgh Pirates

This Week: 16 | Last Week: 1 | Record: 6-8

Team Stats

  • RS
    56
  • RA
    51
  • Diff.
    +5
  • OPS
    .637
  • ERA
    3.46

The Pirates' pitching is strong, but they don't have a regular with an OPS of .800 or better -- 1B Pedro Alvarez (.799) and LF Starling Marte (.792) are closest in a weak Pirates lineup. 

Key Injuries: RHP Charlie Morton (hip).

Arizona Diamondbacks

This Week: 17 | Last Week: 29 | Record: 7-7

Team Stats

  • RS
    61
  • RA
    56
  • Diff.
    +5
  • OPS
    .679
  • ERA
    3.76

There are some decent pieces in Arizona, but their middle infielders are getting crushed right now. Chris Owings, Aaron Hill and Nick Ahmed have combined to go 20-for-122 (.164), with four extra-base hits and 38 strikeouts.
Key Injuries: LHP Patrick Corbin (elbow), RHP Bronson Arroyo (elbow), 3B Jake Lamb (foot).

Colorado Rockies

This Week: 18 | Last Week: 28 | Record: 7-7

Team Stats

  • RS
    60
  • RA
    66
  • Diff.
    -6
  • OPS
    .736
  • ERA
    4.28
The Rockies have managed to tread water even with 1B Justin Morneau and RF Carlos Gonzalez struggling out of the gate and they'll have to get better to counter some of the expected decline in pitching because their top starters, Eddie Butler and Tyler Matzek, have been allowing a lot more base-runners than runs, which is fine, but not sustainable.
Key Injuries: RHP Tyler Chatwood (elbow), LHP David Hale (oblique).
Baltimore Orioles

This Week: 20 | Last Week: 18 | Record: 7-7

Team Stats

  • RS
    68
  • RA
    73
  • Diff.
    -5
  • OPS
    .796
  • ERA
    5.01

Baltimore's pitching problems aren't altogether surprising, but that's been countered, at least somewhat, by CF Adam Jones' monster start (5 HR, 16 RBI, .442 AVG, 1.290 OPS). 
Key Injuries: C Matt Wieters (elbow), SS J.J. Hardy (shoulder), 2B Jonathan Schoop (knee).

Toronto Blue Jays

This Week: 19 | Last Week: 17 | Record: 7-7

Team Stats

  • RS
    83
  • RA
    67
  • Diff.
    +16
  • OPS
    .775
  • ERA
    4.46

The Jays already had a decent lineup before adding 3B Josh Donaldson (1.003 OPS) and 2B Devon Travis (1.053 OPS) in offseason deals. Trouble is, none of their young starters has an ERA under 6.00 to this point.
Key Injuries: RHP Marcus Stroman (knee), LF Michael Saunders (knee), 2B Maicer Izturis (groin).

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

This Week 21 | Last Week 13 | Record: 6-8

Team Stats

  • RS
    60
  • RA
    57
  • Diff.
    +3
  • OPS
    .657
  • ERA
    4.06

The Angels' offence is ugly, despite CF Mike Trout's typical greatness (.353 AVG, 1.012 OPS). 1B Albert Pujols (.192 AVG, .680 OPS) certainly isn't helping.
Key Injuries: RHP Tyler Skaggs (elbow), LF Josh Hamilton (shoulder).

Texas Rangers

This Week: 22 | Last Week: 26 | Record: 6-8

Team Stats

  • RS
    58
  • RA
    67
  • Diff.
    -9
  • OPS
    .631
  • ERA
    4.44
Pitching problems are expected, especially when proven starters are hurt long-term, but there are way too many easy outs in the lineup. Of six Rangers to record at least 35 at-bats, 1B Prince Fielder (.944 OPS) is the only one with an OPS better than .575!
Key Injuries: RHP Yu Darvish (elbow), LHP Matt Harrison (back), LHP Martin Perez (elbow), LHP Derek Holland (shoulder), LF Ryan Rua (ankle).
Philadelphia Phillies

This Week: 23 | Last Week: 24 | Record: 5-9

Team Stats

  • RS
    39
  • RA
    59
  • Diff.
    -20
  • OPS
    .598
  • ERA
    3.91
Philadelphia's lineup is even worse than expected, as 2B Chase Utley is scuffling along with a .109 batting average, but the pitching staff has been surprisingly competent.
Key Injuries: LHP Cliff Lee (elbow), LF Domonic Brown (Achilles), RHP Chad Billingsley (elbow), RHP Jonathan Pettitbone (elbow).
Cleveland Indians

This Week: 24 | Last Week: 12 | Record: 5-8

Team Stats

  • RS
    44
  • RA
    52
  • Diff.
    -8
  • OPS
    .622
  • ERA
    3.90

Surprising offensive woes in Cleveland, as 1B Carlos Santana (.777 OPS) is the only regular (minimum 30 at-bats) with an OPS better than .560. 
Key Injuries: 1B Nick Swisher (knee), RHP Gavin Floyd (elbow), C Yan Gomes (knee).

Seattle Mariners

This Week: 25 | Last Week: 3 | Record: 5-9

Team Stats

  • RS
    55
  • RA
    75
  • Diff.
    -20
  • OPS
    .706
  • ERA
    4.68
A big part of the reason for optimism surrounding the Mariners this season was that their non-King-Felix pitchers were looking pretty good. Early on, though, Hisashi Iwakuma, James Paxton and Taijuan Walker have combined for a 7.36 ERA in 44 innings. That's a problem.
Key Injuries: None.
San Francisco Giants

This Week: 26 | Last Week: 14 | Record: 5-10

2014 Team Stats

  • RS
    43
  • RA
    64
  • Diff.
    -21
  • OPS
    .660
  • ERA
    3.81
While there are lots of problems with the Giants right now, from a lack of pop in the lineup to injured pitchers, they have received some quality starts from RHP Tim Lincecum (1-1, 2.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 14 K, 18 IP). The question is whether Timmy can keep it up despite a further decline in velocity.
Key Injuries: RF Hunter Pence (forearm), RHP Matt Cain (forearm), RHP Jake Peavy (back).
Chicago White Sox

This Week: 27 | Last Week: 8 | Record: 5-8

Team Stats

  • RS
    44
  • RA
    61
  • Diff.
    -17
  • OPS
    .671
  • ERA
    4.77

Early offensive struggles, despite the work of 1B Jose Abreu (.923 OPS) and problems in spots 3-5 of the starting rotation have the White Sox chasing at this point in the season.
Key Injuries: None.

Minnesota Twins

This Week: 28 | Last Week:27 | Record: 5-9

Team Stats

  • RS
    45
  • RA
    72
  • Diff.
    -27
  • OPS
    .595
  • ERA
    4.98
Didn't the Twins have some offensive promise from the likes of 2B Brian Dozier, CF Danny Santana and DH Kennys Vargas last season? That trio has combined to his .193 with two home runs in 145 at-bats.
Key Injuries: RHP Ervin Santana (suspension),RHP Ricky Nolasco (elbow).
Miami Marlins

This Week: 29 | Last Week: 16 | Record: 3-11

Team Stats

  • RS
    53
  • RA
    72
  • Diff.
    -19
  • OPS
    .652
  • ERA
    5.28

Veteran RHP Dan Haren (3.32 ERA, 0.84 WHIP) has been a pleasant surprise, but that's been more than offset by the mess that is Mat Latos (0-3, 10.24 ERA, 2.38 WHIP).
Key Injuries: RHP Jose Fernandez (elbow), RHP Henderson Alvarez (shoulder).

Milwaukee Brewers

This Week: 30 | Last Week: 10 | Record: 2-12

Team Stats

  • RS
    41
  • RA
    87
  • Diff.
    -46
  • OPS
    .581
  • ERA
    5.31

Pretty much everything is going wrong for the Brewers to start the year, with injuries and slumps contributing to this horrible record. No one on the club has hit more than one home run.
Key Injuries: CF Carlos Gomez (hamstring), 2B Scooter Gennett (hand), C Jonathan Lucroy (toe).

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