Backed by a seven-game win streak that was headlined by a no-hitter by Justin Verlander, the Detroit Tigers made the biggest charge this week, climbing into the top 10 of KP’s latest MLB Power Rankings.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Indians remain in the top spot, holding a slim lead over the pitching rich Philadelphia Phillies.
KP’s MLB Power Rankings: May 16, 2011
Note: All stats & records as of Monday morning, and do not reflect the results of night games
1. Cleveland Indians – 24-13 (99 points) – Last Week: #1 (-14 pts)
Despite cooling off (5-5 over last 10), the Indians maintain a hold on the top spot this week, and also have MLB’s best record at home (15-4).
2. Philadelphia Phillies – 25-14 (98 points) – Last Week: #2 (-9 pts)
Ace Roy Halladay has lost his last two decisions due to lack of run support – a 2-1 loss to the Marlins on 5/10 and a 3-2 loss to the Braves on 5/15.
3. St. Louis Cardinals – 22-19 (95 points) – Last Week: #3 (-12 pts)
Losing ground this week, the Cardinals managed to hold the 3-spot, mostly led by its potent offense, headlined by Holliday, Berkman and Pujols.
4. Atlanta Braves – 23-19 (89 points) – Last Week: #4 (-3 pts)
Young 22-year old fireballer Craig Kimbrel has posted a 2.18 ERA, while adding 11 saves, headlining a very potent Braves bullpen.
5. Tampa Bay Rays – 23-17 (84 points) – Last Week: #6 (-1 pt)
As solid as the pitching staff has been, the Rays surprisingly have the fewest save opportunities in baseball, with only 9 to date.
6. Cincinnati Reds – 23-17 (83 points) – Last Week: #9 (+30 pts)
A three-game sweep over the division-rival Cardinals gave Cincinnati the NL Central lead back, plus a three-spot boost in this week’s MLB Power Rankings.
7. Los Angeles Angels – 22-19 (74 points) – Last Week: #5 (-16 pts)
The Angels have four battings with 100+ AB’s hitting over .300 – Aybar (.351), Izturis (.319), Callaspo (.312) and Kendrick (.311).
8. Florida Marlins – 23-16 (64 points) – Last Week: #8 (-7 pts)
Marlins 1B Gaby Sanchez continues to lead the team in all major offensive categories, including HR (7), AVG (.331), RBI (25) and OBP (.412).
9. New York Yankees – 20-18 (56 points) – Last Week: #7 (-22 pts)
A sweep at the hands of the Red Sox, a five-game losing streak and major drama surrounding a struggling Jorge Posada means it’s been a tough week for the Yanks.
10. Detroit Tigers – 22-18 (56 points) – Last Week: #16 (+39 pts)
Winners of 9 of 10 and headlined by a Justin Verlander no-hitter, the Tigers made the biggest jump in this week’s power rankings, cracking the top ten.
The Detroit Tigers – led by Justin Verlander – have charged into the top 10
11. Texas Rangers – 21-19 (52 points) – Last Week: #12 (+11 pts)
The Rangers should be glad they didn’t trade Michael Young, who has posted a .342 average with 30 RBI in 158 AB’s this season.
12. Toronto Blue Jays – 20-20 (47 points) – Last Week: #19 (+37 pts)
Toronto’s solid week has been highlighted by the play of Jose Bautista, who has hit .423 with six home runs over the last seven days.
13. Oakland Athletics – 20-20 (44 points) – Last Week: #11 (-2 pts)
On the entire Oakland staff, just three pitchers (all relievers) have an ERA above 3.35, and not one pitcher has an ERA above 5. The staff as a whole has posted a 2.72 ERA.
14. San Francisco Giants – 22-17 (43 points) – Last Week: 14 (+10 pts)
In eight starts this season, Tim Lincecum has an impressive 2.11 ERA and 66 K’s, but thanks to poor run support, has posted a mediocre 3-3 record.
15. Kansas City Royals – 20-19 (35 points) – Last Week: #10 (-14 pts)
Rookie phenom Eric Hosmer made his debut just over a week ago, and burst onto the scene, hitting two home runs in back-to-back games against the Yankees.
16. Colorado Rockies – 20-18 (26 points) – Last Week: #13 (-15 pts)
Where have you gone, Ubaldo? In six starts this season, Jimenez has zero wins, 22 walks and a subpar 6.67 ERA.
17. Boston Red Sox – 20-20 (20 points) – Last Week: #17 (+7 pts)
Adrian Gonzalez has been red-hot for the Red Sox
Red Sox Nation is starting to see just how good Adrian Gonzalez can be, as the slugger has 5 HR and 10 RBI over the the last seven days.
18. Milwaukee Brewers – 19-21 (20 points) – Last Week: #25 (+25 pts)
The Brewers enjoyed a great week, jumping seven spots in the poll, but overall, Milwaukee still has MLB’s worst road record (6-15).
19. New York Mets – 19-21 (17 points) – Last Week: #18 (-5 pts)
The Mets’ pitching staff has hit more batters than any other team in baseball, plunking 20. The second most in MLB sits at 17.
20. San Diego Padres – 17-23 (12 points) – Last Week: #20 (+7 pts)
Pitcher’s park or no pitcher’s park, the Padres have struggled at PETCO Park so far this season, posting a 7-14 record.
21. Washington Nationals – 19-21 (4 points) – Last Week: #24 (+9 pts)
Missing Ryan Zimmerman and dreaming of a future with Bryce Harper, the Nationals sit with the worst batting average in all of baseball (.225).
22. Arizona Diamondbacks – 17-22 (0 points) – Last Week: #21 (-3 pts)
Ian Kennedy has impressed in the D’Backs’ rotation, posting a 4-1 record in nine starts, with a 3.05 ERA and 53 K’s over 59 innings.
23. Chicago Cubs – 17-21 (-1 point) – Last Week: #22 (Even)
The Cubs’ offense has surprised many, posting a .279 average, which is good for 2nd best in all of baseball. Red flag: Chicago has just 99 walks on the year, the only team under 100.
24. Baltimore Orioles – 19-20 (-5 points) – Last Week: #29 (+28 pts)
Baltimore’s starting rotation – headlined by youngsters Zach Britton and Jake Arrieta – is the main reason for a five spot jump in the poll this week.
25. Chicago White Sox – 17-24 (-5 points) – Last Week: #27 (+15 pts)
In his first start back from injury, starting pitcher Jake Peavy went six innings, striking out gour, while giving up seven hits and four runs.
26. Los Angeles Dodgers – 19-22 (-5 points) – Last Week: #26 (+6 pts)
Dodgers CF Matt Kemp is enjoying a resurgence in 2011, currently leading the team in HR (7), RBI (25) and OBP (.417).
27. Pittsburgh Pirates – 18-22 (-14 points) – Last Week: #15 (-35 pts)
Ever since jumping above .500 and creating a stir in the league, the Pirates haven’t won since, losing five straight games.
28. Seattle Mariners – 16-23 (-23 points) – Last Week: #23 (-20 pts)
Seattle’s offense has struggled, managing a skimpy .228 batting average and only 21 home runs, which is good for 29th in baseball.
29. Houston Astros – 15-25 (-36 points) – Last Week: #28 (-11 pts)
Astros outfielder Michael Bourn is a spark plug in the team’s offense, stealing 14 bases, which is tied for the most in baseball.
30. Minnesota Twins – 12-26 (-113 points) – Last Week: #30 (-38 pts)
Tweet from Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com: “Jose Bautista has now hit five home runs at Target Field this season. The #Twins have six.”
The Wife Hates Sports MLB Power Rankings system has a method to its madness, attempting to be different and not just rank by popularity and record. It mixes a secret formula of six completely different categories, meshed into a points system. The categories don’t just include team results regarding record, but how each team has performed recently, as well as incorporating some statistics on both a team’s offense and pitching staff, too.
TOP–
The Phils are going to have issues with that offense… getting Utley back will help, but one extra guy can only help so much. They are going to need to make some offensive moves in July, or a few guys are going to have to catch fire. Otherwise, Philadelphia will live and die by the pitching and hope that staff can stay healthy in the long haul.
That NL East is going to be interesting for a while… at least for three teams. I do think that both New York and Washington will fade off the map in time.
TOP–
Trust me, with an 18-run loss… KC will take a hit in next week’s rankings. Just the nature of the format, which so far, I think has worked out pretty well…
AERO–
No kidding, Shields has been off-the-charts this year so far. I added him late to my fantasy team and he’s been a late year steal for me to this point.
I know Tampa has a lot of young arms… is anyone ready to come up? I’m not sure to be honest, I would have to take a look…
REV–
Yeah, nice comeback by the Rays.. Sox did the same thing on the O’s last night, too.
Posada whined and gets his way though man… back in lineup and batting 7th. Embarrassing if you ask me. Some of what we are seeing right now is the reason that I put them in 4th place this year, and everyone called me nuts for that. We’ll see how it all pans out and if they make moves to improve upon their current dysfunctions.
Look for the Yankees to continue to struggle with Sheilds on the hill tonight. They need to do something about that 5 spot in their rotation, Sonnanstine is not getting it done.
Was at the Rays-Yanks game last night with some buds.
Saw the BJ Upton heroics and a very dysfunctional Yankees team.
No wonder Posada wanted out.
I can’t wait to talk about Schwarznegger on this week’s podcast.