DISCLAIMER: What follows are of my own opinions alone, and should not be interpreted as any league official declaration. The inclusion or omission of any team/players is not meant to offend any GM. Thank you!
Still way too early to be doing this, but with 1 week in the books, why not? These rankings are just how I personally see the league and the teams that play in it. They are meant to be fluid – taking into account the past week’s play, as well as continued future outlook.
1: St. Louis Cardinals (4-2, 1st): The Cards promised to impress the league with their starting pitching showcase this 1st week, and that they did. With the exception of Max Scherzer, all 5 other starts in the Card’s first 6 games have been quality starts turned in by their starters. They took 2 of 3 from the 1-5 Reds, and will be set up with each other for another 3 game series this week.
2: Los Angeles Dodgers (4-4, 3rd): After losing 2 of 3 in their home opener against the Giants (especially with last night’s crazy 10-13 fallout), the Dodgers will use their 2 offdays this week for a much needed rest and regroup. This is still one of the most star-studded team in the league, so a 4-4 start doesn’t mean much at all. This week, Dodgers will take on the Tigers at home, and then divisional darkhorse D-Backs on the road.
3: Atlanta Braves (5-1, 1st): Justin Upton’s 5 week injury diagnosis took some fun from what was a spectacular first week for the Braves – started with a Tyler Pastornicky 3 HR game on Opening Day. Combined, this potent Braves lineup is leading the NL with a .319 batting average, and tied for first with 14 Home Runs. Braves will open at home all week this week, welcoming divisional rivals Mets and Nats.
4: Los Angeles Angels (5-1, 1st): Thus far, Mike Trout is only hitting .125, but much of the slack has been picked up by Josh Hamilton – who’s hitting .435/ .500/ . 739. The Angels’ 1-2-3 punch of Weaver/Hanson/Wilson is one of the best in the league – and will be in for a tough test against the Mets’ staff next weekend.
5: Oakland Athletics (5-2, 2nd): With new GM Ryan Naylor at the helm, the A’s starting pitching staff is currently leading the AL with a 1.75 ERA in their first 7 games at home this week. On the road, the A’s will face the Mariners again next week (who they just took 3 of 4 from) and the Twins – who have lost 3 straight.
6: Detroit Tigers (4-2, t-1st): Their stellar pitching will undoubtedly pick up from the 7.85 starters ERA in the club’s first 6 games. So far, the Tigers lead the AL with a .315 batting average and .382 OBP. And this is with a no name middle infield of Danny Worth/Gustavo Nunez/ Tony Thomas. Playing both the Dodgers and Padres away this week, it will be interesting to see how this Tigers’ offense continue to thrive without DH Victor Martinez.
7: Baltimore Orioles (3-3, 3rd): Between Dylan Bundy’s 2 hit shutout of the Red Sox and Edison Volquez outpitching Justin Verlander this week, the O’s made believers out of many critics in this early going. On top of it all, Darin Ruf has been going bonkers in his last 3 games at the plate, and Ryan Dent is hitting as if he has always belong in the majors. They’ll play the Yankees and Blue Jays this week.
8: Cleveland Indians (4-2, t-1st): No one is exactly sure what Max is doing with an 80 pitch count 6 man rotation and 5 man bullpen, but so far for the last 4 games, everything has clicked. This Indians lineup can hit with the best of them, although the club is still trying to find a fixed order that they can consistently send out. Playing 7 games with no rest this week, we will see how this Indians team continue to juggle their pitching priorities and let their bats do the talking.
9: New York Mets (4-2, 1st): Behind Tim Lincecum’s combined 16 IPs of 2 runs pitching performance this week, the Mets rotation currently lead all of NL with a 2.17 ERA. Concerns for the team’s offensive output aren’t unfounded, but when their starting pitching is this good, they’ll find ways to win, even against the very best opponents. They play 2 very hot teams this week, in the Braves and Angels.
10: Arizona Diamondbacks (7-2, 1st): No one counted on the D-Backs to be in the NL West conversation in the offseason, but for their first 9 games so far (more than any other team has played), the club has shown that it can definitely compete within their division. They’ll look to solidify their status some more this week, with yet again more games with intra-division rivals – 3 games at the Giants and then 3 vs the Dodgers.
MMB Nation 