MLB: Power Rankings Vol. 1

The MLB season is just over a month old and there are two teams that have pulled away from the rest of the pack. Both of those teams happen to reside in the city of Chicago. The Cubs and White Sox are combined 46-16, as they both lead their respective divisions. There are also several teams just under them that are off to good starts, then there are suspected contenders who are struggling (Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, and New York Yankees) and a handful of bottom dwellers (Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins). The current division leaders are: Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets and Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. I will run through the 30-team league, ranking each of them as they currently stand.

1. Chicago Cubs (24-6): The Cubs are plain and simple, the best team right now. There were (and still are) heavy expectations for this team, so it may be difficult to live up to the hype but so far they have. Chicago has the highest combined run margin (102) in the league, the most runs (184), and the lowest combined earned run average (2.48). They lead the MLB in most statistical categories on both sides of the ball. The Cubs are the deepest team in the league, as Dexter Fowler leads the team in batting average (.340) and hits (36). While Anthony Rizzo leads in home runs (10) and RBI (28). Not to mention one of the best young stars, in Kris Bryant. The starting rotation is 19-4, led by Jake Arrieta who is 6-0 and has a 1.13 ERA with a no-hitter and 44 strikeouts. The Cubs are the best all around team and are expected to win the World Series for the first time since 1908.

2. Chicago White Sox (22-10): The White Sox were not expected to be this good. After the spring training drama that involved Adam Laroche retiring, combined with struggling over the last four years, this team was suspected to be near the bottom of the AL Central. But they lead the division by six games, and are seven games ahead of the defending World Series champion Kansas City Royals. The White Sox are here mostly because of their dominant pitching, led by ace Chris Sale (7-0). They have the second lowest ERA in the game (2.78), but have not been able to succeed hitting the ball. The White Sox sit 18th in total runs (131). If they want to continue to win, at some point the bats must come alive.

3. Washington Nationals (20-12): The Nationals are coming off of a four game sweep to the Cubs, but are still off to a very promising start. Bryce Harper is the leader of the team, as he is the reigning NL MVP award winner. Washington has the 10th most runs (136), the fourth best ERA (2.80), and have committed the fewest amount of fielding errors (10). The Nats have been pretty good all around, mainly because of their solid starting rotation. Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Gio Gonzalez are combined 7-3, as Strasburg is yet to lose a game this season. Harper leads the team in home runs (10) and runs batted in (27), while recently acquired Daniel Murphy leads in batting average (.398). If Ryan Zimmerman can start hitting better in the fifth spot in the order, this team will really get going. As for now, they are still one of the best teams in the MLB.

4. Baltimore Orioles (18-12): The Orioles hold the second best record in the American League (3.5 games back of the White Sox). The last few years, Baltimore has been known for their home run hitting. They have 43 long balls and have the 12th most runs (134). The pitching has always been the achilles heel but this season, not so much. The Orioles have the ninth best ERA (3.63), combined with nine saves. They also have the fifth lowest amount of errors (13), have a 98.8% fielding percentage, and have 294 assists. It has been a very good start to the season for the Orioles. If they can keep it up, they will be very dangerous come playoff time.

5. Seattle Mariners (18-13): The Mariners have surpassed offseason expectations early on. Their 13-6 road record is one of the best in the league, but they have struggled to get going on their home field (5-7). Their run differential (+26) is impressive, but they lead their division by only one game. The AL West is one of the most competitive divisions because everyone is on a pretty equal level. If Seattle wants to be taken more seriously, they must prove they can win on a regular basis. In 2014, they just barely missed out on the playoffs before taking a few steps back in 2015. It is difficult to trust this team given their track record, but so far they are playing very well. Robinson Cano leads the team in batting average (.305), home runs (12), runs batted in (33), and hits (39). The team is 11th in total runs (135) and has the fifth lowest ERA (3.08), including a complete game and two shutouts.

6. New York Mets (19-11): The Mets are tied with the Washington Nationals atop of the NL East, and second in the National League behind the Cubs. New York ranks in the middle of the league at 15th in runs (133), which will need to go up if they want to return to the Fall Classic for a second consecutive year. However, the Mets do have 47 home runs which is 10 more than the Chicago Cubs. They do have the third best team ERA (2.79), including 11 saves and three shutouts. The loss of Daniel Murphy in the offseason has hurt them, but Yoenis Cespedes has been solid with six home runs. David Wright as usual is the leader of the clubhouse, but the starting rotation is widely regarded as one of the best in the league. After making it to the 2015 World Series, the Mets look like they are hungry to get back. They have gotten off to a good start in 2016.

7. Boston Red Sox (19-13): The Red Sox are tied with the Orioles at the top of the AL East, but have been playing really well over the last few weeks. Their hot streak has included two series victories over their rival New York Yankees, including a home sweep. Boston has the fifth most runs (156) as their best hitter David Ortiz is off to a scorching start. They have also committed the second fewest errors (11). The issue so far for the Bo Sox has been their pitching. Clay Buchholz has struggled, going just 2-3. The team ERA is 4.16, which sits at 19th in the league. David Price was a huge pick up over the offseason but he has not looked like his normal self. It is expected that he will settle in, as will the best of the starting rotation. If Price is able to get back to throwing his stuff, this team will become even more dangerous. But for now, they sit at No. 7 as they have won two straight games.

8. Texas Rangers (18-15): The Rangers have been one of the most up and down teams through the first month of the season. They lost three of four against the Toronto Blue Jays before going to Detroit and sweeping the Tigers. Then on the following day, they lost 8-4 in 12 innings against the Chicago White Sox at home. It has been a roller coaster of a month, but the Rangers are second in the AL West (1.5 games back of the Mariners) and have a +11 run differential. Texas is the ninth best run scoring team (143), own the 13th lowest ERA (3.91), and have the third fewest fielding errors (12) in the MLB. Elvis Andrus, Adrian Beltre, and Rougned Odor have led the team so far, but Prince Fielder needs to get going if this team wants to return to the postseason. He is hitting just under .200 on the season. Cole Hamels has best dominant on the mound as he is undefeated but the rotation will get a boost when Yu Darvish returns from shoulder surgery. He is expected back in the next few weeks, as he threw 50 pitches (30 strikes) in a Double-A game.

9. Philadelphia Phillies (18-14): The Phillies are the most surprisingly good team so far this season. The young team is continuing to win games, even though they have no real star power on their team. Everyone from their 2008 World Series championship team is gone, except for Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz who are past their prime. Stud pitcher Cole Hamels was traded at the deadline last year. Everything was pointing to another rebuilding year for Philadelphia and yet they are only 1.5 games back in the NL East. I don't think this team is going to last because the statistics show their wins are coming out of nowhere. The Phillies are tied for second to last in total runs (104), 14th in ERA (3.95), and 15th in fielding errors (17). It has been a shocking start for the Phillies, but I doubt it will last. They will likely finish third in the AL East (where they stand now) but the Mets and Nationals will pull away.

10. Cleveland Indians (15-14): The Indians have been pretty good on the young season. They are in the AL Central, which is the most confusing division. Most expected the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers to lead, but the White Sox and these Indians are at the top right now. Cleveland will need to get the bats going a little better if they want to compete for a playoff spot, as they sit at 21st in total runs (125). The pitching has been good so far, 12th in ERA (3.86). The Indians also have eight saves and 232 strikeouts as a team. Francisco Lindor has played at a high level (.313 batting average, .376 on base percentage, and a team high 35 hits). Mike Napoli, who was acquired in the offseason has also been good at first base. He has a team high six homers and 20 runs batted in. The Indians must have Michael Brantley get going. Their outfielder is batting just .230 since returning from injury. Cleveland has played well enough to earn the No. 10 ranking, but I don't see them making the playoffs. Teams that have struggled early on will likely catch and pass the upstart Indians.

11. Toronto Blue Jays (17-17): The Blue Jays advanced to the ALDS last season, before being knocked out by eventual World Series champions Kansas City Royals. Toronto was (and is) expected to compete at the top of the AL East. They currently sit third, three games back of the Orioles and Red Sox. The Blue Jays have some of the best hitters (Jose Bautista, Josh Donaldson, Edwin Encarnacion, and Troy Tulowitzki) in the league. Those four guys already have a combined 26 home runs and 82 runs batted in. The rest of the team will need to pick up the slack though, as they sit 14th in total runs (137) with just 12 home runs outside of the aforementioned four stars. The Blue Jays rotation is in the top third of the MLB, ranking sixth in ERA (3.40). The outfield has been solid, in the top half of the MLB with 17 errors and a 98.7% fielding percentage. Toronto will need to get more out of their supporting cast if they want to win the AL East for the second year in a row.

12. Miami Marlins (17-14): The Marlins have been one of the worst team in the MLB the last five seasons but with new manager Don Mattingly, things may be turning around. I wouldn't expect this team to make the playoffs, because the NL East is one of the best divisions. But they are up and coming, and are playing above .500 ball. Their team hitting has not been very good, as they sit in the 20th spot in runs scored (130) and have 300 hits to go along with 31 bombs. The pitching has been average, with the 16th lowest ERA (4.03) in the league. The bullpen has been a bright spot, coming in with a league high 13 saves. Giancarlo Stanton has been as good as advertised once again, with a team high 10 home runs and 24 runs batted in. Martin Prado has been a pleasant surprise (.396 batting average and 42 hits). Christian Yelich has continued his upstart with a team high .447 on base percentage. I don't think the Marlins are ready for the postseason just yet, but they will continue to make strides this year. They are ranked No. 12 but will likely slide down to the late teens by season's end.

13. Tampa Bay Rays (15-15): The Rays are tied for third in the AL East with the Blue Jays, three games back of the Orioles and Red Sox. It has been a tough scoring year for the Rays so far this season, as they have the second fewest runs scored in the league (104). The pitching has been good, which is the reason Tampa Bay is still in the thick of things. The team ERA (3.52) ranks seventh. They also have nine saves, two shutouts, and 261 strikeouts to just 83 base on balls. The Rays have been on a gradual slide since their trip to the 2008 World Series, and I do not expect them to end their playoff drought. Tampa Bay will likely finish towards the bottom of the AL East.

14. Kansas City Royals (15-16): The Royals have been very disappointing, which is surprising after they won the World Series title last October. Kansas City did not lose a lot of players in the offseason, nor have they experienced a lot of injuries. It is simple, they can not hit (for now). The pitching has been solid as we have come to expect over the last couple of years (3.85 ERA, nine saves, three shutouts, 245 strikeouts, and 117 walks). The defense has also been good, rankings fourth in the MLB (13 fielding errors, 98.8% fielding percentage, 263 assists, and 807 putouts). But the Royals batting has been abysmal. They are fourth to last in runs scored (105), with just 25 home runs, 99 runs batted in, and a .254 batting average. The Royals will likely start hitting better, which will get them to climb up in the standings. Right now they are third in the AL Central, seven games back of the White Sox. Kansas City is No. 14 because of their pitching and what they have accomplished over the last two seasons. If they want to get back to that team, they must start hitting better. I expect them to soon.

15. Pittsburgh Pirates (17-15): The Pirates go as their superstar Andrew McCutchen goes. After finishing second in the NL Central, winning 90+ games, and making it to the playoffs last year, the Pirates will look to build off of their 2015 campaign. They are currently second in the division, eight games back of the Cubs and one game ahead of the Cardinals. Pittsburgh is sixth in runs scored (158), 20th in team ERA (4.23), and 27th in fielding errors (24). It has been a less than impressive start to the season for the Pirates but they definitely have the talent to turn things around. They are still in a good position right now, second in the division, and playing over .500 baseball. I expect the Pirates to make the playoffs, but I don't see them going deep. They have too many holes in their team, with start withs their below average pitching.

16. Los Angeles Dodgers (16-16): The Dodgers are one of the best teams year in and year out. The pitching rotation is led by ace Clayton Kershaw (4-1, 2.04 ERA, and 64 strikeouts). Kenley Jansen is also one of the best closers in the game, as he has 11 saves of the team's 16 victories. If the team wants to be more successful, they need more from the mound. The other four starters (Scott Kazmir, Kenta Maeda, Ross Stripling, and Alex Wood) are a troubling 6-9. The lineup is led by Adrian Gonzalez, who leads the team in hits (32) and runs batted in (17). Outside of a few select players, the batting is struggling to a certain degree. The Dodgers rank 18th in runs (135), eighth in team ERA (3.60), and 13th in fielding errors (16). I expect the Dodgers to pull away from the Giants in the division, and repeat as NL West champions. But for now, the Dodgers rank No. 16 and are tied with their in-state rival in the division standings.

17. San Francisco Giants (17-17): The Giants signed Johnny Cueto in the offseason, which has helped out their rotation after being very poor last season. The 2014 World Series champions are looking to continue their run of winning the title every other year (2010, 2012, and 2014). San Francisco is fifth in total runs scored (162), 21st in combined team earned run average (4.26), and eighth in least amount of fielding errors (14). Even though the Dodgers and Giants are knotted atop the NL West, I gave the edge to the team from LA because of their run differential (+12), compared to the Giants differential (-1). San Fran has lost five of their last 10, and their last two games. I think the Giants will get going, but I'm not sure if they are a playoff team this year. The Dodgers will be hard to knock if in the division and the Wild Card will be packed as usual.

18. St. Louis Cardinals (16-16): The Cardinals are one of the most up and down teams in the league right now. After winning the most games in the MLB last season, the Cards have gotten off to a slow start (especially to their lofty standards). They are second in the league with 175 runs, trailing the Cubs by only nine runs. They are also one of the best deep ball hitting teams, knocking 44 balls out of the park. Their team batting average is .269, which is pretty solid and they have the fourth best run differential of +40. The problem has been the defense, pitching and fielding. The team ERA ranks 13th (3.92) in the league, with only five saves and 253 strikeouts. The real trouble has been fielding the ball as they rank dead last in errors (26). Their fielding percentage (97.9%) also ranks near the bottom. It has been a strange month for the Cardinals, but I think they will turn it around at some point. I predicted them making the playoffs at the beginning of the season so I will stick with that theory. Right now, they are nine games back of the Cubs in the NL Central and one game back of the second Wild Card spot.

19. Detroit Tigers (14-17): The Tigers have picked up right where they left off last season, which is not a good thing. After starting the season with some promise, they have lost seven straight games (three to the Indians, three to the Rangers, and one to the Nationals). The bullpen is the weak spot, as it has been for the last two seasons. But the starting rotation is struggling more than usual. The Tigers are 16th in team runs (135), 22nd in team ERA (4.45), and are 11th in errors (16). They are in the middle of the league in most categories, but pitching is near the bottom. Jordan Zimmerman has been the lone bright spot (5-1), as the other starters have struggled mightily. I don't see this team making the playoffs. They will most likely finish fourth in the AL Central and Brad Ausmus' job will be in deep trouble come fall.

20. Arizona Diamondbacks (16-18): The Diamondback are one of the five teams in craziness of the NL West division. All five teams are ranked from No. 16-28 in these power rankings. The Diamondbacks are squarely in the middle. They have struggled at home so far, going just 5-12 but they are still only one game out of first place. While that sounds good and all, they are also only two games ahead of the last place San Diego Padres. The Diamondbacks have won for straight, after losing six straight. It has been a weird first month of the season for the team from the desert. Zack Greinke has gotten off to a slow start after signing a huge deal during the offseason, but Paul Goldschmidt is looking the part of an All-Star. Arizona has the 7th most runs (156) but are fourth to last in earned run average (4.73).

21. Colorado Rockies (15-17): The Rockies are the fourth team of the five NL West members. Trevor Story was making headlines over the first two weeks of the season. He had six homers in his first career seven games. Since then he has slowed down, but still has 11 home runs on the season. His teammate Nolan Arenado is the one who should be getting more attention. Arenado leads the team in batting average (.317), home runs (12), runs batted in (29), and on base percentage (.390). The team has been very good at the plate (fourth most runs with 167), but the pitching has created a lot of troubles. The team ERA is 5.06 which is third to last in the league, as only three teams have an ERA of +5.00.

22. Oakland Athletics (14-19): The Athletics are playing a little better than they were expected to, but they still sit 6.5 games back in the division. The AL West is almost certainly going to come down to the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers (or maybe the Houston Astros). Meanwhile, Oakland just hangs around in the middle of the pack. It has been a few years since the Athletics were a truly good team, going back to 2013 when they won 90+ games and 2014 when they lost in the playoffs to the Kansas City Royals. A lot has changed in the last two calendar years. Oakland sits 24th in runs (124), 26th in ERA (4.71), and 27th in errors (25). With numbers like those, it's not surprising they are ranking No. 22.

23. Los Angeles Angels (13-18): The Angels always seem to be one of the most disappointing teams in the MLB. Every year we ask, "is this going to be the year the Angels put it together?" It's sure not looking like it once again. Los Angeles is one of the most talented teams according to roster make up. They have a five tool star in Mike Trout. One of the best hitters in Albert Pujols. A solid pitching rotation with Garrett Richards, Hector Santiago, Joe Smith, Jared Weaver, and CJ Wilson. Then a few good position players in Kole Calhoun, Yunel Escobar, and Geovany Soto. It is strange that the Angels are this poor, with the players they have. LA is 26th in runs scored (111), 13th in ERA (3.97), and 17th in fielding errors (19). If they can start putting a few more runs on the board, they may be able to climb up these power rankings but I would be shocked if they squeaked into the playoffs.

24. New York Yankees (12-18): The Yankees are the most historically successful team, but that has not helped them to start this season. New York struggled years prior to 2015, before breaking out and clinching the first AL Wild Card spot. They were expected to compete for the division title once again, but they have fallen off so far in 2016. The Yankees are last in the AL East, six games back of the Baltimore Orioles and rival Boston Red Sox. They are 5-5 in their last 10, and have won back to back games (against Kansas City), but their run differential is very concerning. New York is -19 overall and 4-10 playing away from Yankee Stadium. They rank in the bottom half of the league in runs scored, earned run average, and fielding errors. It's simple, they just have not been playing good baseball. If they can clean up sloppy mistakes and score an extra run or two per game, they may make a run at the playoffs again. It would help to sweep the Kansas City Royals tonight.

25. Cincinnati Reds (14-19): The Reds are about where they were expected to be. They are tied for last in the NL Central, 12 games back of the Chicago Cubs. 2-10 on the road and -52 run differential is hard to swallow if you are a Cincinnati fan. The Reds are 19th in total runs scored (135), 29th in combined team ERA (5.21), and 25th in fielding errors (23). Cincinnati is far away from being a contending baseball team and their statistics, as well as their No. 25 ranking show it.

26. Milwaukee Brewers (13-19): The Brewers are right along with the Reds at the bottom of the NL Central division. This Milwaukee team has been very good hitting the ball in the first month. They are ninth in runs scored (154), and the Brewers have 267 hits, 39 home runs, and .332 on base percentage. Their offense is definitely not the reason they have lost 19 of their first 32 games. Their defense is the reason. Milwaukee is last in the MLB in team earned run average (5.48). They also have only 221 strikeouts to 135 base on balls. The pitching just has not been there and to add insult to injury, neither has the fielding. The Brewers are tied for second to last in fielding errors (26) with a fielding percentage of 97.9%.

27. Houston Astros (13-20): The Astros are the most disappointing team. After being a laugh stock for most of the last decade, the 'Stros broke through and made it to the playoffs last year. Houston knocked off New York in the Wild Card, and then took eventual champion Kansas City to five games in the ALDS. The Astros were widely regarded as one of the top five teams coming into 2016, but the have completely fallen off. Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Dallas Keuchel will need to get back to what they were doing last year if they want a chance to catch up in the division. Right now, the Astros are 7.5 games back of the Seattle Mariners. Houston is 16th in runs scored (139), 23rd in team ERA (4.45), and 18th in fielding errors (19). If they can get the pitching to improve, the Astros can climb up the standings and rankings. For now, they are No. 27.

28. San Diego Padres (13-19): The Padres are one of the worst teams all around. They are 23rd in runs scored (123), 17th in team earned run average (4.24), and 23rd in fielding errors (22). It has been a tough year so far for this team, much like it has for the past decade. The Padres have swung and missed on a lot of free agent signings in the last few years. They signed Melvin Upton who hasn't played as well as they would like. They signed Matt Kemp who completely fell off after leaving the Dodgers. Then they lost Adrian Gonzalez several years ago when he was their top player. It is tough to see a turnaround in the near future for the San Diego Padres. They are 8-11 at home, 5-9 on the road, and have a -28 run differential.

29. Minnesota Twins (8-24): The Twins have been absolutely terrible this year. After starting 0-7, they have not gotten much better going 8-16. Minnesota is already 14 games back in the AL Central, which is the largest difference from first to last place in the league. They are 6-9 at home which is not too bad, but 2-15 on the road is nearly unimaginable. They have lost six straight games and are 1-9 in their last ten matchups, as well as having a -56 run differential. Minnesota is 27th in runs scored (109), 27th in team earned run average (4.72), and 21st in fielding errors (21). The Twins are near the bottom in most statistical categories, it is not a surprise that they are at the bottom of the American League too.

30. Atlanta Braves (7-24): The Braves are the worst team in the MLB. It is hard to say otherwise, after the first month of the season. Atlanta is 1-16 at home, and 6-8 on the road. Their -64 run differential is the worst in the league. They have also lost five straight games, and seven of their last 10. The Braves are last in runs scored (92) as they are the only team to not reach 100 runs, 25th in combined team ERA (4.66), and second to last in fielding errors (26). Atlanta is by far the worst team in the league right now and I don't see that changing any time soon.

Photo Credit: RantSports.com.