MLB Power Rankings: Week 6
12. Arizona Diamondbacks (15-13, PR: 12)
There were a lot of teams that could have grabbed this spot in the power rankings, ultimately I settled on Arizona. Nolan Arenado looks like he has found his swing again and keep an eye on first baseman Ildemaro Vargas. In just 21 games, Vargas has 20 RBI and 6 home runs. Could be another big bat in that lineup.
11. Seattle Mariners (15-14, PR: NR)
The Mariners have won 7 of their last 10 games and the offense is starting to show signs of life after an awful start. Cal Raleigh has started hitting home runs again (5 in his last 8 games), and Julio Rodriguez and Josh Naylor have looked much better at the plate.
10. Detroit Tigers (15-14, PR: 7 )
Tigers went 3-3 against the NL Central last week, not a bad outcome against one of the most stacked divisions in baseball. They currently lead the AL Central by a half game over the Guardians.
9. Tampa Bay Rays (18-11, PR: NR)
It went a bit unnoticed but the Rays swept the Yankees a couple weeks back. This could be one of those seasons that the Rays are very good despite low expectations coming into the season. Other than the Yankees, the rest of the AL East has been disappointing and the Rays are taking full advantage of that right now.
8. Cincinnati Reds (19-10, PR: 10)
Say what you want about the Reds, they just keep winning. Two series wins last week against the Tigers and Rays and they continue to hold on to first place in the NL Central. Yet, I have them as the lowest NL Central team on these rankings. Not sure what I need to put full faith in this team but I’m just not there yet.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates (16-13, PR: 8)
The Pirates got a big series win against the Brewers on the road last weekend. Yet, I have them ranked below the Brewers on these rankings. Not sure what I need to put full faith in this team but I’m just not there yet.
6. Milwaukee Brewers (15-13, PR: 6)
Yeah, you know, as I’m writing these out, maybe the Brewers should be below the Pirates and Reds. Oh well, too late to change it. The NL Central should just be 4-8 every week until someone separates themselves.
5. San Diego Padres (19-10, PR: 4)
Nestled in the madness of the NL West are the Padres. They have a good test this week at home against the Cubs.
4. Chicago Cubs (18-12, PR: 5)
The Cubs have the most complete team in the NL Central. I do believe this is the current team to beat in that division. They lost a series to the Dodgers over the weekend and continue a west coast trip to San Diego this week.
3. New York Yankees (19-10, PR: 3)
The top 3 in these rankings are pretty clear. The Yankees are far and away the best team in the American League right now and they are having an easy time with it.
2. Atlanta Braves (20-9, PR: 2)
The Braves are very close to taking the number one spot in the rankings, they are playing fantastic baseball this season. I am eager to see them take on the Dodgers next weekend in LA. If they win that series, they will win my respect as the number one team.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (20-9, PR: 1)
After a rough road trip against the Rockies and Giants, the Dodgers got a nice series win at home against the Cubs. The starting pitching continues to be the biggest strength of this team and Blake Snell is close to his return to the rotation.