Power rankings system devised and compiled weekly by Stemshul. “Expert” analysis by paradroid.
Week 13 was pretty static for almost every team. The only team to drop more than two spots was the Oakland As (-4 to #8). I’m still trying to figure out if they’re good or just ok. They have a good record (47-34), 9th best overall, and at least have a positive run differential (+33). Their expected record is a bit lower (44-37) and their schedule has been a little on the easy side (.498 opponents win percentage). I think when you add in the potential pitching drop off I discussed last week, the As should be worried. Their division features the Houston Astros, current owners of the best run differential in the league (+127). Although Oakland is only 1.5 games back, Houston’s expected lead is 9.5 games. Obviously, the actual results are all that matters, but the Astros have also faced the 4th toughest schedule (.512), so I feel like the division is likely theirs to lose. That means the As will have to win a wildcard spot and the stacked A.L. East alone will probably have three teams vying for one of the two American League spots (the expanded wildcard from last year is going away, at least this year).
Our biggest riser was the the Milwaukee Brewers, up three spots to #9. The Brewers suddenly find themselves 5 games up in the N.L. Central, thanks to an 7 game winning streak (and the Cubs losing 5 in a row). The bats have been pretty mediocre for Milwaukee this year (4.19 runs per game, 18th best), but the pitching has been quite good (3.91, 8th). As the Brewers pull away, the Cubs, Cardinals, and Reds should be worried; it is unlikely a playoff spot will be available to any team who doesn’t win this division. The next three are all floating right around .500, and the N.L. West alone has three teams with better records than Milwaukee (S.F., L.A., and S.D.)
The Tigers submitted their usual 3-3 week (including 2-2 against the mighty Astros!). This would be frustrating if not for the improvement both over last year’s team and this year’s early returns. Among the positive signs are that the outfield of the future is beginning to take shape. I’d love to see Akil Baddoo, Mike Cameron, and Derek Hill roaming that huge Comerica Park outfield, somewhat reminiscent of the recent Kansas City World Series winning team’s spectacular outfield (Lorenzo Cain, Jarrod Dyson, and Alex Gordon) in ability to cover ground. Baddoo and Cameron are a work in progress defensively, but Hill is already fantastic with the glove and all three possess blistering speed. It’s the kind of good team building Detroit often neglected since Austin Jackson was patrolling center field. Comerica Park is dimensionally big, particularly in center field, so putting good, fast defenders seems like a decent plan. Toss in Robbie Grossman (very solid season with the bat and under contract for next year) and Riley Greene’s imminent arrival, and things are shaping up nicely.
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