STORIES/RANKINGS
All stories and rankings will be posted here in chronological order.
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/17/24)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 3
2. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 6
3. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 1
4. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 7
5. Royals
Previous Ranking: 11
6. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 2
7. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 4
8. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 5
9. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 8
10. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 15
11. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 10
12. Padres
Previous Ranking: 19
13. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 17
14. Rays
Previous Ranking: 18
15. Mets
Previous Ranking: 26
16. Reds
Previous Ranking: 13
17. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 12
18. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 20
19. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 9
20. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 16
21. Angels
Previous Ranking: 14
22. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 24
23. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 25
24. A’s
Previous Ranking: 27
25. Giants
Previous Ranking: 21
26. Twins
Previous Ranking: 22
27. Astros
Previous Ranking: 23
28. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 30
29. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
30. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 29
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/10/24)
1. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Braves
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 17
5. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 15
6. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 16
7. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 4
8. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 14
9. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 18
10. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 13
11. Royals
Previous Ranking: 24
12. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 5
13. Reds
Previous Ranking: 19
14. Angels
Previous Ranking: 20
15. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 8
16. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 12
17. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 7
18. Rays
Previous Ranking: 10
19. Padres
Previous Ranking: 22
20. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 6
21. Giants
Previous Ranking: 23
22. Twins
Previous Ranking: 11
23. Astros
Previous Ranking: 21
24. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 9
25. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Mets
Previous Ranking: 26
27. A’s
Previous Ranking: 29
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 30
29. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 27
30. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 28
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/3/24)
1. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 6
3. Braves
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 10
6. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 11
7. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 5
8. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 8
10. Rays
Previous Ranking: 9
11. Twins
Previous Ranking: 12
12. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 13
13. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 21
14. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 15
15. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 22
16. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 19
17. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 25
18. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 20
19. Reds
Previous Ranking: 17
20. Angels
Previous Ranking: 26
21. Astros
Previous Ranking: 3
22. Padres
Previous Ranking: 14
23. Giants
Previous Ranking: 16
24. Royals
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 27
26. Mets
Previous Ranking: 18
27. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 29
28. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 23
29. A’s
Previous Ranking: 28
30. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS
1. Dodgers
2. Braves
3. Astros
4. Orioles
5. Phillies
6. Yankees
7. Blue Jays
8. Mariners
9. Rays
10. Rangers
11. Diamondbacks
12. Twins
13. Cardinals
14. Padres
15. Cubs
16. Giants
17. Reds
18. Mets
19. Guardians
20. Red Sox
21. Tigers
22. Brewers
23. Marlins
24. Royals
25. Pirates
26. Angels
27. Nationals
28. A’s
29. White Sox
30. Rockies
WEEK 14 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 13 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 12 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 11 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 10 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 9 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 8 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 7 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (10/4/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 5
5. Astros
Previous Ranking: 10
6. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Rays
Previous Ranking: 4
8. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 12
9. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 7
10. Twins
Previous Ranking: 11
11. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 8
12. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 13
WEEK 6 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/27/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Rays
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 10
6. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 8
7. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 5
8. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 6
9. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Astros
Previous Ranking: 7
11. Twins
Previous Ranking: 12
12. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 11
13. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 14
14. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 13
15. Reds
Previous Ranking: 15
16. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Padres
Previous Ranking: 18
18. Giants
Previous Ranking: 17
19. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Tigers.
Previous Ranking: 21
21. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 23
22. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 20
23. Mets
Previous Ranking: 22
24. Angels
Previous Ranking: 25
25. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 24
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 26
27. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
WEEK 5 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/20/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Rays
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 8
7. Astros
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 13
12. Twins
Previous Ranking: 12
13. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 11
14. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 15
15. Reds
Previous Ranking: 14
16. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Giants
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Padres
Previous Ranking: 20
19. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 18
20. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 19
21. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 23
22. Mets
Previous Ranking: 24
23. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 21
24. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 26
25. Angels
Previous Ranking: 22
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 25
27. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 30
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 29
WEEK 4 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/13/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Rays
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Astros
Previous Ranking: 5
7. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 10
8. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 7
10. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 9
11. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Twins
Previous Ranking: 12
13. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 16
14. Reds
Previous Ranking: 14
15. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 13
16. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 17
17. Giants
Previous Ranking: 18
18. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 15
19. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Padres
Previous Ranking: 20
21. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 22
22. Angels
Previous Ranking: 23
23. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 24
24. Mets
Previous Ranking: 21
25. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 26
27. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
29. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
30. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
WEEK 3 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/6/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 3
3. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Rays
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Astros
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 8
7. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 5
8. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 10
9. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 7
11. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Twins
Previous Ranking: 14
13. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 17
14. Reds
Previous Ranking: 16
15. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 15
16. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 12
17. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 18
18. Giants
Previous Ranking: 13
19. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Padres
Previous Ranking: 22
21. Mets
Previous Ranking: 24
22. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 23
23. Angels
Previous Ranking: 21
24. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 25
25. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 20
26. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 26
27. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
WEEK 2 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/30/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Rays
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Astros
Previous Ranking: 7
7. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 10
10. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 8
11. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 13
12. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 11
13. Giants
Previous Ranking: 16
14. Twins
Previous Ranking: 14
15. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 12
16. Reds
Previous Ranking: 15
17. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 20
19. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 18
20. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 23
21. Angels
Previous Ranking: 19
22. Padres
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 25
24. Mets
Previous Ranking: 21
25. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 24
26. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 26
27. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/23/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Rays
Previous Ranking: 5
5. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 8
6. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 4
7. Astros
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 18
12. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 11
13. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 15
14. Twins
Previous Ranking: 13
15. Reds
Previous Ranking: 16
16. Giants
Previous Ranking: 12
17. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 14
18. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 19
19. Angels
Previous Ranking: 20
20. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 17
21. Mets
Previous Ranking: 24
22. Padres
Previous Ranking: 21
23. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 26
24. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 23
25. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 22
27. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/16/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 5
3. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Rays
Previous Ranking: 4
6. Astros
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 11
10. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 16
12. Giants
Previous Ranking: 9
13. Twins
Previous Ranking: 13
14. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 17
15. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 12
16. Reds
Previous Ranking: 15
17. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 14
18. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 19
19. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 21
20. Angels
Previous Ranking: 18
21. Padres
Previous Ranking: 20
22. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 26
23. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 25
24. Mets
Previous Ranking: 23
25. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 22
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 24
27. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 28
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 27
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/9/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 6
4. Rays
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Astros
Previous Ranking: 4
7. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 10
8. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 17
9. Giants
Previous Ranking: 7
10. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 8
11. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 12
12. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 16
13. Twins
Previous Ranking: 18
14. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 19
15. Reds
Previous Ranking: 9
16. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 11
17. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 14
18. Angels
Previous Ranking: 13
19. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 15
20. Padres
Previous Ranking: 20
21. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 23
23. Mets
Previous Ranking: 22
24. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 26
25. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 24
26. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 25
27. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
28. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 27
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/2/23)
In this article, I will also be giving every team a grade for their trade deadline overall.
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
Deadline Grade: B+
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
Deadline Grade: C+
3. Rays
Previous Ranking: 5
Deadline Grade: B
4. Astros
Previous Ranking: 6
Deadline Grade: A-
5. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 3
Deadline Grade: C
6. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 4
Deadline Grade: A-
7. Giants
Previous Ranking: 12
Deadline Grade: C
8. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 11
Deadline Grade: B-
9. Reds
Previous Ranking: 9
Deadline Grade: B-
10. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 8
Deadline Grade: B
11. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 10
Deadline Grade: B-
12. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 7
Deadline Grade: B+
13. Angels
Previous Ranking: 15
Deadline Grade: B+
14. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 17
Deadline Grade: B
15. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 13
Deadline Grade: C+
16. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 19
Deadline Grade: C
17. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 18
Deadline Grade: C+
18. Twins
Previous Ranking: 14
Deadline Grade: D+
19. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 16
Deadline Grade: D
20. Padres
Previous Ranking: 21
Deadline Grade: B+
21. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 20
Deadline Grade: C-
22. Mets
Previous Ranking: 22
Deadline Grade: B-
23. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 25
Deadline Grade: B
24. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 23
Deadline Grade: C-
25. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 24
Deadline Grade: B-
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 26
Deadline Grade: B-
27. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 27
Deadline Grade: B
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
Deadline Grade: B
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
Deadline Grade: B
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
Deadline Grade: B
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/2/23)
In this article, I will also be giving every team a grade for their trade deadline overall.
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
Deadline Grade: B+
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
Deadline Grade: C+
3. Rays
Previous Ranking: 5
Deadline Grade: B
4. Astros
Previous Ranking: 6
Deadline Grade: A-
5. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 3
Deadline Grade: C
6. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 4
Deadline Grade: A-
7. Giants
Previous Ranking: 12
Deadline Grade: C
8. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 11
Deadline Grade: B-
9. Reds
Previous Ranking: 9
Deadline Grade: B-
10. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 8
Deadline Grade: B
11. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 10
Deadline Grade: B-
12. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 7
Deadline Grade: B+
13. Angels
Previous Ranking: 15
Deadline Grade: B+
14. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 17
Deadline Grade: B
15. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 13
Deadline Grade: C+
16. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 19
Deadline Grade: C
17. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 18
Deadline Grade: C+
18. Twins
Previous Ranking: 14
Deadline Grade: D+
19. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 16
Deadline Grade: D
20. Padres
Previous Ranking: 21
Deadline Grade: B+
21. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 20
Deadline Grade: C-
22. Mets
Previous Ranking: 22
Deadline Grade: B-
23. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 25
Deadline Grade: B
24. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 23
Deadline Grade: C-
25. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 24
Deadline Grade: B-
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 26
Deadline Grade: B-
27. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 27
Deadline Grade: B
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
Deadline Grade: B
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
Deadline Grade: B
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
Deadline Grade: B
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/26/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 5
4. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Rays
Previous Ranking: 4
6. Astros
Previous Ranking: 10
7. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 11
8. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Reds
Previous Ranking: 16
10. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 13
11. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 8
12. Giants
Previous Ranking: 6
13. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 9
14. Twins
Previous Ranking: 14
15. Angels
Previous Ranking: 18
16. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 15
17. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 12
18. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 19
19. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 22
20. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 17
21. Padres
Previous Ranking: 20
22. Mets
Previous Ranking: 21
23. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 24
24. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 23
25. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 27
27. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 26
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/19/23)
In these power rankings, I will also be assessing each team’s biggest trade deadline need.
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
Need: Back-end starting pitching
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 3
Need: Multiple front-end starting pitchers
3. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 7
Need: Bullpen depth
4. Rays
Previous Ranking: 2
Need: Back-end starting pitching
5. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 5
Need: Bullpen depth
6. Giants
Previous Ranking: 14
Need: Middle infielder
7. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 9
Need: One front-end starting pitcher
8. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 12
Need: Bullpen depth
9. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 6
Need: One front-end starting pitcher
10. Astros
Previous Ranking: 10
Need: One front-end starting pitcher
11. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 13
Need: Multiple front-end starting pitchers
12. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 4
Need: Veteran lefty hitter
13. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 15
Need: Multiple front-end starting pitchers
14. Twins
Previous Ranking: 18
Need: Righty outfielders
15. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 11
Need: Lefty outfielder
16. Reds
Previous Ranking: 8
Need: Multiple front-end starting pitchers
17. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 17
Need: Starting pitching depth
18. Angels
Previous Ranking: 19
Need: Trade Ohtani for the best possible package of prospects, regardless of what team gives you that package
19. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 16
Need: Middle infielder
20. Padres
Previous Ranking: 20
Need: Don’t become buyers when you should be sellers
21. Mets
Previous Ranking: 22
Need: Don’t become buyers when you should be sellers
22. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 21
Need: Don’t become buyers when you should be sellers
23. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 25
Need: Trade older position players for younger starting pitchers
24. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 24
Need: Trade as many expiring contracts as possible
25. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 23
Need: Start a hyper-speed rebuild using expiring contracts
26. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 26
Need: Keep franchise cornerstones, trade other players
27. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 27
Need: Trade as many expiring contracts as possible
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
Need: Trade as many expiring contracts as possible
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
Need: Trade as many expiring contracts as possible
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
Need: Trade as many expiring contracts as possible
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/12/23)
In these power rankings, I will also be giving each team a grade for how they performed relative to expectations in the first half of the season.
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
Grade: A+
2. Rays
Previous Ranking: 2
Grade: A
3. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 4
Grade: A+
4. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 5
Grade: A+
5. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 9
Grade: B+
6. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 6
Grade: A+
7. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 3
Grade: A
8. Reds
Previous Ranking: 10
Grade A+
9. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 13
Grade: B+
10. Astros
Previous Ranking: 8
Grade: B
11. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 7
Grade: B
12. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 11
Grade: B
13. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 12
Grade: B+
14. Giants
Previous Ranking: 14
Grade: B+
15. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 18
Grade: B
16. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 17
Grade: B-
17. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 19
Grade: B-
18. Twins
Previous Ranking: 15
Grade: C+
19. Angels
Previous Ranking: 16
Grade: C+
20. Padres
Previous Ranking: 20
Grade: D
21. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 23
Grade: C-
22. Mets
Previous Ranking: 21
Grade: D-
23. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 22
Grade: C
24. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 24
Grade: D+
25. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 26
Grade: F
26. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 25
Grade: D-
27. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 27
Grade: D
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
Grade: D-
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
Grade: D-
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
Grade: F
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/5/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Rays
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 5
7. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 11
8. Astros
Previous Ranking: 14
9. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 8
10. Reds
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 13
12. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 15
13. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 12
14. Giants
Previous Ranking: 7
15. Twins
Previous Ranking: 18
16. Angels
Previous Ranking: 9
17. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 20
18. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 16
19. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 17
20. Padres
Previous Ranking: 21
21. Mets
Previous Ranking: 22
22. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 23
23. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 19
24. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 25
25. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 26
26. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 24
27. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/28/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Rays
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Giants
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Angels
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Reds
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 13
12. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 14
13. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 15
14. Astros
Previous Ranking: 11
15. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 16
16. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 12
17. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 20
18. Twins
Previous Ranking: 19
19. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 18
20. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 17
21. Padres
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Mets
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 25
26. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/21/23)
1. Rays
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Braves
Previous Ranking: 4
3. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 10
7. Giants
Previous Ranking: 12
8. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Angels
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Reds
Previous Ranking: 17
11. Astros
Previous Ranking: 6
12. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 20
13. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 7
14. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 11
15. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 14
16. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 18
17. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 16
18. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 23
19. Twins
Previous Ranking: 15
20. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 21
21. Padres
Previous Ranking: 19
22. Mets
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 13
24. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 28
25. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 26
26. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 24
27. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 25
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 30
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 29
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/14/23)
1. Rays
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 3
3. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 1
4. Braves
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Astros
Previous Ranking: 5
7. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Angels
Previous Ranking: 13
10. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 9
12. Giants
Previous Ranking: 15
13. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 12
14. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 19
15. Twins
Previous Ranking: 16
16. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 18
17. Reds
Previous Ranking: 20
18. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 11
19. Padres
Previous Ranking: 21
20. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 14
21. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 22
22. Mets
Previous Ranking: 17
23. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 25
24. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 23
25. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 27
26. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 24
27. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 26
28. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 28
29. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
30. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/7/23)
1. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Rays
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Braves
Previous Ranking: 8
5. Astros
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 7
7. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 4
9. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 10
10. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 17
11. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 18
13. Angels
Previous Ranking: 9
14. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 12
15. Giants
Previous Ranking: 14
16. Twins
Previous Ranking: 15
17. Mets
Previous Ranking: 13
18. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 16
19. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 22
20. Reds
Previous Ranking: 20
21. Padres
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 25
23. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 28
24. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 19
25. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 24
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 27
27. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 26
28. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 23
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/31/23)
1. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 4
2. Rays
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Astros
Previous Ranking: 8
6. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 5
7. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Braves
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Angels
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 11
11. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 10
12. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 12
13. Mets
Previous Ranking: 13
14. Giants
Previous Ranking: 16
15. Twins
Previous Ranking: 14
16. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 17
17. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 18
18. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 15
19. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 20
20. Reds
Previous Ranking: 27
21. Padres
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 19
24. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 23
25. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 24
26. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 25
27. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 26
28. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/24/23)
1. Rays
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 3
3. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 11
7. Braves
Previous Ranking: 5
8. Astros
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Angels
Previous Ranking: 15
10. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 8
11. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 7
12. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 12
13. Mets
Previous Ranking: 20
14. Twins
Previous Ranking: 10
15. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 14
16. Giants
Previous Ranking: 24
17. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 13
18. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 16
19. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 25
20. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 17
21. Padres
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 18
23. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 19
25. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 27
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Reds
Previous Ranking: 22
28. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/17/23)
1. Rays
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 5
3. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Braves
Previous Ranking: 2
6. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 12
7. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Astros
Previous Ranking: 16
10. Twins
Previous Ranking: 14
11. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 10
12. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 7
13. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 15
14. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 8
15. Angels
Previous Ranking: 11
16. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 18
17. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 23
18. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 17
19. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 20
20. Mets
Previous Ranking: 21
21. Padres
Previous Ranking: 13
22. Reds
Previous Ranking: 25
23. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 19
24. Giants
Previous Ranking: 22
25. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 27
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 24
27. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 26
28. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/17/23)
1. Rays
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 5
3. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Braves
Previous Ranking: 2
6. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 12
7. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Astros
Previous Ranking: 16
10. Twins
Previous Ranking: 14
11. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 10
12. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 7
13. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 15
14. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 8
15. Angels
Previous Ranking: 11
16. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 18
17. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 23
18. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 17
19. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 20
20. Mets
Previous Ranking: 21
21. Padres
Previous Ranking: 13
22. Reds
Previous Ranking: 25
23. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 19
24. Giants
Previous Ranking: 22
25. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 27
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 24
27. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 26
28. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/10/23)
1. Rays
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Braves
Previous Ranking: 3
3. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 5
5. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 7
6. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 8
7. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 9
8. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 4
9. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 6
10. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 15
11. Angels
Previous Ranking: 13
12. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 17
13. Padres
Previous Ranking: 16
14. Twins
Previous Ranking: 10
15. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 20
16. Astros
Previous Ranking: 12
17. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 19
18. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 14
19. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 18
20. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 21
21. Mets
Previous Ranking: 11
22. Giants
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 25
24. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Reds
Previous Ranking: 23
26. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 27
28. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/3/23)
1. Rays
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 4
3. Braves
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 7
7. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 8
8. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 5
9. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 15
10. Twins
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Mets
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Astros
Previous Ranking: 12
13. Angels
Previous Ranking: 16
14. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 17
15. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 13
16. Padres
Previous Ranking: 18
17. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 14
18. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 9
19. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 20
21. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Giants
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Reds
Previous Ranking: 25
24. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 26
25. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 23
26. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 27
27. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 24
28. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/3/23)
1. Rays
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 4
3. Braves
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 7
7. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 8
8. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 5
9. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 15
10. Twins
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Mets
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Astros
Previous Ranking: 12
13. Angels
Previous Ranking: 16
14. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 17
15. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 13
16. Padres
Previous Ranking: 18
17. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 14
18. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 9
19. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 20
21. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Giants
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Reds
Previous Ranking: 25
24. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 26
25. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 23
26. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 27
27. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 24
28. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/26/23)
1. Rays
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 10
4. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 12
5. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 9
6. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 4
7. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 3
8. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 14
9. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 6
10. Twins
Previous Ranking: 11
11. Mets
Previous Ranking: 8
12. Astros
Previous Ranking: 17
13. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 5
14. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 7
15. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 18
16. Angels
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 15
18. Padres
Previous Ranking: 21
19. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 24
20. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 19
21. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 13
22. Giants
Previous Ranking: 17
23. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 20
24. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 23
25. Reds
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 28
28. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 22
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 29
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/19/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Rays
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 7
5. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 10
6. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 12
7. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 4
8. Mets
Previous Ranking: 16
9. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 8
10. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 11
11. Twins
Previous Ranking: 6
12. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 15
13. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 5
14. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 13
15. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 21
16. Angels
Previous Ranking: 14
17. Astros
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 18
19. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 22
20. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 29
21. Padres
Previous Ranking: 9
22. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 20
23. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Reds
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 27
27. Giants
Previous Ranking: 19
28. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 26
29. Royals
Previous Ranking: 28
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/12/23)
1. Rays
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Braves
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 5
4. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 6
5. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 4
6. Twins
Previous Ranking: 7
7. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 8
8. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 17
9. Padres
Previous Ranking: 11
10. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 20
11. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 13
12. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 23
13. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 3
14. Angels
Previous Ranking: 9
15. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 10
16. Mets
Previous Ranking: 12
17. Astros
Previous Ranking: 15
18. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 24
19. Giants
Previous Ranking: 16
20. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 22
21. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 26
22. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 18
23. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 19
24. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 21
25. Reds
Previous Ranking: 14
26. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 29
27. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 30
28. Royals
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 25
30. A’s
Previous Ranking: 27
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/5/23)
1. Braves
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Rays
Previous Ranking: 13
3. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 6
4. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 9
5. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 14
6. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 5
7. Twins
Previous Ranking: 16
8. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 18
9. Angels
Previous Ranking: 12
10. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 15
11. Padres
Previous Ranking: 3
12. Mets
Previous Ranking: 4
13. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 26
14. Reds
Previous Ranking: 28
15. Astros
Previous Ranking: 1
16. Giants
Previous Ranking: 17
17. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 7
18. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 8
19. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 11
20. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 22
21. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 10
22. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 19
23. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 20
24. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 21
25. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 23
27. A’s
Previous Ranking: 29
28. Royals
Previous Ranking: 24
29. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 27
30. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS
In this article, I will be ranking every team in the MLB heading into the season. I will also give my prediction of where each team will end up in their divisional standings, then what I believe each team’s ceiling and floor results are. Lastly, I will add a range of 15 wins that I believe the team’s end of the season record will fall into.
1. Astros:
Standings: 1st in AL West
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: 3rd place in the AL West, loss in the ALDS
Win range: 94-109
2. Braves:
Standings: 1st in NL East
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: 3rd place in the NL East, loss in the NL Wild Card Round
Win range: 92-107
3. Padres:
Standings: 1st in NL West
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: 2nd place in the NL West, loss in the NL Wild Card Round
Win range: 91-106
4. Mets:
Standings: 2nd in NL East
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: 3rd place in the NL East, loss in the NL Wild Card Round
Win range: 91-106
5. Yankees:
Standings: 1st in AL East
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: 2nd place in the AL East, loss in the AL Wild Card Round
Win range: 90-105
6. Dodgers:
Standings: 2nd in NL West
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: 3rd place in the NL West, loss in the NL Wild Card Round
Win range: 90-105
7. Blue Jays:
Standings: 2nd in AL East
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: 4th place in the AL East, missing the playoffs
Win range: 87-102
8. Mariners:
Standings: 2nd in AL West
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: 4th place in the AL West, missing the playoffs
Win range: 86-101
9. Guardians:
Standings: 1st in AL Central
Ceiling: Winning the ALCS to reach the World Series
Floor: 3rd place in the AL Central, missing the playoffs
Win range: 86-101
10. Phillies:
Standings: 3rd in NL East
Ceiling: Winning the NLCS to reach the World Series
Floor: 4th place in the NL East, missing the playoffs
Win range: 85-100
11. Cardinals:
Standings: 1st in NL Central
Ceiling: Winning the NLCS to reach the World Series
Floor: 3rd place in the NL Central, missing the playoffs
Win range: 85-100
12. Angels:
Standings: 3rd in AL West
Ceiling: 1st place in the AL West, with an appearance in the ALCS
Floor: 4th place in the AL West, missing the playoffs
Win range: 83-98
13. Rays:
Standings: 3rd in AL East
Ceiling: 2nd place in the AL East, with an appearance in the ALCS
Floor: 4th place in the AL East, missing the playoffs
Win range: 82-97
14. Brewers:
Standings: 2nd in NL Central
Ceiling: 1st place in the NL Central, with an appearance in the NLDS
Floor: 3rd place in the NL Central, missing the playoffs
Win range: 81-96
15. Orioles:
Standings: 4th in AL East
Ceiling: 2nd place in the AL East, with an appearance in the ALDS
Floor: Last place in the AL East, missing the playoffs
Win range: 80-95
16. Twins:
Standings: 2nd in AL Central
Ceiling: 1st place in the AL Central, with an appearance in the ALDS
Floor: 4th place in the AL Central, missing the playoffs
Win range: 79-94
17. Giants:
Standings: 3rd in NL West
Ceiling: 2nd place in the NL West, with an appearance in the NL Wild Card round
Floor: 4th place in the NL West, missing the playoffs
Win range: 77-92
18. Rangers:
Standings: 4th in AL West
Ceiling: 2nd place in the AL West, with an appearance in the ALDS
Floor: 4th place in the AL West, missing the playoffs
Win range: 76-91
19. White Sox:
Standings: 3rd in AL Central
Ceiling: 2nd place in the AL Central, with an appearance in the ALDS
Floor: 4th place in the AL Central, missing the playoffs
Win range: 75-90
20. Cubs:
Standings: 3rd in NL Central
Ceiling: 2nd place in the NL Central, with an appearance in the NL Wild Card round
Floor:
Win range: 73-88
21. Red Sox:
Standings: Last in AL East
Ceiling: 3rd place in the AL East, with an appearance in the AL Wild Card round
Floor: Last place in the AL East, missing the playoffs
Win range: 71-86
22. Diamondbacks:
Standings: 4th in NL West
Ceiling: 3rd place in the NL West, with an appearance in the NL Wild Card round
Floor: Last place in the NL West, missing the playoffs
Win range: 70-85
23. Marlins:
Standings: 4th in NL East
Ceiling: 3rd place in the NL East
Floor: 4th place in the NL East, missing the playoffs
Win range: 70-85
24. Royals:
Standings: 4th in AL Central
Ceiling: An above .500 season
Floor: Last place in the AL Central, missing the playoffs
Win range: 68-83
25. Tigers:
Standings: Last in AL Central
Ceiling: 4th place in the AL Central
Floor: Lats place in the AL Central, 95 losses
Win range: 68-83
26. Pirates:
Standings: 4th in NL Central
Ceiling: 3rd place in the NL Central
Floor: Last place in the NL Central, missing the playoffs
Win range: 67-82
27. Rockies:
Standings: Last in NL West
Ceiling: 4th place in the NL West
Floor: Worst record in MLB
Win range: 65-80
28. Reds:
Standings: Last in NL Central
Ceiling: 4th place in the NL Central
Floor: Worst record in MLB
Win range: 63-78
29. A’s:
Standings: Last in AL West
Ceiling: A record within five games of .500
Floor: Worst record in MLB
Win range: 61-76
30. Nationals:
Standings: Last in NL East
Ceiling: A record within five games of .500
Floor: Worst record in MLB
Win range: 59-74
2023 WAY-TOO-EARLY MLB POWER RANKINGS (PART ONE)
In this article, I will be ranking every team in the MLB with what information we have available currently. Any player that has not signed or re-signed with a team will not be listed on their former (or new) team. To support my overall rankings, I will also add in where I think each position group ranks based on current projected starters at each position (with the DH included as an infielder).
*Projected starters are accounting for known injuries that will hold a player out for a large part of the season.
1. Astros:
IF: 2nd (DH - Brantley, C - Maldonado, 1B - Abreu, 2B - Altuve, 3B- Bregman, SS - Pena)
OF: 3rd (LF - Alvarez, CF - McCormick, RF - Tucker)
Rotation: 4th (Valdez-Javier-McCullers-Garcia-Urquidy)
Bullpen: 1st
2. Yankees:
IF: 13th (DH - Stanton, C - Trevino, 1B - Rizzo, 2B - Torres, 3B - Donaldson, SS - Peraza)
OF: 4th (LF - Cabrera, CF - Bader, RF - Judge)
Rotation: 1st (Cole-Rodón-Severino-Cortes-Montas)
Bullpen: 2nd
3. Mets:
IF: 9th (DH - Vogelbach, C - Narvaez, 1B - Alonso, 2B - McNeil, 3B - Escobar, SS - Lindor)
OF: 6th (LF - Nimmo, CF - Marte, RF - Canha)
Rotation: 2nd (Verlander-Scherzer-Senga-Carrasco-Quintana)
Bullpen: 9th
4. Dodgers:
IF: 8th (DH - Martinez, C - Smith, 1B - Freeman, 2B - Taylor, 3B - Muncy, SS - Lux)
OF: 9th (LF - Outman, CF - Thompson, RF - Betts)
Rotation: 7th (Kershaw-J. Urias-Gonsolin-Syndergaard-May)
Bullpen: 3rd
5. Braves:
IF: 7th (DH - d’Arnaud, C - Murphy, 1B - Olson, 2B - Albies, 3B - Riley, SS - Grissom)
OF: 8th (LF - Rosario, CF - Harris II, RF - Acuna Jr.)
Rotation: 8th (Fried-Strider-Wright-Morton-Soroka)
Bullpen: 4th
6. Blue Jays:
IF: 4th (DH - Jansen, C - Kirk, 1B - Guerrero Jr., 2B - Espinal, 3B - Chapman, SS - Bichette)
OF: 5th (LF - Gurriel Jr., CF - Kiermaier, RF- Springer)
Rotation: 6th (Manoah-Gausman-Berrios-Bassitt-Kikuchi)
Bullpen: 12th
7. Guardians
IF: 3rd (DH - Bell, C - Zunino, 1B - Naylor, 2B - Giménez, 3B - Ramírez, SS - Rosario)
OF: 12th (LF - Kwan, CF - Straw, RF - Gonzalez)
Rotation: 10th (Bieber-McKenzie-Quantrill-Civale-Plesac)
Bullpen: 6th
8. Padres:
IF: 6th (DH - Campusano, C - Nola, 1B - Cronenworth, 2B - Kim, 3B - Machado, SS - Bogaerts)
OF: 2nd (LF - Tatis Jr., CF - Grisham, RF - Soto)
Rotation: 12th (Darvish-Musgrove-Snell-Martinez-Lugo)
Bullpen: 13th
9. Phillies:
IF: 1st (DH - Harper, C - Realmuto, 1B - Hoskins, 2B - Stott, 3B - Bohm, SS - Turner)
OF: 10th (LF - Schwarber, CF - Marsh, RF - Castellanos)
Rotation: 9th (Nola-Wheeler-Walker-Suárez-Falter)
Bullpen: 20th
10. Mariners:
IF: 15th (DH - Moore, C - Raleigh, 1B - France, 2B - Wong, 3B - Suárez, SS - Crawford)
OF: 7th (LF - Kelenic, CF - Rodríguez, RF - Hernández)
Rotation: 11th (Castillo-Ray-Gilbert-Kirby-Gonzales)
Bullpen: 5th
11. Rays:
IF: 11th (DH - Ramírez, C - Bethancourt, 1B - Aranda, 2B - Lowe, 3B - Diaz, SS - Franco)
OF: 17th (LF - Arozarena, CF - Siri, RF - Margot)
Rotation: 5th (McClanahan-Glasnow-Rasmussen-Eflin-Springs)
Bullpen: 7th
12. Cardinals:
IF: 5th (DH - Yepez, C - Willson Contreras, 1B - Goldschmidt, 2B - Donovan, 3B - Arenado, SS - Edman)
OF: 11th (LF - O’Neill, CF - Carlson, RF - Nootbaar)
Rotation: 18th (Wainwright-Mikolas-Montgomery-Flaherty-Matz)
Bullpen: 11th
13. Brewers:
IF: 12th (DH - Winker, C - William Contreras, 1B - Tellez, 2B - Turang, 3B - L. Urias, SS - Adames)
OF: 19th (LF - Yelich, CF - Mitchell, RF - Taylor)
Rotation: 3rd (Burnes-Woodruff-Lauer-Peralta-Ashby)
Bullpen: 14th
14. Angels:
IF: 19th (DH - Ohtani, C - Stassi, 1B - Walsh, 2B - Rengifo, 3B - Rendon, SS - Urshela)
OF: 1st (LF - Ward, CF - Trout, RF - Renfroe)
Rotation: 15th (Ohtani-Anderson-Sandoval-Suarez-Detmers)
Bullpen: 15th
15. Orioles:
IF: 21st (DH - Stowers, C - Rutschman, 1B - Mountcastle, 2B - Henderson, 3B - R. Urías, SS - Mateo)
OF: 13th (LF - Hays, CF - Mullins, RF - Santander)
Rotation: 21st (Gibson-Bradish-Kremer-Wells-Rodriguez)
Bullpen: 8th
16. Giants:
IF: 14th (DH - Pederson, C - Bart, 1B - Davis, 2B - Estrada, 3B - Crawford, SS - Correa)
OF: 18th (LF - Wade Jr., CF - Yastrzemski, RF- Haniger)
Rotation: 14th (Webb-Cobb-Manaea-Stripling-Wood)
Bullpen: 19th
17. White Sox:
IF: 18th (DH - Jimenez, C - Grandal, 1B - Vaughn, 2B - Gonzalez, 3B - Moncada, SS - Anderson)
OF: 20th (LF - Benintendi, CF - Robert, RF - Sheets)
Rotation: 13th (Cease-Lynn-Giolito-Clevinger-Kopech)
Bullpen: 18th
18. Rangers:
IF: 10th (DH - Miller, C - Heim, 1B - Lowe, 2B - Semien, 3B - Jung, SS - Seager)
OF: 23rd (LF - Smith, CF - Taveras, RF - Garcia)
Rotation: 16th (DeGrom-Perez-Gray-Heaney-Odorizzi)
Bullpen: 17th
19. Twins:
IF: 17th (DH - Farmer, C - Vázquez, 1B - Arraez, 2B - Gordon, 3B - Miranda, SS - Polanco)
OF: 15th (LF - Gallo, CF - Buxton, RF - Kepler)
Rotation: 22nd (Gray-Ryan-Mahle-Maeda-Ober)
Bullpen: 16th
20. Red Sox:
IF: 16th (DH - Turner, C - McGuire, 1B - Casas, 2B - Arroyo, 3B - Devers, SS - Story)
OF: 21st (LF - Yoshida, CF - Hernández, RF - Verdugo)
Rotation: 20th (Sale-Pivetta-Whitlock-Paxton-Bello)
Bullpen: 21st
21. Cubs:
IF: 22nd (DH - Wisdom, C - Gomes, 1B - Rivas, 2B - Hoerner, 3B - Morel, SS - Swanson)
OF: 14th (LF - Happ, CF - Bellinger, RF - Suzuki)
Rotation: 24th (Stroman-Taillon-Hendricks-Steele-Sampson)
Bullpen: 23rd
22. Diamondbacks:
IF: 23rd (DH - Smith, C - Kelly, 1B - Walker, 2B - Marte, 3B - Rojas, SS - Ahmed)
OF: 16th (LF - Carroll, CF - Varsho, RF - McCarthy)
Rotation: 23rd (Gallen-Kelly-Bumgarner-Nelson-Jameson)
Bullpen: 26th
23. Marlins:
IF: 27th (DH - Soler, C - Stallings, 1B - Cooper, 2B - Chisholm Jr., 3B - Wendle, SS - Rojas)
OF: 26th (LF - Berti, CF - De La Cruz, RF - Garcia)
Rotation: 17th (Alcantara-López-Luzardo-Cabrera-Rogers)
Bullpen: 24th
24. Tigers:
IF: 30th (DH - Cabrera, C - Haase, 1B - Torkelson, 2B - Schoop, 3B - Kreidler, SS - Báez)
OF: 22nd (LF - Baddoo, CF - Greene, RF - Meadows)
Rotation: 19th (Skubal-Mize-Rodriguez-Boyd-Lorenzen)
Bullpen: 10th
25. Royals:
IF: 20th (DH - Melendez, C - Perez, 1B - Pasquantino, 2B - Lopez, 3B - Mondesi, SS - Witt Jr.)
OF: 29th (LF - Waters, CF - Taylor, RF - Olivares)
Rotation: 26th (Singer-Lynch-Yarbrough-B. Keller-Bubic)
Bullpen: 25th
26. Rockies:
IF: 29th (DH - Blackmon, C - Díaz, 1B - Cron, 2B - Rodgers, 3B - McMahon, SS - Tovar)
OF: 24th (LF - Bryant, CF - Daza, RF - Grichuk)
Rotation: 27th (Márquez-Freeland-Ureña-Feltner-Gomber)
Bullpen: 29th
27. Pirates:
IF: 24th (DH - Santana, C - Hedges, 1B - Choi, 2B - Castro, 3B - Hayes, SS - Cruz)
OF: 25th (LF - Suwinski, CF - Reynolds, RF - Mitchell)
Rotation: 30th (Contreras-M. Keller-Velasquez-Brubaker-Wilson)
Bullpen: 27th
28. A’s:
IF: 26th (DH - Díaz, C - Langeliers, 1B - Brown, 2B - Kemp, 3B - Peterson, SS - Allen)
OF: 27th (LF - Capel, CF - Ruiz, RF - Laureano)
Rotation: 25th (Irvin-Blackburn-Waldichuk-Kaprielian-Muller)
Bullpen: 28th
29. Nationals:
IF: 28th (DH - Alu, C - Ruiz, 1B - Meneses, 2B - Garcia, 3B - Candelario, SS - Abrams)
OF: 28th (LF - Call, CF - Robles, RF - Thomas)
Rotation: 28th (Gray-Corbin-Williams-Cavalli-Gore)
Bullpen: 22nd
30. Reds:
IF: 25th (DH - Fraley, C - Stephenson, 1B - Votto, 2B - India, 3B - Moustakas, SS - Newman)
OF: 30th (LF - Friedl, CF - Senzel, RF - Fairchild)
Rotation: 29th (Greene-Lodolo-Cessa-Ashcraft-Dunn)
Bullpen: 30th
WEEK 15 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 14 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 13 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 12 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 11 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
POWER RANKING THE POWER 6
Before the college basketball season starts, I am ranking the relative strength of the top six conferences.
1. Big 12:
The Big 12 is clearly the strongest conference from top to bottom in all of college basketball. In my preseason bracketology, I have two Big 12 teams in the top six (No. 5 Kansas and No. 6 Baylor), four teams in the top 15 (No. 5 Kansas, No. 6 Baylor, No. 11 TCU and No. 14 Texas), and five teams in the top 21 (No. 5 Kansas, No. 6 Baylor, No. 11 TCU, No. 14 Texas and No. 21 Texas Tech). For a conference with only ten teams, having five teams in the top 21 is extremely impressive. Add in Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Iowa State to make potential runs at the NCAA Tournament as well, and you have a conference with multiple title contenders and depth.
2. ACC:
The ACC is set to have a resurgence this season after what could be described as a down year last year. To start the season, I am projecting eight ACC teams to make the NCAA Tournament, and I have North Carolina as the top national seed as well. Add in Duke as another top two seed and the ACC profiles similarly to the Big 12, but without as much quality at the top of the conference. The ACC still has a lot of teams toward the bottom of the tournament picture as well, contributing to the depth of the conference. Similar to the Big 12, multiple title contenders and also depth throughout the conference makes the ACC one of the best conferences heading into this season.
3. SEC:
The SEC has five preseason top 25 teams (No. 4 Kentucky, No. 10 Arkansas, No. 11 Tennessee, No. 15 Auburn and No. 20 Alabama), as well as Texas A&M, who sits at 112 votes, just 10 votes behind No. 25 Texas Tech. I am projecting seven of the SEC’s 14 teams to make the tournament, with Florida as a bubble team joining the other six teams (who are all top seven seeds). The SEC is ranked lower than the Big 12 and ACC because they are about equal to both conferences in top-level depth, but the ACC and Big 12 have more tournament hopefuls and better overall quality than the SEC does.
4. Big Ten:
This year is going to be a down year for the Big Ten as a conference. Last year, Purdue, Michigan and Illinois were all in the top eleven of the preseason AP Top 25, with Ohio State and Maryland also in the top 25 (and Michigan State as the first team out). This year, the Big Ten’s highest ranked preseason team is No. 13 Indiana, with just three teams in the entire top 25 (No. 22 Michigan and No. 23 Illinois join Indiana). The Big Ten still has good depth (I’m predicting nine teams in the tournament), but there is a good chance that the Big Ten does not have any top three (or even four) seeds in the tournament. The depth keeps the Big Ten above the final two conferences, but without clarity at the top of the conference, I cannot put the Big Ten above the SEC, ACC or Big 12.
5. Big East:
I would not describe this year as a down year for the Big East, but the relative strength of the other top conferences is knocking down the Big East in these rankings. While the Big East has a top ten team (No. 9 Creighton) and another top 20 team (No. 17 Villanova), I only have five Big East teams making the tournament. There is an overall lack of depth in this conference, and the quality of the top teams is not anywhere near the level of the Big 12, ACC and SEC. If Villanova joins Creighton as a top ten team by the end of the season, and St. John’s moves off the bubble and solidly into the tournament field, the Big East can get back to their normal standards, and can surpass a few of the conferences currently ranked ahead of them.
6. Pac-12:
After UCLA (No. 2) and Oregon (No. 13) made the preseason top 15 prior to the start of last season, those same teams are two of the Pac-12’s three top 25 representatives this season as well. This year, however, Arizona (No. 17) is joining UCLA (No. 8) and Oregon (No. 21) in the preseason top 25. However, I am projecting USC as the only Pac-12 team to sneak into the tournament with UCLA, Arizona and Oregon. I think USC is going to do so at the higher end of the bubble. I do not believe the Pac-12 features any tournament teams in the middle of the conference besides USC, and to move up on this list later in the season, Stanford, Colorado, Arizona State, or some other team will have to step up and make the Pac-12 a conference with at least five tournament teams.
WEEK 10 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 9 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (10/19/22)
1. Astros (AL No. 1)
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Yankees (AL No. 2)
Previous Ranking: 3
3. Phillies (NL No. 6)
Previous Ranking: 5
4. Padres (NL No. 5)
Previous Ranking: 7
WEEK 8 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (10/12/22)
1. Dodgers (NL No. 1)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Astros (AL No. 1)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Yankees (AL No. 2)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Braves (NL No. 2)
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Phillies (NL No. 6)
Previous Ranking: 11
6. Mariners (AL No. 5)
Previous Ranking: 10
7. Padres (NL No. 5)
Previous Ranking: 9
8. Guardians (AL No. 3)
Previous Ranking: 8
WEEK 7 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
2022 MLB AWARDS BALLOT
With MLB’s postseason starting in just a few hours, it is now finally time to reveal my picks for MLB awards. I will be treating this as a mock ballot as if I was a member of BBWAA in 2022. As such, for each league, I will be listing my top ten candidates for MVP, top five candidates for Cy Young, and top three candidates for both Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year.
Without further ado, I will start with awards in the American League.
AL MVP:
1st - Aaron Judge, NYY
2nd - Shohei Ohtani, LAA
3rd - Yordan Alvarez, HOU
4th - Jose Altuve, HOU
5th - Andrés Giménez, CLE
6th - Mike Trout, LAA
7th - José Ramírez, CLE
8th - Julio Rodriguez, SEA
9th - Xander Bogaerts, BOS
10th - Rafael Devers, BOS
AL Cy Young:
1st - Justin Verlander - HOU
2nd - Dylan Cease - CWS
3rd - Shohei Ohtani, LAA
4th - Alek Manoah, TOR
5th - Shane McClanahan, TBR
AL Rookie of the Year:
1st - Julio Rodriguez, SEA
2nd - Adley Rutschman, BAL
3rd - Steven Kwan, CLE
AL Manager of the Year:
1st - Aaron Boone, NYY
2nd - Brandon Hyde, BAL
3rd - Terry Francona, CLE
Now, I will move on to the National League.
NL MVP:
1st - Paul Goldschmidt, STL
2nd - Freddie Freeman, LAD
3rd - Manny Machado, SD
4th - Nolan Arenado, STL
5th - Mookie Betts, LAD
6th - Austin Riley, ATL
7th - Trea Turner, LAD
8th - Francisco Lindor, NYM
9th - Dansby Swanson, ATL
10th - Pete Alonso, NYM
NL Cy Young:
1st - Sandy Alcántara, MIA
2nd - Zac Gallen, ARI
3rd - Julio Urías, LAD
4th - Max Fried, ATL
5th - Max Scherzer, NYM
NL Rookie of the Year:
1st - Michael Harris III, ATL
2nd - Spencer Strider, ATL
3rd - Lars Nootbaar, STL
NL Manager of the Year:
1st - Dave Roberts, LAD
2nd - Buck Showalter, NYM
3rd - Oliver Marmol, STL
MLB POWER RANKINGS (10/5/22)
1. Dodgers (110-51)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Astros (105-56)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Braves (101-60)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Yankees (99-62)
Previous Ranking: 5
5. Mets (100-61)
Previous Ranking: 4
6. Cardinals (93-68)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Blue Jays (91-69)
Previous Ranking: 8
8. Guardians (91-70)
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Padres (89-72)
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Mariners (89-72)
Previous Ranking: 11
11. Phillies (87-74)
Previous Ranking: 12
12. Rays (86-75)
Previous Ranking: 10
13. Brewers (86-75)
Previous Ranking: 13
14. Orioles (82-78)
Previous Ranking: 14
15. White Sox (81-80)
Previous Ranking: 16
16. Giants (80-81)
Previous Ranking: 15
17. Red Sox (77-84)
Previous Ranking: 18
18. Twins (77-84)
Previous Ranking: 17
19. Angels (73-88)
Previous Ranking: 20
20. Cubs (73-88)
Previous Ranking: 21
21. Diamondbacks (73-88)
Previous Ranking: 19
22. Marlins (68-93)
Previous Ranking: 24
23. Tigers (66-95)
Previous Ranking: 26
24. Rockies (68-93)
Previous Ranking: 23
25. Rangers (67-94)
Previous Ranking: 22
26. Royals (65-96)
Previous Ranking: 25
27. Pirates (61-100)
Previous Ranking: 28
28. Reds (62-99)
Previous Ranking: 27
29. A’s (59-102)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Nationals (55-106)
Previous Ranking: 30
WEEK 6 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/28/22)
1. Dodgers (106-48)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Astros (102-53)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Braves (97-58)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Mets (97-58)
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Yankees (95-59)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Cardinals (90-65)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Guardians (86-68)
Previous Ranking: 8
8. Blue Jays (87-68)
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Padres (86-68)
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Rays (85-69)
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Mariners (83-70)
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Phillies (83-70)
Previous Ranking: 12
13. Brewers (82-72)
Previous Ranking: 13
14. Orioles (80-74)
Previous Ranking: 15
15. Giants (76-78)
Previous Ranking: 18
16. White Sox (76-78)
Previous Ranking: 14
17. Twins (75-79)
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Red Sox (73-81)
Previous Ranking: 16
19. Diamondbacks (71-84)
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Angels (68-86)
Previous Ranking: 20
21. Cubs (68-86)
Previous Ranking: 23
22. Rangers (66-87)
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Rockies (65-89)
Previous Ranking: 21
24. Marlins (64-90)
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Royals (63-91)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Tigers (61-92)
Previous Ranking: 27
27. Reds (60-95)
Previous Ranking: 26
28. Pirates (58-97)
Previous Ranking: 28
29. A’s (56-98)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Nationals (53-101)
Previous Ranking: 30
WEEK 5 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/21/22)
1. Dodgers (103-45)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Astros (98-51)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Mets (95-55)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Braves (93-55)
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Yankees (89-58)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Cardinals (87-62)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Blue Jays (84-64)
Previous Ranking: 8
8. Guardians (81-67)
Previous Ranking: 12
9. Padres (82-66)
Previous Ranking: 11
10. Rays (82-66)
Previous Ranking: 9
11. Mariners (81-66)
Previous Ranking: 7
12. Phillies (80-67)
Previous Ranking: 10
13. Brewers (78-70)
Previous Ranking: 13
14. White Sox (76-72)
Previous Ranking: 14
15. Orioles (76-71)
Previous Ranking: 15
16. Red Sox (72-75)
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Twins (73-75)
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Giants (71-77)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. Diamondbacks (69-80)
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Angels (65-83)
Previous Ranking: 21
21. Rockies (64-84)
Previous Ranking: 20
22. Rangers (63-84)
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Cubs (63-85)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Marlins (61-88)
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Royals (59-89)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Reds (58-90)
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Tigers (57-91)
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Pirates (55-93)
Previous Ranking: 28
29. A’s (54-94)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Nationals (51-97)
Previous Ranking: 30
WEEK 4 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
WEEK 3 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/13/22)
1. Dodgers (97-43)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Astros (91-50)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Mets (89-53)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Braves (87-54)
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Yankees (85-56)
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Cardinals (83-58)
Previous Ranking: 5
7. Mariners (79-61)
Previous Ranking: 8
8. Blue Jays (79-61)
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Rays (78-61)
Previous Ranking: 7
10. Phillies (78-62)
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Padres (77-64)
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Guardians (74-65)
Previous Ranking: 14
13. Brewers (75-66)
Previous Ranking: 12
14. White Sox (72-69)
Previous Ranking: 16
15. Orioles (73-67)
Previous Ranking: 13
16. Red Sox (69-72)
Previous Ranking: 18
17. Twins (69-70)
Previous Ranking: 15
18. Giants (68-73)
Previous Ranking: 19
19. Diamondbacks (66-74)
Previous Ranking: 17
20. Rockies (61-80)
Previous Ranking: 21
21. Angels (61-80)
Previous Ranking: 20
22. Rangers (61-80)
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Cubs (59-82)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Marlins (58-83)
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Royals (57-84)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Reds (56-83)
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Tigers (54-87)
Previous Ranking: 28
28. Pirates (52-88)
Previous Ranking: 27
29. A’s (51-90)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Nationals (49-92)
Previous Ranking: 30
WEEK 2 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/6/22)
1. Dodgers (93-42)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Astros (87-49)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Braves (85-51)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Mets (85-51)
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Cardinals (80-56)
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Yankees (81-54)
Previous Ranking: 5
7. Rays (76-58)
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Mariners (77-59)
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Blue Jays (75-60)
Previous Ranking: 8
10. Phillies (74-61)
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Padres (75-62)
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Brewers (71-64)
Previous Ranking: 15
13. Orioles (72-64)
Previous Ranking: 14
14. Guardians (70-64)
Previous Ranking: 12
15. Twins (68-65)
Previous Ranking: 13
16. White Sox (68-68)
Previous Ranking: 17
17. Diamondbacks (65-70)
Previous Ranking: 16
18. Red Sox (67-70)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. Giants (65-69)
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Angels (60-76)
Previous Ranking: 22
21. Rockies (58-79)
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Rangers (59-76)
Previous Ranking: 20
23. Cubs (57-78)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Marlins (55-79)
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Royals (55-82)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Reds (53-80)
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Pirates (50-84)
Previous Ranking: 29
28. Tigers (51-85)
Previous Ranking: 27
29. A’s (50-86)
Previous Ranking: 28
30. Nationals (48-88)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/30/22)
1. Dodgers (90-38)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Astros (83-47)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Mets (82-48)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Braves (79-51)
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Yankees (79-51)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Cardinals (75-55)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Rays (71-57)
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Blue Jays (70-58)
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Mariners (71-58)
Previous Ranking: 11
10. Phillies (72-58)
Previous Ranking: 8
11. Padres (72-59)
Previous Ranking: 12
12. Guardians (68-59)
Previous Ranking: 10
13. Twins (67-61)
Previous Ranking: 16
14. Orioles (67-61)
Previous Ranking: 13
15. Brewers (68-60)
Previous Ranking: 14
16. Diamondbacks (61-67)
Previous Ranking: 20
17. White Sox (63-66)
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Red Sox (62-68)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. Giants (61-67)
Previous Ranking: 15
20. Rangers (58-70)
Previous Ranking: 19
21. Rockies (56-74)
Previous Ranking: 23
22. Angels (56-74)
Previous Ranking: 24
23. Cubs (55-75)
Previous Ranking: 22
24. Marlins (55-74)
Previous Ranking: 21
25. Royals (53-77)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Reds (51-77)
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Tigers (50-79)
Previous Ranking: 27
28. A’s (49-81)
Previous Ranking: 29
29. Pirates (49-80)
Previous Ranking: 28
30. Nationals (43-86)
Previous Ranking: 30
PRESEASON COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/23/22)
1. Dodgers (85-37)
Previous Ranking: 1
Team MVP: Freddie Freeman - 151 H (1st in MLB), .321 AVG (2nd in NL), .397 OBP (3rd in NL), .914 OPS (3rd in NL), 40 2B (1st in MLB), 10 SB (23rd in NL), 5.5 fWAR (5th in NL), 4.9 bWAR (7th in NL), 155 wRC+ (3rd in NL)
2. Astros (79-45)
Previous Ranking: 3
Team MVP: Yordan Alvarez - .400 OBP (1st in AL), .609 SLG (2nd in AL), 1.009 OPS (2nd in AL), 31 HR (2nd in AL), 77 R (2nd in AL), 4.7 fWAR (5th in AL), 4.8 bWAR (4th in AL), 182 wRC+ (2nd in AL)
3. Mets (79-46)
Previous Ranking: 2
Team MVP: Francisco Lindor - 136 H (6th in NL), .803 OPS (23rd in NL), 21 HR (18th in NL), 84 RBI (3rd in NL), 80 R (4th in NL), 13 SB (14th in NL) 5.5 fWAR (4th in NL) 5.0 bWAR (6th in NL)
4. Braves (77-48)
Previous Ranking: 4
Team MVP: Austin Riley - .284 AVG (14th in NL), .557 SLG (2nd in NL), .907 OPS (4th in NL), 31 HR (2nd in NL), 78 RBI (8th in NL), 4.5 fWAR (10th in NL), 4.7 bWAR (10th in NL)
5. Yankees (76-48)
Previous Ranking: 5
Team MVP: Aaron Judge - .393 OBP (2nd in AL), .658 SLG (1st in MLB), 1.051 OPS (1st in MLB), 47 HR (1st in MLB), 103 RBI (1st in MLB), 99 R (1st in MLB), 13 SB (15th in AL), 7.7 fWAR (1st in MLB), 7.2 bWAR (1st in MLB), 194 wRC+ (1st in MLB)
6. Cardinals (71-52)
Previous Ranking: 7
Team MVP: Paul Goldschmidt - .337 AVG (1st in MLB), .419 OBP (1st in MLB), .630 SLG (1st in NL), 1.051 OPS (1st in NL), 31 HR (2nd in NL), 100 RBI (2nd in NL), 6.7 bWAR (1st in NL), 6.5 fWAR (1st in NL), 193 wRC+ (1st in NL)
7. Rays (67-55)
Previous Ranking: 9
Team MVP: Shane McClanahan - 2.29 ERA (3rd in AL), 11 W (6th in AL), 0.86 WHIP (1st in AL), 173 K (3rd in AL)
8. Phillies (68-55)
Previous Ranking: 6
Team MVP: J.T. Realmuto - .268 AVG (24th in NL), .782 OPS (28th in NL), 4.3 fWAR (11th in NL), 4.0 bWAR (12th in NL)
9. Blue Jays (66-55)
Previous Ranking: 12
Team MVP: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - .281 AVG (17th in AL), .504 SLG (7th in AL), .854 OPS (9th in AL), 26 HR (6th in AL), 75 RBI (6th in AL), 70 R (5th in AL), 142 wRC+ (9th in AL)
10. Guardians (65-56)
Previous Ranking: 10
Team MVP: Jose Ramirez - .537 SLG (4th in AL), .888 OPS (4th in AL), 23 HR (12th in AL), 99 RBI (2nd in AL), 14 SB (13th in AL), 67 R (12th in AL), 51 K (5th-fewest in AL), 5.0 fWAR (3rd in AL), 4.5 bWAR (7th in AL)
11. Mariners (67-56)
Previous Ranking: 11
Team MVP: Julio Rodriguez - .474 SLG (14th in AL), .806 OPS (19th in AL), 19 HR (16th in AL), 63 RBI (14th in AL), 23 SB (4th in AL)
12. Padres (68-57)
Previous Ranking: 8
Team MVP: Manny Machado - .302 AVG (6th in NL), .372 OBP (5th in NL), .530 SLG (5th in NL), .902 OPS (5th in NL), 77 R (7th in NL), 5.7 fWAR (3rd in NL), 5.1 bWAR (4th in NL), 151 wRC+ (5th in NL)
13. Orioles (64-58)
Previous Ranking: 15
Team MVP: Adley Rutschman (stats among batters with 300+ PA, as he is not a qualified batter this season) - .366 OBP (13th in AL), 139 wRC+ (14th in AL), 13.5 BB% (8th in AL), 3.6 fWAR (20th in AL)
14. Brewers (65-57)
Previous Ranking: 13
Team MVP: Corbin Burnes - 2.48 ERA (4th in NL), 187 K (1st in NL), 0.93 WHIP (2nd in NL), 11.32 K/9 (2nd in NL),
15. Giants (61-61)
Previous Ranking: 17
Team MVP: Carlos Rodon - 2.89 ERA (9th in NL), 179 K (2nd in NL), 11.48 K/9 (1st in NL), 4.7 fWAR (9th in NL)
16. Twins (62-59)
Previous Ranking: 16
Team MVP: Byron Buxton - .526 SLG (5th in AL), .832 OPS (10th in AL), 28 HR (3rd in AL), 4.0 fWAR (11th in AL)
17. White Sox (62-61)
Previous Ranking: 14
Team MVP: Dylan Cease - 2.09 ERA (2nd in MLB) 178 K (2nd in AL), 11.99 K/9 (1st in MLB)
18. Red Sox (60-63)
Previous Ranking: 18
Team MVP: Rafael Devers - .295 AVG (9th in AL), .555 SLG (3rd in AL), .907 OPS (3rd in AL), 32 2B (5th in AL), 25 HR (8th in AL), 4.5 fWAR (7th in AL)
19. Rangers (56-67)
Previous Ranking: 20
Team MVP: Corey Seager - .464 SLG (18th in AL), .793 OPS (23rd in AL), 26 HR (6th in AL), 3.7 fWAR (14th in AL)
20. Diamondbacks (56-66)
Previous Ranking: 19
Team MVP: Merrill Kelly - 2.87 ERA (8th in NL), 150.1 IP (6th in NL), 3.3 fWAR (27th in NL)
21. Marlins (54-69)
Previous Ranking: 22
Team MVP: Sandy Alcantara - 2.19 ERA (2nd in NL), 176.2 IP (1st in MLB), 151 K (5th in NL), 4.7 fWAR (10th in NL)
22. Cubs (53-70)
Previous Ranking: 24
Team MVP: Willson Contreras - .357 OBP (13th in NL), .472 SLG (17th in NL), .829 OPS (12th in NL), 3.5 bWAR (19th in NL)
23. Rockies (54-70)
Previous Ranking: 23
Team MVP: Ryan McMahon - .341 OBP (29th in NL), .745 OPS (35th in NL), 7 SB (20th in NL), 2.7 fWAR (39th in NL), 1.4 dWAR (10th in NL)
24. Angels (52-71)
Previous Ranking: 21
Team MVP: Shohei Ohtani (stats among pitchers with 120 IP+, as he is not a qualified pitcher) - 12.42 K/9 (1st in MLB), 2.83 ERA (8th in AL), .515 SLG (6th), .872 OPS (5th in AL), 27 HR (5th in AL), 72 RBI (7th in AL), 11 SB (18th in AL), 6.4 fWAR (2nd in AL)
25. Royals (50-75)
Previous Ranking: 25
Team MVP: Bobby Witt Jr. - .724 OPS (45th in AL), 24 SB (3rd in AL), 60 R (25th in AL), 21 2B (30th in AL), 16 HR (27th in AL), 60 RBI (21st in AL)
26. Reds (48-73)
Previous Ranking: 26
Team MVP: Kyle Farmer - .266 AVG (27th in NL), .705 OPS (53rd in NL), 55 RBI (36th in NL), 21 2B (32nd in NL), 68 K (8th-fewest in NL)
27. Tigers (47-77)
Previous Ranking: 28
Team MVP: Tarik Skubal (stats among pitchers with 110 IP+, as he is not a qualified pitcher) - 3.52 ERA (18th in AL), 8.95 K/9 (12th in AL), 2.9 fWAR (33rd in AL)
28. Pirates (47-76)
Previous Ranking: 27
Team MVP: Ke’Bryan Hayes - .323 OBP (43rd in NL), 2.1 dWAR (2nd in NL), 2.6 fWAR (47th in NL)
29. A’s (45-79)
Previous Ranking: 29
Team MVP: Sean Murphy - .332 OBP (33rd in AL), .446 SLG (24th in AL), .778 OPS (3oth in AL), 4.0 fWAR (12th in AL)
30. Nationals (41-83)
Previous Ranking: 30
Team MVP: Keibert Ruiz - .309 OBP (58th in NL) .663 OPS (64th in NL), 1.4 fWAR (112th in NL)
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/16/22)
1. Dodgers (80-34)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Mets (75-41)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Astros (75-42)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Braves (71-46)
Previous Ranking: 5
5. Yankees (72-44)
Previous Ranking: 4
6. Phillies (64-51)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Cardinals (63-51)
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Padres (65-53)
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Rays (61-53)
Previous Ranking: 12
10. Guardians (62-54)
Previous Ranking: 14
11. Mariners (63-54)
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Blue Jays (61-53)
Previous Ranking: 8
13. Brewers (61-53)
Previous Ranking: 10
14. White Sox (60-56)
Previous Ranking: 16
15. Orioles (60-55)
Previous Ranking: 13
16. Twins (59-55)
Previous Ranking: 15
17. Giants (58-57)
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Red Sox (57-59)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. Diamondbacks (53-62)
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Rangers (52-63)
Previous Ranking: 22
21. Angels (51-65)
Previous Ranking: 23
22. Marlins (51-65)
Previous Ranking: 20
23. Rockies (51-66)
Previous Ranking: 21
24. Cubs (47-67)
Previous Ranking: 26
25. Royals (48-69)
Previous Ranking: 24
26. Reds (45-69)
Previous Ranking: 25
27. Pirates (45-70)
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Tigers (44-74)
Previous Ranking: 28
29. A’s (41-75)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Nationals (39-78)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/9/22)
1. Dodgers (76-33)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Mets (72-39)
Previous Ranking: 4
3. Astros (71-40)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Yankees (71-40)
Previous Ranking: 2
5. Braves (65-46)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Phillies (61-48)
Previous Ranking: 9
7. Cardinals (60-49)
Previous Ranking: 10
8. Blue Jays (60-50)
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Padres (61-51)
Previous Ranking: 6
10. Brewers (59-50)
Previous Ranking: 8
11. Mariners (60-52)
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Rays (58-51)
Previous Ranking: 14
13. Orioles (58-52)
Previous Ranking: 15
14. Guardians (57-52)
Previous Ranking: 13
15. Twins (57-52)
Previous Ranking: 12
16. White Sox (56-54)
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Giants (54-56)
Previous Ranking: 18
18. Red Sox (54-57)
Previous Ranking: 17
19. Diamondbacks (50-59)
Previous Ranking: 20
20. Marlins (49-60)
Previous Ranking: 19
21. Rockies (49-63)
Previous Ranking: 22
22. Rangers (48-61)
Previous Ranking: 21
23. Angels (48-63)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Royals (45-66)
Previous Ranking: 28
25. Reds (44-65)
Previous Ranking: 24
26. Cubs (44-65)
Previous Ranking: 25
27. Pirates (44-66)
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Tigers (43-68)
Previous Ranking: 26
29. A’s (41-70)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Nationals (37-75)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/2/22)
1. Dodgers (70-32)
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Yankees (70-35)
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Astros (67-38)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Mets (65-38)
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Braves (63-41)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Padres (60-46)
Previous Ranking: 8
7. Blue Jays (58-45)
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Brewers (57-46)
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Phillies (55-48)
Previous Ranking: 12
10. Cardinals (55-48)
Previous Ranking: 14
11. Mariners (56-49)
Previous Ranking: 7
12. Twins (54-49)
Previous Ranking: 10
13. Guardians (53-50)
Previous Ranking: 15
14. Rays (54-49)
Previous Ranking: 11
15. Orioles (53-51)
Previous Ranking: 16
16. White Sox (52-51)
Previous Ranking: 13
17. Red Sox (53-52)
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Giants (51-53)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. Marlins (47-57)
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Diamondbacks (46-57)
Previous Ranking: 20
21. Rangers (46-57)
Previous Ranking: 22
22. Rockies (46-60)
Previous Ranking: 21
23. Angels (44-59)
Previous Ranking: 24
24. Reds (42-61)
Previous Ranking: 29
25. Cubs (41-61)
Previous Ranking: 23
26. Tigers (42-63)
Previous Ranking: 28
27. Pirates (41-62)
Previous Ranking: 26
28. Royals (41-63)
Previous Ranking: 25
29. A’s (39-66)
Previous Ranking: 27
30. Nationals (36-69)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/26/22)
1. Yankees (66-32)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Dodgers (64-32)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Astros (64-34)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Mets (60-37)
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Braves (59-40)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Blue Jays (54-43)
Previous Ranking: 9
7. Mariners (53-45)
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Padres (55-44)
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Brewers (54-44)
Previous Ranking: 13
10. Twins (52-45)
Previous Ranking: 14
11. Rays (52-45)
Previous Ranking: 7
12. Phillies (50-47)
Previous Ranking: 10
13. White Sox (49-48)
Previous Ranking: 18
14. Cardinals (51-47)
Previous Ranking: 11
15. Guardians (49-47)
Previous Ranking: 15
16. Orioles (49-48)
Previous Ranking: 17
17. Red Sox (49-49)
Previous Ranking: 16
18. Giants (48-49)
Previous Ranking: 12
19. Marlins (46-51)
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Diamondbacks (44-53)
Previous Ranking: 23
21. Rockies (44-54)
Previous Ranking: 20
22. Rangers (43-53)
Previous Ranking: 21
23. Cubs (40-57)
Previous Ranking: 28
24. Angels (41-56)
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Royals (39-58)
Previous Ranking: 27
26. Pirates (40-58)
Previous Ranking: 22
27. A’s (37-63)
Previous Ranking: 29
28. Tigers (39-59)
Previous Ranking: 25
29. Reds (37-59)
Previous Ranking: 26
30. Nationals (33-66)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/19/22)
With these power rankings, I will be adding what positions, what approach, and occasionally what players I believe each team should be prioritizing at the trade deadline.
1. Yankees (64-28)
Previous Ranking: 1
Deadline need: Pitching depth (every team always needs it)
2. Dodgers (60-30)
Previous Ranking: 3
Deadline need: High-leverage relievers
3. Astros (59-32)
Previous Ranking: 2
Deadline need: A catcher who hits well (Willson Contreras is a great fit)
4. Mets (58-35)
Previous Ranking: 4
Deadline need: Bullpen depth
5. Braves (56-38)
Previous Ranking: 5
Deadline need: Starting pitching depth
6. Mariners (51-42)
Previous Ranking: 6
Deadline need: Starting pitching depth
7. Rays (51-41)
Previous Ranking: 10
Deadline need: Position players (primarily outfielders)
8. Padres (52-42)
Previous Ranking: 7
Deadline need: Outfield depth (Andrew Benintendi could be a good fit)
9. Blue Jays (50-43)
Previous Ranking: 14
Deadline need: Starting pitchers
10. Phillies (49-43)
Previous Ranking: 15
Deadline need: Bullpen depth
11. Cardinals (50-44)
Previous Ranking: 11
Deadline need: Multiple relievers (David Bednar and David Robertson are good fits)
12. Giants (48-43)
Previous Ranking: 16
Deadline need: Bullpen depth
13. Brewers (50-43)
Previous Ranking: 8
Deadline need: Position players to bolster their lineup (Brandon Drury and/or Benintendi are good fits)
14. Twins (50-44)
Previous Ranking: 9
Deadline need: Front-end starting pitchers (Luis Castillo should be their top target)
15. Guardians (46-44)
Previous Ranking: 17
Deadline need: Outfielders
16. Red Sox (48-45)
Previous Ranking: 12
Deadline need: Pitching depth (both relievers and starters)
17. Orioles (46-46)
Previous Ranking: 13
Deadline need: Versatile infielders who hit well (Drury would be the best fit)
18. White Sox (46-46)
Previous Ranking: 18
Deadline need: Get healthy and add extra position player depth to counteract injuries
19. Marlins (43-48)
Previous Ranking: 19
Deadline need: Back-end starting pitchers
20. Rockies (43-50)
Previous Ranking: 21
Deadline need: Add a few top prospects, but keep the core roster together
21. Rangers (41-49)
Previous Ranking: 20
Deadline need: Only make trades that are valuable beyond this season
22. Pirates (39-54)
Previous Ranking: 2
Deadline need: Trade away Bryan Reynolds and Bednar for prospects who are near MLB-ready
23. Diamondbacks (40-52)
Previous Ranking: 23
Deadline need: Get prospects who are almost MLB-ready
24. Angels (39-53)
Previous Ranking: 25
Deadline need: Add starting pitchers if they plan on attempting a miracle run
25. Tigers (37-55)
Previous Ranking: 24
Deadline need: Decide if this team is ready to win or not, don’t buy and sell at the same time
26. Reds (34-57)
Previous Ranking: 26
Deadline need: Add more prospects in possible trades for Drury and Castillo
27. Royals (36-56)
Previous Ranking: 27
Deadline need: Trade Benintendi and get a good package for him
28. Cubs (35-57)
Previous Ranking: 28
Deadline need: Trade expiring contracts for MLB-ready prospects
29. A’s (32-61)
Previous Ranking: 29
Deadline need: Get multiple top prospects in a Frankie Montas trade
30. Nationals (31-63)
Previous Ranking: 30
Deadline need: Get the biggest return possible if Soto is traded
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/12/22)
1. Yankees (61-26)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Astros (57-29)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Dodgers (56-30)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Mets (54-34)
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Braves (53-36)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Mariners (45-42)
Previous Ranking: 15
7. Padres (50-39)
Previous Ranking: 9
8. Brewers (49-39)
Previous Ranking: 6
9. Twins (48-41)
Previous Ranking: 7
10. Rays (47-40)
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Cardinals (48-42)
Previous Ranking: 13
12. Red Sox (47-41)
Previous Ranking: 8
13. Orioles (44-44)
Previous Ranking: 19
14. Blue Jays (46-42)
Previous Ranking: 12
15. Phillies (46-42)
Previous Ranking: 11
16. Giants (44-42)
Previous Ranking: 17
17. Guardians (43-43)
Previous Ranking: 16
18. White Sox (42-45)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. Marlins (41-45)
Previous Ranking: 14
20. Rangers (40-45)
Previous Ranking: 20
21. Rockies (39-49)
Previous Ranking: 23
22. Pirates (38-50)
Previous Ranking: 26
23. Diamondbacks (39-49)
Previous Ranking: 21
24. Tigers (37-51)
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Angels (38-50)
Previous Ranking: 22
26. Reds (33-54)
Previous Ranking: 28
27. Royals (34-53)
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Cubs (34-53)
Previous Ranking: 25
29. A’s (30-59)
Previous Ranking: 30
30. Nationals (30-58)
Previous Ranking: 29
TOP 3 MVP CANDIDATES (7/6/22)
Now that most teams are at the half-way mark of the season, I’ll be releasing my second story going in-depth about the top 3 candidates (along with some honorable mentions, and players that could catch fire to improve their candidacy) for MVP in each league. I plan to do more updates to this later in the season, along with a Cy Young article soon, and update both throughout the season, culminating in the release of a mock awards ballot at the end of the season.
Without further ado, let’s talk about the American League candidates:
1. Yordan Alvarez (Previously: 6):
Yordan Alvarez caught fire during June. He posted a .418 average, with 9 HR and 28 RBI during the month. I previously stated “Alvarez would be comfortably in the top 3 if he wasn’t a DH.” Well, he now has 31 games played in left field, and 37 games as a DH. Because he almost has 50/50 positional play time at this point in the season, I believe his case is now almost as good as it can get. His 1.071 OPS is the best in the AL, and the next closest is Aaron Judge with a .993 OPS. The difference between Yordan Alvarez and the next best hitter in the AL is so big currently that I have to put him at number 1 in these rankings, especially considering that the Astros are nearing the Yankees for the best record in MLB, with Alvarez at the forefront of that push.
2. Rafael Devers (Previously: 2):
Devers and Ramirez were in a tight race for 1st in my last rankings, and while Ramriez has slumped over the last two weeks, Devers has done enough to maintain his spot at #2. I was going to put him below Ohtani because Devers’ numbers have slightly dropped, but I decided against that for a few reasons. The first, and most obvious reason, is that the Red Sox are way better than the Angels this season, and Devers has been powering Boston throughout the season. The second reason is simple: fWAR. If there were ever a stat to favor a two-way player, like Ohtani, over other players, it would be WAR, as it assesses the total value of a player. And while Devers trails Ohtani in rWAR, the difference is minimal. In fWAR, Devers is one of four players with 4 WAR or more this season. Because of how close they are in the stat that, in theory, would favor Ohtani more than Devers, I think Devers deserves to keep the same spot from my last article. It also doesn’t hurt that Devers is tied with Paul Goldschmidt for most hits in MLB, and tied with Goldschmidt and Jose Ramirez for 2nd in MLB with 27 doubles.
3. Shohei Ohtani (Previously: N/A):
Ohtani, like Alvarez, had a great June. Despite Ohtani being outside of the top 30 in MLB in OPS, he is top 25 in MLB in ERA among pitchers with 50+ IP. While his team is far out of the playoff conversation currently, Ohtani has been good enough to put himself in the top 3 of the MVP conversation. However, last year, while he had a slightly worse season as a pitcher, his hitting stats were significantly better. His OBP, SLG, and OPS were all higher, and while he is on pace for 36 HRs and 106 RBI this season, last year he had 46 HRs and 100 RBI, and added an 8.1 fWAR season. The next closest player to Ohtani in WAR was Jose Ramirez, who posted a 6.4 fWAR season. Ohtani was in a league of his own last year, but this season, Devers, Aaron Judge, Ramirez, and Alvarez all have a higher fWAR so far. While he has a higher potential to add more WAR over the course of the season, he needs to fully realize that potential to repeat as AL MVP.
Honorable mentions (listed in order):
Aaron Judge (Previously: 3): While he still has the most HRs in the AL (30), and the Yankees are still the best team in MLB (for now), Judge’s numbers aren’t good enough for me to justify putting him in the top 3. Judge is currently outside of the top ten in MLB in rWAR, and while fWAR has him at 6th, the margin between him and the rest of the top ten is very small. He has a .184 average in the last 15 days (my first MVP article was posted 14 days ago), and he falls down this list further because of that slump. He can get back to where he was before if he plays like he had up until the last few weeks.
Mike Trout (Previously: 4): “Trout is always in this conversation, and this year is no different.” That was my statement in my last MVP article, and it still holds true. But to win MVP while playing for a team as bad as the Angels are, your numbers have to be astronomically high. Trout’s numbers are great, but he isn’t in the same conversation as Alvarez so far, and Ohtani is the MVP of the Angels so far. I can’t justify putting two players from a sub-.500 team in the top 3, so Trout slides in just outside of it once again.
Jose Ramirez (Previously: 1): If Judge’s slump sounds bad, Jose Ramirez’ slump is worse. Ramirez has not hit a single HR, has 1 RBI, and has struck out ten times in the last two weeks, despite previously only having 20 strikeouts in the whole season prior to that point. Because of his slump and the Guardians’ slump as a team, Ramirez is switching places with Yordan Alvarez.
Players to look out for in the rest of the season: Kyle Tucker, Shane McClanahan, Julio Rodriguez, Ty France, Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. and Byron Buxton
Now, let's move on to the National League candidates:
1. Paul Goldschmidt (Previously: 1):
While this was a very tight race between Goldschmidt and Manny Machado, Goldschmidt has the clear edge over Machado, as it stands today. While Machado was injured, Goldschmidt continued to hit like an absolute machine. He has a 1.128 OPS (3rd in the NL) over the last two weeks, with 3 HR and 7 RBI. Goldschmidt's season-long OPS is 1.047, compared to Machado’s .915. While Machado’s defense factors into the equation and makes this race tighter, I still heavily favor Goldschmidt.
2. Manny Machado (Previously: 2):
In a very small sample size of six games since his return from the IL, Machado has been in a slump. He has just three hits since my last article (during that six-game return from the IL), and an OPS of .501, allowing Goldschmidt to become a true frontrunner for NL MVP. Machado has 4.3 fWAR, giving him the highest total in MLB, but Goldshmidt’s 4.1 fWAR is too close to say Machado is better. Goldschmidt also has 4.2 rWAR, while Machado has 3.9 rWAR.
3. Nolan Arenado (Previously: N/A):
Arenado is taking Bryce Harper’s spot at #3. While Harper’s overall numbers are definitely deserving of top 3 in these rankings, he will end the season without a chance of winning MVP because his injury (which will hold him out indefinitely) is too severe, so I’m replacing him with Arenado. While Arenado doesn’t have the same hitting stats to be in the same conversation with his teammate, Paul Goldschmidt, his defense allows him to easily make the top 3. His hitting numbers aren’t bad either. He is top 8 in the NL in OPS, HR, RBI, and SLG. His overall value makes him the only player who is top 3 in both fWAR and rWAR, other than Goldschmidt. While Arenado is a well-rounded, great player, Goldschmidt is way better statistically, and since they are teammates, the team success factor is irrelevant.
Honorable mentions (listed in order):
Pete Alonso (Previously: 4):
While Alonso doesn’t have the overall numbers to be in the same conversation with the top 3 on this leaderboard, having such a great season on the 2nd-best team in the NL makes him worthy of an honorable mention. He is 4th in the NL in OPS (.903), 2nd in HR (22), and leads the NL in RBI.
Mookie Betts (Previously: 5):
If Mookie Betts did not get injured, he would most likely be 3rd on this leaderboard. Despite missing 15 games, he still ranks 4th in the NL with 56 runs scored, and 7th in the NL with 18 HRs. If he had played the 15 games he missed, he would probably be the NL leader in runs scored, and would have enough RBI (especially when you factor Betts’ Gold Glove-caliber defense into the equation) to make a case to be higher than both Alonso and Arenado on this list.
Sandy Alcantara (Previously: 6):
Alcantara has the best case out of any pitcher in either league to make a push for MVP (if you count Ohtani as a two-way player, instead of counting him as a pitcher). His innings pitched (123.1) are the most in MLB (by 12.0), and in those innings, he has been great. While his strikeout numbers aren’t as high as many other All Star-caliber pitchers, he has the 3rd-lowest ERA in MLB (1.84).
Dansby Swanson (Previously: N/A):
Swanson and Trea Turner are almost identical offensively. They actually have the same OBP (.355), despite Turner having a slightly higher average, but Swanson has the edge in OPS, rWAR, and fWAR over Turner by wide enough margins to give him the edge over Turner.
Trea Turner (Previously: 7):
I went into Turner’s comparison with Swanson, but they both are MVP candidates because their overall numbers are great, and they both play for high-level teams. They are both on pace for 20 HR, 20 SB seasons, and while Swanson has more power (he’s on pace for 28 HRs and 24 SB), Turner has more speed (he’s on pace for 22 HRs and 32 SBs).
Players to look out for in the rest of the season: Ronald Acuna, Jr., Austin Riley, Juan Soto, Freddie Freeman, C.J. Cron, Kyle Schwarber, and Tony Gonsolin
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/5/22)
Now that multiple teams have played 81+ games this season, for these power rankings, I will be giving first-half grades for each team, along with a brief explanation for each grade.
1. Yankees (58-23)
Previous Ranking: 1
Grade: A+
There isn’t much to say about the Yankees this year. Some people, myself included, had the Blue Jays winning the AL East, and while that is still possible, the lead the Yankees have built on the rest of the division so far gives me no other option for a grade.
2. Astros (53-27)
Previous Ranking: 2
Grade: A
I did not expect this team to take a major step back just because they lost Carlos Correa, but their performance has still surprised me this season, and now they’re even getting close to taking the lead over the Yankees for the best record in MLB.
3. Dodgers (51-29)
Previous Ranking: 4
Grade: A
While the middle of the order in the Dodgers lineup has largely been a disappointment so far this season, if you consider all the injuries to the Dodgers starting rotation, they have performed about as well as anyone could expect them to, as they currently hold the best record in the NL.
4. Mets (50-31)
Previous Ranking: 3
Grade: A
I had this team in the top 5 of my MLB preseason power rankings. While they’re still hovering around that range, they deserve credit for doing so, especially considering the starting rotation that was so heavily praised heading into the year has rarely been healthy to start the season.
5. Braves (48-34)
Previous Ranking: 6
Grade: A-
This team started out the year cold, and despite being the hottest team in June, the reigning champions find themselves in 2nd place, sitting 2.5 games back of the 1st-place Mets. They are still hovering around the top 5 in MLB range, however, so any grade worse than an A- wouldn’t be accurate.
6. Brewers (47-36)
Previous Ranking: 7
Grade: B+
I think the Brewers are about where I expected them to be coming into the season. However, I would not consider winning the NL Central, but still getting stuck behind the Dodgers and Braves a major success for Milwaukee, and so far that’s exactly where they are.
7. Twins (47-37)
Previous Ranking: 10
Grade: A
With the massive step backwards taken by the Twins last season, not many people expected them to be back atop the AL Central again this season, especially with the roster the White Sox put together. Because they made their way back to the top of their division, I’m giving them an A.
8. Red Sox (45-36)
Previous Ranking: 9
Grade: B+
The Red Sox were picked by many people to be the 3rd- or even 4th-place team in the AL East. Considering they are ahead of the Blue Jays and Rays in the standings, but many games behind the Yankees, I think a B+ is appropriate.
9. Padres (47-36)
Previous Ranking: 5
Grade: A-
Considering Fernando Tatis, Jr. has been out all of the season to this point, this team has been as good as we expected them to be, and maybe a bit better. However, with their recent slump, I can’t justify giving them the same grade that the top 4 teams all got.
10. Rays (44-37)
Previous Ranking: 13
Grade: B+
The Rays are in the best division, but they remain a top ten team in MLB this season. The Rays are really just having the exact season we expect them to have year after year at this point, so I’m giving them a B+.
11. Phillies (43-38)
Previous Ranking: 14
Grade: B
The Phillies were awful to start the season, starting off the season with a 21-29 record through the end of May. If I gave them a grade back then, it might have been an F. But now that they have solved many of their major issues, I’ve settled on a B instead.
12. Blue Jays (44-38)
Previous Ranking: 8
Grade: B-
The Blue Jays had a very shaky start to the season, and despite Alek Manoah turning into an ace in the rotation, the Blue Jays are just seven games above .500 this season. They are still a playoff team at the moment, but need to be better.
13. Cardinals (44-39)
Previous Ranking: 11
Grade: B
The Cardinals are trailing the Brewers in the NL Central race. Because they are in 2nd-place in a division without a powerhouse division leader, I can’t justify giving them anything better than a B so far.
14. Marlins (39-40)
Previous Ranking: 21
Grade: B
A lot of people had the Marlins as a sleeper in the NL playoff race this year. I didn’t quite understand the hype before the season and still don’t understand it now. The Marlins wanted to develop and be more competitive this season than they have been in prior seasons, and they have done a decent job so far of doing just that.
15. Mariners (41-42)
Previous Ranking: 20
Grade: B-
This team should be above .500, but with a recent hot streak, the Mariners are trending in the right direction. This streak has even been without the Mariners’ likely All-Star Game representative, Ty France, making their recent success even more impressive.
16. Guardians (40-39)
Previous Ranking: 15
Grade: B+
The Guardians are the youngest team in baseball. This wasn’t supposed to be their year, and yet they are in playoff contention. For that, I give them enough credit to get a B+, but one game above .500 won’t get them in the A-/A range.
17. Giants (40-39)
Previous Ranking: 12
Grade: C+
While most of their struggles have been recent, the Giants have fallen a long way down from ending the Dodgers’ eight year streak of winning the NL West last year. Sitting at just one game above .500, this team has been a total disappointment, regardless of injuries.
18. White Sox (38-41)
Previous Ranking: 17
Grade: C
The White Sox are the AL version of the Giants. While the White Sox (like the Giants) have had more than a fair share of injuries this season, they still shouldn’t be as bad as they are, especially considering the lofty expectations I had for them at the start of the season.
19. Orioles (38-44)
Previous Ranking: 19
Grade: B
The Orioles finding their way out of the bottom ten of MLB is one of the biggest surprises of the year. They deserve some praise for the season, but they are too far below .500 to get a better grade than a B.
20. Rangers (37-42)
Previous Ranking: 16
Grade: B
Similar to the Guardians, the Rangers were not supposed to be good this year. However, with how much they spent in the offseason to get Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, I can’t give them the B+ the Guardians got just for being near .500.
21. Diamondbacks (37-44)
Previous Ranking: 23
Grade: C
I didn’t expect the Diamondbacks to be anywhere near competitive this season, but considering they’re not a terrible team so far, I don’t think they deserve to get anything worse than a C.
22. Angels (37-45)
Previous Ranking: 18
Grade: D-
The stars aligned for the Angels to finally be good this season. Without major injuries to Trout or Ohtani so far, and both of them have met their ridiculously high expectations to start the season. However, with a few exceptions, everyone else has not been good enough to make this team a good one,
23. Rockies (35-46)
Previous Ranking: 22
Grade: C+
While this team was never supposed to contend for the NL West, or even the playoffs, they don’t deserve a good grade, as they are currently 11 games under .500.
24. Tigers (33-47)
Previous Ranking: 24
Grade: F
I held off on giving the Angels an F, because I had to reserve the F for a few special cases. The Tigers acquired Javier Baez, Austin Meadows, and Andrew Chafin, and called up Riley Greene, and they’re worse than they were last year. They have been MLB’s biggest disappointment this season.
25. Cubs (33-48)
Previous Ranking: 27
Grade: D
The Cubs are a more well-rounded roster than the Nationals, but without one real star, they have had a bad season, with no real signs of improvement from the end of last year either.
26. Pirates (33-47)
Previous Ranking: 25
Grade: C
Like the Diamondbacks, I didn’t expect this team to contend this year. They haven’t contended at all, and while they are a young team, a C feels like an appropriate grade for this team.
27. Royals (29-50)
Previous Ranking: 29
Grade: D-
The Royals have too much young and old talent to be this bad. Almost Every player on this roster has had a worse season than they were supposed to have, but at least we knew they were bad heading into the season.
28. Reds (28-52)
Previous Ranking: 28
Grade: F
If this team’s ownership hadn’t pretended that this team could still win games, I would give them a better grade than an F. But, they tried to convince us they weren’t trying to lose all season, and they have done just that.
29. Nationals (29-54)
Previous Ranking: 26
Grade: D+
The Nationals have Juan Soto, Nelson Cruz, and Josh Bell. No matter who is on the rest of the roster, I believe the Nationals should be better than they are, so a D+ seems fitting.
30. A’s (28-55)
Previous Ranking: 30
Grade: F
Just like the Reds, with how much talent this team let go of during the offseason, I can’t give a grade other than an F. The A’s don’t really have any recognizable names in their lineup, and will definitely give up the only big names they have at the deadline.
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/28/22)
1. Yankees (55-20)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Astros (46-27)
Previous Ranking: 3
3. Mets (47-28)
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Dodgers (45-28)
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Padres (45-31)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Braves (43-32)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Brewers (43-33)
Previous Ranking: 12
8. Blue Jays (42-32)
Previous Ranking: 10
9. Red Sox (42-33)
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Twins (43-34)
Previous Ranking: 13
11. Cardinals (43-34)
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Giants (40-33)
Previous Ranking: 7
13. Rays (40-33)
Previous Ranking: 14
14. Phillies (39-36)
Previous Ranking: 15
15. Guardians (37-34)
Previous Ranking: 8
16. Rangers (36-37)
Previous Ranking: 17
17. White Sox (35-38)
Previous Ranking: 16
18. Angels (36-41)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. Orioles (35-41)
Previous Ranking: 21
20. Mariners (35-41)
Previous Ranking: 22
21. Marlins (33-40)
Previous Ranking: 19
22. Rockies (33-42)
Previous Ranking: 23
23. Diamondbacks (34-41)
Previous Ranking: 20
24. Tigers (28-45)
Previous Ranking: 25
25. Pirates (29-45)
Previous Ranking: 24
26. Nationals (29-48)
Previous Ranking: 28
27. Cubs (28-46)
Previous Ranking: 26
28. Reds (26-47)
Previous Ranking: 29
29. Royals (26-47)
Previous Ranking: 27
30. A’s (25-51)
Previous Ranking: 30
TOP 3 MVP CANDIDATES (6/22/22)
Now that we are nearing the half-way mark of the season, I’ll be releasing my first story going in-depth about the top 3 candidates (along with some honorable mentions, and players that could catch fire to improve their candidacy) for MVP in each league. I plan to do a few more updates to this, along with a Cy Young article at some point too, and update both throughout the season, culminating in the release of a mock awards ballot at the end of the season.
Without further ado, let’s talk about the American League candidates:
1. Jose Ramirez:
Jose Ramirez’ value to the Cleveland Guardians is almost impossible to quantify. A few weeks ago, his case for MVP might have been held back by the fact that the Guardians were sitting in 3rd place in a relatively weak AL Central, as recently as May 29. The Guardians’ record sat at 19-24, which left them 7.5 games back of the first-place Minnesota Twins. But then Cleveland got hot. Since that date, Cleveland has a 16-4 record, and after beating the Twins yesterday in extra innings, they are now tied for first place in the AL Central with the aforementioned Twins. But this isn’t about Cleveland as a team, this is about Jose Ramirez as an MVP candidate. While his team playing much better in June has boosted his candidacy, the stats speak for themselves. Possibly the most impressive stat about Jose Ramirez is that while he has the 4th-highest slugging percentage in the AL (.636), he is also tied for the 2nd-fewest strikeouts (20). He is tied with Luis Arraez, who leads the majors in batting average by a wide margin, and trails only his own teammate Steven Kwan. Ramirez’ strikeout rate is only .075, which once again trails only Kwan (.068). His 1.029 OPS trails only one other AL hitter, Houston Astros DH Yordan Alvarez, while he also ranks 1st in RBI (62), 5th in walks (34), 7th in HR (16), 3rd in doubles (21), 1st in triples (4), 3rd in rWAR (3.4), and 1st in offensive rWAR. He even has 11 stolen bases on the year, putting him on pace for a 41 HR, 28 SB season. To me, if Ramirez stays on the pace he’s currently on, and the Guardians make the playoffs (whether they win the division or not), he will end up as a no-doubt MVP winner.
2. Rafael Devers:
Rafael Devers, like Ramirez, is having an amazing season while playing 3B for a playoff contender in the AL. Also like Ramirez, there are many stats to display the dominance of Devers so far this year, but the stats with Devers seem to have more caveats to them when compared to Ramirez’ numbers. While Devers has the most doubles in the AL (24), his home stadium, Fenway Park, has the highest park factor rating for doubles over a three-year rolling average (131), according to Statcast, meaning that 31% more doubles are observed at Fenway for hitters who played there and elsewhere. While Ramirez’ home stadium, Progressive Field, ranks 10th in the same category, their park factor rating is 107, slightly above the league average (which is always 100 for the scale of the stat). The main stat driving Devers’ MVP case is WAR. He leads the AL in both rWAR (3.9) and fWAR (4.0), although his advantage over Ramirez is not too big. In more traditional stats, Devers’ candidacy takes a small hit,especially when compared to Ramirez. While leading the AL in hits (90), ranking 4th in BA (.330), and 2nd in runs scored, he is just 10th in RBI (43), tied with Ramirez for 7th in HR (16), 5th in OPS (.982), 10th in OBP (.383) and he is in the bottom 40 in fewest strikeouts, a category Ramirez dominates. Despite having a higher average than Devers (.328 vs. .303), Devers also has a lower OBP (.383 vs. .393). When you combine all of these factors, despite making a very strong case for MVP so far, I think Devers still has a little bit of work to do to catch up to Ramirez, who has an advantage in rate stats, but also counting stats despite the Guardians playing six fewer games than the Red Sox.
3. Aaron Judge:
Aaron Judge’s MVP candidacy benefits immensely from his team’s success. The New York Yankees, who are currently 50-18, are on pace for an MLB-record 119 wins this year. With a team cruising along at a pace this crazy, there has to be at least one MVP candidate, and Judge fits the bill. He is 4th in the AL in rWAR (3.4), and 3rd in fWAR (3.8), trailing Ramirez and Devers in both metrics, along with Mike Trout in rWAR (although he is ahead of him in fWAR). Judge is not ever going to hit mainly for average, but considering his perceived identity as a pure power hitter, this year has added more balance to his offensive game. Last year, Judge finished 5th in MVP voting, with a .287 BA, along with 39 HR and 98 RBI. He is currently hitting .300, and is on pace for 59 HR and 119 RBI. If he can hit those numbers, and the Yankees continue to play this well, it is going to be extremely hard for anyone to beat him out for MVP. He currently leads the AL in HR (25) and runs scored (55), ranks 3rd in RBI (50), 4th in OPS (1.022) and 2nd in SLG (.644). And yet, when you take a deeper look at his stats, he still doesn’t have enough of a case yet to be #1 on this list. That .300 BA is high by Judge’s standards, but ranks just 10th in the AL. His 34 walks, tied with Ramirez for 5th in the AL, only raise his OBP to .378, which ranks 12th in the AL. He also has 72 strikeouts, the 10th-most in the AL. With that quick look into the stats, Judge clearly excels much more in power-driven stats, while struggling more when it comes to stats judging a player’s ability to get on base.
Honorable mentions (listed in order):
Mike Trout: Trout is always in this conversation, and this year is no different. Trout is a 3-time MVP in his career, despite a noticeable lack of playoff appearances for the Los Angeles Angels. He ranks 3rd in OPS (1.025), 2nd in HR (21), 3rd in SLG (.640), 3rd in runs scored (49), 2nd in rWAR (3.9), and 4th in fWAR (3.6), but his team’s recent slump leaves him out of the top 3 for this list. If the Angels are in playoff contention, he will rise on this list.
Kyle Tucker: Tucker will be an MVP candidate for years to come, and his defensive prowess is spearheading his candidacy this year. He is 4th in the AL in defensive rWAR (1.1), which helps him sneak into 5th in the AL in rWAR (3.3). He is 12th in HR (13), tied for 6th in RBI (45), 8th in walks (33), and 4th in SB (12).
Yordan Alvarez: Alvarez would be comfortably in the top 3 if he wasn’t a DH. His numbers are off the charts, but despite ranking 7th in the majors in offensive rWAR (3.0), he is not in the top ten in total rWAR, because he has almost exclusively been used as a DH this season. Alvarez is 1st in the AL in SLG (.661), 2nd in OBP (.408), 1st in OPS (1.069), 2nd in HR (21), 2nd in RBI (51), and 4th in runs scored (45).
Martin Perez: Perez is having a breakout year as a pitcher for the Rangers. He is 6th in the AL in WAR (3.3), 2nd in ERA (1.96), and 1st in IP (87.1), which gives him the best MVP case for an AL pitcher so far this year.
Players to look out for in the rest of the season: Shohei Ohtani, Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Byron Buxton, and Ty France
Now, let's move on to the National League candidates:
1. Paul Goldschmidt:
While this is a very tight race between Goldschmidt and Machado, and will most likely continue to be that way for the rest of the season, Goldschmidt has the edge over Machado, as it stands today. His overall value cannot be underestimated, and he has also shown remarkable consistency this year. He had a 25-game hitting streak earlier this season, the second-longest streak this year, trailing only Trea Turner’s 26-game streak earlier for the longest streak in MLB. This explanation won’t need as many justifications as the AL candidates needed, because the race is not very close so far. The stats back that up, as he leads the NL in hits (86), BA (.339), OBP (.417), and OPS (1.011). Yes, he really does lead the NL in all of those stats. But those aren’t the only stats bolstering Goldschmidt’s MVP case. Goldschmidt is 2nd in the NL in RBI (58), 7th in HR (16), 4th in runs scored (48), 4th in doubles (22), 7th in BB (35), and 2nd in SLG (.619). He also ranks 4th in the NL in rWAR (3.7), 2nd in fWAR (3.4), and 1st in offensive rWAR (3.7). The St. Louis Cardinals are currently tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the lead in the NL Central with a 39-31 record, and Goldschmidt has been their best player for them throughout the season so far.
2. Manny Machado:
Machado has been out for a few days with an ankle injury, and while it has not damaged his MVP candidacy so far, if he stays out for a while, it might affect him. Without Fernando Tatis Jr., Machado has stepped into a Jose Ramirez-esque role to start the season, as the third baseman attempting to will his team to the top of his division. He has done a great job at doing just that. The stats show how well he has played overall this season, but still don’t do enough to place him above Goldschmidt. He ranks 2nd in BA (.328), 2nd in hits (83), 4th in runs scored (48), 2nd in OBP (.400), 5th in SLG (.545), 3rd in OPS (.945), 7th in RBI (47), and 9th in doubles (17). He is 1st in MLB in fWAR (4.3), 2nd in the NL in rWAR (4.0), and 2nd in offensive rWAR (3.7). As long as he comes back from his ankle injury soon, and the Padres are able to continue their success as a team, Machado will continue to be in contention for NL MVP.
3. Bryce Harper:
Harper barely climbs over Alonso in this ranking as a result of recent success for the Philadelphia Phillies. Because they have a winning record, this scenario is not the same as Trout vs. Judge in the AL. Harper’s stats also give him a considerable advantage over Alonso, who clings on to his case because of power and team success. Let’s take a look at the advantages that I just described and try to quantify them. Harper is 3rd in the NL in BA (.328), 3rd in the NL in OBP (.394), 1st in the NL in SLG (.621), 2nd in the NL in OPS (1.015), 8th in HR (15), 6th in RBI (48), 7th in hits (76), 5th in doubles (21), 7th in SB (9), 7th in rWAR (2.7), and 6th in fWAR (2.6). His case will continue to improve as the year progresses, and a possible move from DH back into the outfield once he has fully recovered from his injury will also help to increase his WAR numbers, as well as his overall MVP case.
Honorable mentions (listed in order):
Pete Alonso:
Alonso is almost an exact mirror of Aaron Judge. Both players play for New York teams. Both of their teams are first in their respective divisions. Both teams have the best record in the AL or NL. But perhaps the biggest similarity is having an MVP case that is good, but almost entirely relies on power numbers to bolster that case. He is 1st in MLB in RBI (66), 1st in the NL in HR (20), but isn’t in the top ten in the NL in hits (12th), BA (15th), OBP (16th), rWAR (21st), and fWAR (23rd). He ranks 5th in OPS (.913) and 4th in SLG (.552).
Mookie Betts:
Betts, after a recent injury to his ribs, has seen a little bit of a dip in his MVP candidacy, but his case is still strong. I might have had him in the top three before the injury, but this is the spot for him now that he has missed a few games. He still has strong numbers, ranking 5th in the NL in HR (17), 6th in SLG (.535), 7th in OPS (.884), 3rd in fWAR (3.3), and 6th in rWAR (2.9).
Sandy Alcantara:
Alcantara leads the NL in IP (99.1), while ranking 2nd in the NL in ERA (1.72), 4th in strikeouts (90), 6th in WHIP (0.96), 3rd in BAA (.193), and 2nd in quality starts (11). While his ranks as a pitcher are great, Alcantara’s WAR numbers are the driving factor of him possibly becoming a candidate in the MVP race. Alcantara has the highest rWAR (4.3) of any player in MLB, while having the highest fWAR (2.8) of any pitcher in the NL.
Trea Turner:
Turner has played very well in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is 6th in the NL in BA (.309), 5th in RBI (49), 3rd in hits (81), 12th in OPS (.844), and 3rd in SB (14). He also ranks 13th in rWAR (2.4) among position players, and 8th in fWAR (2.7). Add all of these together with the fact that he has the longest hitting streak in MLB this year (26 games), and Turner is in line to get a few MVP votes by the end of the season.
Players to look out for in the rest of the season: Ronald Acuna, Jr., Nolan Arenado, Austin Riley, Juan Soto, and Freddie Freeman
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/21/22)
1. Yankees (50-18)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Mets (45-25)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Astros (42-25)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Dodgers (41-25)
Previous Ranking: 5
5. Padres (43-27)
Previous Ranking: 4
6. Braves (39-30)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Giants (38-29)
Previous Ranking: 9
8. Guardians (35-28)
Previous Ranking: 14
9. Red Sox (38-31)
Previous Ranking: 12
10. Blue Jays (38-30)
Previous Ranking: 7
11. Cardinals (39-31)
Previous Ranking: 8
12. Brewers (39-31)
Previous Ranking: 13
13. Twins (38-31)
Previous Ranking: 10
14. Rays (37-31)
Previous Ranking: 11
15. Phillies (36-33)
Previous Ranking: 15
16. White Sox (33-33)
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Rangers (32-35)
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Angels (33-38)
Previous Ranking: 19
19. Marlins (30-36)
Previous Ranking: 18
20. Diamondbacks (32-37)
Previous Ranking: 21
21. Orioles (30-39)
Previous Ranking: 22
22. Mariners (30-39)
Previous Ranking: 20
23. Rockies (30-38)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Pirates (28-39)
Previous Ranking: 25
25. Tigers (26-42)
Previous Ranking: 24
26. Cubs (25-43)
Previous Ranking: 27
27. Royals (25-42)
Previous Ranking: 30
28. Nationals (25-46)
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Reds (23-44)
Previous Ranking: 26
30. A’s (23-46)
Previous Ranking: 29
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/14/22)
With these power rankings, I will also be putting each team’s MVP ⅓ of the way through the season (with stats through the end of yesterday’s action), along with each player’s ranks in various stats within their respective leagues (among either position players or pitchers) that could make them candidates for AL or NL MVP.
1. Yankees (45-16)
Previous Ranking: 1
MVP: Aaron Judge - .318 AVG (6th), 24 HR (1st), 48 RBI (2nd), 71 H (3rd), 52 R (1st), .686 SLG (1st), 1.077 OPS (1st), 3.4 WAR (1st)
2. Mets (41-22)
Previous Ranking: 2
MVP: Pete Alonso - 18 HR (1st), 57 RBI (1st), 40 R (6th), .559 SLG (3rd), .921 OPS (4th)
3. Astros (38-24)
Previous Ranking: 3
MVP: Yordan Alvarez - .315 AVG (7th), 17 HR (3rd), 42 RBI (3rd), .403 OBP (3rd), .625 SLG (4th), 1.028 OPS (3rd)
4. Padres (39-24)
Previous Ranking: 6
MVP: Manny Machado - .322 AVG (2nd), 42 R (5th), .922 OPS (3rd), 3.4 (2nd), .391 OBP (3rd)
5. Dodgers (38-23)
Previous Ranking: 4
MVP: Mookie Betts - 16 HR (2nd), 52 R (1st), .536 SLG (4th), .892 OPS (6th), 3.o WAR (4th)
6. Braves (36-27)
Previous Ranking: 11
MVP: Max Fried - 2.64 ERA (6th), 75.0 IP (4th), 6 W (6th), 2.6 WAR (3rd), 1.04 WHIP (8th)
(Ronald Acuna, Jr. also has a good case here, but he has missed too many games to be considered a “qualified player”)
7. Blue Jays (36-25)
Previous Ranking: 5
MVP: Alek Manoah - 1.67 ERA (1st), 75,2 IP (4th), 8 W (1st), 3.0 WAR (1st), 0.91 WHIP (4th), .201 BAA (5th)
8. Cardinals (37-27)
Previous Ranking: 8
MVP: Paul Goldschmidt - .335 AVG (1st), 48 RBI (2nd), .419 OBP (1st), .598 SLG (2nd), 1.017 OPS (1st), 3.1 WAR (1st)
9. Giants (35-26)
Previous Ranking: 12
MVP: Carlos Rodón - 3.18 ERA (11th), 83 K (3rd), 11.5 K/9 (1st), 1.8 WAR (11th)
10. Twins (36-28)
Previous Ranking: 10
MVP: Luis Arraez - .362 AVG (1st), 68 H (6th), .444 OBP (1st), .881 OPS (8th), 18 K (3rd-fewest)
(Byron Buxton also has a good case here, but he has missed too many games to be considered a “qualified player”)
11. Rays (35-26)
Previous Ranking: 7
MVP: Shane McClanahan - 1.87 ERA (2nd), 72.1 IP (7th), 7 W (3rd), 98 K (1st), 12.2 K/9 (2nd), 2.2 WAR (7th), 0.86 WHIP (3rd), .188 BAA (3rd)
12. Red Sox (33-29)
Previous Ranking: 13
MVP: Rafael Devers - .335 AVG (3rd), 14 HR (8th), 23 2B (1st), 83 H (1st), .605 SLG (5th), .977 OPS (5th), 3.2 WAR (2nd)
13. Brewers (34-29)
Previous Ranking: 9
MVP: Corbin Burnes - 2.48 ERA (4th), 72.2 IP (8th), 92 K (1st), 11.4 K/9 (2nd), 0.96 WHIP (3rd)
14. Guardians (30-27)
Previous Ranking: 15
MVP: Jose Ramirez - 16 HR (4th), 59 RBI (1st), 33 BB (4th), .389 OBP (9th), .641 SLG (2nd), 1.030 OPS (2nd), 3.0 WAR (5th) 17 K (2nd-fewest)
15. Phillies (31-31)
Previous Ranking: 26
MVP: Bryce Harper - .318 AVG (4th), 15 HR (6th), 46 RBI (3rd), .378 OBP (6th), .631 SLG (1st), 1.008 OPS (2nd)
16. White Sox (29-31)
Previous Ranking: 14
MVP: Dylan Cease - 3.14 ERA (16th), 89 K (2nd), 12.7 K/9 (1st), .215 BAA (10th)
(Tim Anderson has the best case here, but, just like Byron Buxton, and Ronald Acuna, Jr., he has missed too many games to be considered a “qualified player”)
17. Rangers (29-32)
Previous Ranking: 17
MVP: Martin Perez - 2.18 ERA (5th), 74.1 IP (6th), 2 HR allowed (1st)
18. Marlins (28-32)
Previous Ranking: 22
MVP: Sandy Alcantara - 1.68 ERA (2nd), 91.1 IP (1st), 6 W (6th), 81 K (4th), 0.96 WHIP (4th), 3.9 WAR (1st)
19. Angels (29-34)
Previous Ranking: 18
MVP: Mike Trout - 16 HR (4th), .392 OBP (7th), .634 SLG (3rd), 1.o25 OPS (4th), 3.1 WAR (3rd)
20. Mariners (28-34)
Previous Ranking: 19
MVP: Ty France - .324 AVG (4th), 39 RBI (8th), 78 H (2nd), .401 OBP (4th), .887 OPS (7th), 2.9 WAR (7th)
21. Diamondbacks (29-35)
Previous Ranking: 21
MVP: Christian Walker - 16 HR (2nd), .488 OBP (11th), 2.4 WAR (10th)
22. Orioles (27-36)
Previous Ranking: 24
MVP: Austin Hays - .293 AVG (12th), 34 RBI (14th), .354 OBP (19th), .456 SLG (21st), .810 OPS (17th), 2.0 WAR (15th)
23. Rockies (27-35)
Previous Ranking: 23
MVP: C.J. Cron - .291 AVG (12th), 14 HR (7th), 42 RBI (6th), .532 SLG (5th), .875 OPS (7th), 1.9 WAR (14th)
24. Tigers (24-37)
Previous Ranking: 25
MVP: Tarik Skubal - 2.71 ERA (11th), 69.2 IP (10th) 75 K (8th), 9.7 K/9 (7th), 1.02 WHIP (8th)
25. Pirates (24-37)
Previous Ranking: 20
MVP: Ke’Bryan Hayes - .277 AVG (19th), .359 OBP (16th), 7 SB (15th), 2.5 WAR (8th)
26. Reds (23-39)
Previous Ranking: 27
MVP: Brandon Drury - .276 AVG (20th), 12 HR (11th), .521 SLG (8th), .860 OPS (8th)
27. Cubs (23-38)
Previous Ranking: 26
MVP: Willson Contreras - .396 OBP (2nd), .503 SLG (10th), .899 OPS (5th), 2.5 WAR (6th)
28. Nationals (23-41)
Previous Ranking: 28
MVP: Juan Soto - 13 HR (9th), 52 BB (1st), .378 OBP (5th), .833 OPS (13th), 2.2 WAR (11th)
29. A’s (21-42)
Previous Ranking: 29
MVP: Paul Blackburn - 2.31 ERA (6th), 2.6 WAR (2nd), 1.01 WHIP (7th), .214 BAA (9th)
30. Royals (20-41)
Previous Ranking: 30
MVP: Andrew Benintendi - .297 AVG (9th), 66 H (8th), .363 OBP (16th)
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/7/22)
1. Yankees (40-15)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Mets (38-20)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Astros (36-20)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Dodgers (35-20)
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Blue Jays (33-22)
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Padres (34-22)
Previous Ranking: 7
7. Rays (32-23)
Previous Ranking: 11
8. Cardinals (32-24)
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Brewers (33-24)
Previous Ranking: 5
10. Twins (32-25)
Previous Ranking: 9
11. Braves (29-27)
Previous Ranking: 18
12. Red Sox (29-27)
Previous Ranking: 17
13. Giants (29-25)
Previous Ranking: 10
14. White Sox (26-27)
Previous Ranking: 14
15. Guardians (25-26)
Previous Ranking: 16
16. Phillies (26-29)
Previous Ranking: 22
17. Rangers (26-29)
Previous Ranking: 13
18. Angels (27-30)
Previous Ranking: 12
19. Mariners (25-31)
Previous Ranking: 21
20. Pirates (24-29)
Previous Ranking: 19
21. Diamondbacks (26-31)
Previous Ranking: 15
22. Marlins (23-30)
Previous Ranking: 24
23. Rockies (24-31)
Previous Ranking: 20
24. Orioles (24-33)
Previous Ranking: 23
25. Tigers (22-33)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Cubs (23-33)
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Reds (20-35)
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Nationals (21-36)
Previous Ranking: 29
29. A’s (20-37)
Previous Ranking: 28
30. Royals (17-37)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/31/22)
1. Yankees (34-15)
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Mets (34-17)
Previous Ranking: 4
3. Dodgers (33-16)
Previous Ranking: 1
4. Astros (32-18)
Previous Ranking: 5
5. Brewers (32-19)
Previous Ranking: 7
6. Blue Jays (28-20)
Previous Ranking: 11
7. Padres (30-19)
Previous Ranking: 3
8. Cardinals (28-21)
Previous Ranking: 10
9. Twins (30-21)
Previous Ranking: 6
10. Giants (27-21)
Previous Ranking: 12
11. Rays (28-21)
Previous Ranking: 9
12. Angels (27-23)
Previous Ranking: 8
13. Rangers (24-24)
Previous Ranking: 20
14. White Sox (23-24)
Previous Ranking: 14
15. Diamondbacks (25-26)
Previous Ranking: 15
16. Guardians (21-24)
Previous Ranking: 19
17. Red Sox (23-27)
Previous Ranking: 13
18. Braves (23-27)
Previous Ranking: 16
19. Pirates (21-27)
Previous Ranking: 25
20. Rockies (22-26)
Previous Ranking: 17
21. Mariners (21-28)
Previous Ranking: 24
22. Phillies (21-29)
Previous Ranking: 18
23. Orioles (21-30)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Marlins (19-27)
Previous Ranking: 22
25. Tigers (19-30)
Previous Ranking: 27
26. Cubs (20-29)
Previous Ranking: 21
27. Reds (17-31)
Previous Ranking: 30
28. A’s (20-32)
Previous Ranking: 26
29. Nationals (18-33)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Royals (16-32)
Previous Ranking: 28
NBA POWER RANKINGS (5/25/22)
1. Golden State Warriors
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Boston Celtics
Previous Ranking: 3
3. Miami Heat
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Dallas Mavericks
Previous Ranking: 4
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/24/22)
1. Dodgers (29-13)
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Yankees (30-13)
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Padres (28-15)
Previous Ranking: 5
4. Mets (29-16)
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Astros (28-16)
Previous Ranking: 3
6. Twins (27-16)
Previous Ranking: 9
7. Brewers (27-16)
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Angels (27-17)
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Rays (25-17)
Previous Ranking: 10
10. Cardinals (24-19)
Previous Ranking: 12
11. Blue Jays (23-20)
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Giants (23-19)
Previous Ranking: 7
13. Red Sox (20-22)
Previous Ranking: 25
14. White Sox (21-21)
Previous Ranking: 13
15. Diamondbacks (23-22)
Previous Ranking: 17
16. Braves (20-23)
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Rockies (20-22)
Previous Ranking: 20
18. Phillies (20-23)
Previous Ranking: 15
19. Guardians (18-21)
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Rangers (18-23)
Previous Ranking: 18
21. Cubs (18-24)
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Marlins (18-23)
Previous Ranking: 14
23. Orioles (18-26)
Previous Ranking: 28
24. Mariners (18-26)
Previous Ranking: 22
25. Pirates (17-25)
Previous Ranking: 23
26. A’s (18-27)
Previous Ranking: 24
27. Tigers (14-28)
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Royals (14-28)
Previous Ranking: 26
29. Nationals (14-30)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Reds (12-30)
Previous Ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (5/18/22)
1. Golden State Warriors
Previous Ranking: 5
2. Miami Heat
Previous Ranking: 4
3. Boston Celtics
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Dallas Mavericks
Previous Ranking: 7
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/17/22)
1. Yankees (27-9)
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Dodgers (24-12)
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Astros (24-13)
Previous Ranking: 5
4. Mets (24-14)
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Padres (23-13)
Previous Ranking: 7
6. Brewers (23-14)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Giants (22-14)
Previous Ranking: 9
8. Angels (24-15)
Previous Ranking: 3
9. Twins (21-15)
Previous Ranking: 8
10. Rays (22-15)
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Blue Jays (20-17)
Previous Ranking: 11
12. Cardinals (20-16)
Previous Ranking: 14
13. White Sox (18-18)
Previous Ranking: 12
14. Marlins (17-19)
Previous Ranking: 22
15. Phillies (17-19)
Previous Ranking: 19
16. Braves (17-20)
Previous Ranking: 17
17. Diamondbacks (18-20)
Previous Ranking: 13
18. Rangers (16-19)
Previous Ranking: 21
19. Guardians (16-18)
Previous Ranking: 16
20. Rockies (17-19)
Previous Ranking: 15
21. Cubs (15-20)
Previous Ranking: 26
22. Mariners (16-21)
Previous Ranking: 18
23. Pirates (15-21)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. A’s (15-23)
Previous Ranking: 25
25. Red Sox (14-22)
Previous Ranking: 24
26. Royals (13-22)
Previous Ranking: 27
27. Tigers (13-24)
Previous Ranking: 28
28. Orioles (14-23)
Previous Ranking: 20
29. Nationals (12-26)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Reds (10-26)
Previous Ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (5/11/22)
1. Milwaukee Bucks (East #3)
Previous Ranking: 3
2. Boston Celtics (East #2)
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Phoenix Suns (West #1)
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Miami Heat (East #1)
Previous Ranking: 5
5. Golden State Warriors (West #3)
Previous Ranking: 4
6. Memphis Grizzlies (West #2)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Dallas Mavericks (West #4)
Previous Ranking: 8
8. Philadelphia 76ers (East #4)
Previous Ranking: 7
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/10/22)
1. Dodgers (20-8)
Previous Ranking: 3
2. Yankees (21-8)
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Angels (21-11)
Previous Ranking: 7
4. Mets (21-10)
Previous Ranking: 2
5. Astros (19-11)
Previous Ranking: 13
6. Brewers (20-11)
Previous Ranking: 4
7. Padres (20-11)
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Twins (18-12)
Previous Ranking: 5
9. Giants (18-12)
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Rays (18-13)
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Blue Jays (17-14)
Previous Ranking: 8
12. White Sox (15-14)
Previous Ranking: 17
13. Diamondbacks (17-14)
Previous Ranking: 19
14. Cardinals (16-13)
Previous Ranking: 12
15. Rockies (16-14)
Previous Ranking: 11
16. Guardians (15-15)
Previous Ranking: 20
17. Braves (14-17)
Previous Ranking: 18
18. Mariners (14-17)
Previous Ranking: 15
19. Phillies (13-17)
Previous Ranking: 16
20. Orioles (13-17)
Previous Ranking: 29
21. Rangers (12-16)
Previous Ranking: 23
22. Marlins (13-17)
Previous Ranking: 14
23. Pirates (12-17)
Previous Ranking: 24
24. Red Sox (11-19)
Previous Ranking: 22
25. A’s (12-19)
Previous Ranking: 21
26. Cubs (10-19)
Previous Ranking: 25
27. Royals (9-18)
Previous Ranking: 28
28. Tigers (9-21)
Previous Ranking: 26
29. Nationals (10-21)
Previous Ranking: 27
30. Reds (6-24)
Previous Ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (5/4/22)
1. Boston Celtics (East #2)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Phoenix Suns (West #1)
Previous Ranking: 7
3. Milwaukee Bucks (East #3)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Golden State Warriors (West #3)
Previous Ranking: 2
5. Miami Heat (East #1)
Previous Ranking: 3
6. Memphis Grizzlies (West #2)
Previous Ranking: 5
7. Philadelphia 76ers (East #4)
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Dallas Mavericks (West #4)
Previous Ranking: 8
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/3/22)
1. Yankees (18-6)
Previous Ranking: 6
2. Mets (18-8)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Dodgers (15-7)
Previous Ranking: 1
4. Brewers (16-8)
Previous Ranking: 8
5. Twins (15-9)
Previous Ranking: 10
6. Padres (15-8)
Previous Ranking: 9
7. Angels (15-10)
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Blue Jays (15-10)
Previous Ranking: 4
9. Giants (14-9)
Previous Ranking: 3
10. Rays (14-10)
Previous Ranking: 13
11. Rockies (13-10)
Previous Ranking: 12
12. Cardinals (13-10)
Previous Ranking: 11
13. Astros (13-11)
Previous Ranking: 15
14. Marlins (12-11)
Previous Ranking: 14
15. Mariners (12-12)
Previous Ranking: 5
16. Phillies (11-13)
Previous Ranking: 17
17. White Sox (10-13)
Previous Ranking: 25
18. Braves (11-15)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. Diamondbacks (12-13)
Previous Ranking: 26
20. Guardians (10-12)
Previous Ranking: 23
21. A’s (10-14)
Previous Ranking: 16
22. Red Sox (10-14)
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Rangers (9-14)
Previous Ranking: 27
24. Pirates (9-13)
Previous Ranking: 19
25. Cubs (9-14)
Previous Ranking: 20
26. Tigers (7-14)
Previous Ranking: 24
27. Nationals (9-16)
Previous Ranking: 29
28. Royals (8-14)
Previous Ranking: 21
29. Orioles (8-16)
Previous Ranking: 28
30. Reds (3-20)
Previous Ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (4/27/22)
1. Boston Celtics (East #2)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Golden State Warriors (West #3)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Miami Heat (East #1)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Milwaukee Bucks (East #3)
Previous Ranking: 7
5. Memphis Grizzlies (West #2)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Philadelphia 76ers (East #4)
Previous Ranking: 3
7. Phoenix Suns (West #1)
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Dallas Mavericks (West #4)
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Minnesota Timberwolves (West #7)
Previous Ranking: 12
10. Brooklyn Nets (eliminated)
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Toronto Raptors (East #5)
Previous Ranking: 15
12. New Orleans Pelicans (West #8)
Previous Ranking: 13
13. Utah Jazz (West #5)
Previous Ranking: 9
14. Denver Nuggets (eliminated)
Previous Ranking: 14
15. Chicago Bulls (eliminated)
Previous Ranking: 11
16. Atlanta Hawks (eliminated)
Previous Ranking: 16
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/26/22)
1. Dodgers (12-5)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Mets (14-5)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Giants (13-5)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Blue Jays (12-6)
Previous Ranking: 6
5. Mariners (11-6)
Previous Ranking: 14
6. Yankees (11-6)
Previous Ranking: 12
7. Angels (11-7)
Previous Ranking: 11
8. Brewers (11-7)
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Padres (11-7)
Previous Ranking: 10
10. Twins (9-8)
Previous Ranking: 25
11. Cardinals (9-7)
Previous Ranking: 5
12. Rockies (10-7)
Previous Ranking: 7
13. Rays (9-8)
Previous Ranking: 18
14. Marlins (8-8)
Previous Ranking: 26
15. Astros (8-9)
Previous Ranking: 8
16. A’s (9-9)
Previous Ranking: 15
17. Phillies (8-10)
Previous Ranking: 22
18. Braves (8-10)
Previous Ranking: 17
19. Pirates (8-9)
Previous Ranking: 24
20. Cubs (7-10)
Previous Ranking: 16
21. Royals (6-9)
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Red Sox (7-11)
Previous Ranking: 13
23. Guardians (7-10)
Previous Ranking: 19
24. Tigers (6-10)
Previous Ranking: 20
25. White Sox (6-10)
Previous Ranking: 4
26. Diamondbacks (7-11)
Previous Ranking: 28
27. Rangers (6-11)
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Orioles (6-11)
Previous Ranking: 29
29. Nationals (6-13)
Previous Ranking: 23
30. Reds (3-14)
Previous Ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (4/20/22)
1. Boston Celtics (East #2)
Previous Ranking: 6
2. Golden State Warriors (West #3)
Previous Ranking: 3
3. Philadelphia 76ers (East #4)
Previous Ranking: 8
4. Miami Heat (East #1)
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Memphis Grizzlies (West #2)
Previous Ranking: 2
6. Phoenix Suns (West #1)
Previous Ranking: 1
7. Milwaukee Bucks (East #3)
Previous Ranking: 5
8. Dallas Mavericks (West #4)
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Utah Jazz (West #5)
Previous Ranking: 11
10. Brooklyn Nets (East #8)
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Chicago Bulls (East #6)
Previous Ranking: 13
12. Minnesota Timberwolves (West #7)
Previous Ranking: 14
13. New Orleans Pelicans (West #8)
Previous Ranking: 18
14. Denver Nuggets (West #6)
Previous Ranking: 12
15. Toronto Raptors (East #5)
Previous Ranking: 9
16. Atlanta Hawks (East #8)
Previous Ranking: 16
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/19/22)
With these power rankings, I will also be putting each team’s MVP (with slash lines (AVG/OBP/SLG) for hitters, and innings pitched with ERA for pitchers) for the first two weeks.
1. Dodgers (8-3)
Previous Ranking: 1
MVP: Gavin Lux (.276/.405/.483)
2. Mets (9-3)
Previous Ranking: 6
MVP: Francisco Lindor (.310/.442/.619)
3. Giants (7-4)
Previous Ranking: 9
MVP: Brandon Belt (.278/.395/.556)
4. White Sox (6-3)
Previous Ranking: 2
MVP: Tim Anderson (.393/.414/.607)
5. Cardinals (6-3)
Previous Ranking: 12
MVP: Nolan Arenado (.387/.462/.882)
6. Blue Jays (6-5)
Previous Ranking: 3
MVP: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.317/.364/707)
7. Rockies (8-3)
Previous Ranking: 18
MVP: CJ Cron (.326/.362/.837)
8. Astros (6-5)
Previous Ranking: 4
MVP: Justin Verlander (13.0 IP, 0.69 ERA)
9. Brewers (7-5)
Previous Ranking: 14
MVP: Christian Yelich (.216/.362/.405)
10. Padres (8-5)
Previous Ranking: 10
MVP: Manny Machado (.365/.411/.635)
11. Angels (7-5)
Previous Ranking: 17
MVP: Mike Trout (.267/.405/.567)
12. Yankees (6-5)
Previous Ranking: 7
MVP: Anthony Rizzo (.200/.404/.486)
13. Red Sox (6-5)
Previous Ranking: 15
MVP: Alex Verdugo (.333/.395/.639)
14. Mariners (6-5)
Previous Ranking: 20
MVP: JP Crawford (.343/.477/.486)
15. A’s (7-5)
Previous Ranking: 25
MVP: Sean Murphy (.234/.275/.511)
16. Cubs (6-5)
Previous Ranking: 13
MVP: Seiya Suzuki (.414/.581/.897)
17. Braves (6-7)
Previous Ranking: 5
MVP: Matt Olson (.413/.534/.652)
18. Rays (6-6)
Previous Ranking: 8
MVP: Ji-Man Choi (.423/.571/.769)
19. Guardians (4-5)
Previous Ranking: 19
MVP: Jose Ramirez (.457/.500/.886)
20. Tigers (4-6)
Previous Ranking: 16
MVP: Spencer Torkelson (.207/.343/.448)
21. Royals (4-5)
Previous Ranking: 23
MVP: Andrew Benintendi (.375/.444/.469)
22. Phillies (4-8)
Previous Ranking: 11
MVP: Nick Castellanos (.267/.340/.489)
23. Nationals (6-7)
Previous Ranking: 27
MVP: Josh Bell (.340/.446/.489)
24. Pirates (5-6)
Previous Ranking: 29
MVP: Ke’Bryan Hayes (.333/.366/.436)
25. Twins (4-7)
Previous Ranking: 21
MVP: Byron Buxton (.250/.308/.750)
26. Marlins (4-6)
Previous Ranking: 26
MVP: Jazz Chisholm Jr. (.292/.345/.792)
27. Rangers (2-8)
Previous Ranking: 24
MVP: Nathaniel Lowe (.359/.405/.410)
28. Diamondbacks (3-8)
Previous Ranking: 28
MVP: Merrill Kelly (9.1 IP, 0.00 ERA)
29. Orioles (3-8)
Previous Ranking: 30
MVP: Anthony Santander (.273/.467/.394)
30. Reds (2-10)
Previous Ranking: 22
MVP: Tyler Stephenson (.267/.378/.467)
NBA POWER RANKINGS (4/13/22)
1. Phoenix Suns (64-18 - West #1)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Memphis Grizzlies (56-26 - West #2)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Golden State Warriors (53-29 - West #3)
Previous Ranking: 8
4. Miami Heat (53-29 - East #1)
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Milwaukee Bucks (51-31 - East #3)
Previous Ranking: 4
6. Boston Celtics (51-31 - East #2)
Previous Ranking: 7
7. Dallas Mavericks (52-30 - West #4)
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Philadelphia 76ers (51-31 - East #4)
Previous Ranking: 5
9. Toronto Raptors (48-34 - East #5)
Previous Ranking: 11
10. Brooklyn Nets (44-38 - East #7)
Previous Ranking: 13
11. Utah Jazz (49-33 - West #5)
Previous Ranking: 9
12. Denver Nuggets (48-34 - West #6)
Previous Ranking: 10
13. Chicago Bulls (46-36 - East #6)
Previous Ranking: 12
14. Minnesota Timberwolves (46-36 - West #7)
Previous Ranking: 14
15. Los Angeles Clippers (42-40 - West #8)
Previous Ranking: 18
16. Atlanta Hawks (43-39 - East #9)
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Cleveland Cavaliers (44-38 - East #8)
Previous Ranking: 15
18. New Orleans Pelicans (36-46 - West #9)
Previous Ranking: 19
19. Charlotte Hornets (43-39 - out)
Previous Ranking: 17
20. New York Knicks (37-45 - out)
Previous Ranking: 20
21. San Antonio Spurs (34-48 - out)
Previous Ranking: 22
22. Washington Wizards (35-47 - out)
Previous Ranking: 21
23. Los Angeles Lakers (33-49 - out)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Sacramento Kings (30-52 - out)
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Portland Trail Blazers (27-55 - out)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (24-58 - out)
Previous Ranking: 27
27. Indiana Pacers (25-57 - out)
Previous Ranking: 26
28. Detroit Pistons (23-59 - out)
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Orlando Magic (22-60 - out)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Houston Rockets (20-62 - out)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/12/22)
1. Dodgers (2-2)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. White Sox (3-1)
Previous Ranking: 4
3. Blue Jays (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Astros (4-1)
Previous Ranking: 5
5. Braves (3-3)
Previous Ranking: 2
6. Mets (4-2)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Yankees (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Rays (4-1)
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Giants (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 10
10. Padres (4-2)
Previous Ranking: 11
11. Phillies (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 13
12. Cardinals (3-1)
Previous Ranking: 15
13. Cubs (3-1)
Previous Ranking: 22
14. Brewers (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 9
15. Red Sox (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 12
16. Tigers (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 14
17. Angels (3-3)
Previous Ranking: 16
18. Rockies (4-1)
Previous Ranking: 25
19. Guardians (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Mariners (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 17
21. Twins (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 18
22. Reds (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 26
23. Royals (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 24
24. Rangers (1-4)
Previous Ranking: 20
25. A’s (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 27
26. Marlins (1-4)
Previous Ranking: 21
27. Nationals (2-4)
Previous Ranking: 23
28. Diamondbacks (1-4)
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Pirates (1-3)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Orioles (1-4)
Previous Ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (4/6/22)
1. Phoenix Suns (63-17)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Memphis Grizzlies (55-24)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Miami Heat (52-28)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Milwaukee Bucks (49-30)
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Philadelphia 76ers (49-30)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Dallas Mavericks (50-30)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Boston Celtics (50-30)
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Golden State Warriors (50-29)
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Utah Jazz (48-32)
Previous Ranking: 10
10. Denver Nuggets (47-33)
Previous Ranking: 9
11. Toronto Raptors (46-33)
Previous Ranking: 12
12. Chicago Bulls (45-35)
Previous Ranking: 11
13. Brooklyn Nets (42-38)
Previous Ranking: 13
14. Minnesota Timberwolves (45-35)
Previous Ranking: 14
15. Cleveland Cavaliers (43-37)
Previous Ranking: 15
16. Atlanta Hawks (42-38)
Previous Ranking: 17
17. Charlotte Hornets (40-39)
Previous Ranking: 16
18. Los Angeles Clippers (40-40)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. New Orleans Pelicans (35-44)
Previous Ranking: 20
20. New York Knicks (35-45)
Previous Ranking: 19
21. Washington Wizards (35-45)
Previous Ranking: 23
22. San Antonio Spurs (35-45)
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Los Angeles Lakers (31-48)
Previous Ranking: 21
24. Sacramento Kings (29-51)
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Portland Trail Blazers (27-52)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Indiana Pacers (25-55)
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Oklahoma City Thunder (24-56)
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Detroit Pistons (23-57)
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Orlando Magic (21-59)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Houston Rockets (20-60)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/5/22)
1. Dodgers
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Braves
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Blue Jays
Previous Ranking: 4
4. White Sox
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Astros
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Mets
Previous Ranking: 7
7. Yankees
Previous Ranking: 9
8. Rays
Previous Ranking: 6
9. Brewers
Previous Ranking: 8
10. Giants
Previous Ranking: 10
11. Padres
Previous Ranking: 12
12. Red Sox
Previous Ranking: 11
13. Phillies
Previous Ranking: 13
14. Tigers
Previous Ranking: 16
15. Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 14
16. Angels
Previous Ranking: 15
17. Mariners
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Twins
Previous Ranking: 18
19. Guardians
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Rangers
Previous Ranking: 20
21. Marlins
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Cubs
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Nationals
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Royals
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Rockies
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Reds
Previous Ranking: 27
27. A’s
Previous Ranking: 26
28. Diamondbacks
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Pirates
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Orioles
Previous Ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (3/30/22)
1. Phoenix Suns (62-14)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Memphis Grizzlies (54-23)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Milwaukee Bucks (47-28)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Miami Heat (49-28)
Previous Ranking: 5
5. Philadelphia 76ers (46-29)
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Dallas Mavericks (48-29)
Previous Ranking: 8
7. Boston Celtics (47-30)
Previous Ranking: 3
8. Golden State Warriors (48-29)
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Denver Nuggets (46-31)
Previous Ranking: 10
10. Utah Jazz (45-31)
Previous Ranking: 9
11. Chicago Bulls (44-32)
Previous Ranking: 12
12. Toronto Raptors (44-32)
Previous Ranking: 15
13. Brooklyn Nets (40-36)
Previous Ranking: 14
14. Minnesota Timberwolves (43-34)
Previous Ranking: 11
15. Cleveland Cavaliers (42-34)
Previous Ranking: 13
16. Charlotte Hornets (40-37)
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Atlanta Hawks (39-37)
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Los Angeles Clippers (37-39)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. New York Knicks (34-43)
Previous Ranking: 20
20. New Orleans Pelicans (33-43)
Previous Ranking: 21
21. Los Angeles Lakers (31-44)
Previous Ranking: 19
22. San Antonio Spurs (31-45)
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Washington Wizards (33-43)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Sacramento Kings (28-49)
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Portland Trail Blazers (27-49)
Previous Ranking: 26
26. Indiana Pacers (25-52)
Previous Ranking: 25
27. Oklahoma City Thunder (22-54)
Previous Ranking: 27
28. Detroit Pistons (20-56)
Previous Ranking: 29
29. Orlando Magic (20-57)
Previous Ranking: 28
30. Houston Rockets (20-57)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (3/29/22)
In this article, I will be ranking every team in the MLB heading into the season (although the rest of free agency will definitely alter these rankings). To support my overall rankings, I will also add in each team’s ceiling and floor for the season, along with a prediction of their final record, and position in their division standings.
*My next power rankings will not be on April 5, they will be April 12, after the season has begun.
1. Dodgers:
Standings: 1st in the NL West
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: Losing in the NLDS
Record: 103-59
2. Braves:
Standings: 1st in the NL East
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: Losing in the NLDS
Record: 101-61
3. White Sox:
Standings: 1st in the AL Central
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: Losing in the ALDS
Record: 98-64
4. Blue Jays:
Standings: 1st in the AL East
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: Losing in the ALDS
Record: 97-65
5. Astros:
Standings: 1st in the AL West
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: Losing in the ALDS
Record: 95-67
6. Rays:
Standings: 2nd in the AL East
Ceiling: Winning the AL East, reaching the World Series
Floor: Losing in the ALWC
Record: 93-69
7. Mets:
Standings: 2nd in the NL East
Ceiling: Winning the NL East, reaching the World Series
Floor: Losing in the NLWC
Record: 93-69
8. Brewers:
Standings: 1st in the NL Central
Ceiling: Reaching the NLCS
Floor: 2nd in the NL Central, losing in the NLWC
Record: 92-70
9. Yankees:
Standings: 3rd in the AL East
Ceiling: Winning the AL East, reaching the World Series
Floor: 4th in the AL East, missing the playoffs
Record: 91-71
10. Giants:
Standings: 2nd in the NL West
Ceiling: Winning the NL West, reaching the NLCS
Floor: Losing in the NLWC
Record: 90-72
11. Red Sox:
Standings: 4th in the AL East
Ceiling: Winning the AL East, reaching the ALCS
Floor: 4th in the AL East, missing the playoffs
Record: 88-74
12. Padres:
Standings: 3rd in the NL West
Ceiling: 2nd in the NL West, reaching the NLCS
Floor: 3rd in the NL West, missing the playoffs
Record: 86-76
13. Phillies:
Standings: 3rd in the NL East
Ceiling: 2nd in the NL East, reaching the NLCS
Floor: 4th in the NL East, missing the playoffs
Record: 84-78
14. Cardinals:
Standings: 2nd in the NL Central
Ceiling: Winning the NL Central, reaching the NLDS
Floor: 3rd in the NL Central, missing the playoffs
Record: 84-78
15. Angels:
Standings: 2nd in the AL West
Ceiling: 6th seed in the playoffs, reaching the ALDS
Floor: 4th in the AL West, missing the playoffs
Record: 83-79
16. Tigers:
Standings: 2nd in the AL Central
Ceiling: 6th seed in the playoffs, reaching the ALWC
Floor: 4th in the AL Central, missing the playoffs
Record: 81-81
17. Mariners:
Standings: 3rd in the AL West
Ceiling: 6th seed in the playoffs, reaching the ALWC
Floor: 4th in the AL West, missing the playoffs
Record: 81-81
18. Twins:
Standings: 3rd in the AL Central
Ceiling: 6th seed in the playoffs, reaching the ALWC
Floor: Last in the AL Central, missing the playoffs
Record: 78-84
19. Guardians:
Standings: 4th in the AL Central
Ceiling: 2nd in the AL Central, first team out of the playoffs in the AL
Floor: Last in the AL Central, missing the playoffs
Record: 75-87
20. Rangers:
Standings: 4th in the AL West
Ceiling: 3rd in the AL West, first team out of the playoffs in the AL
Floor: Last in the AL West, missing the playoffs
Record: 75-87
21. Marlins:
Standings: 4th in the NL East
Ceiling: 3rd in the NL East, first team out of the playoffs in the NL
Floor: Last in the NL East, missing the playoffs
Record: 74-88
22. Cubs:
Standings: 3rd in the NL Central
Ceiling: 3rd in the NL Central, missing the playoffs
Floor: 4th in the NL Central, missing the playoffs
Record: 72-90
23. Nationals:
Standings: Last in the NL East
Ceiling: 3rd in the NL East, missing the playoffs
Floor: Last in the NL East, missing the playoffs
Record: 71-91
24. Royals:
Standings: Last in the AL Central
Ceiling: 3rd in the AL Central, missing the playoffs
Floor: Last in the AL Central, missing the playoffs
Record: 69-93
25. Rockies:
Standings: 4th in the NL West
Ceiling: 4th in the NL West, missing the playoffs
Floor: Last in the NL West, missing the playoffs
Record: 67-95
26. A’s:
Standings: Last in the AL West
Ceiling: 4th in the AL West, missing the playoffs
Floor: Worst record in MLB
Record: 65-97
27. Reds:
Standings: 4th in the NL Central
Ceiling: 3rd in the NL Central, missing the playoffs
Floor: Worst record in the NL
Record: 63-99
28. Diamondbacks:
Standings: Last in the NL West
Ceiling: 4th in the NL West, missing the playoffs
Floor: Worst record in MLB
Record: 62-100
29. Pirates:
Standings: Last in the NL Central
Ceiling: 4th in the NL Central, missing the playoffs
Floor: Worst record in MLB
Record: 60-102
30. Orioles:
Standings: Last in the AL East
Ceiling: Last in the AL East, missing the playoffs
Floor: Worst record in MLB
Record: 59-103
NBA POWER RANKINGS (3/23/22)
1. Phoenix Suns (59-14)
Previous Ranking: N/A
2. Memphis Grizzlies (50-23)
Previous Ranking: N/A
3. Boston Celtics (46-28)
Previous Ranking: N/A
4. Milwaukee Bucks (45-27)
Previous Ranking: N/A
5. Miami Heat (47-26)
Previous Ranking: N/A
6. Philadelphia 76ers (45-27)
Previous Ranking: N/A
7. Golden State Warriors (48-25)
Previous Ranking: N/A
8. Dallas Mavericks (45-28)
Previous Ranking: N/A
9. Utah Jazz (45-28)
Previous Ranking: N/A
10. Denver Nuggets (43-30)
Previous Ranking: N/A
11. Minnesota Timberwolves (42-32)
Previous Ranking: N/A
12. Chicago Bulls (42-30)
Previous Ranking: N/A
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (41-31)
Previous Ranking: N/A
14. Brooklyn Nets (38-35)
Previous Ranking: N/A
15. Toronto Raptors (40-32)
Previous Ranking: N/A
16. Charlotte Hornets (37-36)
Previous Ranking: N/A
17. Atlanta Hawks (36-37)
Previous Ranking: N/A
18. Los Angeles Clippers (36-38)
Previous Ranking: N/A
19. Los Angeles Lakers (31-42)
Previous Ranking: N/A
20. New York Knicks (31-42)
Previous Ranking: N/A
21. New Orleans Pelicans (30-42)
Previous Ranking: N/A
22. San Antonio Spurs (29-44)
Previous Ranking: N/A
23. Washington Wizards (30-41)
Previous Ranking: N/A
24. Sacramento Kings (26-48)
Previous Ranking: N/A
25. Indiana Pacers (25-48)
Previous Ranking: N/A
26. Portland Trail Blazers (27-45)
Previous Ranking: N/A
27. Oklahoma City Thunder (21-52)
Previous Ranking: N/A
28. Orlando Magic (20-54)
Previous Ranking: N/A
29. Detroit Pistons (20-53)
Previous Ranking: N/A
30. Houston Rockets (18-55)
Previous Ranking: N/A
MLB POWER RANKINGS (3/22/22)
In this article, I will be ranking every team in the MLB heading into the season (although the rest of free agency will definitely alter these rankings). To support my overall rankings, I will also add in where I think each position group ranks based on current projected starters at each position (with the DH included as an infielder). Lastly, I will add a range of 15 wins that I believe the team’s end of the season record will fall into.
*Projected starters are accounting for injuries, so for example, a situation like Fernando Tatis Jr.'s, he will not be counted in these rankings.
1. Dodgers:
IF: 1st (DH - Muncy/Taylor, C - Smith, 1B - Freeman, 2B - Muncy/Taylor, 3B - J. Turner, SS - T. Turner)
OF: 1st (LF - Pollock, CF - Bellinger, RF - Betts)
Rotation: 6th (Buehler-Urias-Kershaw-Gonsolin-Heaney)
Bullpen: 10th
Win range: 93-108 wins
2. Braves:
IF: 2nd (DH - Duvall, C - d’Arnaud, 1B - Olson, 2B - Albies, 3B - Riley, SS - Swanson)
OF: 4th (LF - Rosario, CF - Heredia, RF - Acuna Jr.)
Rotation: 11th (Fried-Anderson-Morton-Ynoa-Davidson)
Bullpen: 6th
Win range: 92-107 wins
3. White Sox:
IF: 7th (DH - Sheets, C - Grandal, 1B - Abreu, 2B - Harrison, 3B - Moncada, SS - Anderson)
OF: 15th (LF - Jimenez, CF - Robert, RF - Vaughn)
Rotation: 8th (Lynn-Giolito-Cease-Keuchel-Lopez)
Bullpen: 3rd
Win range: 91-106 wins
4. Blue Jays:
IF: 3rd (DH - Hernandez, C - Jansen, 1B - Guerrero Jr., 2B - Biggio, 3B - Chapman, SS - Bichette)
OF: 3rd (LF - Gurriel Jr., CF - Springer, RF- Grichuk)
Rotation: 3rd (Ryu-Berrios-Gausman-Manoah-Kikuchi)
Bullpen: 20th
Win range: 90-105 wins
5. Astros:
IF: 5th (DH - Alvarez, C - Maldonado, 1B - Gurriel, 2B - Altuve, 3B- Bregman, SS - Pena)
OF: 11th (LF - Brantley, CF - Meyers, RF - Tucker)
Rotation: 9th (Verlander-Valdez-Garcia-Urquidy-Javier)
Bullpen: 12th
Win range: 90-105 wins
6. Rays:
IF: 11th (DH - Meadows, C - Zunino, 1B - Choi, 2B - Lowe, 3B - Diaz, SS - Franco)
OF: 7th (LF - Arozarena, CF - Kiermaier, RF - Margot)
Rotation: 13th (McClanahan-Rasmussen-Kluber-Yarbrough-Patino)
Bullpen: 2nd
Win range: 89-104 wins
7. Mets:
IF: 13th (DH - Cano, C - McCann, 1B - Alonso, 2B - McNeil, 3B - Escobar, SS - Lindor)
OF: 10th (LF - Nimmo, CF - Marte, RF - Canha)
Rotation: 1st (Degrom-Scherzer-Walker-Bassitt-Carrasco)
Bullpen: 9th
Win range: 87-102 wins
8. Brewers:
IF: 18th (DH - McCutchen, C - Narvaez, 1B - Tellez, 2B - Wong, 3B - Urias, SS - Adames)
OF: 8th (LF - Yelich, CF - Cain, RF - Renfroe)
Rotation: 2nd (Woodruff-Burnes-Peralta-Houser-Lauer)
Bullpen: 8th
Win range: 87-102 wins
9. Yankees:
IF: 14th (DH - Stanton, C - Higashioka, 1B - Rizzo, 2B - Torres, 3B - Donaldson, SS - Kiner-Falefa)
OF: 2nd (LF - Gallo, CF - Hicks, RF - Judge)
Rotation: 10th (Cole-Montgomery-Severino-Taillon-Cortes)
Bullpen: 4th
Win range: 86-101 wins
10. Giants:
IF: 9th (DH - Pederson, C - Casali, 1B - Belt, 2B - La Stella, 3B - Longoria, SS - Crawford)
OF: 13th (LF - Wade Jr., CF - Slater, RF- Yastrzemski)
Rotation: 7th (Webb-Rodon-DeSclafani-Wood-Cobb)
Bullpen: 1st
Win range: 86-101 wins
11. Red Sox:
IF: 4th (DH - Martinez, C - Vazquez, 1B - Dalbec, 2B - Story, 3B - Devers, SS - Bogaerts)
OF: 14th (LF - Verdugo, CF - Bradley Jr., RF - Hernandez)
Rotation: 15th (Eovaldi-Pivetta-Hill-Wacha-Houck)
Bullpen: 11th
Win range: 86-101 wins
12. Padres:
IF: 8th (DH - Voit, C - Nola, 1B - Hosmer, 2B - Cronenworth, 3B - Machado, SS - Kim)
OF: 16th (LF - Profar, CF - Grisham, RF - Myers)
Rotation: 4th (Musgrove-Snell-Darvish-Clevinger-Paddack)
Bullpen: 5th
Win range: 85-100 wins
13. Phillies:
IF: 10th (DH - Schwarber, C - J.T. Realmuto, 1B - Hoskins, 2B - Segura, 3B - Bohm, SS - Gregorious)
OF: 5th (LF - Castellanos, CF - Herrera, RF - Harper)
Rotation: 5th (Wheeler-Nola-Eflin-Gibson-Suarez)
Bullpen: 17th
Win range: 82-97 wins
14. Cardinals:
IF: 6th (DH - Dickerson, C - Molina, 1B - Goldschmidt, 2B - Edman, 3B - Arenado, SS - DeJong)
OF: 6th (LF - O’Neill, CF - Bader, RF - Carlson)
Rotation: 22nd (Wainwright-Matz-Hudson-Mikolas-Woodford)
Bullpen: 14th
Win range: 81-96 wins
15. Angels:
IF: 16th (DH - Ohtani, C - Stassi, 1B - Walsh, 2B - Fletcher, 3B - Rendon, SS - Rengifo)
OF: 12th (LF - Marsh, CF - Trout, RF - Adell)
Rotation: 12th (Ohtani-Syndergaard-Sandoval-Lorenzen-Suarez)
Bullpen: 15th
Win range: 81-96 wins
16. Tigers:
IF: 15th (DH - Cabrera, C - Barnhart, 1B - Torkelson, 2B - Schoop, 3B - Candelario, SS - Baez)
OF: 21st (LF - Baddoo, CF - Reyes, RF - Grossman)
Rotation: 20th (Rodriguez-Mize-Pineda-Skubal-Manning)
Bullpen: 18th
Win range: 79-94 wins
17. Mariners:
IF: 20th (DH - Toro, C - Murphy, 1B - France, 2B - Frazier, 3B - Suarez, SS - Crawford)
OF: 9th (LF - Winker, CF - Kellenic, RF - Haniger)
Rotation: 16th (Ray-Gonzales-Flexen-Gilbert-Brash)
Bullpen: 7th
Win range: 79-94 wins
18. Twins:
IF: 17th (DH - Larnach, C - Sanchez, 1B - Sano, 2B - Polanco, 3B - Arraez, SS - Correa
OF: 18th (LF - Kiriloff, CF - Buxton, RF - Kepler)
Rotation: 21st (Gray-Bundy-Ober-Ryan-Dobnak)
Bullpen: 22nd
Win range: 78-93 wins
19. Guardians
IF: 23rd (DH - Reyes, C - Hedges, 1B - Bradley, 2B - Gimenez, 3B - Ramirez, SS - Rosario)
OF: 26th (LF - Kwan, CF - Straw, RF - Zimmer)
Rotation: 17th (Bieber-Quantrill-Plesac-Civale-McKenzie)
Bullpen: 13th
Win range: 76-91 wins
20. Rangers:
IF: 12th (DH - Calhoun, C - Garver, 1B - Lowe, 2B - Semien, 3B - Miller, SS - Seager)
OF: 22nd (LF - Solak, CF - Garcia, RF - Kalhoun)
Rotation: 25th (Gray-Perez-Dunning-Hearn-Alexy)
Bullpen: 19th
Win range: 75-90 wins
21. Marlins:
IF: 25th (DH - Cooper, C - Stallings, 1B - Aguilar, 2B - Chisholm Jr., 3B - Anderson, SS - Rojas)
OF: 19th (LF - Sanchez, CF - Garcia, RF - Soler)
Rotation: 19th (Alcantara-Lopez-Rogers-Hernandez-Luzardo)
Bullpen: 16th
Win range: 73-88 wins
22. Cubs:
IF: 21st (DH - Wisdom, C - Contreras, 1B - Schwindel, 2B - Madrigal, 3B - Villar, SS - Simmons)
OF: 24th (LF - Happ, CF - Ortega, RF - Suzuki)
Rotation: 18th (Stroman-Hendricks-Miley-Mills-Smyly)
Bullpen: 24th
Win range: 72-87 wins
23. Nationals:
IF: 26th (DH - Cruz, C - Ruiz, 1B - Bell, 2B - Hernandez, 3B - Adrianza, SS - Escobar)
OF: 17th (LF - Thomas, CF - Robles, RF - Soto)
Rotation: 24th (Strasburg-Corbin-Gray-Espino-Sanchez)
Bullpen: 25th
Win range: 70-85 wins
24. Royals:
IF: 24th (DH - O’Hearn, C - Perez, 1B - Santana, 2B - Lopez, 3B - Witt Jr., SS - Mondesi)
OF: 25th (LF - Benintendi, CF - Taylor, RF - Merrifield)
Rotation: 23rd (Greinke-Keller-Singer-Bubic-Hernandez)
Bullpen: 21st
Win range: 69-84 wins
25. Rockies:
IF: 22nd (DH - Blackmon, C - Diaz, 1B - Cron, 2B - Rogers, 3B - McMahon, SS - Iglesias)
OF: 23rd (LF - Bryant, CF - Hilliard, RF - Tapia)
Rotation: 28th (Marquez-Freeland-Senzatela-Gomber-Kuhl)
Bullpen: 26th
Win range: 67-82 wins
26. A’s:
IF: 28th (DH - Thames, C - Murphy, 1B - Brown, 2B - Kemp, 3B - Smith, SS - Andrus)
OF: 27th (LF - Pinder, CF - Pache, RF - Piscotty)
Rotation: 14th (Manaea-Montas-Irvin-Jeffries-Blackburn)
Bullpen: 28th
Win range: 65-80 wins
27. Reds:
IF: 19th (DH - Moran, C - Stephenson, 1B - Votto, 2B - India, 3B - Moustakas, SS - Farmer)
OF: 28th (LF - Fraley, CF - Senzel, RF - Naquin)
Rotation: 26th (Castillo-Mahle-Minor-Gutierrez-Dunn)
Bullpen: 27th
Win range: 63-78 wins
28. Diamondbacks:
IF: 27th (DH - Beer, C - Kelly, 1B - Walker, 2B - Marte, 3B - Rojas, SS - Ahmed)
OF: 30th (LF - Peralta, CF - Varsho, RF - Smith)
Rotation: 27th (Bumgarner-Gallen-Kelly-Weaver-Straily)
Bullpen: 29th
Win range: 61-76 wins
29. Pirates:
IF: 29th (DH - Vogelbach, C - Perez, 1B - Tsutsugo, 2B - Newman, 3B - Hayes, SS - Cruz)
OF: 29th (LF - Gamel, CF - Reynolds, RF - Alford)
Rotation: 30th (Quintana-Brubaker-Thompson-Wilson-Keller)
Bullpen: 23rd
Win range: 59-74 wins
30. Orioles:
IF: 30th (DH - Mancini, C - Chirinos, 1B - Mountcastle, 2B - Odor, 3B - Gutierrez, SS - Urias
OF: 20th (LF - Hays, CF - Mullins, RF - Santander)
Rotation: 29th (Means-Lyles-Zimmerman-Akin-Lowther)
Bullpen: 30th
Win range: 58-73 wins
PREDICTING CONFERENCE WINNERS
Towards the end of the season last year, we predicted conference winners for major conferences and a few mid-majors in college basketball and then revised them closer to the end of the season. This year, I am setting out on that journey on my own, but I will try to give my insights for every conference in all of college basketball, even though we are still only in early February.
So, what is my goal?
I am aiming for 50% of these picks to be correct. I think that is a fair number for me to expect of myself because I would not call myself an “expert” in terms of my knowledge of mid-major conferences. When you see my reasoning for a few of these conferences, you will see why I’m not so confident in my odds to pick these winners correctly…
But, without further ado, let’s start with the…
Atlantic Sun:
I am going to pick Liberty (currently 9-1 in conference) to take the ASUN title this year. My reasoning: Darius McGhee. He’s currently tied with Keegan Murray for 4th in scoring in Division I this year at 22.4 PPG.
America East:
I am picking Vermont for no reason other than the fact that they are already 10-0 in conference, and 2nd-place Binghamton is sitting at 7-4.
American:
This is probably the second-easiest pick I will make. I am going with the #6 Houston Cougars because they are just too talented to give up their current lead in conference.
Atlantic 10:
I was close to picking Saint Louis to take this conference, but they only have one opportunity to take on current leader Davidson, and that opportunity is a road game. I think Davidson will take that game in late February and also take the conference title in March.
ACC:
#7 Duke is surprisingly tied with Notre Dame at the top of a jam-packed ACC race (both Duke and Notre Dame have 9-3 conference records), and North Carolina (9-4 in the ACC), Wake Forest (9-4 in the ACC), Miami (8-4 in the ACC), and Virginia (9-5 in the ACC) are all within one game of the conference lead. Even though the race is tight, I think Duke will still win the ACC as a result of only having one road game for the rest of the year against any of those five teams (@ Virginia).
Big 12:
Even though they are currently in 2nd, I am going with an upset pick in the Big 12 by picking #9 Texas Tech. They already split the season series with Kansas, and I think Baylor will beat Kansas at home, opening the door for Texas Tech to sneak into the conference lead with a win over Baylor in a de-facto winner-take-all matchup with Baylor next Wednesday.
Big East:
#11 Providence will play #15 Villanova on March 1. This game will decide the fate of the Big East, right? No. I think Providence has a real chance of running the table in the Big East, and a win on Monday over Villanova at home will set them up to clinch the conference title before even playing Villanova on the road in the final game of the season.
Big Sky:
I’m going to pick Weber State because they are currently in the lead, and also the alma mater of Damian Lillard (I really don’t have any other reasons, honestly).
Big South:
I am a big fan of parity. I feel like I see Winthrop in the NCAA Tournament a lot as an auto-bid from the Big South, so why not pick an upset with the Longwood Lancers (by the way, what a great name) taking the regular season conference title.
Big Ten:
After #3 Purdue defeated #13 Illinois last night and #14 Wisconsin went on the road and got a win at Michigan State, those aforementioned three teams are now tied for 1st in the conference at 10-3. I honestly believe that #3 Purdue will lose tomorrow on the road against Michigan, but I think that loss will refocus everyone on their roster, and the Boilermakers will win out to win the conference. Not to mention the fact that even if they don’t lose to Michigan, I think Purdue will still only lose one game and I think four losses won’t be enough to lose the conference lead.
Big West:
I will pick Long Beach State (they are the current leaders and I don’t know too much about this conference).
CAA:
1st-place UNC Wilmington already has a win on the road over 2nd-place Towson, so I am going to say UNC Wilmington stays afloat in the rest of the year and takes this title.
C-USA:
I think UAB will beat North Texas at home later this season, and that win will propel the UAB Blazers to a regular season conference title.
Horizon:
Cleveland State has a cool mascot (the Vikings), so I’ll take them to win the conference.
Ivy League:
Yale’s only loss in conference this season was on the road against Penn. Those two teams are currently tied for 1st in the conference, but I think Yale will win the rematch of the two teams at home to take the conference.
MAAC:
Iona pulled an upset over Alabama earlier this year, avenging a close NCAA Tournament loss from last year. Rick Pitino and the Gaels are on a mission, and I think Iona will succeed, securing a conference title.
MAC:
Even though they are only .5 games apart in the standings, Toledo has beaten Ohio twice this season. That head-to-head tiebreaker will result in a conference title for Toledo.
MEAC:
Norfolk State will avenge a loss on the road against North Carolina Central with a home loss later in the year, and that win will carry the Spartans to a conference title.
MVC:
I think Loyola Chicago will lead this conference all the way until the last day of the season. That is when Northern Iowa will upset the Ramblers at home, taking the conference title with that win.
MWC:
Both Wyoming and Boise State are 9-1, leading the MWC. Their only losses are road losses to each other. But I think Wyoming has the easier schedule and will take the conference title.
Northeast:
Wagner is one of six teams without a conference loss so far this season. I think the Seahawks will continue their dominance in conference and will take the regular season conference title.
OVC:
#22 Murray State is having an unbelievable season, currently sitting at 22-2 overall, with their only losses coming against ETSU and #1 Auburn. Murray State will continue their best season since Ja Morant led them to the NCAA Tournament, and I will pick the Racers to finish the year with a regular season conference title, with Morehead State and Belmont finishing just short of the Murray State Racers.
Pac-12:
In my opinion, #4 Arizona has been the best team in the Pac-12 all year long. I think Arizona will continue their dominance, maintain their lead over UCLA and end the year with a regular season conference title.
Patriot:
I don’t know too much about this conference, but I do know that Colgate currently holds the conference lead over Navy, and has a road victory over the Midshipmen. I will pick Colgate to win this conference.
SEC:
#1 Auburn suffered their first conference loss of the season yesterday against Arkansas. However, I believe Auburn’s one-game lead over #5 Kentucky and head-to-head tiebreaker over the Wildcats will lead to a conference title for Auburn.
Southern:
Chattanooga currently holds a 1.5 game lead over 2nd-place Furman, and I believe that lead has put Chattanooga in a position to win their first regular season conference title since 2016.
Southland:
New Orleans currently leads this conference, but I believe they will surrender the lead to Nicholls with a loss on the final day of the regular season, giving Nicholls the regular season conference title.
SWAC:
I think Texas Southern will beat Southern at home and take the regular season conference title.
Summit:
South Dakota State is another one of the six teams who remain undefeated in conference play. I will pick the Jackrabbits to keep up their dominance and win the conference title.
Sun Belt:
Appalachian State won the Sun Belt Conference Tournament last year, and I think the Mountaineers will follow up that performance with their first regular season conference title since 2010 (which came in the Southern Conference, not the Sun Belt).
WCC:
I already stated that I love parity, so, while it pains me to say it, I have to pick #2 Gonzaga to stay undefeated in conference, leading to their 10th regular season conference title in a row at the end of this season.
WAC:
I think this conference will have a crazy end to the season, and while not a lot of people will follow it, I think Sam Houston State will come out on top of a very close race with New Mexico State and Grand Canyon.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 14)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 13)
WHAT'S WRONG WITH BIG TEN BASKETBALL?
An in-depth analysis of how the top three teams in the Big Ten have performed to start the season, and how the rest of the season for Big Ten teams will turn out
Last year the Big Ten set a conference record with nine teams making the NCAA Tournament (Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue, Rutgers and Wisconsin). But after a shaky start to the year for the conference, and a 2-6 record in the Gavitt Tipoff Games, which are all Big Ten-Big East matchups, many have started to doubt if last year was just a fluke. I think all nine programs who made it to the tournament last year have a good chance of making it again this year, even though the beginning of the year has looked disappointing, but the chances of the Big Ten having two one-seeds and two two-seeds this year are already slim.
Preseason ranked teams:
After having three teams ranked in the top 11 of the preseason AP Top 25 Poll (#6 Michigan, #7 Purdue, and #11 Illinois), along with #17 Ohio State and #21 Maryland near the bottom of the rankings, the Big Ten now has just one top ten team (#3 Purdue), and three teams ranked overall after Michigan’s two losses to unranked opponents (Seton Hall and Arizona) caused them to fall from #4 in the week 2 rankings down to #20 in Monday’s Top 25 Poll. Illinois also fell from #10 to #14 after losing to unranked Marquette. Ohio State dropped out of the rankings from the #19 slot after a loss on the road to Xavier. Maryland dropped out of the rankings from the #20 slot after their loss at home to George Mason. To accurately predict the remainder of the Big Ten season, I'm going to look at the top three teams in the Big Ten, and how one of those teams has sustained their success from last year and why the other two teams haven't.
Purdue has gotten into a groove early in the season:
For the one Big Ten team who hasn’t moved down in the rankings yet this season, third-ranked Purdue, their success has been very surprising. Purdue was able to take down #18 North Carolina and #5 Villanova on back-to-back days. Their success can be attributed to size and experience. 7’4 Sophomore Center Zach Edey is starting for the Boilermakers, while preseason All-Big Ten 1st-teamer Trevion Williams comes off the bench as another big threat. Then you add in another preseason All-Big Ten 1st-teamer, Sophomore Jaden Ivey, and all of a sudden, you have a ridiculously talented team. But the experience is what is differentiating Purdue from Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio State at the beginning of the year. Out of nine players who played for Purdue in their NCAA Tournament loss to North Texas last year, eight played in Purdue’s win over Villanova. The only additions into the lineup are Freshman forward Caleb Furst, who is starting this year, and Sophomore guard Ethan Morton, who only played eight minutes off the bench against Villanova. But the success from Purdue’s 10-man rotation this year is grounded in experience. Trevion Williams, Eric Hunter Jr., and Sasha Stefanovic are all seniors. While Zach Edey, Jaden Ivey, Mason Gillis, Brandon Newman, and Ethan Morton aren’t upperclassmen, all of them were on Purdue’s roster last year, and have made great strides in the offseason to improve their game, while also having the advantage of existing synergy with their teammates.
Michigan is lacking synergy and continuity:
In Michigan’s Elite Eight loss to UCLA, seven players played minutes. This year, only three of those players, (Eli Brooks, Hunter Dickinson, and Brandon Johns Jr.) are still on the roster. Michigan’s best player, Isaiah Livers, was injured and did not play in the NCAA tournament, but he also was a key contributor to Michigan’s success last year who did not return to the team this year. Brooks, Dickinson, and Johns Jr. still remain in the starting lineup this year. But out of the eight players who played in Michigan’s loss to Seton Hall, three of those players were freshmen, two of those players were sophomores, and the remaining three were seniors. Although Michigan has the experience, only Brooks and Dickinson started for the majority of Michigan’s games last year, as Brandon Johns Jr. stepped into the starting lineup after the injury suffered by Isaiah Livers. Those three have some existing synergy with each other, but Dickinson is still a sophomore and starting point guard DeVante’ Jones is a graduate transfer. The starting lineup Michigan currently has does not have nearly enough synergy to be highly successful early in the year, even though the talent is definitely there. However, by the middle of the season, I expect this team to be able to figure out lineup issues and iron out who is fulfilling what roles to become a better-organized team, and Michigan will be a problem in the NCAA Tournament.
Illinois also lacks synergy and continuity:
Illinois is in almost the same position Michigan is in at the beginning of the year. Although Illinois’ loss to Marquette was without preseason All-Big Ten First Team Center Kofi Cockburn, Cockburn returned during their most recent loss to Cincinnati. Out of eight players who played against Loyola Chicago in the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament, only five remain on Illinois’ roster this year. But Illinois’ biggest problem is Ayo Dosunmu leaving Illinois to go to the NBA. Dosunmu averaged 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game last season on his way to becoming the USA Today National Player of the Year, an AP First Team All-American, First Team All-Big Ten, and a finalist for the Wooden Award and the Naismith Award. Replacing an All-American will always be hard, but for Illinois, Dosunmu was the team leader in points and assists per game, and was also second on the team (only behind Cockburn) in rebounding. That production is nearly impossible to replace, and it will be a process for Illinois to figure out who they will give the ball to at the end of close games or when they desperately need a bucket. The obvious answer is Cockburn, but I could easily see it being harder for Illinois to keep him as involved in the offense as they would like him to be, as Dosunmu required opposing defenses to pay a lot of attention to him, leaving Cockburn open on Dosunmu drives, and 1-on-1 in other situations. Illinois does not have that type of threat to begin this year, so they will need someone else to step up (it will probably be Andre Curbelo) and fill that role to keep their offense rolling. I think once Curbelo and Cockburn develop more synergy with each other, it will help the rest of the Illinois roster to get more open shots.
Will these teams get better by the end of the year?
Absolutely. However, during the early part of the year, teams like Michigan and Illinois will most likely continue to experience some growing pains as they learn who can fill what roles within new-look rosters. However, both Illinois and Michigan also have the talent to easily make the tournament, and make deep runs into the tournament as well. I also think by the end of the year, at least Michigan State, Indiana, Ohio State, and Maryland will join Purdue, Michigan, and Illinois in the NCAA Tournament, making up a strong field of teams from a strong conference.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 12)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 11)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 10)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 9)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 8)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 7)
MLB POWER RANKINGS (10/16/21)
1. Dodgers
Previous ranking: 1
2. Red Sox
Previous ranking: 6
3. Astros
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Braves
Previous ranking: 7
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 6)
MLB POWER RANKINGS (10/9/21)
1. Dodgers
Previous ranking: 2
2. Giants
Previous ranking: 1
3. Astros
Previous Ranking: 6
4. Rays
Previous ranking: 3
5. Brewers
Previous ranking: 4
6. Red Sox
Previous ranking: 8
7. Braves
Previous ranking: 12
8. White Sox
Previous ranking: 5
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 5)
MLB POWER RANKINGS (10/2/21)
1. Giants (106-55)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Dodgers (105-56)
Previous ranking: 2
3. Rays (100-61)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Brewers (95-66)
Previous ranking: 4
5. White Sox (93-68)
Previous ranking: 9
6. Astros (94-67)
Previous ranking: 5
7. Cardinals (90-71)
Previous ranking: 8
8. Red Sox (91-70)
Previous ranking: 7
9. Yankees (91-70)
Previous ranking: 6
10. Mariners (90-71)
Previous ranking: 10
11. Blue Jays (90-71)
Previous ranking: 11
12. Braves (87-73)
Previous ranking: 13
13. A’s (86-75)
Previous ranking: 12
14. Phillies (82-79)
Previous ranking: 14
15. Reds (82-79)
Previous ranking: 15
16. Cleveland (79-82)
Previous ranking: 17
17. Padres (79-82)
Previous ranking: 16
18. Mets (77-84)
Previous ranking: 20
19. Angels (76-85)
Previous ranking: 19
20. Tigers (76-85)
Previous ranking: 18
21. Rockies (74-86)
Previous ranking: 21
22. Royals (74-87)
Previous ranking: 23
23. Twins (72-89)
Previous ranking: 22
24. Cubs (70-91)
Previous ranking: 24
25. Nationals (65-96)
Previous ranking: 26
26. Marlins (66-95)
Previous ranking: 25
27. Pirates (61-100)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Rangers (60-101)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Orioles (52-109)
Previous ranking: 30
30. Diamondbacks (51-110)
Previous ranking: 29
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 4)
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/25/21)
1. Giants (101-54)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Dodgers (99-56)
Previous ranking: 2
3. Rays (96-59)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Brewers (93-62)
Previous ranking: 4
5. Astros (91-64)
Previous ranking: 5
6. Yankees (88-67)
Previous ranking: 9
7. Red Sox (88-67)
Previous ranking: 6
8. Cardinals (86-69)
Previous ranking: 11
9. White Sox (87-68)
Previous ranking: 7
10. Mariners (85-70)
Previous ranking: 12
11. Blue Jays (86-69)
Previous ranking: 8
12. A’s (84-71)
Previous ranking: 10
13. Braves (82-72)
Previous ranking: 13
14. Phillies (81-74)
Previous ranking: 15
15. Reds (80-75)
Previous ranking: 14
16. Padres (78-77)
Previous ranking: 16
17. Cleveland (76-78)
Previous ranking: 17
18. Tigers (75-79)
Previous ranking: 20
19. Angels (74-81)
Previous ranking: 18
20. Mets (73-81)
Previous ranking: 19
21. Rockies (71-83)
Previous ranking: 21
22. Twins (69-86)
Previous ranking: 24
23. Royals (70-84)
Previous ranking: 22
24. Cubs (67-88)
Previous ranking: 23
25. Marlins (64-90)
Previous ranking: 25
26. Nationals (64-91)
Previous ranking: 26
27. Pirates (57-97)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Rangers (56-99)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Diamondbacks (50-105)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Orioles (50-105)
Previous ranking: 30
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 3)
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/18/21)
1. Giants (97-52)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Dodgers (95-54)
Previous ranking: 2
3. Rays (92-57)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Brewers (91-57)
Previous ranking: 4
5. Astros (87-61)
Previous ranking: 5
6. Red Sox (85-65)
Previous ranking: 7
7. White Sox (84-64)
Previous ranking: 6
8. Blue Jays (83-65)
Previous ranking: 8
9. Yankees (83-66)
Previous ranking: 9
10. A’s (81-67)
Previous ranking: 11
11. Cardinals (78-69)
Previous ranking: 15
12. Mariners (79-69)
Previous ranking: 10
13. Braves (76-70)
Previous ranking: 12
14. Reds (77-72)
Previous ranking: 14
15. Phillies (76-72)
Previous ranking: 16
16. Padres (76-72)
Previous ranking: 13
17. Indians (72-74)
Previous ranking: 19
18. Angels (72-76)
Previous ranking: 18
19. Mets (72-77)
Previous ranking: 17
20. Tigers (71-78)
Previous ranking: 20
21. Rockies (70-78)
Previous ranking: 22
22. Royals (67-81)
Previous ranking: 23
23. Cubs (66-82)
Previous ranking: 21
24. Twins (65-84)
Previous ranking: 24
25. Marlins (62-86)
Previous ranking: 25
26. Nationals (60-88)
Previous ranking: 26
27. Pirates (56-92)
Previous ranking: 28
28. Rangers (55-93)
Previous ranking: 27
29. Diamondbacks (48-100)
Previous ranking: 30
30. Orioles (47-101)
Previous ranking: 29
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 2)
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/11/21)
1. Giants (92-50)
Previous ranking: 3
2. Dodgers (90-53)
Previous ranking: 1
3. Rays (89-53)
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Brewers (88-55)
Previous ranking: 4
5. Astros (82-59)
Previous ranking: 5
6. White Sox (81-61)
Previous ranking: 6
7. Red Sox (81-63)
Previous ranking: 7
8. Blue Jays (79-63)
Previous ranking: 10
9. Yankees (79-63)
Previous ranking: 8
10. Mariners (77-65)
Previous ranking: 9
11. A’s (77-65)
Previous ranking: 11
12. Braves (75-66)
Previous ranking: 14
13. Padres (74-67)
Previous ranking: 13
14. Reds (75-68)
Previous ranking: 12
15. Cardinals (72-69)
Previous ranking: 15
16. Phillies (72-70)
Previous ranking: 16
17. Mets (71-72)
Previous ranking: 19
18. Angels (70-72)
Previous ranking: 18
19. Indians (69-71)
Previous ranking: 17
20. Tigers (67-76)
Previous ranking: 21
21. Cubs (65-78)
Previous ranking: 22
22. Rockies (65-78)
Previous ranking: 20
23. Royals (64-78)
Previous ranking: 23
24. Twins (63-79)
Previous ranking: 24
25. Marlins (60-82)
Previous ranking: 25
26. Nationals (58-84)
Previous ranking: 26
27. Rangers (52-89)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Pirates (52-90)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Orioles (46-96)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Diamondbacks (46-96)
Previous ranking: 30
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 RANKINGS (WEEK 1)
MLB POWER RANKINGS (9/4/21)
1. Dodgers (86-50)
Previous ranking: 2
2. Rays (86-50)
Previous ranking: 3
3. Giants (86-50)
Previous Ranking: 1
4. Brewers (83-54)
Previous ranking: 4
5. Astros (79-56)
Previous ranking: 6
6. White Sox (79-57)
Previous ranking: 8
7. Red Sox (79-59)
Previous ranking: 7
8. Yankees (78-57)
Previous ranking: 5
9. Mariners (74-62)
Previous ranking: 12
10. Blue Jays (72-62)
Previous ranking: 13
11. A’s (74-62)
Previous ranking: 9
12. Reds (73-64)
Previous ranking: 11
13. Padres (72-64)
Previous ranking: 14
14. Braves (71-64)
Previous ranking: 10
15. Cardinals (69-65)
Previous ranking: 15
16. Phillies (69-66)
Previous ranking: 16
17. Indians (67-66)
Previous ranking: 17
18. Angels (68-68)
Previous ranking: 18
19. Mets (68-68)
Previous ranking: 19
20. Rockies (63-73)
Previous ranking: 22
21. Tigers (64-73)
Previous ranking: 20
22. Cubs (62-75)
Previous ranking: 24
23. Royals (60-75)
Previous ranking: 21
24. Twins (58-77)
Previous ranking: 23
25. Marlins (57-79)
Previous ranking: 26
26. Nationals (56-79)
Previous ranking: 25
27. Rangers (47-88)
Previous ranking: 28
28. Pirates (48-88)
Previous ranking: 27
29. Diamondbacks (45-92)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Orioles (42-92)
Previous ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/28/21)
1. Giants (84-45)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Dodgers (82-48)
Previous ranking: 2
3. Rays (81-48)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Brewers (78-52)
Previous ranking: 4
5. Yankees (76-53)
Previous ranking: 5
6. Astros (77-52)
Previous ranking: 6
7. Red Sox (75-56)
Previous ranking: 10
8. White Sox (75-56)
Previous ranking: 7
9. A’s (71-59)
Previous ranking: 8
10. Braves (69-59)
Previous ranking: 9
11. Reds (71-60)
Previous ranking: 11
12. Mariners (69-61)
Previous ranking: 13
13. Blue Jays (67-61)
Previous ranking: 14
14. Padres (69-62)
Previous ranking: 12
15. Cardinals (66-62)
Previous ranking: 15
16. Phillies (65-64)
Previous ranking: 16
17. Indians (63-64)
Previous ranking: 17
18. Angels (64-67)
Previous ranking: 18
19. Mets (62-67)
Previous ranking: 19
20. Tigers (62-68)
Previous ranking: 21
21. Royals (59-70)
Previous ranking: 22
22. Rockies (59-70)
Previous ranking: 20
23. Twins (57-72)
Previous ranking: 23
24. Cubs (57-74)
Previous ranking: 25
25. Nationals (55-73)
Previous ranking: 24
26. Marlins (54-76)
Previous ranking: 26
27. Pirates (47-83)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Rangers (44-85)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Diamondbacks (44-87)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Orioles (40-88)
Previous ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/21/21)
1. Giants (79-44)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Dodgers (78-46)
Previous ranking: 2
3. Rays (76-48)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Brewers (75-49)
Previous ranking: 4
5. Yankees (72-52)
Previous ranking: 9
6. Astros (73-50)
Previous ranking: 5
7. White Sox (72-52)
Previous ranking: 7
8. A’s (70-54)
Previous ranking: 6
9. Braves (67-56)
Previous ranking: 16
10. Red Sox (70-55)
Previous ranking: 8
11. Reds (68-57)
Previous ranking: 13
12. Padres (68-57)
Previous ranking: 10
13. Mariners (66-58)
Previous ranking: 11
14. Blue Jays (64-57)
Previous ranking: 12
15. Cardinals (62-60)
Previous ranking: 15
16. Phillies (62-61)
Previous ranking: 14
17. Indians (60-61)
Previous ranking: 20
18. Angels (62-63)
Previous ranking: 18
19. Mets (60-63)
Previous ranking: 17
20. Rockies (57-66)
Previous ranking: 21
21. Tigers (59-66)
Previous ranking: 19
22. Royals (54-68)
Previous ranking: 26
23. Twins (54-70)
Previous ranking: 22
24. Nationals (53-69)
Previous ranking: 25
25. Cubs (54-71)
Previous ranking: 24
26. Marlins (51-73)
Previous ranking: 23
27. Pirates (44-79)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Rangers (43-80)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Diamondbacks (41-83)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Orioles (38-84)
Previous ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/14/21)
1. Giants (75-42)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Dodgers (71-46)
Previous ranking: 4
3. Rays (71-46)
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Brewers (71-47)
Previous ranking: 3
5. Astros (70-46)
Previous ranking: 5
6. A's (68-49)
Previous ranking: 8
7. White Sox (68-49)
Previous ranking: 6
8. Red Sox (68-51)
Previous ranking: 7
9. Yankees (64-52)
Previous ranking: 10
10. Padres (66-53)
Previous ranking: 9
11. Mariners (63-55)
Previous ranking: 14
12. Blue Jays (62-54)
Previous ranking: 11
13. Reds (63-55)
Previous ranking: 12
14. Phillies (61-56)
Previous ranking: 13
15. Cardinals (60-56)
Previous ranking: 18
16. Braves (61-56)
Previous ranking: 15
17. Mets (59-57)
Previous ranking: 17
18. Angels (58-60)
Previous ranking: 16
19. Tigers (58-61)
Previous ranking: 20
20. Indians (56-59)
Previous ranking: 19
21. Rockies (52-65)
Previous ranking: 23
22. Twins (51-66)
Previous ranking: 25
23. Marlins (50-67)
Previous ranking: 26
24. Cubs (52-67)
Previous ranking: 21
25. Nationals (50-67)
Previous ranking: 22
26. Royals (49-66)
Previous ranking: 24
27. Pirates (42-75)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Rangers (41-76)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Diamondbacks (38-80)
Previous ranking: 30
30. Orioles (38-77)
Previous ranking: 29
MLB POWER RANKINGS (8/7/21)
Records as of 8/6/21
1. Giants (69-41)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Rays (66-44)
Previous ranking: 4
3. Brewers (66-44)
Previous Ranking: 6
4. Dodgers (65-45)
Previous ranking: 3
5. Astros (65-45)
Previous ranking: 2
6. White Sox (64-46)
Previous ranking: 7
7. Red Sox (64-47)
Previous ranking: 5
8. A’s (62-48)
Previous ranking: 8
9. Padres (62-49)
Previous ranking: 9
10. Yankees (60-49)
Previous ranking: 11
11. Blue Jays (58-49)
Previous ranking: 12
12. Reds (59-51)
Previous ranking: 14
13. Phillies (57-53)
Previous ranking: 17
14. Mariners (58-53)
Previous ranking: 13
15. Braves (56-54)
Previous ranking: 19
16. Angels (56-54)
Previous ranking: 18
17. Mets (56-53)
Previous ranking: 10
18. Cardinals (54-55)
Previous ranking: 16
19. Indians (53-54)
Previous ranking: 15
20. Tigers (53-59)
Previous ranking: 21
21. Cubs (52-59)
Previous ranking: 20
22. Nationals (49-61)
Previous ranking: 22
23. Rockies (49-61)
Previous ranking: 23
24. Royals (47-61)
Previous ranking: 24
25. Twins (47-63)
Previous ranking: 26
26. Marlins (47-63)
Previous ranking: 25
27. Pirates (41-69)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Rangers (39-71)
Previous ranking: 29
29. Orioles (38-70)
Previous ranking: 28
30. Diamondbacks (35-76)
Previous ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/31/21)
1. Giants (65-39)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Astros (64-41)
Previous ranking: 5
3. Dodgers (63-43)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Rays (63-42)
Previous ranking: 4
5. Red Sox (63-43)
Previous ranking: 2
6. Brewers (62-43)
Previous ranking: 6
7. White Sox (61-44)
Previous ranking: 7
8. A's (59-47)
Previous ranking: 9
9. Padres (60-47)
Previous ranking: 8
10. Mets (55-48)
Previous ranking: 11
11. Yankees (55-48)
Previous ranking: 12
12. Blue Jays (53-48)
Previous ranking: 13
13. Mariners (56-49)
Previous ranking: 10
14. Reds (55-50)
Previous ranking: 14
15. Indians (51-50)
Previous ranking: 15
16. Cardinals (52-52)
Previous ranking: 17
17. Phillies (51-53)
Previous ranking: 18
18. Angels (52-52)
Previous ranking: 19
19. Braves (52-53)
Previous ranking: 16
20. Cubs (51-55)
Previous ranking: 20
21. Tigers (50-57)
Previous ranking: 21
22. Nationals (48-56)
Previous ranking: 22
23. Rockies (46-59)
Previous ranking: 23
24. Royals (45-58)
Previous ranking: 24
25. Marlins (44-60)
Previous ranking: 25
26. Twins (44-61)
Previous ranking: 26
27. Pirates (40-64)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Orioles (37-66)
Previous ranking: 29
29. Rangers (37-67)
Previous ranking: 28
30. Diamondbacks (33-72)
Previous ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/24/21)
1. Giants (61-37)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Red Sox (60-39)
Previous ranking: 3
3. Dodgers (60-40)
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Rays (60-39)
Previous ranking: 6
5. Astros (60-39)
Previous ranking: 5
6. Brewers (58-41)
Previous ranking: 7
7. White Sox (58-40)
Previous ranking: 4
8. Padres (58-43)
Previous ranking: 8
9. A's (56-44)
Previous ranking: 9
10. Mariners (53-46)
Previous ranking: 10
11. Mets (51-44)
Previous ranking: 11
12. Yankees (51-46)
Previous ranking: 15
13. Blue Jays (49-45)
Previous ranking: 12
14. Reds (51-47)
Previous ranking: 14
15. Indians (48-48)
Previous ranking: 13
16. Braves (48-49)
Previous ranking: 19
17. Cardinals (49-50)
Previous ranking: 20
18. Phillies (48-49)
Previous ranking: 17
19. Angels (48-49)
Previous ranking: 16
20. Cubs (48-51)
Previous ranking: 18
21. Tigers (47-53)
Previous ranking: 22
22. Nationals (45-52)
Previous ranking: 21
23. Rockies (43-55)
Previous ranking: 24
24. Royals (41-55)
Previous ranking: 26
25. Marlins (42-57)
Previous ranking: 23
26. Twins (42-57)
Previous ranking: 25
27. Pirates (38-60)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Rangers (35-64)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Orioles (33-64)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Diamondbacks (31-69)
Previous ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/17/21)
1. Giants (58-33)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Dodgers (58-35)
Previous ranking: 2
3. Red Sox (56-37)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. White Sox (55-36)
Previous ranking: 4
5. Astros (56-37)
Previous ranking: 5
6. Rays (54-38)
Previous ranking: 6
7. Brewers (55-39)
Previous ranking: 7
8. Padres (54-40)
Previous ranking: 8
9. A's (53-41)
Previous ranking: 9
10. Mariners (49-44)
Previous ranking: 11
11. Mets (47-42)
Previous ranking: 10
12. Blue Jays (46-42)
Previous ranking: 15
13. Indians (46-43)
Previous ranking: 14
14. Reds (48-44)
Previous ranking: 13
15. Yankees (47-44)
Previous ranking: 12
16. Angels (46-45)
Previous ranking: 16
17. Phillies (45-45)
Previous ranking: 17
18. Cubs (46-46)
Previous ranking: 19
19. Braves (45-46)
Previous ranking: 18
20. Cardinals (45-47)
Previous ranking: 20
21. Nationals (42-48)
Previous ranking: 21
22. Tigers (42-51)
Previous ranking: 22
23. Marlins (40-51)
Previous ranking: 23
24. Rockies (40-53)
Previous ranking: 24
25. Twins (39-52)
Previous ranking: 25
26. Royals (37-54)
Previous ranking: 26
27. Pirates (36-56)
Previous ranking: 28
28. Rangers (35-56)
Previous ranking: 27
29. Orioles (29-62)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Diamondbacks (26-68)
Previous ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/10/21)
1. Giants (56-32)
Previous ranking: 2
2. Dodgers (55-35)
Previous ranking: 1
3. Red Sox (55-35)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. White Sox (53-35)
Previous ranking: 6
5. Astros (54-36)
Previous ranking: 5
6. Rays (53-36)
Previous ranking: 9
7. Brewers (53-38)
Previous ranking: 4
8. Padres (53-39)
Previous ranking: 8
9. A's (51-40)
Previous ranking: 7
10. Mets (47-39)
Previous ranking: 10
11. Mariners (48-42)
Previous ranking: 11
12. Yankees (46-42)
Previous ranking: 16
13. Reds (47-42)
Previous ranking: 13
14. Indians (45-42)
Previous ranking: 14
15. Blue Jays (44-42)
Previous ranking: 12
16. Angels (44-44)
Previous ranking: 15
17. Phillies (43-44)
Previous ranking: 19
18. Braves (44-44)
Previous ranking: 20
19. Cubs (44-46)
Previous ranking: 18
20. Cardinals (44-46)
Previous ranking: 21
21. Nationals (42-46)
Previous ranking: 17
22. Tigers (40-50)
Previous ranking: 22
23. Marlins (38-50)
Previous ranking: 23
24. Rockies (39-51)
Previous ranking: 24
25. Twins (38-50)
Previous ranking: 26
26. Royals (36-53)
Previous ranking: 25
27. Rangers (35-54)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Pirates (33-56)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Orioles (28-60)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Diamondbacks (26-65)
Previous ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (7/3/21)
1. Dodgers (52-31)
Previous ranking: 5
2. Giants (52-30)
Previous ranking: 1
3. Red Sox (52-32)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Brewers (51-33)
Previous ranking: 9
5. Astros (51-33)
Previous ranking: 2
6. White Sox (49-33)
Previous ranking: 8
7. A’s (49-36)
Previous ranking: 6
8. Padres (49-36)
Previous ranking: 7
9. Rays (47-36)
Previous ranking: 3
10. Mets (42-36)
Previous ranking: 10
11. Mariners (44-39)
Previous ranking: 15
12. Blue Jays (43-38)
Previous ranking: 14
13. Reds (42-40)
Previous ranking: 16
14. Indians (42-38)
Previous ranking: 11
15. Angels (41-41)
Previous ranking: 20
16. Yankees (41-40)
Previous ranking: 13
17. Nationals (40-41)
Previous ranking: 17
18. Cubs (42-41)
Previous ranking: 12
19. Phillies (39-41)
Previous ranking: 21
20. Braves (40-42)
Previous ranking: 19
21. Cardinals (41-43)
Previous ranking: 18
22. Tigers (37-46)
Previous ranking: 24
23. Marlins (35-46)
Previous ranking: 22
24. Rockies (36-48)
Previous ranking: 26
25. Royals (35-47)
Previous ranking: 23
26. Twins (33-48)
Previous ranking: 25
27. Rangers (32-50)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Pirates (29-53)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Orioles (27-56)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Diamondbacks (23-62)
Previous ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (6/29/21)
With the NBA playoffs underway, I will now be updating my power rankings with only teams who are still in the playoffs, or who have been eliminated in rounds that are still ongoing for the rest of the league.
Milwaukee Bucks (46-26 - East #3)
Previous Ranking: 1
Phoenix Suns (51-21 - West #2)
Previous Ranking: 2
Los Angeles Clippers (47-25 - West #4)
Previous Ranking: 3
Atlanta Hawks (41-31 - East #5)
Previous Ranking: 4
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/26/21)
1. Giants (50-26)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Astros (48-29)
Previous ranking: 7
3. Rays (47-31)
Previous Ranking: 6
4. Red Sox (46-31)
Previous ranking: 5
5. Dodgers (46-31)
Previous ranking: 2
6. A’s (46-33)
Previous ranking: 3
7. Padres (46-33)
Previous ranking: 9
8. White Sox (44-31)
Previous ranking: 4
9. Brewers (44-33)
Previous ranking: 10
10. Mets (40-32)
Previous ranking: 8
11. Indians (41-32)
Previous ranking: 12
12. Cubs (42-35)
Previous ranking: 11
13. Yankees (40-36)
Previous ranking: 13
14. Blue Jays (39-36)
Previous ranking: 18
15. Mariners (40-37)
Previous ranking: 16
16. Reds (38-37)
Previous ranking: 15
17. Nationals (36-38)
Previous ranking: 21
18. Cardinals (37-40)
Previous ranking: 19
19. Braves (36-40)
Previous ranking: 20
20. Angels (36-40)
Previous ranking: 14
21. Phillies (35-39)
Previous ranking: 17
22. Marlins (33-43)
Previous ranking: 22
23. Royals (33-42)
Previous ranking: 23
24. Tigers (33-44)
Previous ranking: 26
25. Twins (32-43)
Previous ranking: 25
26. Rockies (31-46)
Previous ranking: 24
27. Rangers (29-48)
Previous ranking: 28
28. Pirates (28-47)
Previous ranking: 27
29. Orioles (24-53)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Diamondbacks (22-56)
Previous ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (6/22/21)
With the NBA playoffs already underway, I will now be updating my power rankings with only teams who are still in the playoffs, or who have been eliminated in rounds that are still ongoing for the rest of the league.
Milwaukee Bucks (46-26 - East #3)
Previous Ranking: 5
Phoenix Suns (51-21 - West #2)
Previous Ranking: 1
Los Angeles Clippers (47-25 - West #4)
Previous Ranking: 3
Atlanta Hawks (41-31 - East #5)
Previous Ranking: 7
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/19/21)
1. Giants (45-26)
Previous ranking: 2
2. Dodgers (43-27)
Previous ranking: 4
3. A’s (44-28)
Previous Ranking: 6
4. White Sox (43-28)
Previous ranking: 3
5. Red Sox (43-28)
Previous ranking: 5
6. Rays (43-29)
Previous ranking: 1
7. Astros (42-28)
Previous ranking: 11
8. Mets (36-28)
Previous ranking: 9
9. Padres (41-32)
Previous ranking: 10
10. Brewers (39-32)
Previous ranking: 8
11. Cubs (39-32)
Previous ranking: 7
12. Indians (38-30)
Previous ranking: 12
13. Yankees (37-33)
Previous ranking: 14
14. Angels (36-35)
Previous ranking: 15
15. Reds (35-34)
Previous ranking: 16
16. Mariners (37-36)
Previous ranking: 20
17. Phillies (34-34)
Previous ranking: 17
18. Blue Jays (34-35)
Previous ranking: 13
19. Cardinals (35-35)
Previous ranking: 18
20. Braves (32-35)
Previous ranking: 22
21. Nationals (32-36)
Previous ranking: 23
22. Marlins (31-39)
Previous ranking: 21
23. Royals (26-35)
Previous ranking: 19
24. Rockies (30-42)
Previous ranking: 27
25. Twins (29-41)
Previous ranking: 24
26. Tigers (29-42)
Previous ranking: 25
27. Pirates (25-44)
Previous ranking: 28
28. Rangers (25-45)
Previous ranking: 26
29. Orioles (23-47)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Diamondbacks (20-52)
Previous ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (6/15/21)
With the NBA playoffs underway, I will be updating my power rankings with only teams who are still in the playoffs, or who have been eliminated in rounds that are still ongoing for the rest of the league.
1. Phoenix Suns (51-21 - West #2)
Previous Ranking: 3
2. Utah Jazz (52-20 - West #1)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Los Angeles Clippers (47-25 - West #4)
Previous Ranking: 5
4. Brooklyn Nets (48-24 - East #2)
Previous Ranking: 1
5. Milwaukee Bucks (46-26 - East #3)
Previous Ranking: 8
6. Philadelphia 76ers (49-23 - East #1)
Previous Ranking: 4
7. Atlanta Hawks (41-31 - East #5)
Previous Ranking: 6
8. Denver Nuggets (42-30 - West #3) - ELIMINATED
Previous Ranking: 7
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/12/21)
1. Rays (41-24)
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Giants (40-24)
Previous ranking: 1
3. White Sox (40-24)
Previous ranking: 3
4. Dodgers (38-26)
Previous ranking: 5
5. Red Sox (39-26)
Previous ranking: 6
6. A’s (39-27)
Previous ranking: 7
7. Cubs (37-27)
Previous ranking: 8
8. Brewers (37-27)
Previous ranking: 9
9. Mets (32-24)
Previous ranking: 12
10. Padres (37-29)
Previous ranking: 4
11. Astros (36-28)
Previous ranking: 10
12. Indians (34-27)
Previous ranking: 13
13. Blue Jays (32-30)
Previous ranking: 11
14. Yankees (33-31)
Previous ranking: 15
15. Angels (32-32)
Previous ranking: 21
16. Reds (31-31)
Previous ranking: 18
17. Phillies (31-31)
Previous ranking: 20
18. Cardinals (32-32)
Previous ranking: 14
19. Royals (30-33)
Previous ranking: 16
20. Mariners (31-35)
Previous ranking: 19
21. Marlins (29-35)
Previous ranking: 24
22. Braves (29-33)
Previous ranking: 17
23. Nationals (26-35)
Previous ranking: 22
24. Twins (26-38)
Previous ranking: 25
25. Tigers (26-38)
Previous ranking: 23
26. Rangers (25-40)
Previous ranking: 28
27. Rockies (25-40)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Pirates (23-40)
Previous ranking: 26
29. Orioles (22-41)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Diamondbacks (20-45)
Previous ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (6/8/21)
With the NBA playoffs already underway, I will now be updating my power rankings with only teams who are still in the playoffs, or who have been eliminated in rounds that are still ongoing for the rest of the league.
1. Brooklyn Nets (48-24 - East #2)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Utah Jazz (52-20 - West #1)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Phoenix Suns (51-21 - West #2)
Previous Ranking: 6
4. Philadelphia 76ers (49-23 - East #1)
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Los Angeles Clippers (47-25 - West #4)
Previous Ranking: 7
6. Atlanta Hawks (41-31 - East #5)
Previous Ranking: 10
7. Denver Nuggets (42-30 - West #3)
Previous Ranking: 9
8. Milwaukee Bucks (46-26 - East #3)
Previous Ranking: 3
MLB POWER RANKINGS (6/5/21)
1. Giants (37-21)
Previous Ranking: 6
2. Rays (37-23)
Previous ranking: 3
3. White Sox (35-23)
Previous ranking: 5
4. Padres (36-24)
Previous ranking: 1
5. Dodgers (34-24)
Previous ranking: 2
6. Red Sox (35-23)
Previous ranking: 4
7. A’s (35-25)
Previous ranking: 8
8. Cubs (32-26)
Previous ranking: 10
9. Brewers (32-26)
Previous ranking: 15
10. Astros (32-26)
Previous ranking: 11
11. Blue Jays (30-26)
Previous ranking: 13
12. Mets (28-23)
Previous ranking: 12
13. Indians (31-25)
Previous ranking: 14
14. Cardinals (31-28)
Previous ranking: 7
15. Yankees (31-28)
Previous ranking: 9
16. Royals (29-27)
Previous ranking: 20
17. Braves (27-29)
Previous ranking: 17
18. Reds (27-29)
Previous ranking: 21
19. Mariners (29-31)
Previous ranking: 18
20. Phillies (27-30)
Previous ranking: 16
21. Angels (27-31)
Previous ranking: 23
22. Nationals (24-31)
Previous ranking: 24
23. Tigers (24-34)
Previous ranking: 26
24. Marlins (24-33)
Previous ranking: 19
25. Twins (23-35)
Previous ranking: 22
26. Pirates (23-34)
Previous ranking: 27
27. Rockies (23-36)
Previous ranking: 28
28. Rangers (23-37)
Previous ranking: 25
29. Orioles (20-38)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Diamondbacks (20-40)
Previous ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (6/1/21)
With the NBA playoffs already underway, I will now be updating my power rankings with only teams who are still in the playoffs, or who have been eliminated in rounds that are still ongoing for the rest of the league.
1. Brooklyn Nets (48-24 - East #2)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Utah Jazz (52-20 - West #1)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Milwaukee Bucks (46-26 - East #3)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Philadelphia 76ers (49-23 - East #1)
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Los Angeles Lakers (42-30 - West #7)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Phoenix Suns (51-21 - West #2)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Los Angeles Clippers (47-25 - West #4)
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Portland Trail Blazers (42-30 - West #6)
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Denver Nuggets (42-30 - West #3)
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Atlanta Hawks (41-31 - East #5)
Previous Ranking: 12
11. Dallas Mavericks (42-30 - West #5)
Previous Ranking: 10
12. Memphis Grizzlies (38-34 - West #8)
Previous Ranking: 14
13. New York Knicks (41-31 - East #4)
Previous Ranking: 11
14. Boston Celtics (36-36 - East #7)
Previous Ranking: 16
15. Miami Heat (40-32 - East #6) - ELIMINATED
Previous Ranking: 13
16. Washington Wizards (34-38 - East #8)
Previous Ranking: 15
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/29/21)
1. Padres (34-19)
Previous Ranking: 3
2. Dodgers (31-21)
Previous ranking: 1
3. Rays (33-20)
Previous ranking: 4
4. Red Sox (32-20)
Previous ranking: 2
5. White Sox (31-20)
Previous ranking: 8
6. Giants (32-20)
Previous ranking: 6
7. Cardinals (30-22)
Previous ranking: 10
8. A’s (31-23)
Previous ranking: 7
9. Yankees (29-23)
Previous ranking: 5
10. Cubs (29-22)
Previous ranking: 14
11. Astros (27-24)
Previous ranking: 9
12. Mets (25-20)
Previous ranking: 12
13. Blue Jays (26-24)
Previous ranking: 13
14. Indians (27-22)
Previous ranking: 11
15. Brewers (27-25)
Previous ranking: 17
16. Phillies (25-27)
Previous ranking: 16
17. Braves (24-26)
Previous ranking: 15
18. Mariners (26-27)
Previous ranking: 21
19. Marlins (24-28)
Previous ranking: 18
20. Royals (24-26)
Previous ranking: 19
21. Reds (22-28)
Previous ranking: 20
22. Twins (21-30)
Previous ranking: 30
23. Angels (23-29)
Previous ranking: 24
24. Nationals (21-27)
Previous ranking: 22
25. Rangers (22-32)
Previous ranking: 23
26. Tigers (21-31)
Previous ranking: 26
27. Pirates (20-31)
Previous ranking: 25
28. Rockies (19-34)
Previous ranking: 29
29. Orioles (17-35)
Previous ranking: 28
30. Diamondbacks (18-35)
Previous ranking: 27
NBA POWER RANKINGS (5/25/21)
With the NBA playoffs already underway, I will now be updating my power rankings with only teams who are still in the playoffs.
1. Brooklyn Nets (48-24 - East #2)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Utah Jazz (52-20 - West #1)
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Philadelphia 76ers (49-23 - East #1)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Milwaukee Bucks (46-26 - East #3)
Previous Ranking: 6
5. Los Angeles Lakers (42-30 - West #7)
Previous Ranking: 3
6. Phoenix Suns (51-21 - West #2)
Previous Ranking: 7
7. Los Angeles Clippers (47-25 - West #4)
Previous Ranking: 5
8. Portland Trail Blazers (42-30 - West #6)
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Denver Nuggets (42-30 - West #3)
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Dallas Mavericks (42-30 - West #5)
Previous Ranking: 11
11. New York Knicks (41-31 - East #4)
Previous Ranking: 12
12. Atlanta Hawks (41-31 - East #5)
Previous Ranking: 14
13. Miami Heat (40-32 - East #6)
Previous Ranking: 10
14. Memphis Grizzlies (38-34 - West #8)
Previous Ranking: 16
15. Washington Wizards (34-38 - East #8)
Previous Ranking: 15
16. Boston Celtics (36-36 - East #7)
Previous Ranking: 17
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/22/21)
1. Dodgers (28-18)
Previous ranking: 3
2. Red Sox (29-18)
Previous ranking: 2
3. Padres (29-17)
Previous ranking: 4
4. Rays (28-19)
Previous ranking: 12
5. Yankees (27-19)
Previous ranking: 10
6. Giants (28-18)
Previous ranking: 6
7. A’s (28-19)
Previous ranking: 17
8. White Sox (26-18)
Previous ranking: 1
9. Astros (26-20)
Previous ranking: 7
10. Cardinals (26-19)
Previous ranking: 5
11. Indians (24-19)
Previous ranking: 9
12. Mets (21-18)
Previous ranking: 13
13. Blue Jays (23-21)
Previous ranking: 11
14. Cubs (23-22)
Previous ranking: 18
15. Braves (22-24)
Previous ranking: 15
16. Phillies (22-24)
Previous ranking: 14
17. Brewers (22-23)
Previous ranking: 16
18. Marlins (21-24)
Previous ranking: 21
19. Royals (21-23)
Previous ranking: 20
20. Reds (20-24)
Previous ranking: 19
21. Mariners (21-25)
Previous ranking: 17
22. Nationals (19-23)
Previous ranking: 24
23. Rangers (21-27)
Previous ranking: 22
24. Angels (19-27)
Previous ranking: 26
25. Pirates (18-27)
Previous ranking: 25
26. Tigers (18-27)
Previous ranking: 29
27. Diamondbacks (18-29)
Previous ranking: 23
28. Orioles (17-28)
Previous ranking: 27
29. Rockies (17-29)
Previous ranking: 28
30. Twins (16-29)
Previous ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (5/18/21)
With the NBA play-in bracket kicking off tonight, I will be updating my power rankings with all 30 teams for the last time this season. I will also shuffle my power rankings to be based on how confident I feel in the team making a Finals run, rather than their performance at the end of the regular season. I will also list playoff seeding and conference beside each team’s record.
1. Brooklyn Nets (48-24 - East #2)
Previous Ranking: 6
2. Utah Jazz (52-20 - West #1)
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Los Angeles Lakers (42-30 - West #7)
Previous Ranking: 10
4. Philadelphia 76ers (49-23 - East #1)
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Los Angeles Clippers (47-25 - West #4)
Previous Ranking: 4
6. Milwaukee Bucks (46-26 - East #3)
Previous Ranking: 5
7. Phoenix Suns (51-21 - West #2)
Previous Ranking: 2
8. Portland Trail Blazers (42-30 - West #6)
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Denver Nuggets (42-30 - West #3)
Previous Ranking: 7
10. Miami Heat (40-32 - East #6)
Previous Ranking: 12
11. Dallas Mavericks (42-30 - West #5)
Previous Ranking: 8
12. New York Knicks (41-31 - East #4)
Previous Ranking: 11
13. Golden State Warriors (39-33 - West #8)
Previous Ranking: 14
14. Atlanta Hawks (41-31 - East #5)
Previous Ranking: 13
15. Washington Wizards (34-38 - East #8)
Previous Ranking: 18
16. Memphis Grizzlies (38-34 - West #9)
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Boston Celtics (36-36 - East #7)
Previous Ranking: 15
18. Charlotte Hornets (33-39 - East #10)
Previous Ranking: 17
19. Indiana Pacers (34-38 - East #9)
Previous Ranking: 20
20. San Antonio Spurs (33-39 - West #10)
Previous Ranking: 19
21. New Orleans Pelicans (31-41 - out)
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Sacramento Kings (31-41 - out)
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Chicago Bulls (31-41 - out)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Toronto Raptors (27-45 - out)
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Minnesota Timberwolves (23-49 - out)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (22-50 - out)
Previous Ranking: 27
27. Oklahoma City Thunder (22-50 - out)
Previous Ranking: 28
28. Orlando Magic (21-51 - out)
Previous Ranking: 26
29. Detroit Pistons (20-52 - out)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Houston Rockets (17-55 - out)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/15/21)
1. White Sox (23-15)
Previous ranking: 5
2. Red Sox (25-16)
Previous ranking: 1
3. Dodgers (22-17)
Previous ranking: 9
4. Padres (23-17)
Previous ranking: 10
5. Cardinals (23-17)
Previous ranking: 3
6. Giants (23-16)
Previous ranking: 4
7. Astros (23-17)
Previous ranking: 17
8. A’s (24-17)
Previous ranking: 2
9. Indians (21-16)
Previous ranking: 6
10. Yankees (22-17)
Previous ranking: 13
11. Blue Jays (21-17)
Previous ranking: 11
12. Rays (22-19)
Previous ranking: 16
13. Mets (18-15)
Previous ranking: 7
14. Phillies (21-19)
Previous ranking: 8
15. Braves (19-20)
Previous ranking: 19
16. Brewers (20-20)
Previous ranking: 12
17. Mariners (19-20)
Previous ranking: 14
18. Cubs (18-20)
Previous ranking: 15
19. Reds (18-19)
Previous ranking: 20
20. Royals (18-21)
Previous ranking: 18
21. Marlins (17-22)
Previous ranking: 22
22. Rangers (18-23)
Previous ranking: 21
23. Diamondbacks (18-22)
Previous ranking: 24
24. Nationals (15-20)
Previous ranking: 25
25. Pirates (17-22)
Previous ranking: 27
26. Angels (16-22)
Previous ranking: 26
27. Orioles (16-23)
Previous ranking: 23
28. Rockies (15-25)
Previous ranking: 29
29. Tigers (14-25)
Previous ranking: 30
30. Twins (13-24)
Previous ranking: 28
NBA POWER RANKINGS (5/11/21)
1. Utah Jazz (50-19)
Previous Ranking: 2
2. Phoenix Suns (48-21)
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Philadelphia 76ers (47-22)
Previous Ranking: 3
4. Los Angeles Clippers (46-23)
Previous Ranking: 5
5. Milwaukee Bucks (44-25)
Previous Ranking: 6
6. Brooklyn Nets (45-24)
Previous Ranking: 4
7. Denver Nuggets (45-24)
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Dallas Mavericks (40-29)
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Portland Trail Blazers (40-29)
Previous Ranking: 11
10. Los Angeles Lakers (39-30)
Previous Ranking: 8
11. New York Knicks (38-31)
Previous Ranking: 10
12. Miami Heat (38-31)
Previous Ranking: 14
13. Atlanta Hawks (38-31)
Previous Ranking: 13
14. Golden State Warriors (37-33)
Previous Ranking: 15
15. Boston Celtics (35-34)
Previous Ranking: 12
16. Memphis Grizzlies (36-33)
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Charlotte Hornets (33-36)
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Washington Wizards (32-37)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. San Antonio Spurs (33-35)
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Indiana Pacers (33-36)
Previous Ranking: 20
21. New Orleans Pelicans (31-38)
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Sacramento Kings (31-38)
Previous Ranking: 22
23. Chicago Bulls (29-40)
Previous Ranking: 24
24. Toronto Raptors (27-42)
Previous Ranking: 23
25. Minnesota Timberwolves (22-47)
Previous Ranking: 28
26. Orlando Magic (21-48)
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Cleveland Cavaliers (21-48)
Previous Ranking: 25
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (21-49)
Previous Ranking: 27
29. Detroit Pistons (20-50)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Houston Rockets (16-53)
Previous Ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (5/8/21)
1. Red Sox (21-13)
Previous ranking: 2
2. A’s (21-14)
Previous ranking: 7
3. Cardinals (20-14)
Previous ranking: 9
4. Giants (20-13)
Previous ranking: 8
5. White Sox (18-13)
Previous ranking: 5
6. Indians (18-14)
Previous ranking: 18
7. Mets (15-13)
Previous ranking: 17
8. Phillies (18-16)
Previous ranking: 15
9. Dodgers (18-16)
Previous ranking: 4
10. Padres (18-16)
Previous ranking: 3
11. Blue Jays (17-15)
Previous ranking: 12
12. Brewers (18-16)
Previous ranking: 1
13. Yankees (17-16)
Previous ranking: 14
14. Mariners (18-16)
Previous ranking: 11
15. Cubs (17-16)
Previous ranking: 24
16. Rays (18-17)
Previous ranking: 19
17. Astros (17-16)
Previous ranking: 10
18. Royals (16-16)
Previous ranking: 6
19. Braves (16-17)
Previous ranking: 21
20. Reds (15-16)
Previous ranking: 23
21. Rangers (17-18)
Previous ranking: 27
22. Marlins (15-17)
Previous ranking: 26
23. Orioles (15-18)
Previous ranking: 22
24. Diamondbacks (15-18)
Previous ranking: 16
25. Nationals (13-16)
Previous ranking: 20
26. Angels (14-18)
Previous ranking: 13
27. Pirates (13-19)
Previous ranking: 25
28. Twins (12-20)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Rockies (12-21)
Previous ranking: 29
30. Tigers (10-24)
Previous ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (5/4/21)
1. Phoenix Suns (47-18)
Previous Ranking: 3
2. Utah Jazz (47-18)
Previous Ranking: 1
3. Philadelphia 76ers (44-21)
Previous Ranking: 6
4. Brooklyn Nets (43-23)
Previous Ranking: 2
5. Los Angeles Clippers (44-22)
Previous Ranking: 4
6. Milwaukee Bucks (41-24)
Previous Ranking: 5
7. Denver Nuggets (43-22)
Previous Ranking: 8
8. Los Angeles Lakers (37-28)
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Dallas Mavericks (37-28)
Previous Ranking: 9
10. New York Knicks (37-28)
Previous Ranking: 11
11. Portland Trail Blazers (36-29)
Previous Ranking: 10
12. Boston Celtics (34-31)
Previous Ranking: 12
13. Atlanta Hawks (36-30)
Previous Ranking: 14
14. Miami Heat (35-31)
Previous Ranking: 16
15. Golden State Warriors (33-33)
Previous Ranking: 15
16. Memphis Grizzlies (32-32)
Previous Ranking: 13
17. Charlotte Hornets (32-33)
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Washington Wizards (30-35)
Previous Ranking: 19
19. San Antonio Spurs (31-33)
Previous Ranking: 18
20. Indiana Pacers (30-34)
Previous Ranking: 20
21. New Orleans Pelicans (30-36)
Previous Ranking: 21
22. Sacramento Kings (28-37)
Previous Ranking: 24
23. Toronto Raptors (27-39)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Chicago Bulls (26-39)
Previous Ranking: 22
25. Cleveland Cavaliers (21-44)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Orlando Magic (21-44)
Previous Ranking: 29
27. Oklahoma City Thunder (21-45)
Previous Ranking: 26
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (20-45)
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Detroit Pistons (19-47)
Previous Ranking: 27
30. Houston Rockets (16-49)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (5/1/21)
1. Brewers (17-10)
Previous ranking: 3
2. Red Sox (17-11)
Previous ranking: 4
3. Padres (16-12)
Previous ranking: 5
4. Dodgers (16-12)
Previous ranking: 1
5. White Sox (15-11)
Previous ranking: 7
6. Royals (16-9)
Previous ranking: 10
7. A’s (16-12)
Previous ranking: 2
8. Giants (16-11)
Previous ranking: 6
9. Cardinals (15-12)
Previous ranking: 14
10. Astros (15-12)
Previous ranking: 17
11. Mariners (15-13)
Previous ranking: 8
12. Blue Jays (13-12)
Previous ranking: 16
13. Angels (13-12)
Previous ranking: 20
14. Yankees (13-14)
Previous ranking: 18
15. Phillies (13-14)
Previous ranking: 12
16. Diamondbacks (14-13)
Previous ranking: 28
17. Mets (10-11)
Previous ranking: 11
18. Indians (12-13)
Previous ranking: 19
19. Rays (13-15)
Previous ranking: 9
20. Nationals (11-12)
Previous ranking: 21
21. Braves (12-15)
Previous ranking: 13
22. Orioles (13-14)
Previous ranking: 27
23. Reds (12-14)
Previous ranking: 24
24. Cubs (12-15)
Previous ranking: 15
25. Pirates (12-14)
Previous ranking: 25
26. Marlins (11-15)
Previous ranking: 22
27. Rangers (12-16)
Previous ranking: 26
28. Twins (9-16)
Previous ranking: 23
29. Rockies (10-17)
Previous ranking: 30
30. Tigers (8-20)
Previous ranking: 29
NBA POWER RANKINGS (4/27/21)
1. Utah Jazz (44-17)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Brooklyn Nets (42-20)
Previous Ranking: 3
3. Phoenix Suns (43-18)
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Los Angeles Clippers (43-20)
Previous Ranking: 6
5. Milwaukee Bucks (38-23)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Philadelphia 76ers (40-21)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Los Angeles Lakers (36-25)
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Denver Nuggets (40-21)
Previous Ranking: 10
9. Dallas Mavericks (34-27)
Previous Ranking: 11
10. Portland Trail Blazers (33-28)
Previous Ranking: 8
11. New York Knicks (34-28)
Previous Ranking: 16
12. Boston Celtics (32-30)
Previous Ranking: 9
13. Memphis Grizzlies (31-29)
Previous Ranking: 13
14. Atlanta Hawks (34-28)
Previous Ranking: 14
15. Golden State Warriors (31-31)
Previous Ranking: 15
16. Miami Heat (32-30)
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Charlotte Hornets (30-31)
Previous Ranking: 17
18. San Antonio Spurs (31-29)
Previous Ranking: 18
19. Washington Wizards (27-34)
Previous Ranking: 20
20. Indiana Pacers (29-32)
Previous Ranking: 19
21. New Orleans Pelicans (27-34)
Previous Ranking: 22
22. Chicago Bulls (26-35)
Previous Ranking: 21
23. Toronto Raptors (26-36)
Previous Ranking: 23
24. Sacramento Kings (25-36)
Previous Ranking: 24
25. Cleveland Cavaliers (21-40)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (21-41)
Previous Ranking: 27
27. Detroit Pistons (19-43)
Previous Ranking: 26
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (19-44)
Previous Ranking: 29
29. Orlando Magic (18-43)
Previous Ranking: 28
30. Houston Rockets (15-47)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/24/21)
1. Dodgers (15-6)
Previous ranking: 1
2. A’s (14-7)
Previous ranking: 8
3. Brewers (12-8)
Previous ranking: 7
4. Red Sox (13-8)
Previous ranking: 6
5. Padres (12-11)
Previous ranking: 2
6. Giants (13-8)
Previous ranking: 14
7. White Sox (11-9)
Previous ranking: 19
8. Mariners (13-8)
Previous ranking: 11
9. Rays (11-10)
Previous ranking: 17
10. Royals (12-7)
Previous ranking: 12
11. Mets (8-8)
Previous ranking: 4
12. Phillies (10-10)
Previous ranking: 18
13. Braves (9-10)
Previous ranking: 13
14. Cardinals (10-10)
Previous ranking: 15
15. Cubs (10-10)
Previous ranking: 25
16. Blue Jays (9-11)
Previous ranking: 16
17. Astros (10-10)
Previous ranking: 12
18. Yankees (9-11)
Previous ranking: 20
19. Indians (8-11)
Previous ranking: 10
20. Angels (9-10)
Previous ranking: 3
21. Nationals (8-10)
Previous ranking: 24
22. Marlins (9-11)
Previous ranking: 22
23. Twins (7-12)
Previous ranking: 21
24. Reds (9-11)
Previous ranking: 5
25. Pirates (10-11)
Previous ranking: 30
26. Rangers (9-12)
Previous ranking: 27
27. Orioles (8-12)
Previous ranking: 23
28. Diamondbacks (9-11)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Tigers (7-14)
Previous ranking: 26
30. Rockies (7-13)
Previous ranking: 29
NBA POWER RANKINGS (4/20/21)
1. Utah Jazz (43-15)
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Philadelphia 76ers (39-18)
Previous Ranking: 3
3. Brooklyn Nets (39-19)
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Phoenix Suns (41-16)
Previous Ranking: 4
5. Milwaukee Bucks (35-22)
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Los Angeles Clippers (41-19)
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Los Angeles Lakers (35-23)
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Portland Trail Blazers (32-25)
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Boston Celtics (31-27)
Previous Ranking: 11
10. Denver Nuggets (37-20)
Previous Ranking: 9
11. Dallas Mavericks (30-26)
Previous Ranking: 10
12. Miami Heat (30-28)
Previous Ranking: 12
13. Memphis Grizzlies (29-27)
Previous Ranking: 14
14. Atlanta Hawks (32-26)
Previous Ranking: 13
15. Golden State Warriors (29-29)
Previous Ranking: 18
16. New York Knicks (32-27)
Previous Ranking: 16
17. Charlotte Hornets (28-29)
Previous Ranking: 15
18. San Antonio Spurs (28-28)
Previous Ranking: 17
19. Indiana Pacers (26-31)
Previous Ranking: 19
20. Washington Wizards (24-33)
Previous Ranking: 23
21. Chicago Bulls (24-33)
Previous Ranking: 21
22. New Orleans Pelicans (25-33)
Previous Ranking: 20
23. Toronto Raptors (24-34)
Previous Ranking: 24
24. Sacramento Kings (23-35)
Previous Ranking: 22
25. Cleveland Cavaliers (20-37)
Previous Ranking: 25
26. Detroit Pistons (18-40)
Previous Ranking: 27
27. Oklahoma City Thunder (20-38)
Previous Ranking: 26
28. Orlando Magic (18-40)
Previous Ranking: 28
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (16-43)
Previous Ranking: 29
30. Houston Rockets (15-43)
Previous Ranking: 30
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/17/21)
1. Dodgers (13-2)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Padres (9-6)
Previous ranking: 2
3. Angels (8-5)
Previous ranking: 9
4. Mets (6-4)
Previous ranking: 10
5. Reds (9-5)
Previous ranking: 11
6. Red Sox (10-4)
Previous ranking: 17
7. Brewers (8-6)
Previous ranking: 15
8. A’s (8-7)
Previous ranking: 18
9. Astros (7-7)
Previous ranking: 7
10. Indians (7-7)
Previous ranking: 16
11. Mariners (9-6)
Previous ranking: 22
12. Royals (8-5)
Previous ranking: 24
13. Braves (6-9)
Previous ranking: 4
14. Giants (8-6)
Previous ranking: 20
15. Cardinals (7-7)
Previous ranking: 8
16. Blue Jays (7-8)
Previous ranking: 19
17. Rays (7-8)
Previous ranking: 12
18. Phillies (7-7)
Previous ranking: 13
19. White Sox (6-8)
Previous ranking: 5
20. Yankees (5-9)
Previous ranking: 3
21. Twins (6-8)
Previous ranking: 5
22. Marlins (7-7)
Previous ranking: 25
23. Orioles (7-8)
Previous ranking: 28
24. Nationals (5-7)
Previous ranking: 21
25. Cubs (6-8)
Previous ranking: 19
26. Tigers (6-9)
Previous ranking: 26
27. Rangers (6-9)
Previous ranking: 29
28. Diamondbacks (5-10)
Previous ranking: 28
29. Rockies (4-11)
Previous ranking: 27
30. Pirates (6-9)
Previous ranking: 30
NBA POWER RANKINGS (4/13/21)
These power rankings have not been updated since December 22, 2020, so there will be some MAJOR changes in the initial and current rankings. However, now that college basketball season is over, I will be updating these power rankings every Tuesday.
1. Utah Jazz (41-14)
Previous Ranking: 9
2. Brooklyn Nets (37-17)
Previous Ranking: 6
3. Philadelphia 76ers (37-17)
Previous Ranking: 10
4. Phoenix Suns (39-15)
Previous Ranking: 14
5. Los Angeles Clippers (38-18)
Previous Ranking: 3
6. Milwaukee Bucks (33-20)
Previous Ranking: 2
7. Los Angeles Lakers (34-21)
Previous Ranking: 1
8. Portland Trail Blazers (31-23)
Previous Ranking: 8
9. Denver Nuggets (34-20)
Previous Ranking: 4
10. Dallas Mavericks (29-24)
Previous Ranking: 11
11. Boston Celtics (29-26)
Previous Ranking: 7
12. Miami Heat (28-26)
Previous Ranking: 5
13. Atlanta Hawks (30-25)
Previous Ranking: 20
14. Memphis Grizzlies (27-25)
Previous Ranking: 18
15. Charlotte Hornets (27-26)
Previous Ranking: 27
16. New York Knicks (28-27)
Previous Ranking: 29
17. San Antonio Spurs (26-26)
Previous Ranking: 17
18. Golden State Warriors (26-28)
Previous Ranking: 13
19. Indiana Pacers (25-28)
Previous Ranking: 15
20. New Orleans Pelicans (25-29)
Previous Ranking: 17
21. Chicago Bulls (22-31)
Previous Ranking: 25
22. Sacramento Kings (22-32)
Previous Ranking: 23
23. Washington Wizards (20-33)
Previous Ranking: 21
24. Toronto Raptors (21-34)
Previous Ranking: 12
25. Cleveland Cavaliers (19-34)
Previous Ranking: 30
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (20-34)
Previous Ranking: 26
27. Detroit Pistons (16-38)
Previous Ranking: 28
28. Orlando Magic (17-37)
Previous Ranking: 22
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (14-41)
Previous Ranking: 24
30. Houston Rockets (14-40)
Previous Ranking: 16
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/10/21)
1. Dodgers (7-1)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Padres (6-3)
Previous ranking: 3
3. Yankees (3-5)
Previous ranking: 2
4. Braves (4-4)
Previous ranking: 4
5. Twins (5-3)
Previous ranking: 6
6. White Sox (4-4)
Previous ranking: 5
7. Astros (6-3)
Previous ranking: 9
8. Cardinals (5-3)
Previous ranking: 11
9. Angels (6-3)
Previous ranking: 15
10. Mets (2-3)
Previous ranking: 7
11. Reds (6-2)
Previous ranking: 18
12. Rays (4-4)
Previous ranking: 8
13. Phillies (5-3)
Previous ranking: 16
14. Blue Jays (4-5)
Previous ranking: 10
15. Brewers (4-4)
Previous ranking: 14
16. Indians (4-3)
Previous ranking: 19
17. Red Sox (5-3)
Previous ranking: 20
18. A’s (3-7)
Previous ranking: 12
19. Cubs (4-4)
Previous ranking: 17
20. Giants (5-3)
Previous ranking: 25
21. Nationals (1-4)
Previous ranking: 13
22. Mariners (4-4)
Previous ranking: 23
23. Orioles (4-4)
Previous ranking: 28
24. Royals (3-3)
Previous ranking: 22
25. Marlins (2-6)
Previous ranking: 21
26. Tigers (3-5)
Previous ranking: 24
27. Rockies (0-3)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Diamondbacks (3-6)
Previous ranking: 26
29. Rangers (3-5)
Previous ranking: 30
30. Pirates (2-6)
Previous ranking: 29
MLB POWER RANKINGS (4/3/21)
1. Dodgers (2-1)
Previous ranking: 1
2. Yankees (1-1)
Previous ranking: 2
3. Padres (3-0)
Previous ranking: 3
4. Braves (0-2)
Previous ranking: 4
5. White Sox (1-2)
Previous ranking: 5
6. Twins (1-1)
Previous ranking: 6
7. Mets (0-0)
Previous ranking: 7
8. Rays (2-1)
Previous ranking: 8
9. Astros (3-0)
Previous ranking: 10
10. Blue Jays (1-1)
Previous ranking: 9
11. Cardinals (1-1)
Previous ranking: 12
12. A’s (0-3)
Previous ranking: 11
13. Nationals (0-0)
Previous ranking: 13
14. Brewers (1-1)
Previous ranking: 14
15. Angels (2-1)
Previous ranking: 16
16. Phillies (2-0)
Previous ranking: 17
17. Cubs (1-1)
Previous ranking: 15
18. Reds (1-1)
Previous ranking: 20
19. Indians (0-2)
Previous ranking: 18
20. Red Sox (0-2)
Previous ranking: 19
21. Marlins (1-2)
Previous ranking: 21
22. Royals (2-0)
Previous ranking: 22
23. Mariners (2-1)
Previous ranking: 25
24. Tigers (2-0)
Previous ranking: 26
25. Giants (1-2)
Previous ranking: 23
26. Diamondbacks (0-3)
Previous ranking: 24
27. Rockies (1-2)
Previous ranking: 27
28. Orioles (2-0)
Previous ranking: 29
29. Pirates (1-1)
Previous ranking: 30
30. Rangers (0-2)
Previous ranking: 28
MLB PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS
In this article, I will be ranking every team in the MLB heading into the season. I will also give my prediction of where each team will end up in their divisional standings, then what I believe each team’s ceiling and floor results are. Lastly, I will add a range of 15 wins that I believe the team’s end of the season record will fall into.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers:
Standings: 1st place in the NL West (with the best record in the MLB)
Ceiling: Winning another World Series
Floor: An appearance in the NL Wild Card game, and an NLDS loss to the Padres or Braves
Win range: 99-114 wins
2. New York Yankees:
Standings: 1st place in the AL East (best record in the AL (2nd overall))
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: An ALDS loss to the Rays
Win range: 93-108 wins
3. San Diego Padres:
Standings: 2nd place in the NL West
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: A loss in the NL Wild Card game to the Mets or Braves
Win range: 89-104 wins
4. Atlanta Braves:
Standings: 1st place in the NL East
Ceiling: Winning the World Series
Floor: A loss in the NL Wild Card game to the Padres or Dodgers
Win range: 87-102 wins
5. Chicago White Sox:
Standings: 1st place in the AL Central
Ceiling: Beating the Yankees in the ALCS to reach the World Series
Floor: A loss in the AL Wild Card game to the Rays or Blue Jays
Win range: 85-100 wins
6. Minnesota Twins:
Standings: 2nd place in the AL Central
Ceiling: Beating the Yankees in the ALCS to reach the World Series
Floor: A loss in the AL Wild Card game to the Rays or Blue Jays
Win range: 85-100 wins
7. New York Mets:
Standings: 2nd place in the NL East
Ceiling: Beating the Cardinals or Cubs in the NLDS to reach the NLCS
Floor: A loss in the NL Wild Card game to the Padres or Dodgers
Win range: 84-99 wins
8. Tampa Bay Rays:
Standings: 2nd place in the AL East
Ceiling: Beating the Twins, White Sox, or Astros to reach the World Series
Floor: The Blue Jays and A’s get the AL wild card spots and the Rays miss the playoffs entirely
Win range: 83-98 wins
9. Toronto Blue Jays:
Standings: 3rd place in the AL East
Ceiling: Beating the Yankees to reach the ALCS
Floor: The Rays and A’s get the AL wild card spots and the Blue Jays miss the playoffs
Win range: 81-96 wins
10. Houston Astros:
Standings: 1st place in the AL West
Ceiling: Beating the Twins or White Sox to reach the ALCS
Floor: The A’s win the division and the Rays and Blue Jays get the AL wild card spots, while the Astros miss the playoffs
Win range: 81-96 wins
11. Oakland A’s:
Standings: 2nd place in the AL West
Ceiling: Beating the Twins or White Sox to reach the ALCS
Floor: The Astros win the division and the Rays and Blue Jays get the AL wild card spots, while the A’s miss the playoffs
Win range: 81-96 wins
12. St. Louis Cardinals:
Standings: 1st place in the NL Central
Ceiling: Beating the Mets or Braves to reach the NLCS
Floor: The Brewers win the division and the Mets and Cubs get the NL wild card spots, while the Cardinals miss the playoffs
Win range: 80-95 wins
13. Washington Nationals:
Standings: 3rd place in the NL East
Ceiling: Beating the Mets in the NL wild card game to reach the NLDS
Floor: The Mets and Brewers get the NL wild card spots, and the Nationals miss the playoffs
Win range: 78-93 wins
14. Milwaukee Brewers:
Standings: 2nd place in the NL Central
Ceiling: The Brewers win the division and beat the Braves or Mets in the NLDS to reach the NLCS
Floor: The Cardinals win the division, while the Mets and Nationals get the NL wild card spots, and the Brewers miss the playoffs
Win range: 78-93 wins
15. Chicago Cubs:
Standings: 3rd place in the NL Central
Ceiling: The Cubs win the division and beat the Braves or Mets in the NLDS to reach the NLCS
Floor: The Cardinals win the division, while the Mets and Nationals get the NL wild card spots, and the Cubs miss the playoffs
Win range: 77-92 wins
16. Los Angeles Angels:
Standings: 3rd place in AL West
Ceiling: The Angels make it to the AL wild card game, but lose to the Rays, Blue Jays, or A’s
Floor: The Angels miss the playoffs by more than seven games in the standings
Win range: 75-90 wins
17. Philadelphia Phillies:
Standings: 4th place in the NL East
Ceiling: The Phillies make it to the NL wild card game, but lose
Floor: The Phillies miss the playoffs by more than ten games in the standings, and finish last in the division behind the Marlins
Win range: 74-89 wins
18. Cleveland Indians:
Standings: 3rd place in the AL Central
Ceiling: The Indians miss the playoffs by less than three games in the standings
Floor: The Indians miss the playoffs by more than 12 games in the standings
Win range: 73-88 wins
19. Boston Red Sox:
Standings: 4th place in the AL East
Ceiling: The Red Sox miss the playoffs by less than seven games
Floor: The Red Sox miss the playoffs by more than 15 games in the standings
Win range: 71-86 wins
20. Cincinnati Reds:
Standings: 4th place in the NL Central
Ceiling: The Reds miss the playoffs by less than three games in a close NL Central divisional race
Floor: The Reds miss the playoffs by more than 15 games in the standings
Win range: 70-85 wins
21. Miami Marlins:
Standings: Last place in the NL East
Ceiling: The Marlins get in a tight playoff race with their young core, but they still miss the playoffs by 5-10 games
Floor: The Marlins miss the playoffs by more than 20 games in the standings while getting embarrassed by the rest of the NL East
Win range: 66-81 wins
22. Kansas City Royals:
Standings: 4th place in the AL Central
Ceiling: The Royals miss the playoffs by less than five games
Floor: The Royals miss the playoffs by more than 20 games in the standings, and finish last in the AL Central
Win range: 67-82 wins
23. San Francisco Giants:
Standings: 3rd place in the NL West
Ceiling: The Giants miss the playoffs by less than ten games, while taking a few games off the Dodgers and Padres and looking competitive
Floor: The Giants miss the playoffs by more than 20 games in the standings, and finish last in the NL West
Win range: 65-80 wins
24. Arizona Diamondbacks:
Standings: 4th place in the NL West
Ceiling: The Diamondbacks miss the playoffs by less than five games
Floor: The Diamondbacks miss the playoffs by more than 20 games, and finish last in the NL West
Win range: 65-80 wins
25. Seattle Mariners:
Standings: 4th place in the AL West
Ceiling: The Mariners miss the playoffs by less than ten games, while some of their prospects get called up to the majors and live up to their expectations
Floor: The Mariners miss the playoffs by more than 20 games, and finish last in the AL West
Win range: 64-79 wins
26. Detroit Tigers:
Standings: Last place in the AL Central
Ceiling: The Tigers miss the playoffs by less than 15 games, and finish 4th in the AL Central
Floor: The Tigers end up with the worst record in the MLB
Win range: 63-78 wins
27. Colorado Rockies:
Standings: Last place in the NL West
Ceiling: The Rockies miss the playoffs by less than ten games, and finish 3rd in the NL West
Floor: The Rockies end up with the worst record in the MLB
Win range: 63-78 wins
28. Texas Rangers:
Standings: Last place in the AL West
Ceiling: The Rangers miss the playoffs by less than 20 games, and finish 4th in the AL West
Floor: The Rangers end up with the worst record in the MLB
Win range: 62-77 wins
29. Baltimore Orioles:
Standings: Last place in the AL East
Ceiling: The Orioles miss the playoffs by less than 20 games, and somehow finish 4th in the AL East
Floor: The Orioles end up with the worst record in the MLB
Win range: 61-76 wins
30. Pittsburgh Pirates:
Standings: Last place in the NL Central
Ceiling: The Pirates win 75 games, and miss the playoffs by less than 25 games
Floor: The Pirates lose more than 100 games on the way to the worst record in the MLB
Win range: 59-74 wins
TAKEAWAYS FROM THE NCAA TOP 16 REVEAL
The stats and information used in this article were taken from before the reveal to accurately represent what the committee was ranking. Results from Saturday and Sunday are not included.
The NCAA Tournament Committee did a reveal of their top 16 teams yesterday morning.
The top 16 teams were ranked as follows:
Gonzaga
Baylor
Michigan
Ohio State
Illinois
Villanova
Alabama
Houston
Virginia
West Virginia
Tennessee
Oklahoma
Iowa
Texas Tech
Texas
Missouri
From the reveal of the top 16, a few trends can be observed and applied to the rest of the bracket to get an early sense of the biggest question: Who’s in? In this article, I will go into detail about five main takeaways I had about this year’s bracket after the reveal.
Quality over quantity
The reason why I say quality was valued over quantity can be explained by a case study of two teams in the top 16: Missouri and Oklahoma. Missouri had the advantage in record (13-4 compared to 12-5) and record against Quad 1 (5-3 compared to 4-5), while Oklahoma was only on the right end of a half game difference between the conference record of the two teams (7-4 compared to 6-4). Yet Oklahoma was ranked a seed line above Missouri, with three teams of separation in between them. But that brings me to my takeaway of quality over quantity. If you look at who these teams beat in Quad 1, and who they lost to, not just how many wins and losses, you can see the committee’s reasoning for putting Oklahoma as a three seed. Oklahoma’s wins against Quad 1, with the team’s corresponding NET ranking are against Alabama (10), West Virginia (17), Kansas (19), and Texas (21), and every loss they have accumulated so far is a Quad 1 loss. Those losses were against Baylor (1), Texas Tech (15) (twice), Kansas (19), and Xavier (33). Their Quad 1 wins are all against the top 25, and four of their five losses are to the top 20, proving that Oklahoma wasn’t playing just any Quad 1 teams, they were playing very good Quad 1 teams. On the other hand, Missouri’s Quad 1 wins are against Illinois (4), Alabama (10), Tennessee (11), Arkansas (26), and Oregon (53). Their losses in Quad 1 are against Tennessee (11), Ole Miss (57), and Auburn (65), to go with a bad Quad 2 loss against Mississippi State (82). On paper, their three good wins and better record against Quad 1 would seem to put them ahead of Oklahoma, but when you look at the teams behind those numbers for Missouri, the losses paint a different picture. If Missouri had avoided the bad loss against Mississippi State, I think they would have moved up to just below or even above Oklahoma. In conclusion, the losses are much worse for Missouri than they are for Oklahoma, and Oklahoma holds a better conference record in what is considered a better conference, adding to the quality of Oklahoma’s resume, and placing them above Missouri.
2. The NET rankings do not dictate the bracket
I do not want to beat a dead horse here, but Missouri is going to be used in this trend too. Missouri, at 35th in the NET, was by far the lowest ranked team to be in the top 16. After the reveal was over, Mitch Barnhart, Athletic Director at Kentucky and Chair of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee talked about a few teams in the conversation for the top 16 that didn't quite make it. “Southern Cal was certainly a team that was in a lot of conversations, another team that was in the conversation a lot was Florida State, and there was [sic] a couple other Big Ten teams as well.” Many thought that USC, Florida State, Wisconsin, or even Purdue or Rutgers might sneak in as the last team in the top 16, and Barnhart confirmed that those teams were close to sneaking in. USC, Florida State, Wisconsin, Purdue, and Rutgers were all ranked higher than Missouri in the NET, at 16th, 22nd, 18th, 24th, and 28th, respectively. If the NET was overwhelmingly the leading metric the committee used to rank teams in the tournament, then Wisconsin or USC would seem like obvious choices to make the top 16 over Missouri. But the NET is just one of many factors the committee uses, and this reveal proved that to be true. For the rest of the bracket, that fact seems to affect the seeding of a team like Loyola Chicago, ranked 13th in the NET, but projected in my latest bracket update as a 10 seed. There are many other teams like Loyola Chicago, USC, and Wisconsin that might be shaking in their boots knowing that just holding up their NET ranking might not be enough to get to where they want to be.
3. The Big Ten and Big 12 are high above the other conferences
Nine of the sixteen teams were from the Big Ten or the Big 12, with four teams from the Big Ten and five teams from the Big 12. Everyone expected these two conferences to dominate the top 16, but the reality that both conferences also had two or three teams that seemingly fell barely on the outside of the top 16 really just highlights how big the gap is between these two conferences and the rest of the conferences. The dominance of these conferences in the top 16 also shows how likely teams on the bubble of either conference are to make it. While I would argue that there is no team lower than a six or seven seed in the Big 12, if a team like TCU is able to string wins together at the end of the year over some of these top 16 teams, the respect that the Big 12 has been given in this ranking would likely allow them to narrowly make the tournament from the bubble. The same situation applies to Big Ten teams on or near the bubble like Maryand, Indiana, or Penn State. These two conferences have been given the respect that they deserve for the great years they are each having.
4. The mid-major conference teams have lots of work to do
This one is not about the fact that Gonzaga was the only team from a mid-major conference in the top 16. I had this takeaway because of a team who was in a major conference, but still missed the top 16: USC. Now, how does USC missing the top 16 impact the mid-majors? It affects them because USC is 17-3 on the year, the leader in the PAC-12, #16 in the NET, 3-1 against Quad 1, 3-2 against Quad 2 and still did not make the top 16. While Mitch Barnhart did say that USC was a team in many of the conversations for a spot in the top 16, they still ended up on the wrong side of the cutoff. USC’s resume is very comparable to a team like Loyola Chicago, Drake, San Diego State, or VCU, in terms of a great record, plenty of wins, but not a lot of high-tier quality wins. USC has more Quad 1 and 2 wins than all of those teams, placing them at around the five-seed range currently, but Drake, San Diego State, and VCU are on the bubble currently (Loyola Chicago is slightly above the bubble). The omission of USC from the top 16 is most likely a sign that large numbers of wins, but no quality wins is not quite enough to make the tournament, which puts into question the likelihood that the aforementioned teams will make the tournament without getting the autobid from winning their respective conferences.
5. Record does not matter
This one should be obvious if you have followed the tournament selection process regularly. A team’s record typically does not define where they end up in seeding. It is all about the resume and overall body of work mixed in with a few electronic metrics. However, this year, it seemed to be even more apparent that record does not matter. I compared Missouri’s resume to Oklahoma’s earlier, and those two teams apply to this takeaway again. Oklahoma was 12-5, while Missouri was 13-4, and yet Oklahoma ended up four teams higher than Missouri. Villanova had two losses, Virginia had three, and they too were passed in the rankings. Villanova was passed by Illinois despite their five losses and Ohio State, despite their four losses. Alabama, with five losses, was placed ahead of Houston (2 losses), and Virginia (3 losses). This is not a new concept or a sudden shift to have teams with mediocre records seeded high because of the quality of their wins, and a lack of bad losses, but it is still something to point out. Record seems to be impossible to judge this year, too, after the many COVID-19 pauses that certain programs have gone through. Michigan will end up playing 20 games (prior to the conference tournament), while Alabama will end up with 27 games (prior to the conference tournament), barring any further postponements. If the committee sticks to their guns, and ranks on resume, not record, then I think we may all know what the top of the bracket will look like before it is revealed on Selection Sunday.
NBA POWER RANKINGS - DECEMBER 22, 2020
The following is a comprehensive ranking of the NBA teams. I have identified one area of focus for each team for this season.
Los Angeles Lakers - Build team chemistry: The Lakers revamped their roster significantly in the offseason. If additions like Dennis Schroder, Marc Gasol, and Montrezl Harrell can synergize around Lebron and AD, the Lakers are primed for a repeat.
Milwaukee Bucks - Find a 6th man: It could be Torrey Craig, Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis, or anyone else who will play significant minutes for this team, but if they can find significant scoring off their bench, this team’s title chances would improve.
Los Angeles Clippers - Stay healthy: The Clippers’ main problem in the playoffs last year was a lack of synergy in their lineup due to all their injuries during the season. This roster will excel if Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Patrick Beverly, and Serge Ibaka can stay on the court together.
Denver Nuggets - Set up Michael Porter to be a star: If the Nuggets can get the young, up-and-coming prodigy to elevate his game even further this season, they can take a formidable Big 3 into a playoff run.
Miami Heat - Pull off more magic at the trade deadline: Last year, the Heat were able to trade with the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire Andre Iguodala, Solomon Hill, and Jae Crowder, all of whom played important minutes in the postseason. If the Heat could find a star to place beside Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, this team could become a major threat to win the title.
Brooklyn Nets - Get the superstars rolling: If Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving can get to MVP form again, this team will have a shot to win the Eastern Conference and the NBA Finals.
Boston Celtics - Play good defense: If the Celtics can utilize the athleticism of their perimeter players on defense, this team can build an identity out of their physicality.
Portland Trail Blazers - Keep Carmelo Anthony on the bench: This is not an attack on Carmelo. It is actually a compliment. The Trail Blazers absolutely need a capable scorer like Carmelo to perform off the bench to keep up with the other powerhouse rosters of the West.
Utah Jazz - Bojan Bogdanovic needs to stay healthy: Bogdanovic got injured late in the season last year and was held out of the playoffs. The Jazz need to make use of his three point shooting to space the floor if they want to make a playoff run in the West.
Philadelphia 76ers - Keep Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons on the floor: I may sound like a broken record at this point with all this talk about players staying healthy, but it really is a key to success in the NBA. The need to stay healthy especially applies to Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, who both have histories of being injured.
Dallas Mavericks - Get production from the secondary scorers: If Josh Richardson and Tim Hardaway Jr. can be productive around Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, this team could be a title contender.
Toronto Raptors - Pascal Siakam must return to form: In the playoff bubble, Pascal Siakam’s numbers dropped significantly in all facets of the game. Siakam needs to recapture his All-Star form for this team to be successful.
Golden State Warriors - Get James Wiseman involved: If the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft is involved in the offense and can make an immediate impact, this team can climb up the ranks of the West.
Phoenix Suns - Let Devin Booker lead: With a veteran presence in Chris Paul as his partner in the backcourt, this might be the year for Devin Booker to take a leap from a star to a potential MVP candidate.
Indiana Pacers - Keep Victor Oladipo satisfied: There have been many rumors this offseason about Victor Oladipo not being happy with his situation in Indiana. Whether the rumors are true or not, if the Pacers can keep him engaged to the team’s current situation, they could be a sneaky playoff threat in the East.
Houston Rockets - Get value from trading James Harden: At this point, it is almost inevitable that Harden will be traded. The Rockets should now aim to get a young star in a trade to pair with John Wall if they want to compete in the West.
New Orleans Pelicans - Allow Zion Williamson to ascend: The short-term success of this Pelicans team is dependent on how quick Zion can become the superstar that he is destined to become. If he is able to make that jump this year, this team has the ability to sneak into the playoff picture in the West.
Memphis Grizzlies - Continue to develop the young guys: With all of the stars in the Western Conference, it is unlikely that the Memphis Grizzlies can make a playoff run. However, if this team can stay in the picture throughout the season, you never know if Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. can elevate their play and carry this team to the playoffs.
San Antonio Spurs - Rely on the veterans: If the Spurs want to sneak into the playoffs, Demar Derozan, Rudy Gay, and Lamarcus Aldridge need to put this team on their back and help them win some tough games.
Atlanta Hawks - Allow Trae Young to be himself: There are many new, veteran additions to this team, like Rajon Rondo and Danilo Gallinari, but for this team to be successful, Trae Young needs to control the game and the style this team plays with.
Washington Wizards - Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal need to help each other out: Both Westbrook and Beal are guards who can pass the ball very effectively, and they need to utilize that ability doe this team to try and sneak into the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Orlando Magic - Feed Nikola Vucevic: Jonathan Issac will be out for the entire 2020-2021 season with an ACL tear, limiting the versatility of the Magic frontcourt. Vucevic’s skillset is still good enough to keep this team in contention for a playoff spot.
Sacramento Kings - De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield must produce: If the young backcourt duo of De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield can combine for 40+ points per game this season, the Kings could take their underrated depth to become a playoff contender in the West.
Minnesota Timberwolves - Develop Anthony Edwards: With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Timberwolves selected Edwards. If he is able to live up to the expectations of a #1 pick, this team could make some splashes throughout the season.
Chicago Bulls - Focus on the young guys: The Bulls know what they have with the talent of Zach LaVine, so their key to this season is developing guys like Coby White and Patrick Williams around him to gear this team up for the future.
Oklahoma City Thunder - Develop your recent draft picks: This is a continuing theme for teams on the outside of the expected playoff history, but if you cannot contend, the best course of action is to focus on development, especially of guys like Theo Maledon, Aleksej Pokusevski and Darius Bazley.
Charlotte Hornets - Let LaMelo loose: With Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier as steady veterans in the lineup, the key to the Hornets achieving any level of success in the present or in the future is to let LaMelo Ball grow through on-court experience.
Detroit Pistons - Derrick Rose should lead the backcourt: The Pistons need veteran and former league MVP Derrick Rose to help 2020 draft picks Killian Hayes and Saben Lee get adjusted to life in the NBA.
New York Knicks - Improve on Defense: The Knicks allowed opponents to score on 38% of their attempts from three-point range last year, which ranked 28th in the NBA. This team needs to significantly improve on defense.
Cleveland Cavaliers - Trade for draft picks: The Cavaliers have Andre Drummond and Kevin Love, two veterans who could help a contending team, but not enough pieces around them to be successful. They should aim to trade at least one of these two veterans to stockpile some draft picks for the future.