Not much has changed at the top since we came out with our most recent MLB Power Rankings. The Tampa Bay Rays still are the cream of the crop with the Yankees nipping right behind them on their tails.
One team has snuck into the Top 5 this week, a surprise to us, to you, and probably even to your grandmother (we all can admit, grandmothers know everything). Here is a look at this week's MLB Power Rankings
This team is just loaded. Despite a bad outing for staff ace James Shields, this starting pitching staff has simply been amazing. Jeff Niemann (I know you've never heard of him) leads the way with a 5-0 record and a 2.37 ERA. Jeff Niemann? Oh, David Price (7-2, 2.57) and Matt Garza (5-3, 2.97) have been money too, don't worry.
The pitching is good, but the offense just has a perfect balance of power and the ability to manufacture runs. Evan Longoria leads MLB with 42 RBI and Carl Crawford (.321, 4 HR's, 16 SB) is having the best season of his career.
The Rays are simply just scary good. Scary, because they can still be better.
2. New York Yankees (30-20)
Despite facing injury problems (Curtis Granderson, Jorge Posada), the Yankees have managed to hang around in the NL East race. In any other division, they would be sitting comfortably in first place. But, they have some make-up work to do in order to catch the high-flying Rays.
One concern has been the performance of Joba Chamberlain (1-3, 5.82 ERA) in the bullpen. In his last outing against the Cleveland Indians, Joba coughed up an 8th inning lead. Chamberlain managed only to record one out while allowing 4 earned runs on 4 hits and a walk. There is no point having Joba rules if he stinks. Period.
But how about Robinson Cano (.362 avg, 10 HR's, 37 RBI). If the ManSpeak had a vote for AL MVP, we'd vote the earlier mentioned Longoria first, and then Robinson Cano a close second.
The team in the Bronx is looking up at the Rays, but they better be careful, because the team north of the border is just a game behind them. Look for a good match-up this coming weekend in Canada as the Yanks and Blue Jays square-off for the first time in 2010.
3. Minnesota Twins (30-20)
Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer continue to amaze. They have adapted well to the new Target Field and have the Twins ahead by 3.5 games in the AL Central, which in the ManSpeak's opinion is a very underrated division.
The key to this team will continue to be Jon Rauch and the rest of the bullpen. Matt Guerrier and the rest of the bullpen supporting staff have been outstanding, but watch out. These guys have seen a lot of work (Guerrier 23 games, Duensing 20 games, Crain 21 games). If the bullpen wears down, the Twins could be looking at a close race in the AL Central.
4. Cincinnati Reds (30-21)
The Reds were the sexy pick during spring training to be a surprise team. But, how often do you bring the sexiest girl home to Mom and tell her that you actually think its going to work out? In this case, if you liked how the Reds looked at the bar, it may actually work out.
This team is all about power. The Reds hit bombs (Rolen 11 HRs, Votto 10 HRs, Bruce 7 HRs, Gomes 7 HRs, Phillips 7 HRs). The offense is built perfectly for their ball park.
The pitching will be too. Johnny Cueto has hung up 54 K's so far this season, and Aroldis Chatman is on his way with 100 MPH heater which is sure to make plenty of NL Central hitters miss.
As good as the Reds have been, the St. Louis Cardinals are just 1 game back. The two teams play a 3 game set in St. Louis this week, which could be pivotal going into the summer months of the season.
5. San Diego Padres (30-20)
I'm not sure that anybody understands how this team is getting it done. Their starting pitching has been solid, with Mat Latos (5-3, 3.08 ERA) and his 95 MPH sinker getting all of the press. But what else about this team sticks out?
The Padres are 13th in the National League in runs scored. This could be a problem, as traditionally, as the weather heats up, so do the bats in the rest of the league.
We'll have the Padres in the Top 5 for now, but something tells me they won't be there long if they don't start pushing guys across the plate.
On the Rise
Atlanta Braves (28-22)
Suddenly just a half game back of the Phillies, the Braves have gone 8-2 over their last 10 games. Tim Hudson (5-1, 2.24 ERA) has been outstanding all season, his first full season back after a serious arm injury
St. Louis Cardinals (29-22)
The offense in St. Louis has struggled, but Albert Pujols may seriously be heating up. Pujols hit 4 home runs last week and is hitting over .300 again despite being stuck in a month long "slump".
Oakland Athletics (27-24)
No, their record isn't great, but the A's, led by Dallas Braden and a fine pitching staff, are in first place in the AL West.
Who are in your Top 5 Power Ranking in the MLB? Leave a comment below to let us know why you think your team belongs in the Top 5 of the ManSpeak MLB Power Rankings.
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