8/13/07 Power Rankings: Milton Friedman Would Be Proud
1) Yankees: The Power Rankings now mirror the payroll rankings in MLB’s model of laissez-faire capitalism (in the top 2 positions, at least). Still back 4 games, and their remaining schedule is theoretically tougher than Boston’s, but this team simply beating everyone right now. The cupcakes and the juggernauts.
2) Red Sox: #1 and #2 are close, and I’ll probably hear it for this. The main reason I have Boston #2 right now: if these two teams were to face each other tomorrow, I just wouldn’t feel good about it. The Eric Gagne Era has been about as fun as a stroll through a Chernobyl children’s hospital ward. I think he’ll eventually be fine, but damn.
3) Angels: When the Sox were playing these guys in Anaheim, one thing occurred to me: this team is very boring to watch. They have a couple of interesting pitchers, and Vlad will put on a show, but the rest of this squad has the personality of a tax attorney on vicodin. Still, with Seattle remaining as their only real competition, you have to like this team’s chances of going deep into October.
4) Mets: The gap between #3 and #4 is somewhat large. John Maine has been getting plenty of praise for his breakthrough season, but perhaps more surprising is the ressurection of Oliver Perez, who looked to be nothing more than an example of lost potential a year ago. Perez is now resmbling the 2004 version of himself, among the league leaders in Ks and ERA.
5) Padres: Speaking of strong pitching, Jake Peavy is probably the #1 candidate for the CY Young Award today, with his left-hook throwing teammate Chris Young not far behind. Unfortunately, the Pads can’t really hit (team OPS+ of 95).
6) Indians: Just swept by the Yankees, and looking like they might not be as tough as we thought down the stretch. And please, no more “Manager of the Year” talk for Eric Wedge. Having a cartoon super hero chin is not criteria enough, and anyone who lets a reliever with an ERA of 5.00 pitch the most critical innings of the game isn’t fit to manage an Orange Julia stand. Honestly, I’m disgusted with the AL Central in general right now. Cleveland, kiss my ass.
7) Diamondbacks: I’ve never seen anything quite like this. Arizona has a Pythagorean record 11 games below their actual record. Putting aside that for a moment, it looks like they are starting to kick it into gear, calling up uber-prospect Justin Upton (.290/.353/.677 thus far). A 4 game lead i substantial enough at this point in the season where the D-Backs should be taken seriously.
8) Tigers: There is a disturbing trend going on: teams that live near polluted lakes are getting beat up by the Yankees. The way these Tigers are playing, it appears as if they are ready to continue that trend later this week. Their starting pitching has gone from excellent to average, and their bullpen has gone from bad to…well, they’ve been consitant all year. So, there you go.
9) Brewers: Milwaukee has a surprisingly well-balanced team, except for one major aspect – their rotation. As a rule, it is generally a bad thing when Jeff Suppan leads your team in innings pitched.
10) Phillies: New acquisition Tadahito Iguchi is filling in just fine (.362/.426/.500) for superstar Chase Utley.
Ummm, Bruce Bochy is not the manager of the Padres. Bud Black is. Bochy manages (barely) the Giants.
Well, that’s a bummer. My large skull joke is now rendered useless. :(
Thanks – brainfart with my BB’s.