RADIO
Power Rankings: Pivotal Players
This week I will identify one key player that has either helped or hurt his team during the early stages of the 2014 season.
The weekly power rankings are out and the members of the top tier have clearly separated themselves thus far. I'm still not completely sold on the Brew Crew, but they have earned their place with an impressive start. Much like the elite, the bottom is getting all too comfortable with their standing.
Best of the Best
Detroit Tigers
Once you get past the Tigers big three in the rotation some might breath a little easier. Rick Porcello is starting to change all of that with a 7-1 mark to go along with an era near 3. If he keeps up the pace and bounces back from his one blow up, Detroit may wrap up the division in August.
Oakland A’s
Shrewd… That is an apt description of the offseason work that put the A’s at the top of division year after year. Bartolo Colon could have been resigned, but the decide to take that money and put it into Scott Kazmir. All Kazmir has done is prove last year was no fluke by shoving it up the rest of the AL.
San Francisco Giants
With the uncertainty of Tim Lincecum and Ryan Vogelsong, the Giants turned to the veteran Tim Hudson during last winter. Hudson has been one of the top 5 starters over the last 10-12 years and is continuing his consistency in 2014.
Milwaukee Brewers
This is a franchise that really has not accomplished much in the big picture. For the longest time it has needed a personality to shake things up. I think they found it in Carlos Gomez. He is a polarizing figure, but there is no doubt that he plays with energy and passion and is the main reason the Brewers are where they are right now.
Toronto Blue Jays
These guys remind me of the slow pitch beer league team that is only allowed to hit 4 homeruns in an inning then it turns into an out. Joey Bats was coming of a season ending injury and they needed him back at full strength. So far, so good and its got the Jays in 1st place.
Worst of the Worst
San Diego Padres
I have to admit that this team is better, but they are no pleasure to watch. Two years ago Chase Headley was a monster for half a season. If you're looking for more of that, you're going to have to wait through a half dozen DL trips to see if that was real.
Boston Red Sox
How has it gone replacing Jacoby Ellsbury? I am thinking that the Jackie Bradley Jr. experiment is wearing a little thin in Beantown. Which is more worrisome his .200 average or the boatload of punch outs?
Chicago Cubs
A lot of eyebrows were raised when Edwin Jackson was signed to a long-term deal last year. Jackson definitely possesses plus stuff as evidenced by his no hitter, but you're constantly expecting and wanting more. The relentless teasing reminds me a lot of my Junior Prom.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks have found themselves on their backs on a lot of recent trades. Davidson for Addison Reed was an interesting one for sure. Although Reed has nailed down 13 saves, he has given up 6 bombs already. In yielding a .302 BAA at home, he has caused many pitchers fights at the bat rack.
Houston Astros
The hopes going into the season was that Chris Carter could hit enough to anchor the middle of the lineup. I am starting to think that Carter watched a few too many Rob Deer highlights. Epic swing and miss.
