MLB Power Rankings: The Top and Bottom

The MLB season is really heating up and some teams have emerged as legit title contenders.

The top part of NL West has really taken off with two teams getting involved in the latest power rankings.  Other teams are not looking as good, and find themselves towards the bottom of the barrel.

These MLB rankings are not strictly based on standings or runs scored. Let's see if you agree with this week's edition. As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments.

The Cream Of The Crop

1. Detroit (1^st place in AL Central)

Horse (n) -Strong, durable pitcher with above average stuff, characterized by going deep into games and piling up big strikeout numbers.    The Tigers have three horses, while most clubs would be happy to have one.  That sets them apart and makes them so difficult to beat right now as evidenced by their league leading winning %. On another note, Torii Hunter is building a Hall of Fame career.  Along with his offense, remember how good his defense was with the Twins?  That should count for something. And Miggy hasn't even gotten "hot" yet. Watch out.

2. Colorado (2^nd place NL West)

Two keys to their success: quality starts and health.  If they can sustain both of those, they are a playoff contender.  Their offense is ridiculous right now.  Vets, stars, rookies, and bench players are all eating the same thing for breakfast.

3.Milwaukee (1^st Place in NL Central)

The best thing the Brewers can do is to keep looking forward.  The three teams in their rear view mirror are all capable of catching them, but they are getting Braun and Aramis back soon and that will give them a jolt.  The Brewers hot start reminds me of the D-backs last year.  For most of the first half, Arizona had a loose hold on the top of the division only to see the Dodgers race past.

4. San Francisco (1^st place NL West)

The Giants have that every other year thing going on.  I am keeping an eye on two key players that are surrounded by question marks.   Can Mike Morse stay healthy and put together a big power year like he did with the Nationals in 2011? How much of the old Tim Lincecum are we going to see in 2014?  If the answer to those questions are positive, it should be a good year in the bay area.

5. Oakland (1^st place in AL West)

The A’s struggled against the surging Mariners, but found a way to escape a four game sweep thanks to Drew Pomeranz.  Other than the Astros, the AL West could be a fun race to watch.

The Bottom Of The Barrel

26. Pittsburgh (4^th in NL Central)

Too good to be on this list for sure, but they need to start figuring things out quickly. Gregory Polanco would help them win more games right now, but I guess even for contending teams there are more important concerns.

27. San Diego (4^th in NL West)

Boring….. This team does not move the needle.  Not even an inch.  Some experts point at the Padres and talk about sleeper or dark horse.  I would be surprised if they were any higher than fourth throughout the season. Kennedy and Cashner will keep them in games, but their offense doesn't score enough runs to win those games.

28. Arizona (Last in NL West)

They can say what they want about addition by subtraction with the Justin Upton trade, but that move is  really kicking them in the butt right now.  With Upton, the D-backs would have had protection for Paul Goldschmidt.  Plus there would have been no need for the Mark Trumbo deal.  Don’t forget that the last time Arizona celebrated a playoff spot, J-Up was the best player on that team.  The pitching is a mess here as well.

29. Chicago (Last in NL Central)

Notwithstanding their 17-5 shellacking of the Cardinals Monday night, the Cubs are the guy standing on the boat with the telescope struggling to see something in the distance.  The object that he is looking for seems to be getting smaller and smaller and is the rest of the division. Their future looks bright, but their present is dimming.

30. Houston (Last in AL West)

Say what you want about Seattle spending $240 million on Robinson Cano, at least they got their 3-hole hitter for the next few years.  Look at Houston, they do not have a bat in the middle of their lineup that scares anyone.  One of their young studs could emerge, but until then it will not be a competitive lineup.