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Last Week's: VSN Power Rankings - Version 1
Biggest Jump: Toronto Blue Jays +7
Biggest Fall: Los Angeles Angels -12
1. Texas Rangers - 13-3 [#1 Rudi, #1 Woy]
2. St. Louis Cardinals – 11-5 [#2 Rudi, #2 Woy]
3. Detroit Tigers – 10-6 [#3 Rudi, #3 Woy]
4. Washington Nationals – 12-4 [#5 Rudi, #4 Woy]
5. Atlanta Braves – 10-6 [#4 Rudi, #6 Woy]
6. New York Yankees – 9-6 [#7 Rudi, #5 Woy]
7. Los Angeles Dodgers – 12-4 [#6 Rudi, #7 Woy]
8. Tampa Bay Rays – 9-7 [#8 Rudi, #8 Woy]
9. Toronto Blue Jays - 9-6 [#12 Rudi, #9 Woy]
10. Chicago White Sox – 9-6 [#11 Rudi, #11 Woy]
11. Arizona Diamondbacks – 8-8 [#13 Rudi, #10 Woy]
12. Baltimore Orioles – 9-7 [#9 Rudi, #15 Woy]
13a. San Francisco Giants – 7-7 [#14 Rudi, #13 Woy]
13b. New York Mets – 8-6 [#10 Rudi, #17 Woy]
15. Philadelphia Phillies – 7-9 [#16 Rudi, #12 Woy]
16. Cincinnati Reds – 7-9 [#15 Rudi, #16 Woy]
17. Miami Marlins - 7-8 [#20Rudi, #14 Woy]
18. Cleveland Indians – 8-6 [#17 Rudi, #18 Woy]
19. Colorado Rockies – 8-7 [#19 Rudi, #20 Woy]
20a. Milwaukee Brewers – 7-9 [#21 Rudi, #19 Woy]
20b. Los Angeles Angels – 6-10 [#18 Rudi, #22 Woy]
22. Oakland Athletics – 8-9 [#22 Rudi, #21 Woy]
23. Seattle Mariners - 7-10 [#24 Rudi, #23 Woy]
24. Boston Red Sox – 4-10 [#23 Rudi, #25 Woy]
25. Pittsburgh Pirates – 6-9 [#25 Rudi, #24 Woy]
26. Houston Astros – 6-10 [#26 Rudi, #26 Woy]
27. Minnesota Twins – 5-11 [#27 Rudi, #27 Woy]
28a. San Diego Padres – 5-12 [#29 Rudi, #28 Woy]
28b. Chicago Cubs – 4-12 [#28 Rudi, #29 Woy]
30. Kansas City Royals – 3-12 [#30 Rudi, #30 Woy]
Biggest Jump: Toronto Blue Jays +7
Biggest Fall: Los Angeles Angels -12
1. Texas Rangers - 13-3 [#1 Rudi, #1 Woy]Rudi: The Rangers lead the majors in runs scored and have an enormous +52 run differential already. There is not a single easy out in the gauntlet that is their lineup. We are only a few weeks into this season and I don’t see the Rangers blowing the 7 game lead they already have on the Angels.
Woy: The Rangers look on a mission early this season, destroying teams en route to a 13-3 record and a +52 run differential. It has been Matt Harrison who has emerged as an early ace, posting a 1.66 ERA in his three starts - winning them all.
Woy: The Rangers look on a mission early this season, destroying teams en route to a 13-3 record and a +52 run differential. It has been Matt Harrison who has emerged as an early ace, posting a 1.66 ERA in his three starts - winning them all.
2. St. Louis Cardinals – 11-5 [#2 Rudi, #2 Woy]Rudi: Despite the struggles of Adam Wainwright, the defending World Champions are trucking along just fine. They are already 10-5 against other teams in the division. The resurgence of Furcal and Beltran has made the lineup fire on all cylinders even without Albert.
Woy: Injuries will not derail the Cardinals in April as they just continue to find ways to win. They’ve won every series they’ve played in so far thanks in large to the efforts of Kyle Lohse, Jake Westbrook and Lance Lynn - combining for a 8-1 record and 1.21 ERA.
Woy: Injuries will not derail the Cardinals in April as they just continue to find ways to win. They’ve won every series they’ve played in so far thanks in large to the efforts of Kyle Lohse, Jake Westbrook and Lance Lynn - combining for a 8-1 record and 1.21 ERA.
3. Detroit Tigers – 10-6 [#3 Rudi, #3 Woy]Rudi: The back end of the Tigers rotation has struggled but the offense will be as good as any throughout the season. Verlander will be pushing hard to get that perfect game so he can hang out with Kate Upton. The “historically bad” Miguel Cabrera fielding experience is still going along fine.
Woy: Despite losing three of four to Texas, I’ll still put Detroit here because they’ve looked like the second best in the AL so far. Drew Smyly has looked very good in his past two starts, allowing just one earned run over 12 innings.
Woy: Despite losing three of four to Texas, I’ll still put Detroit here because they’ve looked like the second best in the AL so far. Drew Smyly has looked very good in his past two starts, allowing just one earned run over 12 innings.
4. Washington Nationals – 12-4 [#5 Rudi, #4 Woy]Rudi: The Nats wagon will be full of bandwagoning blacks soon enough if they keep winning at this pace. They are off to their best starts in over 20 years thanks to their pitching staff. Washington’s 2.34 team ERA is best in the majors.
Woy: How good is this rotation right now? Four of five starters have a sub-2.05 ERA and Edwin Jackson has a complete game gem over the Reds under his belt. With all the hype they’re getting, Jayson Werth has quietly posted a .322 average and looks to live up to that big contract he received last season.
Woy: How good is this rotation right now? Four of five starters have a sub-2.05 ERA and Edwin Jackson has a complete game gem over the Reds under his belt. With all the hype they’re getting, Jayson Werth has quietly posted a .322 average and looks to live up to that big contract he received last season.
5. Atlanta Braves – 10-6 [#4 Rudi, #6 Woy]Rudi: Many Braves fans were ready to jump off a bridge after their season opening sweep at the hands of the Mets. Oh how things have changed. The Braves have won 10 of their last 12 games and have the best offense in the National League.
Woy: Here are the Braves most expected to show up this season. They are the highest scoring team in the NL because of players like Freddie Freeman, who has not cooled off after his great rookie year in 2011. Brandon Beachy has allowed just one earned run in 19.1 innings and currently leads the league in ERA.
Woy: Here are the Braves most expected to show up this season. They are the highest scoring team in the NL because of players like Freddie Freeman, who has not cooled off after his great rookie year in 2011. Brandon Beachy has allowed just one earned run in 19.1 innings and currently leads the league in ERA.
6. New York Yankees – 9-6 [#7 Rudi, #5 Woy]Rudi: The Bronx Bombers are back. The Yankees have hit the most long balls in the league so far with 27. They benefitted from an epic Boston bullpen collapse on Saturday before the finale was rained out. There was bad news from Yankee camp though with Michael Pineda being shut down again.
Woy: I bet that nine-run comeback to beat arch rival Boston felt good. The Yankees have some questions in their staff - especially with the recent injury news to Michael Pineda - but they can outhit most teams. Derek Jeter in particular is raking like he’s 27, not 37.
Woy: I bet that nine-run comeback to beat arch rival Boston felt good. The Yankees have some questions in their staff - especially with the recent injury news to Michael Pineda - but they can outhit most teams. Derek Jeter in particular is raking like he’s 27, not 37.
7. Los Angeles Dodgers – 12-4 [#6 Rudi, #7 Woy]Rudi: There isn’t much that needs to be said about the Dodgers besides one thing. Matt Kemp. He is 1st in the majors in HR, RBI, AVG, R and OPS. Can you say MVP?
Woy: This just in: Matt Kemp is good at baseball. Could you imagine him in a line-up with great protection rather than someone like Andre Either - who is a solid player - behind him? Kemp might not get a chance for a 50/50 season because he keeps on hitting homeruns.
Woy: This just in: Matt Kemp is good at baseball. Could you imagine him in a line-up with great protection rather than someone like Andre Either - who is a solid player - behind him? Kemp might not get a chance for a 50/50 season because he keeps on hitting homeruns.
8. Tampa Bay Rays – 9-7 [#8 Rudi, #8 Woy]Rudi: The Rays offense has got off to a hot start with the return of Carlos Pena. B.J. Upton just made his debut for the season, but the bullpen depth has looked shaky at times. The pitching staff has the third highest ERA in all the big leagues.
Woy: Five wins in a week is just what the doctor ordered for Tampa Bay. They should be in the thick of the AL East race all season, but will need their highly regarded pitching staff to perform at a better level in order to really challenge the Yankees for first.
Woy: Five wins in a week is just what the doctor ordered for Tampa Bay. They should be in the thick of the AL East race all season, but will need their highly regarded pitching staff to perform at a better level in order to really challenge the Yankees for first.
9. Toronto Blue Jays - 9-6 [#12 Rudi, #9 Woy]Rudi: Toronto has gotten off to a solid start with a shaky back end up the bullpen. Now that Santos is on the DL, Reds cast-off Francisco Cordero was named closer. Good luck Toronto fans.
Woy: If Toronto can get their closer situation settled, then they’re going to make some noise a year or so earlier than expected. They’re winning despite a struggling Joey Bats (.212 average) because the rest of their offense - particularly Edwin Encarnacion - is picking up the slack.
Woy: If Toronto can get their closer situation settled, then they’re going to make some noise a year or so earlier than expected. They’re winning despite a struggling Joey Bats (.212 average) because the rest of their offense - particularly Edwin Encarnacion - is picking up the slack.
10. Chicago White Sox – 9-6 [#11 Rudi, #11 Woy]Rudi: We were all humbled Saturday thanks to Philip Humber’s perfect game. I doubt the White Sox will compete with the Tigers in the long run, but they are playing good baseball thus far.
Woy: Congrats to Philip Humber on a masterful performance on Saturday, pitching a perfect game against the Seattle Mariners. There’s just something about this White Sox team that I like right now and wouldn’t be shocked to see them compete for a Wildcard berth for most of the year.
Woy: Congrats to Philip Humber on a masterful performance on Saturday, pitching a perfect game against the Seattle Mariners. There’s just something about this White Sox team that I like right now and wouldn’t be shocked to see them compete for a Wildcard berth for most of the year.
11. Arizona Diamondbacks – 8-8 [#13 Rudi, #10 Woy]Rudi: The Diamondbacks ran into the offensive juggernaut that is the Atlanta Braves which stopped some of the early season momentum they had. Arizona’s rotation has looked solid so far but the offense has not done much yet.
Woy: Arizona did not have a good week, dropping sets to the Pirates and Braves, respectively. They’ll turn it around soon enough behind that offense - which has struggled with no starter batting over .260.
Woy: Arizona did not have a good week, dropping sets to the Pirates and Braves, respectively. They’ll turn it around soon enough behind that offense - which has struggled with no starter batting over .260.
12. Baltimore Orioles – 9-7 [#9 Rudi, #15 Woy]Rudi: O’s MAGIC is taking over the VSN world by storm. Led by Baltimore comrades MattUM and Leftwich, more and more people are starting to buy into the O’s swag wagon. They are currently only half a game out of first so if their young pitchers can keep it up, they should be able to hang around.
Woy: How long can “Orioles Magic” continue? They have six straight games at home against Toronto and Oakland so they can build some momentum before getting into a really tough part of their schedule that consists of two series against the Yankees and one against the Rangers.
Woy: How long can “Orioles Magic” continue? They have six straight games at home against Toronto and Oakland so they can build some momentum before getting into a really tough part of their schedule that consists of two series against the Yankees and one against the Rangers.
13a. San Francisco Giants – 7-7 [#14 Rudi, #13 Woy]Rudi: Giants fans must be getting close to panic mode. Brian Wilson is out for the year due to his second Tommy John surgery. Tim Lincecum has looked terrible in 3 starts. The offense has looked great so far led by Buster Posey and Melky Cabrera, but questions remain with many parts of the pitching staff.
Woy: Even with the loss of Brian Wilson and the uncertainity around Tim Lincecum, I’m sure the Giants will be fine going forward in the NL West. Buster Posey has rebounded in a big way coming off last year’s gruesome leg injury, hitting close to .400.
Woy: Even with the loss of Brian Wilson and the uncertainity around Tim Lincecum, I’m sure the Giants will be fine going forward in the NL West. Buster Posey has rebounded in a big way coming off last year’s gruesome leg injury, hitting close to .400.
13b. New York Mets – 8-6 [#10 Rudi, #17 Woy]Rudi: The Mets are still above .500. That is a shock to me personally but until they eventually drop off the face of the Earth like we all expect them to they are in the top half of these rankings.
Woy: David Wright’s play so far this season has Mets fans excited and slightly afraid he might leave the team in the off-season - if the Mets don’t trade him to a contender in July first. For now, they will enjoy it as they are still over .500 for the time being.
Woy: David Wright’s play so far this season has Mets fans excited and slightly afraid he might leave the team in the off-season - if the Mets don’t trade him to a contender in July first. For now, they will enjoy it as they are still over .500 for the time being.
15. Philadelphia Phillies – 7-9 [#16 Rudi, #12 Woy]Rudi: The Phillies pitching staff has been as advertised so far. The offense…not so much. They rank second to last in the league in runs scored. With the news of Cliff Lee going on the 15-day DL, the Phillies are going to struggle until they get Utley and Howard back.
Woy: The recent news of Cliff Lee going to the disabled list is like a shot in the arm for Phillies fans, but the rest of their staff should be able to pick up some of the difference. The offense is still struggling without Chase Utley and Ryan Howard and will continue to struggle, but you know they’ll be in the NL East hunt all year.
Woy: The recent news of Cliff Lee going to the disabled list is like a shot in the arm for Phillies fans, but the rest of their staff should be able to pick up some of the difference. The offense is still struggling without Chase Utley and Ryan Howard and will continue to struggle, but you know they’ll be in the NL East hunt all year.
16. Cincinnati Reds – 7-9 [#15 Rudi, #16 Woy]Rudi: Aroldis Chapman has pitched 10.1 innings, struck out 18 guys and given up 3 hits. The offense is still struggling immensely but everyone has to believe it will come around soon enough.
Woy: Offensive struggles still have continued for Cincinnati, although they have been improved upon after a recent shake-up of the line-up. Bronson Arroyo has surprisingly looked good so far and will be needed to continue this pace if the offense continues to slump.
Woy: Offensive struggles still have continued for Cincinnati, although they have been improved upon after a recent shake-up of the line-up. Bronson Arroyo has surprisingly looked good so far and will be needed to continue this pace if the offense continues to slump.
17. Miami Marlins - 7-8 [#20Rudi, #14 Woy]Rudi: The Marlins finally set off the HR THINGY this week. I think this team will start playing better now that the Fidel Castro fiasco is behind them. Giancarlo Stanton has to start hitting the ball sometime, right?
Woy: Hanley Ramirez is proving you can indeed hit it out of Marlins Park, with two monster homers against the Cubs that towered over left-center and center field. We’ll see how this team progresses or regresses following Ozzie Guillen’s return.
Woy: Hanley Ramirez is proving you can indeed hit it out of Marlins Park, with two monster homers against the Cubs that towered over left-center and center field. We’ll see how this team progresses or regresses following Ozzie Guillen’s return.
18. Cleveland Indians – 8-6 [#17 Rudi, #18 Woy]Rudi: The Indians have gotten off to a decent start reminiscent of their start to last season. We all remember how long that lasted. Justin Masterson has been awful as the “ace” of their staff.
Woy: The offense has been solid in Cleveland so far, with players like Jason Kipnis bringing in important runs. Their starting pitching could be a lot better however.
Woy: The offense has been solid in Cleveland so far, with players like Jason Kipnis bringing in important runs. Their starting pitching could be a lot better however.
19. Colorado Rockies – 8-7 [#19 Rudi, #20 Woy]Rudi: The Rockies rotation has been atrocious. Lucky for them the offense is producing a lot of runs to keep them in high scoring games. It won’t take long for the terrible starting pitching to catch up to this team.
Woy: Winning two series in a week can only move you up in the power rankings. Jamie Moyer has an ERA under three at the moment, which has to be a record of some kind at his age.
Woy: Winning two series in a week can only move you up in the power rankings. Jamie Moyer has an ERA under three at the moment, which has to be a record of some kind at his age.
20a. Milwaukee Brewers – 7-9 [#21 Rudi, #19 Woy]Rudi: Reigning PED/MVP Ryan Braun is starting to hit better. The rotation still has many questions which have yet to be answered especially with Chris Narveson going down for the year.
Woy: With Chris Narveson going to the DL, highly-regarded prospect Wily Peralta will be showcased in the majors during his absence. Batting in the .100’s, how long will it be until Milwaukee fans are tired of Nyjer Morgan like the rest of us are?
Woy: With Chris Narveson going to the DL, highly-regarded prospect Wily Peralta will be showcased in the majors during his absence. Batting in the .100’s, how long will it be until Milwaukee fans are tired of Nyjer Morgan like the rest of us are?
20b. Los Angeles Angels – 6-10 [#18 Rudi, #22 Woy]Rudi: Albert Pujols has not hit a home run yet in Anaheim. The aging outfield clearly needs some type of young spark. Mike Trout anyone?
Woy: St. Louis apparently sent a holographic version of Albert Pujols to Los Angeles rather than the actual one. You can see he’s getting frustrated with these warning track shots, but I believe once he hits one, a lot more will soon follow.
Woy: St. Louis apparently sent a holographic version of Albert Pujols to Los Angeles rather than the actual one. You can see he’s getting frustrated with these warning track shots, but I believe once he hits one, a lot more will soon follow.
22. Oakland Athletics – 8-9 [#22 Rudi, #21 Woy]Rudi: The A’s are riding their young arms to a very respectable 3.11 team ERA. Tommy Milone is one of my favorite young pitchers to watch so far this year. Bartolo Colon throw 38 consecutive strikes during his start against the Angels. Not much can be said about the offense as they are barely hitting above .200 as a team.
Woy: How did Bartolo Colon of all people throw 38 consecutive strikes? Yoenis Cespedes raised his average over the week from from .212 to .255.
Woy: How did Bartolo Colon of all people throw 38 consecutive strikes? Yoenis Cespedes raised his average over the week from from .212 to .255.
23. Seattle Mariners - 7-10 [#24 Rudi, #23 Woy]Rudi: The Mariners had a perfect game thrown against them. The bullpen also blew King Felix’s great start of 8 innings and 12 strikeouts a few nights ago. Not much to be excited about in Mariner land right now.
Woy: It could be worse Mariner fans; I mean, look what’s going on with Michael Pineda’s health right now.
Woy: It could be worse Mariner fans; I mean, look what’s going on with Michael Pineda’s health right now.
24. Boston Red Sox – 4-10 [#23 Rudi, #25 Woy]Rudi: The Red Sox debacle to start the season has been very entertaining. Fans have already turned on Bobby Valentine and are regularly booing him every time he steps on the field. Boston’s pitching has been absolutely terrible from the starting rotation to the back end up the bullpen.
Woy: At least the Fenway 100th year celebration was awesome. I feel like the drunk Kevin Millar from that day could produce more than most of the Red Sox offense can right now.
Woy: At least the Fenway 100th year celebration was awesome. I feel like the drunk Kevin Millar from that day could produce more than most of the Red Sox offense can right now.
25. Pittsburgh Pirates – 6-9 [#25 Rudi, #24 Woy]Rudi: The Pirates rank last in the league in Runs Scored, Batting Average, On Base Percentage and Slugging Percentage. Safe to say the only reason they are 6-9 is due to their pitching. AJ Burnett looked great in his debut.
Woy: I watched AJ Burnett’s debut in person and was impressed with how easily he dominated after a shaky first inning. The pitching has been solid for Pittsburgh, so he only adds to that element with his effort. The offense still stinks however.
Woy: I watched AJ Burnett’s debut in person and was impressed with how easily he dominated after a shaky first inning. The pitching has been solid for Pittsburgh, so he only adds to that element with his effort. The offense still stinks however.
26. Houston Astros – 6-10 [#26 Rudi, #26 Woy]Rudi: The Astros ran into the Matt Kemp show but were able to salvage a win in the series. The lineup the Astros put on the field on a daily basis is nothing more than a glorified AAA lineup.
Woy: Wandy Rodriguez has quietly developed into one of the better NL arms during the past few years.
Woy: Wandy Rodriguez has quietly developed into one of the better NL arms during the past few years.
27. Minnesota Twins – 5-11 [#27 Rudi, #27 Woy]Rudi: The M&M bros are hitting the ball well. So is Josh Willingham who leads the team in HR and RBI so far. The pitching staff would be ranked dead last in the majors if not for the Red Sox awful staff.
Woy: The Twins’ rotation is absolutely atrocious. Paging Brad Radke!
Woy: The Twins’ rotation is absolutely atrocious. Paging Brad Radke!
28a. San Diego Padres – 5-12 [#29 Rudi, #28 Woy]Rudi: The Padres are awful. The only reason they are not dead last is because the Royals are just as bad.
Woy: I applied for a summer internship with the Padres a few months ago. I’m almost glad I didn’t get it, because I wouldn’t be able to stomach watching this kind of product every day.
Woy: I applied for a summer internship with the Padres a few months ago. I’m almost glad I didn’t get it, because I wouldn’t be able to stomach watching this kind of product every day.
28b. Chicago Cubs – 4-12 [#28 Rudi, #29 Woy]Rudi: Bryan LaHair looks to be a legit first basemen. He is making Cubs fans willing to wait on the emergence of Anthony Rizzo. Starlin Castro, who has had over 20 errors the previous 2 seasons, already has 7 errors this year. There is no doubt Starlin can hit, but he may need to find another position in the field.
Woy: The Cubs gave up the winning two runs to the Reds today off a fielder’s choice and walk. Yeah, they’re that bad.
Woy: The Cubs gave up the winning two runs to the Reds today off a fielder’s choice and walk. Yeah, they’re that bad.
30. Kansas City Royals – 3-12 [#30 Rudi, #30 Woy]Rudi: Every year it seems many experts predict the Royals to be a potential “break-out” team. 10 losses in a row later, I think its safe to think about next year for Kansas City.
Woy: Different year, same ‘ol Royals. 10 straight losses have officially knocked them out of playoff contention for 2012 and 2013.
Woy: Different year, same ‘ol Royals. 10 straight losses have officially knocked them out of playoff contention for 2012 and 2013.
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