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NOTE: The standings are based off the result of Sunday's games.
Last Week's: VSN Power Rankings - Version 2
Biggest Jump: Boston Red Sox +6
Biggest Fall: Toronto Blue Jays -7
1. Texas Rangers - 16-6 [#1 Rudi, #1 Woy]
2. St. Louis Cardinals – 14-8 [#3 Rudi, #2 Woy]
3. Los Angeles Dodgers – 16-6 [#2 Rudi, #4 Woy]
4. Tampa Bay Rays – 14-8 [#5 Rudi, #3 Woy]
5. Atlanta Braves – 14-8 [#4 Rudi, #5 Woy]
6. Washington Nationals – 14-8 [#6 Rudi, #6 Woy]
7. Baltimore Orioles – 14-8 [#7 Rudi, #8 Woy]
8. New York Yankees – 12-9 [#9 Rudi, #7 Woy]
9. Detroit Tigers – 11-11 [#9 Rudi, #9 Woy]
10. Cincinnati Reds – 11-11 [#11 Rudi, #12 Woy]
11a. San Francisco Giants – 12-10 [#13 Rudi, #11 Woy]
11b. New York Mets – 13-9 [#10 Rudi, #14 Woy]
13a. Philadelphia Phillies – 10-12 [#12 Rudi, #15 Woy]
13b. Arizona Diamondbacks – 12-11 [#17 Rudi, #10 Woy]
15. Chicago White Sox – 11-11 [#16 Rudi, #13 Woy]
16a. Toronto Blue Jays - 12-10 [#15 Rudi, #17 Woy]
16b. Cleveland Indians – 11-9 [#14 Rudi, #18 Woy]
18. Boston Red Sox – 10-11 [#20 Rudi, #16 Woy]
19. Milwaukee Brewers – 10-12 [#18 Rudi, #19 Woy]
20. Seattle Mariners - 11-12 [#19 Rudi, #22 Woy]
21a. Oakland Athletics – 11-12 [#22 Rudi, #20 Woy]
21b. Colorado Rockies – 10-11 [#21 Rudi, #21 Woy]
23a. Pittsburgh Pirates – 9-12 [#24 Rudi, #23 Woy]
23b. Miami Marlins - 8-14 [#23 Rudi, #24 Woy]
25a. Los Angeles Angels – 7-15 [#26 Rudi, #25 Woy]
25b. Houston Astros – 8-14 [#25 Rudi, #26 Woy]
27. Chicago Cubs – 8-14 [#27 Rudi, #27 Woy]
28. San Diego Padres – 7-16 [#28 Rudi, #28 Woy]
29a. Minnesota Twins – 6-15 [#29 Rudi, #30 Woy]
29b. Kansas City Royals – 6-15 [#30 Rudi, #29 Woy]
Last Week's: VSN Power Rankings - Version 2
Biggest Jump: Boston Red Sox +6
Biggest Fall: Toronto Blue Jays -7
1. Texas Rangers - 16-6 [#1 Rudi, #1 Woy]Rudi: The Rangers just keep on trucking along, finding themselves at the top of the rankings for the third consecutive week. Hopefully this Josh Hamilton back injury isn’t too serious, but Rangers fan have to be concerned given his history.
Woy: Yu Darvish’s eight and a third innings (7 H, 0 BB, 10 K) of shutout ball against the Yankees was one of the season’s best pitching performances.
Woy: Yu Darvish’s eight and a third innings (7 H, 0 BB, 10 K) of shutout ball against the Yankees was one of the season’s best pitching performances.
2. St. Louis Cardinals – 14-8 [#3 Rudi, #2 Woy]Rudi: Whoever was behind the whole idea of sending Albert Pujols’s hologram to the Angels, instead of the real Pujols is a genius.
Woy: Two flukey losses in Chicago can’t derail the Cardinals, who rebounded with yet another series win against Milwaukee.
Woy: Two flukey losses in Chicago can’t derail the Cardinals, who rebounded with yet another series win against Milwaukee.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers – 16-6 [#2 Rudi, #4 Woy]Rudi: Matt Kemp is incredible. What’s he at already, 35 home runs on the season? Fresh off sweeping the red hot Nationals, people are excited again about Dodger baseball.
Woy: A sweep of the Nationals might prove that these Dodgers are here to stay. Matt Kemp is the game’s best hitter right now.
Woy: A sweep of the Nationals might prove that these Dodgers are here to stay. Matt Kemp is the game’s best hitter right now.
4. Tampa Bay Rays – 14-8 [#5 Rudi, #3 Woy]Rudi: All of the sudden one might consider the devil Rays to be the favorites in the AL East. With the Red Sox’s awful pitching and Ellsbury’s injury, now Swisher and Pineda both out for the year for the Yankees the Rays are about to be lurkin.
Woy: The Rays have won seven of eight and host Seattle and Oakland this week. They will have every chance to take the AL East lead and put some distance on the competitors.
Woy: The Rays have won seven of eight and host Seattle and Oakland this week. They will have every chance to take the AL East lead and put some distance on the competitors.
5. Atlanta Braves – 14-8 [#4 Rudi, #5 Woy]Rudi: The Barves are playing some good baseball. They have one of the most potent offenses in the league thus far.
Woy: Remember when the Braves started out the season 0-3? Me either. Atlanta’s rolling right now and just got better when the return of Tim Hudson.
Woy: Remember when the Braves started out the season 0-3? Me either. Atlanta’s rolling right now and just got better when the return of Tim Hudson.
6. Washington Nationals – 14-8 [#6 Rudi, #6 Woy]Rudi: Nationals fans all over the DMV area have to be fired up right now. Their rotation has been historically good so far, and the call up of Bryce Harper makes the Nationals must see TV.
Woy: Despite being swept by the Dodgers, Bryce Harper has made an immediate impact in DC with some patient hitting and superb defense.
Woy: Despite being swept by the Dodgers, Bryce Harper has made an immediate impact in DC with some patient hitting and superb defense.
7. Baltimore Orioles – 14-8 [#7 Rudi, #8 Woy]Rudi: I’m not sure how long this O’s MAGIC will last, but it sure is fun right now. The Orioles are the only team that are pitching well in the division, so I like their chances if that keeps up.
Woy: Okay Baltimore, you’ve impressed me - time to see if this ranking can stick. Orioles Magic was in full effect on Sunday after a five-run 9th inning, capped by a three-run walk-off homer by Wilson Betemit.
Woy: Okay Baltimore, you’ve impressed me - time to see if this ranking can stick. Orioles Magic was in full effect on Sunday after a five-run 9th inning, capped by a three-run walk-off homer by Wilson Betemit.
8. New York Yankees – 12-9 [#9 Rudi, #7 Woy]Rudi:The Yankees boast one of the best offenses in baseball, but the pitching still has some questions. How much help can an aging Andy Pettite really bring?
Woy: After posting a 12.51 ERA in four starts, Freddy Garcia was removed from the Yankees rotation. Rookie David Phelps will take his place as they wait for Andy Pettite.
Woy: After posting a 12.51 ERA in four starts, Freddy Garcia was removed from the Yankees rotation. Rookie David Phelps will take his place as they wait for Andy Pettite.
9. Detroit Tigers – 11-11 [#9 Rudi, #9 Woy]Rudi: The Tigers have been struggling recently but I fully expect them to recover and run away with the AL Central. The division is too weak for such a talented team not to win it.
Woy: The Tigers fell out of the AL Central lead for the first time all season after losing five of six to the Mariners and Yankees.
Woy: The Tigers fell out of the AL Central lead for the first time all season after losing five of six to the Mariners and Yankees.
10. Cincinnati Reds – 11-11 [#11 Rudi, #12 Woy]Rudi: Jay Bruce won NL Player of the Week after going deep 4 times in the last 4 games and hitting nearly .500 for the week. The Reds are benefitting from an easier part of the schedule currently as well.
Woy: The Reds offense has gotten on track thanks in part to Jay Bruce, who had the deciding run on a solo homer against Houston on Sunday. He leads Cincinnati in all “basic” hitting categories (HR, BA, RBI).
Woy: The Reds offense has gotten on track thanks in part to Jay Bruce, who had the deciding run on a solo homer against Houston on Sunday. He leads Cincinnati in all “basic” hitting categories (HR, BA, RBI).
11a. San Francisco Giants – 12-10 [#13 Rudi, #11 Woy]Rudi: The Giants were one of the hottest teams in the league until they ran into the juggernaut known as the Reds. Pablo Sandoval had a hit in the first 20 games of the season. Not a single person cares about his weight anymore.
Woy: Pedro Sandoval’s 20-game hitting streak came to the end the other night, but his and Buster Posey’s efforts have both paced an offense that has performed better than expected so far.
Woy: Pedro Sandoval’s 20-game hitting streak came to the end the other night, but his and Buster Posey’s efforts have both paced an offense that has performed better than expected so far.
11b. New York Mets – 13-9 [#10 Rudi, #14 Woy]Rudi: Johan Santana has been pitching incredible, but the Mets have yet to score a run in any of his starts. One analyst called the Mets lineup “the best lineup from top to bottom in the NL East.” Good joke.
Woy: Even though they might not have the best line-up in the NL East, their 1-8 is looking good thanks to contributions from guys like Kirk Nieuwenhuis (.316 BA).
Woy: Even though they might not have the best line-up in the NL East, their 1-8 is looking good thanks to contributions from guys like Kirk Nieuwenhuis (.316 BA).
13a. Philadelphia Phillies – 10-12 [#12 Rudi, #15 Woy]Rudi: The return of Chase Utley can’t come soon enough. The offense needs all the help it can get.
Woy: Juan Pierre is leading the Phillies in batting average right now. That’s how bad the Phillies offense is.
Woy: Juan Pierre is leading the Phillies in batting average right now. That’s how bad the Phillies offense is.
13b. Arizona Diamondbacks – 12-11 [#17 Rudi, #10 Woy]Rudi: Joe Saunders has been one of the best yet unknown starters in the league this year. His 0.90 ERA and 2-1 record are not something to be messed with.
Woy: I’ve been impressed with rookie southpaw Wade Miley, who took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Marlins on Sunday.
Woy: I’ve been impressed with rookie southpaw Wade Miley, who took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Marlins on Sunday.
15. Chicago White Sox – 11-11 [#16 Rudi, #13 Woy]Rudi: Jake Peavy seems to have returned to the dominant young pitcher we saw for a short while in San Diego. Paul Konerko is seeing and hitting the ball extremely well so far too.
Woy: Jake Peavy looks like the Peavy of old after a great April (3-1, 1.67 ERA, 33 K). If he can keep it up, there’s a chance the White Sox compete for the second wildcard spot.
Woy: Jake Peavy looks like the Peavy of old after a great April (3-1, 1.67 ERA, 33 K). If he can keep it up, there’s a chance the White Sox compete for the second wildcard spot.
16a. Toronto Blue Jays - 12-10 [#15 Rudi, #17 Woy]Rudi: The Blue Jays are still ahead of the Red Sox in the standings. Edwin Encarnacion may have finally found his calling at the DH spot because there his terrible defense is not an issue. Joey Bats still hasn’t got it going.
Woy: Joey Bats is struggling with consistency at the plate, batting just .190 for the Jays. Toronto is slipping after being swept by the Orioles in three games.
Woy: Joey Bats is struggling with consistency at the plate, batting just .190 for the Jays. Toronto is slipping after being swept by the Orioles in three games.
16b. Cleveland Indians – 11-9 [#14 Rudi, #18 Woy]Rudi: Yeah sure the Indians are in first. It won’t last and they will come back down to Earth quickly.
Woy: Cleveland moved into the AL Central lead after the Tigers struggled this week. They play seven of their next ten games against the White Sox, giving them a chance to put some distance on them.
Woy: Cleveland moved into the AL Central lead after the Tigers struggled this week. They play seven of their next ten games against the White Sox, giving them a chance to put some distance on them.
18. Boston Red Sox – 10-11 [#20 Rudi, #16 Woy]Rudi: Boston is in last place in the AL East. Their pitching needs to get better or they may find themselves near the bottom of the division longer than some might think.
Woy: Break up the Red Sox! After dropping five straight, Boston has won six of seven to get within one game of .500. Jon Lester’s seven innings of shutout ball on Saturday was by far his best April start.
Woy: Break up the Red Sox! After dropping five straight, Boston has won six of seven to get within one game of .500. Jon Lester’s seven innings of shutout ball on Saturday was by far his best April start.
19. Milwaukee Brewers – 10-12 [#18 Rudi, #19 Woy]Rudi: The Brew Crew was able to salvage one game in their weekend set against the Cardinals. That is saying a lot considering they were outscored 20-4 in the first two games of the series.
Woy: After managing to take just one game from bitter rival St. Louis, the Brewers must be thankful to be facing San Diego next.
Woy: After managing to take just one game from bitter rival St. Louis, the Brewers must be thankful to be facing San Diego next.
20. Seattle Mariners - 11-12 [#19 Rudi, #22 Woy]Rudi: Surely some folks inside the Mariners organization are silently fist pumping with the news of Michael Pineda being out for the year. Montero is playing decent, and as of now one would have to consider Seattle the winners in that trade.
Woy: Brendan Ryan is batting under the Mendoza line. Where have I heard that before?
Woy: Brendan Ryan is batting under the Mendoza line. Where have I heard that before?
21a. Oakland Athletics – 11-12 [#22 Rudi, #20 Woy]Rudi: Yoenis Cespedes is a treat to watch. The kid has some serious staying power in the league. How long can Bartolo Colon keep up his great start to the year?
Woy: Bartolo Colon had another outstanding outing on Sunday before the bullpen gave way to Orioles Magic. Him and Tommy Milone’s efforts are keeping Oakland relatively competitive in the AL West.
Woy: Bartolo Colon had another outstanding outing on Sunday before the bullpen gave way to Orioles Magic. Him and Tommy Milone’s efforts are keeping Oakland relatively competitive in the AL West.
21b. Colorado Rockies – 10-11 [#21 Rudi, #21 Woy]Rudi: Jamie Moyer is the best starting pitcher on their staff. Taking nothing away from how well Moyer has pitched, but that just shows you how bad the Rockies rotation is.
Woy: Coors Field proves once again it’s the ultimate “cheese” ballpark after the Rockies put up 18 runs on Friday night.
Woy: Coors Field proves once again it’s the ultimate “cheese” ballpark after the Rockies put up 18 runs on Friday night.
23a. Pittsburgh Pirates – 9-12 [#24 Rudi, #23 Woy]Rudi: The Pirates are averaging 2.3 runs a game. They have scored 18 less runs than the next lowest team in the league (67). It is amazing they don’t have a lot worse record than they do.
Woy: The Pirates offense is still struggling, but received two homers in one day from Pedro Alvarez against the Rockies. Can he break the trend of Pittsburgh first-round busts (minus Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker)?
Woy: The Pirates offense is still struggling, but received two homers in one day from Pedro Alvarez against the Rockies. Can he break the trend of Pittsburgh first-round busts (minus Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker)?
23b. Miami Marlins - 8-14 [#23 Rudi, #24 Woy]Rudi: Giancarlo Stanton finally went deep yesterday. About damn time. Jose Reyes is barely batting over .200, and Josh Johnson looks awful on the mound. The whole dream team idea is not going as smoothly as planned in Miami.
Woy: This team is struggling, dropping six of seven to the Mets and D’Backs. Even with his struggles, Giancarlo Stanton is leading the team in batting average (.247).
Woy: This team is struggling, dropping six of seven to the Mets and D’Backs. Even with his struggles, Giancarlo Stanton is leading the team in batting average (.247).
25a. Los Angeles Angels – 7-15 [#26 Rudi, #25 Woy]Rudi: What the hell is going on with this team? The call-up of Mike Trout screams desperation to me. The hologram of Albert Pujols still has not hit a home run.
Woy: Raise your hand if you have the same amount of homeruns as Albert Pujols! They recently called up Mike Trout in hopes to spark the team, but it’ll take more than the future superstar to turn LA around.
Woy: Raise your hand if you have the same amount of homeruns as Albert Pujols! They recently called up Mike Trout in hopes to spark the team, but it’ll take more than the future superstar to turn LA around.
25b. Houston Astros – 8-14 [#25 Rudi, #26 Woy]Rudi: For everyone coming out in the pre-season and saying the Astros might lose 100 games, I got news for you. This is a scrappy little team that is not as bad as we all thought. Jose Altuve and J.D. Martinez are a couple of good ball players surrounded by nothing.
Woy: By now, I think Jose Altuve has been lifted from the waivers list in every fantasy baseball league.
Woy: By now, I think Jose Altuve has been lifted from the waivers list in every fantasy baseball league.
27. Chicago Cubs – 8-14 [#27 Rudi, #27 Woy]Rudi: Bryan LaHair and Starlin Castro are a couple of good players. The rest of the team – not so much. Cubs fans already are starting down countdowns for the day Alfonso Soriano’s monster contract is finally up.
Woy: The Cubs have their highlight of the 2012 season after taking two of three from the World Champion Cardinals this past week.
Woy: The Cubs have their highlight of the 2012 season after taking two of three from the World Champion Cardinals this past week.
28. San Diego Padres – 7-16 [#28 Rudi, #28 Woy]Rudi: San Diego is hitting a collective .212 as a team. The lone bright spot on this offense is Chase Headley, who leads them in every possible offensive category.
Woy: Even though he has a low average (.253 BA), Chase Headley is looking like the player MVP 06 NCAA Baseball pegged him to be with the Tennessee Volunteers.
Woy: Even though he has a low average (.253 BA), Chase Headley is looking like the player MVP 06 NCAA Baseball pegged him to be with the Tennessee Volunteers.
29a. Minnesota Twins – 6-15 [#29 Rudi, #30 Woy]Rudi: The bottom of the AL Central is pretty damn bad. The Twins have the worst run differential in the entire league right now.
Woy: Carl Pavano leads the Twins in ERA with a 4.91 mark. Yikes!
Woy: Carl Pavano leads the Twins in ERA with a 4.91 mark. Yikes!
29b. Kansas City Royals – 6-15 [#30 Rudi, #29 Woy]Rudi: There isn’t much to say about this team aside from the fact they are 0-10 at home so far. Imagine if your club went the whole month of April without winning a game in front of their home crowd? Yeah, that’s awful.
Woy: The Royals’ rotation, like the Twins’, is awful. After a great first start, TrippingOlney’s favorite player Bruce Chen has struggled...but he still leads the team with a 4.23 ERA.
Woy: The Royals’ rotation, like the Twins’, is awful. After a great first start, TrippingOlney’s favorite player Bruce Chen has struggled...but he still leads the team with a 4.23 ERA.
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