| 1 |
 |
67
(13-3) |
| The Rays close out the regular season with
a slight edge over the Reds in the Power Rankings. The
Rays scored runs at an average of 9.31 per game, which
is best in the division. Their 4.69 runs allowed per game
puts their defense in the Top 5 as well. After their first
round bye, the Rays will face the winner of Rangers and
Phillies. |
|
| 2 |
 |
66
(13-2-1) |
| The Reds head-to-head victory over the Rays was not
enough to push them into 1st place in the Power Rankings.
The Big Red Machine runs on pitching and defense. They
only allow 2.75 runs per game which is 1.5 runs better
than anyone in the division. Their pitching drove them
to the second best run differential at +72; second only
to the Rays with +74. |
|
| 3 |
 |
58
(12-4) |
| The Mets edge out the Royals for the #3 spot. They are
second in runs scored per game and allow only 5.25 runs
per game. The Mets finished the year winning 5 out of
their last 6 games. They will have to perform better against
the top teams to have a shot in the playoffs. Their 4
losses came at the hands of the Reds (2 times), Royals
(17 to 0) and Rays. |
|
| 4 |
 |
57
(11-5) |
| The Royals have won 3 out of their last
4 games since our last power rankings were posted. They
have the 3rd best run differential in the division at
+69 and are one of only 3 teams to approach the 140-run
mark. The Royals will face the winner of the Rockies and
Twins in their initial playoff game. In the regular season,
they beat the Rockies 6 to 3 and the Twins 13-3. |
|
| 5 |
 |
52
(10-6) |
| The Rockies are second only to the Reds in runs allowed
per game. If they make a long run in the playoffs, it
will likely be due to their pitching. However, the Rockies
have had some strong offensive games putting up 10 or
more runs in eight of their games. The Rockies open up
against the Twins and if they are successful will face
the Royals in the second round. |
|
| 6 |
 |
40
(9-7) |
| The Angels have a winning record, despite
having a -4 run differential. They have an above average
offense; however, have been challenged at times on defense.
The Angels allow 8.00 runs per game and will need to improve
that number to be competitive with the top teams. They
open the playoffs against the Giants who are the 6th seed
in the NL. |
|
| 7 |
 |
38
(7-8-1) |
| The Mariners primary strength is their pitching
and defense. Their 6.13 runs allowed per game is good
for 6th best in the division. The Mariners key wins came
against the Royals and Rockies, showing they can play
with the top teams in the league. |
|
| 8 |
 |
32
(7-9) |
| The Rangers are an interesting team and
could be a darkhorse in the playoffs. They have played
the top two teams well with a 10-2 win over the Reds and
a close loss to the #1 ranked Rays. The Rangers are the
only team to post double-digit runs against the stellar
Reds' defense. |
|
| 9 |
 |
26
(6-10) |
| Seven of the Phillies'games have been decided
by 2 runs or less. The Phillies lost four of those games
so they could easily be (10-6) instead of (6-10). That
fact alone makes them a dangerous playoff opponent. Additionally,
the Phillies have an impressive win over the #5 ranked
Rockies and played the #3 ranked Mets to a 3-1 loss. |
|
| 10 |
 |
18
(3-12-1) |
| It's been a long, tough road for the Dodgers.
They have allowed 9.19 runs per game, while scoring only
5.19... the good news?... they open the playoffs against
the Mariners, a team they played to a 7-7 tie in the regular
season. Who knows?.. win a first round match-up, have
a hot game at the plate, and you find yourself right in
the mix! |
|
| 11 |
 |
12
(2-14) |
| The Twins limp into the playoffs on an 8
game losing streak. They have allowed double-digits in
runs in each of those losses. The Twins will not go down
without a fight, so don't count them out at all. They
have been competitive against some of the top teams; including
the Royals, Mariners, and Angels. |
|
| 12 |
 |
6
(1-14-1) |
|
The four leaf clovers finally did the trick as the
Giants picked up their first win of the season. What
do you say we keep them there for the playoffs? Go Giants!!!!
|
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