Updated MLB Power Rankings: Where Do Things Stand at the Quarter-Pole Mark?

The 2012 MLB season is roughly a quarter of the way over, and while there have been a handful of teams that have established themselves as elite at this point, the middle of the pack is made up of nearly half of the MLB.

It has been a season of parity thus far, as 11 teams enter play on Monday in the 19- to 21-win range, and several divisions show the top and bottom teams separated by just a handful of games.

In lieu of a team outlook this week, I have named my top hitter and pitcher for each team at the quarter-pole mark of the season.

Here is a look at this week's MLB power rankings. Check back here each Monday morning for an updated look at where your favorite team stands.

*Note: Rosters taken from MLBDepthCharts.com

30. Chicago Cubs (15-26, Previous: 27)

Current Lineup 

RF David DeJesus
CF Tony Campana
SS Starlin Castro
1B Bryan LaHair
LF Alfonso Soriano
3B Ian Stewart
2B Darwin Barney
C Koyie Hill
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ryan Dempster
SP Matt Garza
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Paul Maholm
SP Travis Wood
CL Rafael Dolis

Last Week's Record: 1-6 

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Bryan LaHair (.315/.415/.629, 10 HR, 21 RBI)

After boasting a line of .331 BA, 38 HR, 109 RBI at Triple-A last season, LaHair has been fantastic in his first taste of regular big-league action. That said, a move to the outfield or another team could be on the way, as top first base prospect Anthony Rizzo is knocking on the door.

Top Pitcher: Jeff Samardzija (8 GS, 4-2, 3.00 ERA, 53 Ks, 51 IP)

Starters Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster both have lower ERAs, but Samardzija has been a revelation in his first chance as an unquestioned member of the rotation. At over a strikeout an inning, he has shown flashes of dominance and has rewarded the new regime for their faith in him.

29. Colorado Rockies (15-25, Previous: 28)

Current Lineup

2B Marco Scutaro
3B Jonathan Herrera
LF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Todd Helton
RF Michael Cuddyer
C Ramon Hernandez
CF Dexter Fowler
Pitcher

Current Rotation 

SP Jeremy Guthrie
SP Jamie Moyer
SP Juan Nicasio
SP Alex White
SP Christian Friedrich
CL Rafael Betancourt

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Carlos Gonzalez (.294/.369/.517, 7 HR, 30 RBI)

Gonzalez has been the team's only consistent hitter this season and is the only regular starter with an average over .270 on the season. His numbers are rock-solid across the board.

Top Pitcher: Jamie Moyer (8 GS, 2-3, 4.20 ERA, 29 Ks, 45 IP)

The fact that the 49-year-old Moyer is the team's best pitcher so far says as much about how impressive a player Moyer is as it does about the current state of Colorado's pitching staff.

28. Minnesota Twins (14-27, Previous: 30)

Current Lineup

CF Denard Span
SS Brian Dozier
C Joe Mauer
LF Josh Willingham
1B Justin Morneau
DH Ryan Doumit
RF Trevor Plouffe 
2B Alexi Casilla
3B Jamey Carroll

Current Rotation

SP Carl Pavano
SP Jason Marquis
SP Scott Diamond
SP P.J. Walters
SP TBD
CL Matt Capps

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Josh Willingham (.292/.410/.592, 8 HR, 25 RBI) 

Signed in the offseason to replace Michael Cuddyer, Willingham has thrived in his first season in Minnesota and anchored the middle of the lineup.

Top Pitcher: Scott Diamond (3 GS, 3-0, 1.40 ERA, 13 Ks, 19.1 IP)

He's made just three starts so far this season, but he has been without question the best pitcher on the staff over that span. The rotation may be the worst in baseball, and former ace Francisco Liriano was recently moved to the bullpen. 

27. San Diego Padres (16-26, Previous: 29)

Current Lineup

RF Will Venable
CF Cameron Maybin
3B Chase Headley
1B Yonder Alonso
LF Jesus Guzman
C Nick Hundley
SS Everth Cabrera
2B Alexi Amarista
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Jeff Suppan
SP Clayton Richard
SP Anthony Bass
SP Eric Stults
CL Dale Thayer

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Yonder Alonso (.293/.371/.414, 1 HR, 13 RBI)

Despite having just one home run so far, Alonso has been the Padres' most consistent hitter this year and he has tallied a team-high 14 doubles from the cleanup spot.

Top Pitcher: Anthony Bass (10 G, 8 GS, 2-4, 2.89 ERA, 51 Ks, 53 IP)

After posting a 1.68 ERA over 48.1 innings as a rookie last season, Bass has been the team's most consistent performer so far this season, pitcher or otherwise.

26. Kansas City Royals (16-24, Previous: 26)

Current Lineup

CF Jarrod Dyson
1B Eric Hosmer
DH Billy Butler
LF Alex Gordon
RF Jeff Francoeur
3B Mike Moustakas
SS Alcides Escobar
2B Chris Getz
C Humberto Quintero 

Current Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Felipe Paulino 
SP Luis Mendoza
SP Nathan Adcock
CL Jonathan Broxton

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Billy Butler (.297/.357/.523, 8 HR, 31 RBI)

The Royals' young offense has been largely disappointing, but Butler is off to a terrific start and is on pace to post the best power numbers of his career.

Top Pitcher: Bruce Chen (9 GS, 3-4, 4.17 ERA, 38 Ks, 54 IP)

His numbers aren't great, but Chen continues to be the Royals' only reliable starter. Danny Duffy was off to a nice start, but will miss the rest of the year with Tommy John surgery.

25. Milwaukee Brewers (17-24, Previous: 22)

Current Lineup

RF Corey Hart
CF Nyjer Morgan
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
C Jonathan Lucroy
2B Rickie Weeks
1B Travis Ishikawa
SS Cesar Izturis
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Zack Greinke
SP Randy Wolf
SP Shaun Marcum
SP Marco Estrada
CL John Axford

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Ryan Braun (.331/.402/.635, 11 HR, 28 RBI)

It is hard to imagine where the Brewers would be right now if Braun had in fact had to serve a 50-game suspension. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy (.342 BA, 4 HR, 27 RBI) also deserves a mention, as he's having a breakout year.

Top Pitcher: Zack Greinke (9 GS, 5-1, 59 Ks, 56.2 IP)

Pitching for his next contract, Greinke has avoided the slow start that plagued him last season and ranks among the top pitchers in the NL. Expect a big payday this winter, from the Brewers or otherwise.

24. Houston Astros (18-23, Previous: 25)

Current Lineup

CF Jordan Schafer
2B Jose Altuve
SS Jed Lowrie
1B Carlos Lee
RF Brian Bogusevic
LF J.D. Martinez
3B Chris Johnson
C Jason Castro
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP Lucas Harrell
SP Bud Norris
SP J.A. Happ
SP Jordan Lyles
CL Brett Myers

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Jose Altuve (.318/.369/.448, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 23 R)

Altuve has been terrific as a table-setter atop what has been a surprisingly adequate Astros lineup. He's easy to root for at 5'5", and has the minor-league track record to support that he could keep it up.

Top Pitcher: Wandy Rodriguez (9 GS, 3-4, 2.24 ERA, 40 Ks, 60.1 IP)

Third in the NL in innings pitched, Rodriguez has been a horse atop a young Astros rotation. His good start has only increased his trade value, and the chances of him ending the year in Houston seem slim.

23. Los Angeles Angels (18-24, Previous: 19)

Current Lineup

LF Mike Trout
3B Alberto Callaspo
1B Albert Pujols
DH Kendrys Morales
RF Mark Trumbo
2B Howie Kendrick
SS Erick Aybar
C Bobby Wilson
CF Peter Bourjos 

Current Rotation

SP Jered Weaver
SP Dan Haren
SP Ervin Santana
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Jerome Williams
CL Scott Downs

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Mike Trout (.355/.420/.605, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 15 R)

Despite playing in just 20 games this season, Trout takes the honor for an underperforming Angels team. He has been a catalyst atop the lineup and should be a fixture in the outfield for the next decade.

Top Pitcher: Jered Weaver (9 GS, 6-1, 2.80 ERA, 53 Ks, 61 IP)

With the exception of recent game against the Texas Rangers where he got shelled, Weaver is once again off to a terrific start after finishing second in AL Cy Young voting last season. In fact, the entire Angels rotation is rounding into form. If only the offense could do the same.

22. Seattle Mariners (19-24, Previous: 24)

Current Lineup

2B Dustin Ackley
CF Michael Saunders
RF Ichiro Suzuki
C Jesus Montero
3B Kyle Seager
1B Justin Smoak
LF Mike Carp
DH Alex Liddi
SS Brendan Ryan

Current Rotation

SP Felix Hernandez
SP Jason Vargas
SP Hector Noesi
SP Blake Beavan
SP Kevin Millwood
CL Brandon League

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Kyle Seager (.286/.308/.486, 5 HR, 26 RBI)

Seager leads an abysmal Mariners lineup in batting average and RBI, and he gets the nod here even though five walks in 120 at-bats leaves his OBP just over .300.

Top Pitcher: Felix Hernandez (9 GS, 3-3, 3.02 ERA, 61 Ks, 62.2 IP)

Hernandez continues to rank among the best arms in the game, as he remains a bright spot for the team. Jason Vargas (5-3, 3.34 ERA) has also been better than expected.

21. Pittsburgh Pirates (19-22, Previous: 20)

Current Lineup

RF Jose Tabata
2B Neil Walker
CF Andrew McCutchen
3B Pedro Alvarez
1B Garrett Jones
LF Nate McLouth
SS Clint Barmes
C Rod Barajas
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Erik Bedard
SP James McDonald
SP A.J. Burnett
SP Charlie Morton
SP Kevin Correia
CL Joel Hanrahan

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Andrew McCutchen (.336/.395/.550, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 24 R)

McCutchen has been head and shoulders above his teammates so far, as Neil Walker holds the second-best batting average on the team at .261, and the team continues to really struggle to score runs.

Top Pitcher: James McDonald (8 GS, 3-2, 2.68 ERA, 50 Ks, 50.1 IP)

McDonald has shown flashes of having front-line stuff in the past, and so far this season he has pitched like the ace the Pirates have been sorely lacking.

20. Arizona Diamondbacks (19-23, Previous: 23)

Current Lineup

SS Willie Bloomquist
2B Aaron Hill
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero 
CF Chris Young
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
3B Ryan Roberts
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Joe Saunders
SP Wade Miley
SP Patrick Corbin
CL J.J. Putz

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Chris Young (.353/.431/.745, 5 HR, 15 RBI)

Just recently back from injury, Young has played just 14 games this season, yet he still ranks fourth on the team in RBI and first in home runs, as he was off to a brilliant start when he went down.

Top Pitcher: Wade Miley (9 G, 6 GS, 5-1, 2.14 ERA, 30 Ks, 46.1 IP)

Miley entered the season as the team's No. 8-ranked prospect, largely overshadowed by some big names atop that prospect list. Nonetheless, he has been terrific since joining the rotation in place of the injured Daniel Hudson.

19. Oakland Athletics (21-21, Previous: 16)

Current Lineup

2B Jemile Weeks
SS Cliff Pennington 
RF Josh Reddick
LF Seth Smith
DH Kila Ka'aihue
3B Josh Donaldson
1B Daric Barton
C Kurt Suzuki
CF Collin Cowgill

Current Rotation

SP Bartolo Colon
SP Tom Milone
SP Tyson Ross
SP Jarrod Parker
SP TBA
CL Brian Fuentes

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Josh Reddick (.270/.326/.534, 11 HR, 24 RBI, 28 R)

Acquired from the Red Sox in the Andrew Bailey deal, Reddick has exceeded expectations and quickly emerged as the team's only real power source with Yoenis Cespedes on the DL.

Top Pitcher: Brandon McCarthy (9 GS, 3-3, 2.95 ERA, 40 Ks, 58 IP)

McCarthy recently hit the DL with a shoulder strain, but he has been far and away the team's best pitcher so far this year, as his ERA is nearly a point lower than any other starter.

18. Detroit Tigers (20-21, Previous: 14)

Current Lineup

CF Austin Jackson
LF Andy Dirks
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Delmon Young
C Alex Avila
RF Brennan Boesch
SS Jhonny Peralta
2B Ryan Raburn

Current Rotation

SP Justin Verlander
SP Drew Smyly
SP Max Scherzer
SP Rick Porcello
SP Doug Fister
CL Jose Valverde

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Austin Jackson (.331/.414/.544, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 29 R)

While Miguel Cabrera (8 HR, 34 RBI) has once again been great, Jackson gets the nod. His strikeouts are down, his walks are up and he finally looks like a legitimate leadoff hitter.

Top Pitcher: Justin Verlander (9 GS, 5-1, 2.14 ERA, 68 Ks, 67.1 IP)

The reigning AL Cy Young and MVP award winner, Verlander is off to another fantastic start. The Tigers staff as a whole looks to be coming around, and the team could be big movers here over the next couple of weeks.

17. San Francisco Giants (21-20, Previous: 15)

Current Lineup 

RF Gregor Blanco
3B Joaquin Arias
LF Melky Cabrera
C Buster Posey
CF Angel Pagan
1B Brandon Belt
2B Emmanuel Burriss
SS Brandon Crawford
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Lincecum
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Matt Cain
SP Barry Zito
SP Ryan Vogelsong
CL Santiago Casilla

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Melky Cabrera (.353/.396/.497, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 24 R)

Acquired from the Royals for Jonathan Sanchez in the offseason, Cabrera is hitting nearly 40 points higher than anyone else on the team and is tied for the lead in RBI despite spending most of the year hitting second.

Top Pitcher: Matt Cain (8 GS, 3-2, 2.67 ERA, 54 Ks, 57.1 IP)

Handed a five-year, $112.5 million extension this offseason, Cain has continued to pile up innings. In light of Tim Lincecum's struggles, the extension seems more and more like a wise move by the Giants.

16. Philadelphia Phillies (21-21, Previous: 21)

Current Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Juan Pierre
CF Shane Victorino
RF Hunter Pence
C Carlos Ruiz
3B Placido Polanco
1B John Mayberry Jr.
2B Freddy Galvis
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Roy Halladay
SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Joe Blanton
SP Kyle Kendrick
CL Jonathan Papelbon

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Carlos Ruiz (.355/.404/.595, 7 HR, 29 RBI)

While the combination of injuries and age has left the Phillies lineup a shell of what it once was, Ruiz is in the midst of his best season at the age of 33 and is without a doubt the offensive MVP to this point.

Top Pitcher: Cole Hamels (8 GS, 6-1, 2.48 ERA, 58 Ks, 54.1 IP)

Unlike the aforementioned Matt Cain, Hamels is playing for his next contract and will be a free agent at season's end. He will get a bundle when he signs, and pitching the way he is right now will only help his case during negotiations.

15. Chicago White Sox (21-21, Previous: 18)

Current Lineup

CF Alejandro De Aza
2B Gordon Beckham
DH Adam Dunn
1B Paul Konerko
C A.J. Pierzynski
RF Alex Rios
SS Alexei Ramirez
LF Dayan Viciedo
3B Brent Morel

Current Rotation

SP John Danks
SP Jake Peavy
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Chris Sale
SP Phil Humber
CL Addison Reed

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Paul Konerko (.367/.453/.604, 8 HR, 23 RBI)

Props to Adam Dunn (14 HR, 32 RBI) on a bounce-back season, but the choice here has to be Konerko, as he is well on his way to a third straight .300 BA, 30 HR, 100 RBI season.

Top Pitcher: Jake Peavy (9 GS, 5-1, 2.39 ERA, 55 Ks, 64 IP)

Peavy is finally looking like the Cy Young winner he was back in San Diego, and just in time for what could potentially be another big payday, as he is in his final guaranteed year.

14. Boston Red Sox (20-21, Previous: 17)

Current Lineup

CF Ryan Sweeney
2B Dustin Pedroia
DH David Ortiz
1B Adrian Gonzalez
3B Will Middlebrooks
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
RF Cody Ross
LF Daniel Nava
SS Mike Aviles

Current Rotation

SP Jon Lester
SP Josh Beckett
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Felix Doubront
SP Daniel Bard
CL Alfredo Aceves

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: David Ortiz (.335/.402/.606, 9 HR, 29 RBI)

The Red Sox gave some thought to letting David Ortiz walk this offseason, but in the end they brought him back on a one-year, $14.58 million deal. So far, he has been more than worth the money.

Top Pitcher: Felix Doubront (8 GS, 4-1, 4.09 ERA, 44 Ks, 44 IP)

The Red Sox rotation has been rough so far this season, and no one has really pitched well enough to be worth mentioning. Doubront has held his own in his first season in the rotation and has tallied a strikeout an inning so far, so he gets the nod.

13. New York Mets (22-19, Previous: 10)

Current Lineup

CF Andres Torres
LF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
3B David Wright
RF Lucas Duda
2B Daniel Murphy
1B Ike Davis
SS Ronny Cedeno
C Mike Nickeas
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Johan Santana
SP R.A. Dickey
SP Jon Niese
SP Dillon Gee
SP Jeremy Hefner
CL Frank Francisco

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: David Wright (.412/.513/.626, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 29 R)

His power numbers have not seen the spike many expected with Citi Field moving its fences in, but Wright is having a phenomenal season so far nonetheless.

Top Pitcher: Johan Santana (8 GS, 1-2, 2.89 ERA, 46 Ks, 43.2 IP)

Santana has returned to ace form after missing all of last season, and while he has just one win, he has given the Mets a big boost with his front-line production.

12. Cincinnati Reds (21-19, Previous: 13)

Current Lineup

SS Zack Cozart
CF Drew Stubbs
1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
RF Jay Bruce
LF Ryan Ludwick
3B Todd Frazier
C Ryan Hanigan
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Bronson Arroyo
SP Homer Bailey
SP Mike Leake
CL Aroldis Chapman

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Joey Votto (.301/.455/.581, 7 HR, 28 RBI)

After a slow start, Votto is back on track and posting fantastic numbers once again. His .456 on-base percentage is third best in the NL and backed by a 38/34 BB/K ratio.

Top Pitcher: Johnny Cueto (9 GS, 5-1, 1.97 ERA, 38 Ks, 59.1 IP)

Cueto has emerged as bona fide staff ace this season and filled the void atop the Reds rotation many expected Mat Latos to step in to. Newly minted closer Aroldis Chapman (0.00 ERA, 39 Ks, 22.1 IP) deserves mention as well.

11. New York Yankees (21-20, Previous: 8)

Current Lineup

SS Derek Jeter
CF Curtis Granderson
3B Alex Rodriguez
2B Robinson Cano
1B Mark Teixeira
RF Nick Swisher
LF Raul Ibanez
DH Eric Chavez
C Russell Martin

Current Rotation

SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ivan Nova
SP Andy Pettitte
CL Rafael Soriano

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Derek Jeter (.347/.391/.488, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 24 R)

At 38 years old, Jeter is off to one of the best starts of his career and is currently third in the American League in batting average.

Top Pitcher: CC Sabathia (9 GS, 5-2, 3.78 ERA, 65 Ks, 64.1 IP)

The Yankees' rotation has been one big question mark this season, and is part of the reason they keep falling out of the top 10 in these rankings. Sabathia is by no means having a career year, but he remains the only sure thing on New York's staff. 

10. Miami Marlins (22-19, Previous: 11)

Current Lineup

SS Jose Reyes
2B Omar Infante
3B Hanley Ramirez
1B Logan Morrison
RF Giancarlo Stanton
CF Bryan Petersen
C John Buck
LF Chris Coghlan
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Carlos Zambrano
SP Anibal Sanchez
CL Heath Bell

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Omar Infante (.326/.357/.568, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 21 R)

Infante has displayed unexpected power so far this season, as he carried the offense early on while others were struggling. His career highs of 16 HR and 55 RBI back in 2004 look to be in jeopardy.

Top Pitcher: Anibal Sanchez (8 GS, 2-2, 2.32 ERA, 55 Ks, 54.1 IP)

Really, take your pick between Sanchez and Carlos Zambrano (2-2, 1.96 ERA), who have both been terrific. I gave Sanchez the nod because of better peripherals, but both have exceeded expectations so far.

9. St. Louis Cardinals (22-19, Previous: 7)

Current Lineup

SS Rafael Furcal
2B Skip Schumaker
LF Matt Holliday
RF Carlos Beltran
3B David Freese
1B Matt Adams
C Yadier Molina
CF Shane Robinson
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Kyle Lohse
SP Jaime Garcia
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Lance Lynn
SP Jake Westbrook
CL Jason Motte

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Carlos Beltran (.291/.399/.619, 13 HR, 33 RBI)

Beltran was signed to replace some of Albert Pujols' production and has done just, as he has carried an offense that's been saddled by numerous injuries. Rafael Furcal (.352 BA, 29 R) deserves a mention as well.

Top Pitcher: Lance Lynn (8 GS, 6-1, 2.31 ERA, 49 Ks, 50.2 IP)

Forced into a rotation spot this spring following Chris Carpenter's injury, Lynn has been one of the best starters in baseball. At just 25 years old, his future looks awfully bright.

8. Cleveland Indians (23-18, Previous: 12)

Current Lineup

RF Shin-Soo Choo
2B Jason Kipnis
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
DH Travis Hafner
C Carlos Santana
CF Michael Brantley
LF Johnny Damon
1B Casey Kotchman
3B Jack Hannahan

Current Rotation

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Derek Lowe
SP Jeanmar Gomez
SP Zach McAllister
CL Chris Perez

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Asdrubal Cabrera (.309/.404/.504, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 22 R)

After a breakout season last year, Cabrera has picked up right where he left off and continues to rank among the most productive middle infielders in the game. His double-play partner Jason Kipnis (6 HR, 24 RBI) has also been solid.

Top Pitcher: Derek Lowe (9 GS, 6-2, 2.15 ERA, 15 Ks, 58.2 IP)

The Braves basically gave Lowe away, as they are paying $10 million of his $15 million salary this season. While the Indians acquired him expecting to get a veteran innings-eater, he has emerged as the ace of the staff.

7. Toronto Blue Jays (23-19, Previous: 9)

Current Lineup

2B Kelly Johnson
SS Yunel Escobar
RF Jose Bautista
1B Edwin Encarnacion
DH Eric Thames
C J.P. Arencibia
CF Colby Rasmus
3B Yan Gomes
LF Rajai Davis 

Current Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Kyle Drabek
SP Drew Hutchison
CL Casey Janssen

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Edwin Encarnacion (.263/.328/.569, 13 HR, 34 RBI)

In light of Jose Bautista (.217 BA) slumping, Encarnacion has been the team's top middle-of-the-order threat. While his batting average and OBP aren't great, it is hard to argue with his production to this point.

Top Pitcher: Brandon Morrow (9 GS, 5-2, 2.63 ERA, 54 Ks, 61.2 IP)

Morrow has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but he looks to have finally taken that next step forward and has already thrown a pair of shutouts this season.

6. Washington Nationals (24-17, Previous: 6)

Current Lineup

SS Ian Desmond
LF Roger Bernadina
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Bryce Harper
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
C Jesus Flores
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Ross Detwiler
CL Henry Rodriguez

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Adam LaRoche (.311/.409/.556, 7 HR, 31 RBI)

After missing most of last season, LaRoche has come back strong and helped ease the loss of Michael Morse, who has spent the entire season on the DL to this point.

Top Pitcher: Gio Gonzalez (8 GS, 5-1, 2.22 ERA, 60 Ks, 48.2 IP)

The Nationals rotation has been fantastic, and both Gonzalez and Stephen Strasburg are among the best pitchers in all of baseball this season. I'll give the nod to the big offseason pickup and his NL-leading 11.1 K/9.

5. Tampa Bay Rays (25-17, Previous: 5)

Current Lineup

RF Ben Zobrist
CF B.J. Upton
LF Matt Joyce
1B Carlos Pena
DH Luke Scott
3B Sean Rodriguez
2B Will Rhymes
C Jose Molina
SS Elliot Johnson

Current Rotation

SP James Shields
SP David Price
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SP Matt Moore
SP Alex Cobb
CL Fernando Rodney

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Matt Joyce (.291/.392/.559, 8 HR, 23 RBI)

Joyce has stepped up big with Evan Longoria on the disabled list, with 14 RBI in 18 games since Longoria went down.

Top Pitcher: David Price (9 GS, 6-3, 2.88 ERA, 52 Ks, 59.1 IP)

The Rays pitching staff has once again gotten them to where they are right now, and while James Shields may have gotten the Opening Day start, there is little doubt that Price is the staff ace right now.

4. Atlanta Braves (26-16, Previous: 4)

Current Lineup

CF Michael Bourn
LF Martin Prado
1B Freddie Freeman
2B Dan Uggla
C Brian McCann
3B Chipper Jones
RF Jason Heyward
SS Tyler Pastornicky
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Hudson
SP Tommy Hanson
SP Mike Minor
SP Brandon Beachy
SP Randall Delgado
CL Craig Kimbrel

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Michael Bourn (.320/.376/.403, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 28 R, 13 SB)

Bourn continues to rank among the game's premier leadoff hitters. He has come a long way since his days as a primary pinch-runner, and is now a true threat to bat over .300.

Top Pitcher: Brandon Beachy (8 GS, 5-1, 1.33 ERA, 39 Ks, 54 IP)

A shutout his last time out gave Beachy the best ERA in baseball, and with several other Braves starters struggling, he could not have picked a better time to break out.

3. Texas Rangers (26-16, Previous: 1)

Current Lineup

2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
LF Josh Hamilton
3B Adrian Beltre
DH Michael Young
RF Nelson Cruz
C Mike Napoli
1B Mitch Moreland
CF Craig Gentry 

Current Rotation

SP Colby Lewis
SP Derek Holland
SP Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Neftali Feliz
CL Joe Nathan 

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Josh Hamilton (.389/.442/.785, 18 HR, 47 RBI, 33 R)

Simply put, no one has been better this season than Hamilton. His nine HR and 18 RBI a couple weeks ago, which included a four-HR game, was nothing short of amazing.

Top Pitcher: Yu Darvish (8 GS, 6-1, 2.60 ERA, 58 Ks, 52 IP)

The Rangers shelled out over $100 million this offseason to sign Darvish, and he has been as good as advertised so far, taking the place of the departed C.J. Wilson and then some.

2. Baltimore Orioles (27-15, Previous: 3)

Current Lineup

LF Xavier Avery
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Nick Markakis
CF Adam Jones 
C Matt Wieters
3B Wilson Betemit
DH Nick Johnson
1B Chris Davis
2B Robert Andino

Current Rotation 

SP Jake Arrieta
SP Jason Hammel
SP Brian Matusz
SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Tommy Hunter
CL Jim Johnson 

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Adam Jones (.308/.353/.610, 14 HR, 29 RBI, 32 R)

Jones has put together a fantastic start to the season, and after improving his numbers in each of the past three seasons, it looks as though he may have finally taken that next step towards becoming a star.

Top Pitcher: Jason Hammel (8 GS, 5-1, 3.12 ERA, 46 Ks, 49 IP)

Acquired from the Rockies along with Matt Lindstrom for Jeremy Guthrie, Hammel has been a big part of the Orioles' surprise success. For the record, Lindstrom (1.29 ERA, 14 IP) has been terrific too, while Guthrie (5.55 ERA, on DL) has not.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (28-13, Previous: 2)

Current Lineup

SS Dee Gordon
2B Elian Herrera
LF Bobby Abreu
RF Andre Ethier
3B Adam Kennedy
1B James Loney
C A.J. Ellis
CF Tony Gwynn Jr.
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Chad Billingsley
SP Chris Capuano
SP Aaron Harang
SP Ted Lilly
CL Kenley Jansen

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Quarter-Pole Awards

Top Hitter: Matt Kemp (.359/.446/.726, 12 HR, 28 RBI, 29 R)

He cooled down significantly after his torrid start before landing on the disabled list, but Kemp is still the clear choice here. He carried the Dodgers offense through the first month of the season when no one else outside of Andre Ethier was doing anything.

Top Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw (9 GS, 4-1, 1.90 ERA, 51 Ks, 61.2 IP)

Kershaw continues to dominate hitters and pile up the innings, and there is no doubt he is among the game's best. Ted Lilly (5-0, 1.79 ERA) certainly deserves mention as well.