Here's to April: The First Official MLB Power Rankings

Anthony Grethel by Correspondent Written on April 26, 2008
Baseball_feature

As the first month of baseball comes to an end, it's safe to say that this isn't exactly what people like to call a " consistent" start to a season. 

Teams such as Detroit, Cleveland, Florida, and New York (Yankees) have started in positions not many expected.

Detroit and Cleveland, who many thought were the obvious favorites of the AL Central, don't have a record over .500. The Marlins, with low payroll and all, have jumped out to a lead in the NL East over the Mets, Phillies, and Braves.

Even stranger... the Rays are over .500!

 

Here are the Official Power Rankings of April:

1. Chicago Cubs:

  • Simple explanation. Pitching wins games. One Ted Lilly gets back on track, the rotation with Zambrano and Dempster will be something to reckoned with. Also, Kerry Wood is fitting well at the closing position. Did I mention Alfonso Soriano isn't even back yet?

2. Arizona Diamondbacks:

  • Really the D-Backs have done just as well as the Cubs to start the season, but I gave the edge to the Cubs' stronger offense. Still, the rotation of Webb, Haren, and Randy Johnson is arguably the best in the league.

3. Oakland Athletics:

  • With Frank Thomas on board, the only worries for Oakland is consistency from the rotation and bullpen. If all stay healthy, this club should end up playing in October. The A's are my official dark horse of the season.

4. Los Angeles Angels:

  • This team is going to be scary good when John Lackey is healthy and Vlad Guerrero gets hot. The Angels and A's should be in for a tough competition against each other for winning the West.

 5. Boston Red Sox:

  • Boston being Boston. Do you really think this team won't end up in the playoffs? ...That was a rhetorical question.

6. St. Louis Cardinals:

  • Definitely a team who could go either way in the season. No matter, Albert Pujols will always one of the best in the league, and he will keep this team in playoff contention all year.

7. Baltimore Orioles:

  • I understand that the Orioles have gotten off to a great start, and I respect that. But I honestly don't expect this team to continue their level of playing for all of the season. Eventually, Boston and New York will take the reigns of the East.

8. Chicago White Sox:

  • A team with talent at both pitching and batting. It's going to be tough for this team to win the Central if the Indians and Detroit gets hot.

9. Philadelphia Phillies:

  • Chase Utley and Pat Burrell have been magnificent to say the least. If these two can stay at a high level all year, who knows how far this club can go if Ryan Howard can get on track. They don't have much time to wait for Howard though. With Atlanta, Florida, and New York all in their division, it's inevitable to say that the this division will be coming down to the wire.

10. Florida Marlins:

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written on April 26, 2008 Rankings/List

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