MLB Power Rankings

Matt  Anaya by Contributor Written on July 21, 2009

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NEW YORK - JULY 20:  Mark Teixeira #25 of the New York Yankees connects for a first inning single against the Baltimore Orioles on July 20, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Over halfway through the 2009 MLB season the usual suspects are atop Matt Anaya's Power Rankings.

Sure the American League is better and the Red Sox and Yankees are the two dominant teams of 2009 but the defending champs are in the National League.

The Phillies are making everyone look silly in the NL East, but the Dodgers still have the best record in baseball.

Where does your team stand?

Let's find out

Feel free to contact me on Twitter.com/shmattshmanaya and at 2muchswag.blogspot.com

No. 30 Washington Nationals

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14:  National League All-Star Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals takes a practice swing during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Nats are awful, so bad in fact, they have an interim GM and Manager. So who is in control here?! For some reason, they spent a bunch of money on Adam Dunn and will likely trade him this season or next.

When or if the Nationals ever get good again, they will have two players on this active roster on the team that is good: Ryan and Jordan Zimmerman (no relation).

No. 29 Cleveland Indians

NEW YORK - APRIL 19:  Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge and Grady Sizemore #24 argue with the umpire about a pinch hit two-run home run by Jorge Posada of the New York Yankees in the seventh inning of their game against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee

Everyone wants the manager fired but GM Mark Shapiro took full responsibility for his team’s pathetic play. The offense is fine but they and the Nationals might have the worst pitching staffs in the history of MLB. I am joking but they are terrible. Cliff Lee should start selling his house.

No. 28 Oakland A's

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 28:  Matt Holliday #5 of the Oakland Athletics bats against the Colorado Rockies at the Oakland Coliseum on June 28, 2009 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

I also expected more out of Oakland this season but maybe I was just being foolish. The offense is very bad and Matt Holliday is not helping himself score that $150 million this offseason. The offense is old and the pitching is too young. Due to their young staff the A’s will be good in a few years, very good.

No. 27 Kansas City Royals

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14:  National League All-Star Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres tips his hat during introductions before the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Although I expected more out of the Royals this season, it is not all their fault. They traded away their best reliever Ramon Ramirez for Coco Crisp and Coco played only 49 games before being injured and out for the season.

Other injuries to Alex Gordon, Mike Aviles, and Kyle Farnsworth, have also hurt KC’s chances of winning anything. Maybe next season they can stay healthy and hopefully win over 81 games.

No. 26 San Diego Padres

ANAHEIM, CA - JUNE 14:  David Eckstein #3 of the San Diego Padres runs against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on June 14, 2009 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Padres 6-0.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The Pads are bad. Not as bad as some but there are not very many players I would want on my team that play in America’s most beautiful city. The Jake Peavy injury hurt them not only in the standings but now teams do not want to trade for him. Adrian Gonzalez is the man and the rest of the team is dreadful.

No. 25 Arizona Diamondbacks

PHOENIX - JULY 10:  Starting pitcher Dan Haren #15 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the Florida Marlins during the major league baseball game at Chase Field on July 10, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Marlins 8-0.  (Phot

Two years ago Arizona was the envy of the NL. They were a very young team in the NLCS with a very bright future. Well Chris Young turned into a pumpkin, they traded Carlos Quentin, and Brandon Webb’s injury is not helping this season.

This season is going to be a tough one to take but Arizona should be able to contend for a division title very soon.

No. 24 Pittsburgh Pirates

BRADENTON, FL - FEBRUARY 24:  Outfielder Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a photo during spring training media day on February 24, 2008 at Pirate City in Bradenton, Florida.  (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Hey hey the Pirates are not that bad! Well, they are still bad but for the first time in years they have coveted players. They finally called up Andrew McCutchen and minor league stud Pedro Alvarez should be the starting 3B next season.

The Bucs have been actively shopping Jack Wilson, Adam LaRoche, and Freddy Sanchez but will not likely receive anything but middle relievers in return. Pittsburgh is still many years away from contending.

No. 23 New York Mets

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14:  National League All-Star David Wright of the New York Mets breaks his bat on a swing during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

It is something new every year with this team. This season they have a legitimate excuse as many of their stars have landed on the DL. There is little a team can do when you lose names like Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Calros Delgado, and John Maine, but maybe it is karma for signing a clown like Oliver Perez to a lucrative long-term deal.

No. 22 Cincinnati Reds

NEW YORK - JULY 12:  Brandon Phillips #4 of the Cincinnati Reds bats against the New York Mets on July 12, 2009 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Although the Reds find themselves only 5.5 GB this team does not have what it takes to contend for a division title. Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto are both good hitters but the Jay Bruce injury really hurt their already anemic offense.

The pitching staff is filled with names (Harang, Volquez, Cueto, Bailey) but they cannot collectively get it together. Until they do, the Reds will struggle.

No. 21 Houston Astros

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 16:  Wandy Rodriguez #51 of the Houston Astros pitches in the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 16, 2009 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The ‘Stros are at the .500 mark due to their lackluster starting pitching staff. Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez have been great all season but when you trot out Mike Hampton, Russ Ortiz, and Brian Moehler you will not win very many games.

No. 20 Atlanta Braves

DENVER - JULY 12:  Ryan Church #25 of the Atlanta Braves takes an at bat against the Colorado Rockies during MLB action at Coors Field on July 12, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Braves 8-7.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

If the Mets were any good this season the Braves would be even worse. The NL East is not very good this season and the Braves are struggling to reach .500.

Any team with Garret Anderson and Ryan Church starting is not going to win very many games. I love their top three starters.

No. 19 Florida Marlins

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14:  National League All-Star Hanley Ramirez of the Florida Marlins bats during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

A lot of people thought this would be the year where the Fish contend but it turns out they are still a few years away. Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson are two of the best players to build a franchise around but the rest of the team is mediocre.

They have a nice young staff, which is nice for the future but not the present. The offense swings and misses too much and Marlins management will need to make some personnel changes next season.

No. 18 Minnesota Twins

ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 17:  First baseman Justin Morneau #33 of the Minnesota Twins on July 17, 2009 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Twins quite possibly have the best 3-4 hitting combo of all time in Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer. Mauer has actually been struggling lately but that goes for a lot of his teammates.

Carlos Gomez, Kevin Slowey, Scott Baker, Francisco Liriano, and Delmon Young are all underperforming and if they do not pick it up, the division will be lost in a month.

No. 17 Detroit Tigers

ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 13:  Detroit Tigers All-Star outfielder Curtis Granderson shows off his new palm Pre at the Palm Gift Lounge at the Ryan Howard All Star Bash at the Lumen Private Event Space on July 13, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri.   (Photo by Thomas G

The AL Central leading Tigers are playing well over their spikes. Any team that starts Ryan Raburn, Clete Thomas, Gerald Laird, Adam Everett and if this was a normal year Brandon Inge will not contend for anything.

With a few breaks (Carlos Quentin’s injury) the Tigers have found themselves atop the AL Central but now that Carlos Quentin is back the Tigers will not be there long.

No. 16 Seattle Mariners

ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14:  American League All-Star Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners pitches during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The M’s might be the biggest surprising team of 2009. Obviously Ichiro has a lot to do with the team’s success but the emergence of Russell Branyan and Franklin Gutierrez has led to the team being six games over .500.

The pitching staff has also been dominant and when you have great pitching you are going to win a lot of games. They need a lot of help but if Seattle can make some moves to help out the offense they can contend as early as this season.

No. 15 Baltimore Orioles

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14:  American League All-Star Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles bats during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Just another case of good team wrong division. The Orioles showcase one of the best young offenses in baseball but any team with Rich Hill in the rotation is not a contender.

Baltimore has a few nice young pitchers ready to be called up but they will not be effective for another few years. One thing the Red Sox and Yankees do not have is Adam “Don’t Call Me Pacman” Jones.

No. 14 Milwaukee Brewers

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14:  National League All-Star Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers bats during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The Brewers are another fun team to watch since they have one of the best hitting combos in baseball. Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Yovani Gallardo, and Trevor Hoffman are all scary but the rest of the team is below average.

If they did not trade for CC Sabathia last season they might be in the running for Roy Halladay. Oops!

No. 13 San Francisco Giants

PHOENIX - JUNE 11:  Starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez #57 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the major league baseball game at Chase Field on June 11, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona.  The Diamondbacks defeated the Giants

Besides Ben Zobrist, Jason Marquis, and the Mariners the Giants have become 2009’s biggest surprise. Days after being promoted from the Giant bullpen Jonathan O. Sanchez captivated America for a night by tossing a no hitter.

I cannot take that offense serious but I can take that pitching staff very serious.

No. 12 Colorado Rockies

DENVER - JULY 11:  Starting pitcher Jason Marquis #21 of the Colorado Rockies delivers against the Atlanta Braves during MLB action at Coors Field on July 11, 2009 in Denver, Colorado.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Rockies are a good team. Not a great division winning, playoff bound team but a nice fun team. I love Ian Stewart, Dexter Fowler, Troy Tulowitzki, and Brad Hawpe but I cannot take Cy Young, er (cough), excuse me Jason Marquis serious.

The starting staff is average at best and when Jason Marquis and Aaron Cook are your best starters you are not going the playoffs. Want a sleeper team for Roy Halladay?

No. 11 Texas Rangers

NEW YORK - JUNE 03:  Nelson Cruz #17 of the Texas Rangers bats against the New York Yankees on June 3, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

The Rangers have been terrific all season long but I think they are starting to feel the Texas heat. They stumbled out of the second half box by nearly being swept at home vs. an average Twins team and now face the best team in baseball this week. I cannot take serious any team with a starting pitching staff like that.

No. 10 St. Louis Cardinals

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14:  President Barack Obama hugs National League All-Star Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals after throwing the first pitch before the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jam

The Cards have the best player in MLB in Albert Pujols, but with Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel having down years, teams are starting to pitch around the 2009 MVP.

The starting staff is very good and the bullpen is OK but the offense has really struggled lately, hence the Mark DeRosa trade. If someone decides to hit on this team the Cardinals can give the Cubs a run.

No. 9 Toronto Blue Jays

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 10:  Adam Lind #26 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats against the Oakland Athletics during a Major League Baseball game on May 10, 2009 at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

If the Jays did not play in the AL East they would be in a much better spot than fourth place and out of the playoff picture. They would probably be in second place in the AL West and most likely on top of the AL Central.

They have a dynamic offense led by the emerging Adam Lind and are looking to get a nice package for Roy Halladay. I think trading Halladay will help them long term and they may wait to deal him until next season.

No. 8 Chicago White Sox

CHICAGO - JUNE 28: Alexei Ramirez #10 of the Chicago White Sox hops after throwing the ball to first base on a double play against the Chicago Cubs on June 28, 2009 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Cubs 6-0. (Photo b

The South Siders have been without 2008 MVP candidate Carlos Quentin for over a month now and have not rushed him back due to their winning ways. He is now back and the Sox find themselves only 1.5 GB of the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers.

The Sox have had a mediocre season but have not collectively played well and are the most talented team in the AL Central.

No. 7 Chicago Cubs

CHICAGO - JULY 8:  Derrek Lee #25 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the Atlanta Braves during the game on July 8, 2009 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Cubs own MLB’s third highest payroll and have a bunch of players underperforming, hence their mediocre record. Alfonso Soriano, Milton Bradley, and the offense have struggled all season long but the pitching remains the strength. The Cubs remain the favorites to win the NL Central.

No. 6 Los Angeles Angels

ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 08:  Third baseman Chone Figgins #9 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the field against the Texas Rangers on July 8, 2009 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.  The Rangers won 8-1.  (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Can I be honest? Thanks. The Los Angeles Angels have no business being 14 games over .500, no business. They have battled injuries (Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, Kelvim Escobar, John Lackey, Scot Shields) all season long and have also worked around the Nick Adenhardt tragedy.

The pitching staff has struggled all season but the offense can beat you in so many ways. For some reason this is a good AL team and I do not get it.

No. 5 Tampa Bay Rays

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14:  American League All-Star Ben Zobrist of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Rays snuck up on everyone last season and the brutal AL East is not letting them this season. They have a ridiculous lineup, play great defense, run the bases well, have speed and power but they play in the best division in baseball and three AL East teams cannot make the playoffs.

No. 4 Los Angeles Dodgers

NEW YORK - JULY 07:  Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the New York Mets on July 7, 2009 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Dodgers are everyone’s favorite team and what do you know an LA team is the sexy pick of the 2009 season. Their lineup is great and they have a nice top of the rotation, but can they count on Clayton Kershaw in October?

He will likely set a new career high in IP this season and I am not so sure about Randy Wolf, Hiroki Kuroda, Jeff Weaver, and Jason Schmidt in the postseason.

No. 3 Philadelphia Phillies

NEW YORK - JUNE 11:  Raul Ibanez #29 of the Philadelphia Phillies at bat against the New York Mets on June 11, 2009 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

The Phillies and Dodgers are the class of the National League and no other NL team has a chance in October vs. these two.

The Phillies have a great lineup and the Roger Maris (Raul Ibanez) addition was exactly what Philly needed to stay on top. They have a great offense and a good bullpen but they may need Roy Halladay if they want to repeat.

No. 2 New York Yankees

NEW YORK - JULY 20:  Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees looks on against the Baltimore Orioles on July 20, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Yankees are up to their old tricks and that is mashing the hell out of the ball. They boast the best lineup in baseball but have some major holes in the pitching staff. The top of their rotation and Mariano Rivera are nasty but the rest of the staff is mediocre.

No. 1 Boston Red Sox

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14:  American League All-Star Jonathan Papelbon of the Boston Red Sox points during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Red Sox have a good offense and a great top of the rotation with Josh Beckett and John Lester. Their weakness is their age, as many of their players get injured and they need more production out of the back of their rotation with Daisuke out.

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written on July 21, 2009 Rankings/List

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