MLB Power Rankings: Where Does Your Favorite Team Stand After Opening Weekend?

The first week of the MLB season is in the books, and while a three-game snapshot is by no means an accurate picture of how a team's season is going to go, it nonetheless was enough for some teams to move up and down in this week's power rankings.

Expected contenders in the Yankees and Red Sox opened their season being swept, while the Mets and Orioles among others are still undefeated, as it was an interesting opening weekend to say the least.

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

*Note: Rosters taken from MLBDepthCharts, a fantastic website worth checking out if you've never visited it.

No. 30: San Diego Padres (1-3, Previous: 28)

Current Lineup

CF Cameron Maybin
RF Will Venable
3B Chase Headley
LF Jesus Guzman (Injury Replacement—Carlos Quentin on 15-Day DL)
1B Yonder Alonso
C Nick Hundley
SS Jason Bartlett
2B Orlando Hudson
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Cory Luebke
SP Dustin Moseley
SP Clayton Richard
SP Micah Owings (Injury Replacement—Tim Stauffer on 15-Day DL)
CP Huston Street

What We Learned from Week 1

After dropping their first three games of the season, the Padres finally broke into the win column on Sunday thanks to a great start from Clayton Richard, who didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning and went seven innings, allowing just two hits and a pair of unearned runs.

The team's starting rotation will be a weak spot all season long, as Cory Luebke and Dustin Moseley were both roughed up in their first starts, and the team does not have the offensive firepower to rally from early deficits.

A resurgent season from Richard and getting newly-acquired slugger Carlos Quentin back from injury would certainly help the Padres out, but regardless they look destined to be cellar-dwellers in the NL West.

No. 29: Oakland Athletics (1-3, Previous: 29)

Current Lineup

2B Jemile Weeks
LF Coco Crisp
RF Josh Reddick
C Kurt Suzuki
DH Seth Smith
CF Yoenis Cespedes
1B Brandon Allen
3B Eric Sogard
SS Cliff Pennington 

Current Rotation

SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Bartolo Colon
SP Tom Milone
SP Graham Godfrey
SP Tyson Ross (in minors, to be recalled for April 17 start)
CP Grant Balfour

What We Learned from Week 1

After splitting their two-game series in Japan, the A's dropped two in a row to the Mariners playing back in the states in Oakland.

Bartolo Colon and Brandon McCarthy have now each made a pair of starts, so it remains to be seen what the team will get from the back end of what is an inexperienced starting staff.

One reason for excitement, though, has been Cuban import Yoenis Cespedes, who has started off his Oakland tenure with a bang, launching three home runs and driving in seven through his first 13 at-bats.

No. 28: Houston Astros (2-1, Previous: 30)

Current Lineup

CF Jordan Schafer
2B Jose Altuve
LF J.D. Martinez
1B Carlos Lee
RF Brian Bogusevic
3B Chris Johnson
C Jason Castro
SS Marwin Gonzalez (Injury Replacement—Jed Lowrie on 15-Day DL)
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP Lucas Harrell 
SP Bud Norris
SP J.A. Happ
SP Kyle Weiland
CP Brett Myers

What We Learned from Week 1

There may well have been a handful of people who didn't predict the Astros to win two games in all of April, but here they are riding a two-game winning streak.

The team has gotten quality starts from each of its first three starters, and the team proved capable of coming back late in a game yesterday when it scored two runs in the eighth inning to come away with a 3-2 victory.

It's not enough to inspire much confidence for contention, but at least at this early stage in the season the Astros are playing good baseball.

No. 27: Chicago White Sox (1-2, Previous: 24)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP John Danks
SP Jake Peavy
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Chris Sale
SP Phil Humber
CP Hector Santiago

What We Learned from Week 1

After splitting the first two games of their season with a one-run loss and a one-run win, the White Sox were shut out on Sunday as they scattered six hits.

Their starting pitching has been adequate to this point, and new closer Hector Santiago pitched a perfect ninth inning in his first save chance of the season, so the team has had some positives to build around.

There is little question that the team will need a lot to go right if it has any chance at contention this season, but there have been some positives early on as the team moves towards a likely rebuild.

No. 26: Baltimore Orioles (3-0, Previous: 27)

Current Lineup

LF Nolan Reimold
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Nick Markakis
CF Adam Jones 
C Matt Wieters
DH Wilson Betemit
3B Mark Reynolds
1B Chris Davis
2B Robert Andino (Injury Replacement—Brian Roberts on 15-Day DL, out indefinitely)

Current Rotation 

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

What We Learned from Week 1

Through their first three games, Orioles starters have pitched a combined 22 innings and allowed just 10 hits and one earned run as they have jumped out to a 3-0 start to open the season.

Jim Johnson has allowed just one hit and one walk in tallying two saves, and the offense has produced enough to back the fantastic pitching, with Nick Markakis (5-for-9, 2 HR, 4 RBI) off to a hot start.

They still have an uphill climb if they hope to contend in the AL East, but there is not much negative to say about the way the Orioles have opened the 2012 campaign.

No. 25: Chicago Cubs (1-2, Previous: 26)

Current Lineup 

RF David DeJesus
2B Darwin Barney
SS Starlin Castro
1B Bryan LaHair
LF Alfonso Soriano
3B Ian Stewart
CF Marlon Byrd
C Geovany Soto
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ryan Dempster
SP Matt Garza
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Chris Volstad
SP Paul Maholm
CP Carlos Marmol

What We Learned from Week 1

The Cubs have gotten terrific starts from Ryan Dempster (7.2 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 10 Ks), Matt Garza (6 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 5 Ks) and Jeff Samardzija (8.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 8 Ks) to open the season.

However, they sit at 1-2 thanks to the back-to-back failures of Kerry Wood (2 G, 1 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 ER) and Carlos Marmol (3 G, 1.1 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 3 ER), as each pitcher has blown a save and been charged with a loss already.

With a subpar offense, chances are that the Cubs are going to be in a lot of close games this season, and if they can't figure things out at the end of games, they are going to lose even more games than expected.

No. 24: New York Mets (3-0, Previous: 25)

Current Lineup

SS Ruben Tejada 
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
LF Jason Bay
RF Lucas Duda
C Josh Thole
CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (Injury Replacement—Andres Torres on 15-Day DL)
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Johan Santana
SP R.A. Dickey
SP Jon Niese
SP Mike Pelfrey
SP Dillon Gee
CP Frank Francisco

What We Learned from Week 1

The Mets swept the Braves to open the season, with new closer Frank Francisco allowing just two hits in three innings of work as he recorded the save in all three games.

Third baseman David Wright (6-for-9, 1 HR, 3 RBI) is off to a terrific start, and the starting pitching has more than done its part, as Johan Santana looked especially sharp in his return from injury, going five innings and allowing just two hits.

They'll have to keep it up if they want to avoid finishing last in a deep NL East, but certainly a promising start to the season for the Mets.

No. 23: Minnesota Twins (0-3, Previous: 21)

Current Lineup

CF Denard Span
SS Jamey Carroll
C Joe Mauer
DH Justin Morneau
LF Josh Willingham
RF Ryan Doumit
3B Danny Valencia
1B Chris Parmelee
2B Alexi Casilla

Current Rotation

SP Carl Pavano
SP Francisco Liriano
SP Anthony Swarzak (Injury Replacement—Liam Hendriks has food poisoning)
SP Nick Blackburn
SP Jason Marquis (in minors, to be recalled for April 15 start)
CP Matt Capps 

What We Learned from Week 1

The Twins ran into a fantastic three-game stretch of pitching from the Orioles, as they were limited to just five runs total in the series.

Not to understate what was an impressive start to the season by the Orioles staff, but this could be a season-long issue for the Twins, as they could struggle to consistently score runs behind what is a less-than-stellar pitching staff.

Seeing Justin Morneau open the season 4-for-10 with a pair of doubles is certainly reason for optimism, but they need others to step up in the weeks to come if they want to avoid another poor season.

No. 22: Seattle Mariners (3-1, Previous: 23)

Current Lineup

LF Chone Figgins
2B Dustin Ackley
RF Ichiro Suzuki
1B Justin Smoak
DH Jesus Montero
3B Kyle Seager
C Miguel Olivo
CF Michael Saunders
SS Brendan Ryan

Current Rotation

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

What We Learned from Week 1

Felix Hernandez was far from dominant in his second start of the season on Sunday, allowing eight hits and six runs through 6.1 innings, but the Mariners offense picked him up as the team moved to 3-1 on the season.

Six of the team's nine starters are hitting .300 or better at this early stage in the season, which has to be a promising sign for a team that ranked last in the league in batting average and runs scored last season.

They may not have the horses to keep this up for an entire season, but the Mariners certainly look like a drastically improved team through their first four games.

No. 21: Colorado Rockies (1-2, Previous: 19)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation 

SP Jeremy Guthrie
SP Jamie Moyer
SP Juan Nicasio
SP Jhoulys Chacin
SP Drew Pomeranz (in minors, to be recalled for April 15 start)
CP Rafael Betancourt

What We Learned from Week 1

After an offseason of adding a number of veteran pieces to their offense, the Rockies' success this season will largely hinge on the performance of their starting rotation, which lacks a true staff ace and has a number of questions surrounding it.

Free-agent signing Michael Cuddyer (5-for-12, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI) has gotten off to a hot start this season, and if he can keep it up alongside superstars Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, the lineup could be a formidable one.

How quickly rookie left-hander Drew Pomeranz can realize his potential and whether or not Jamie Moyer can be counted on as a legitimate starter could go a long way towards determining whether or not the Rockies will be for real in 2012.

No. 20: Cleveland Indians (1-2, Previous: 18)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Derek Lowe
SP Josh Tomlin
SP Jeanmar Gomez
CP Chris Perez

What We Learned from Week 1

Much like the Cubs, the Indians have gotten three terrific outings from their starting pitchers, Justin Masterson (8 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 10 Ks), Ubaldo Jimenez (7 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 3 Ks) and Derek Lowe (7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER), yet they stand at 1-2 on the season.

Relievers Jairo Asencio and Tony Sipp have each been credited with a loss in relief, and closer Chris Perez (3 G, 2.2 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 3 ER) has blown a save.

The starting rotation was largely to blame for the Indians falling out of contention last season, and if they can continue to get quality starts from their starters, their bullpen should eventually come around.

No. 19: Pittsburgh Pirates (2-1, Previous: 22)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Erik Bedard
SP Jeff Karstens
SP James McDonald
SP Kevin Correia
SP Charlie Morton (currently on 15-Day DL, should return for first start)
CP Joel Hanrahan 

What We Learned from Week 1

It has been a dramatic start to the season for the Pirates to say the least, as they notched walk-off wins in each of their last two games to take the series from the Phillies after dropping the season opener 1-0.

On Saturday it was a two-out, bases-loaded infield single from Alex Presley that gave the Pirates a win in the bottom of the 10th, and Sunday Andrew McCutchen delivered game-winning single.

This is certainly something the team can use to build some momentum, and while it is certainly still an underdog in the NL Central, it is an impressive start nonetheless.

No. 18: Kansas City Royals (2-1, Previous: 20)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Jonathan Sanchez
SP Luis Mendoza
SP Danny Duffy
CP Jonathan Broxton

What We Learned from Week 1

The Royals offense has gotten off to a solid start behind young sluggers Billy Butler (1 HR, 3 RBI) and Eric Hosmer (2 HR, 4 RBI) as it continues to show promise for both the present and the future.

With that in mind, their starting rotation remains the factor that will hold them back from contending, so getting strong starts from Bruce Chen (6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER), Luke Hochevar (6.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER) and Jonathan Sanchez (5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER) to open the year is certainly reason for optimism.

Continued production from the starting staff will be key for the team to take a legitimate step towards contention, and it will be interesting to see if the staff can continue to perform at that level.

No. 17: San Francisco Giants (0-3, Previous: 15)

Current Lineup 

CF Angel Pagan
RF Melky Cabrera
3B Pablo Sandoval
C Buster Posey
LF Aubrey Huff
1B Brandon Belt
2B Ryan Theriot (Injury Replacement—Freddy Sanchez on 15-Day DL)
SS Brandon Crawford
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Lincecum
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Matt Cain
SP Barry Zito
SP Ryan Vogelsong (currently on 15-Day DL, expected to return for first start)
CP Brian Wilson

What We Learned from Week 1

Coming off a season in which they were saddled with injuries, the Giants are off to a tough start this season after being swept by the Diamondbacks, and they finished out the series by blowing a 6-0 lead.

Tim Lincecum followed up a poor spring training by giving up six hits and five runs over 5.1 innings, Madison Bumgarner gave up seven hits and four runs in four innings and Matt Cain allowed six hits and five runs over six innings, which is certainly cause for concern.

The Giants don't have the offense to overcome a bad outing by their starter, and they will need their big three to turn things around quickly if they have any shot of contending in the NL West.

No. 16: Los Angeles Dodgers (3-1, Previous: 17)

Current Lineup

SS Dee Gordon
2B Mark Ellis
CF Matt Kemp
RF Andre Ethier
LF Juan Rivera
1B James Loney
3B Juan Uribe
C A.J. Ellis
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Chad Billingsley
SP Chris Capuano
SP Aaron Harang
SP Ted Lilly (currently on 15-Day DL, expected to return for first start)
CP Javy Guerra

What We Learned from Week 1

Right fielder Andre Ethier is once again off to a hot start this season, as he has tallied two doubles, a triple, a home run and eight RBI though his first 15 at-bats.

Ace Clayton Kershaw made it just three innings in his season debut due to a bout of the stomach flu, yet he was still dominant, allowing two hits and no runs while striking out three. Once he is back at full strength he should continue his dominance.

Meanwhile, Chad Billingsley was among the most dominant starters of the season's first week, going 8.1 innings and allowing just three hits and no runs while fanning 11, as the Dodgers stars have performed early to get the team to 3-1.

No. 15: Toronto Blue Jays (2-1, Previous: 16)

Current Lineup

SS Yunel Escobar
2B Kelly Johnson
RF Jose Bautista
1B Adam Lind
DH Edwin Encarnacion
3B Brett Lawrie
LF Eric Thames
C J.P. Arencibia
CF Colby Rasmus

Current Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Aaron Laffey (Joel Carreno optioned to minors)
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Kyle Drabek
CP Sergio Santos

What We Learned from Week 1

The Blue Jays have gotten run production from up and down their lineup to start the season, as eight different players have driven in a run. However, they have hit just .199 as a team to this point, and that will need to improve.

They won their first two games, but it took them a whopping 28 combined innings to secure the victories, as they were both pushed to extras.

It is a safe bet to assume that their potent lineup will come around and put up numbers, but the pitching staff will need to find some consistency starting with their ace if they want to take the next step towards contention in the AL East.

No. 14: Milwaukee Brewers (1-2, Previous: 12)

Current Lineup

2B Rickie Weeks
CF Nyjer Morgan
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
RF Corey Hart
1B Mat Gamel
SS Alex Gonzalez
C Jonathan Lucroy
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Zack Greinke
SP Randy Wolf
SP Shaun Marcum
SP Chris Narveson
CP John Axford

What We Learned from Week 1

The Brewers sandwiched a 6-0 victory in the second game of their series with the Cardinals between 11-5 and 9-3 drubbings.

Zack Greinke was dominant in his start, going seven innings and allowing four hits and no runs while walking none and fanning seven, but Yovani Gallardo and Randy Wolf were both roughed up.

On the plus side, right fielder Corey Hart, who will be counted on to pick up some of the run production slack in the wake of Prince Fielder's departure, is off to a hot start, going 4-for-9 with a double, three home runs and four RBI. Still, the pitching will need to improve drastically if they want to make a run at defending their division title.

No. 13: Miami Marlins (1-3, Previous: 13)

Current Lineup

SS Jose Reyes
CF Emilio Bonifacio
3B Hanley Ramirez
RF Giancarlo Stanton
LF Logan Morrison
1B Gaby Sanchez
2B Omar Infante
C John Buck
Pitcher

Current Rotation

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

What We Learned from Week 1

After tallying just one run over the first two games, the Marlins picked up their first win of the season with a eight-run, 12-hit win over the Reds and looked to have their second victory wrapped up Sunday before newly-acquired closer Heath Bell blew the save.

None of their starters has been particularly impressive so far, and their offense has just one regular hitting over .300 at this point, so all in all it has been a slow start to the season for the Marlins.

Still, they have a roster without any glaring holes, and once their pitchers settle in and their offensive stars inevitably start producing they should be in the thick of things in the NL East.

No. 12: Washington Nationals (2-1, Previous: 14)

Current Lineup

SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Jayson Werth
LF Mark DeRosa (Injury Replacement—Michael Morse on 15-Day DL)
CF Roger Bernadina
C Wilson Ramos
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Ross Detwiler
CP Brad Lidge (Injury Replacement—Drew Storen on 15-Day DL)

What We Learned from Week 1

The Nationals rallied from behind against the Cubs duo of Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol in each of the first two games of their season-opening series and managed to close a 4-1 gap to 4-3 in the ninth before the Cubs slammed the door.

Still, their ability to stay in games backed by their strong starting pitching and put runs on the board late with a pesky offense top to bottom could make them surprise contenders this season.

Getting Michael Morse and Drew Storen back will be a huge boost to the offense and bullpen, respectively, and it will be interesting to see just how good their rotation can be over a full season.

No. 11: Boston Red Sox (0-3, Previous: 10)

Current Lineup

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2B Dustin Pedroia
1B Adrian Gonzalez
DH David Ortiz
3B Kevin Youkilis
RF Ryan Sweeney (Injury Replacement—Carl Crawford on 15-Day DL)
LF Cody Ross
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS Mike Aviles

Current Rotation

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

What We Learned from Week 1

After struggling against Justin Verlander for eight innings, the Red Sox struck for two runs on Opening Day against closer Jose Valverde, as he blew his first save opportunity of the year after converting all 49 chances last season, although they still dropped the game.

They then dropped their second game, 10-0, before falling 13-12 in 11 innings on a walk-off home run by Alex Avila after capturing a 12-10 lead in the top of the 11th Sunday to fall to 0-3 to start the season.

Both the pitching and the offense will need to improve drastically if the Red Sox are going to be legitimate contenders, and after Alfredo Aceves (0 IP, 3 ER) and Mark Melancon (1 IP, 4 ER) both blew saves, the ninth-inning situation could be a serious problem.

No. 10: Atlanta Braves (0-3, Previous: 11)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Tommy Hanson
SP Jair Jurrjens
SP Mike Minor
SP Brandon Beachy
SP Randall Delgado
CP Craig Kimbrel

What We Learned from Week 1

The Braves have opened the season with their offense reeling, as they are hitting just .151 as a group and were swept by the New York Mets to open their season as a result.

On top of that, starters Jair Jurrjens and Mike Minor were both roughed up badly in their outings, and Tommy Hanson's strong outing was squandered by the offense as the team lost 1-0 in the opener.

The Braves pitchers are too talented for the team to not turn things around, but there is certainly a cause for concern in the offense's early struggles as they have a number of questions surrounding their lineup.

No. 9: Cincinnati Reds (2-1, Previous: 9)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Bronson Arroyo
SP Mike Leake
SP Homer Bailey
CP Sean Marshall 

What We Learned from Week 1

The talk of the offseason for the Reds was their trade of four players for Padres starter Mat Latos, but he struggled mightily in his first start, lasting just 4.2 innings and allowing seven hits and four runs.

Bronson Arroyo struggled as well, allowing 10 hits and four earned runs over 6.1 innings, while ace Johnny Cueto pitched a gem, allowing three hits and no runs over seven innings.

In the end, the offense will be there for the Reds like it was last year, and whether or not they make a run at the postseason will rely heavily on their starting staff.

No. 8: Philadelphia Phillies (1-2, Previous: 6)

Current Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
3B Placido Polanco
CF Shane Victorino
RF Hunter Pence
1B Ty Wigginton (Injury Replacement—Ryan Howard on 15-Day DL)
LF John Mayberry Jr.
C Carlos Ruiz
2B Freddy Galvis (Injury Replacement—Chase Utley on 15-Day DL)
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Roy Halladay
SP Cliff Lee
SP Vance Worley
SP Cole Hamels
SP Joe Blanton
CP Jonathan Papelbon 

What We Learned from Week 1

The Phillies opened the 2012 season without stars Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, and their offensive output reflected the absence of those two as the team managed just two runs through its first two games.

Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence will do what they can to carry the offense while those two are gone, and the starting rotation will keep the Phillies in most games as it still ranks among the best in the league, but the offense has to be a concern.

If the team can't prove capable of backing their staff with some offense, they could begin to fall down this list, but for now on the strength of their staff they still have to be considered among the NL favorites.

No. 7: Arizona Diamondbacks (3-0, Previous: 7)

Current Lineup

SS Willie Bloomquist (Injury Replacement—Stephen Drew on 15-Day DL)
CF Chris Young
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero
1B Paul Goldschmidt
LF Jason Kubel
3B Ryan Roberts
2B Aaron Hill
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Daniel Hudson
SP Josh Collmenter
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Joe Saunders
CP J.J. Putz

What We Learned from Week 1

The Diamondbacks escaped from their three-game series against the Giants with one-run victories in all three games, as they did just enough to come away with wins.

The team battled back from a 6-0 deficit to close out the series thanks to a pair of home runs from second baseman Aaron Hill, as they came away with a sweep of what many consider to be their biggest competition for the NL West title.

There may be no more complete roster top-to-bottom than that of the Diamondbacks this season, as they have no holes in their roster, and they are off to a nice start in 2012.

No. 6: New York Yankees (0-3, Previous: 2)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ivan Nova
SP Freddy Garcia (Injury Replacement—Michael Pineda on 15-Day DL)
CP Mariano Rivera 

What We Learned from Week 1

The Yankees open their season 0-3 for the first time since 1998, and that season ended in a World Series title and a 114-48 record, so there is no reason to panic in the Bronx.

Still, their poor start has to drop them down the list a few places, as it is so close among the top contenders in the AL right now that an 0-3 slide will cost you spots early.

Getting Michael Pineda back will be a boost, and Mariano Rivera is not going to blow too many more saves, The offense will come around, and CC Sabathia will tally quality starts more times than not, but for now they fall behind the Rays after they were swept by them.

No. 5: Tampa Bay Rays (3-0, Previous: 8)

Current Lineup

CF Desmond Jennings
1B Carlos Pena
3B Evan Longoria
LF Matt Joyce
RF Ben Zobrist
DH Luke Scott
2B Jeff Keppinger (Injury Replacement—B.J. Upton on 15-Day DL)
SS Sean Rodriguez
C Jose Molina

Current Rotation

SP James Shields
SP David Price
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SP Matt Moore
SP Jeff Niemann
CP Fernando Rodney (Injury Replacement—Kyle Farnsworth on 15-Day DL)

What We Learned from Week 1

The Rays opened their season in impressive fashion, sweeping the division rival New York Yankees and capping the series with a three-hit shutout.

They managed to overcome a rough start from James Shields on Opening Day as they struck against Yankees closer Mariano Rivera and got terrific starts from David Price and Jeremy Hellickson, but it is their offense that has been a pleasant surprise.

Carlos Pena is off to a hot start with a 6-for-12, one double, two home run, seven RBI series as the Rays have slotted him in the No. 2 spot in their lineup, and if the offense can match the pitching all season for the Rays, look out.

No. 4: Los Angeles Angels (1-2, Previous: 3)

Current Lineup

SS Erick Aybar
2B Howie Kendrick
1B Albert Pujols
DH Kendrys Morales
RF Torii Hunter
LF Vernon Wells
3B Alberto Callaspo
C Chris Iannetta
CF Peter Bourjos

Current Rotation

SP Jered Weaver
SP Dan Haren
SP Ervin Santana
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Jerome Williams (currently on 15-Day DL, should return for first start)
CP Jordan Walden 

What We Learned From Week One

The Angels' ballyhooed offseason resulted in a 1-2 start to the season, due in large part to terrible starts from Dan Haren (5.1 IP, 11 H, 5 ER) and Ervin Santana (5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 ER).

Ace Jered Weaver was terrific, throwing eight shutout innings and fanning 10, and free-agent addition C.J. Wilson has yet to make his debut. And at the end of the day Haren and Santana will figure things out and the Angels will have a rotation that ranks among the league's best.

They scored 11 runs over the three-game series, and if they can continue to post that sort of run production, their pitching should be more than enough to win them a majority of series..

No. 3: St. Louis Cardinals (3-1, Previous: 4)

Current Lineup

SS Rafael Furcal
RF Carlos Beltran
LF Matt Holliday
1B Lance Berkman
3B David Freese
C Yadier Molina
CF John Jay
2B Daniel Descalso
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Kyle Lohse
SP Jaime Garcia
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Lance Lynn (Injury Replacement—Chris Carpenter on 15-Day DL)
SP Jake Westbrook
CP Jason Motte

What We Learned from Week 1

Despite the loss of Albert Pujols and the injury to Chris Carpenter, the Cardinals have gotten off to a nice start this season in the early stages of their attempt to defend their title.

David Freese (8-for-19, 1 HR, 6 RBI), Kyle Lohse (7.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER) and Lance Lynn (6.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER) have all stepped up early in the season with big contributions.

Skeptics continue to point to all that the Cardinals lost in the offseason as the likely reason for their downfall in 2012, but until they are unseated and as long as they continue to win, there is no reason not to consider them NL favorites.

No. 2: Detroit Tigers (3-0, Previous: 5)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Justin Verlander
SP Duane Below (Injury Replacement—Doug Fister on 15-Day DL)
SP Max Scherzer
SP Rick Porcello
SP Drew Smyly (in minors, to be recalled for April 12 start)
CP Jose Valverde 

What We Learned from Week 1

The Tigers have looked fantastic early on, as the offense piled up 26 runs in the first three games of the season to sweep the Boston Red Sox, wrapping up the series with a walk-off home run from Alex Avila on Sunday.

The duo of Miguel Cabrera (5-for-11, 3 HR, 8 RBI) and Prince Fielder (5-for-12, 2 HR, 3 RBI) has lived up to its billing as the game's top offensive duo, and ace Justin Verlander was stellar through eight innings on Opening Day before Jose Valverde blew a save.

Still, in a brief sample size the Tigers look formidable, and while their pitching staff will need to keep pace with their offense, expect them to be towards the top of these rankings all season.

No. 1: Texas Rangers (2-1, Previous: 1)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

What We Learned from Week 1

The Rangers opened their season 2-1 on the strength of their starting rotation, not their potent lineup, as Colby Lewis (6 IP, 2 ER), Derek Holland (6 IP, 3 ER) and Matt Harrison (6 IP, 0 ER) all pitched well and immediately helped the team begin to forget about losing ace C.J. Wilson in the offseason.

Meanwhile, the offense scuffled early but showed signs of beginning to break out in the final game of their series against the White Sox on Sunday, as they tallied five runs, including round-trippers by David Murphy, Adrian Beltre and Josh Hamilton.

As long as the pitching can carry its weight this season, there is no reason to bet against the Rangers, and this upcoming week will be an exciting one as Yu Darvish makes his debut and Neftali Feliz make his first big league start after transitioning to the rotation.