MLB Power Rankings: Surprising Baltimore Orioles Rise After Another Strong Week

Another week of the MLB season is in the books, and again there was a good deal of movement in the upper portion of this week's power rankings.

For anyone who didn't believe they were for real before, a 5-1 week has given the Baltimore Orioles the best record in all of baseball. But how far does that move them up the rankings after they were seventh last week?

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

No. 30: Minnesota Twins (7-20, Previous: 30)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Carl Pavano
SP Francisco Liriano
SP Nick Blackburn
SP Scott Diamond 
SP Jason Marquis
CL Matt Capps 

Team Outlook

It was another rough week for the Twins, as they were swept by the Angels and dropped two of three to the Mariners. They were shut out three times and outscored 31-8 on the week.

Josh Willingham had been the lone bright spot for the team up to this week, but even he struggled, going 1-for-18 on the week as the Twins were lucky to get the one win that they did.

No. 29: San Diego Padres (9-20, Previous: 28)

Current Lineup

RF Will Venable
LF Chris Denorfia 
3B Chase Headley
C Nick Hundley
1B Yonder Alonso
2B Orlando Hudson
CF Cameron Maybin
SS Jason Bartlett
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Jeff Suppan
SP Clayton Richard
SP Anthony Bass
SP Joe Wieland
CL Andrew Cashner

Team Outlook

The Padres started out the week strong as they won their first series of the year in taking two of three from the Brewers, but they were swept by the Marlins to close the week, leaving them with the worst record in the NL.

The pitching continues to be good enough to win games, although they will be without closer Huston Street as he is now on the DL. The offense continues to be dreadful, with Yonder Alonso (.271 BA) and Chase Headley (.252 BA) the only two regulars hitting over .250.

No. 28: Kansas City Royals (9-18, Previous: 29)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Jonathan Sanchez
SP Danny Duffy
SP Felipe Paulino 
CL Jonathan Broxton

Team Outlook

The Royals held their own this week against some tough opposition, splitting a quick two-game series with the Tigers in Detroit before taking two of four from the Yankees at home.

Alex Gordon raised his average 32 points on the week, as he has gotten things on track alongside Mike Moustakas and Billy Butler. However, Eric Hosmer (.185 BA) continues to struggle, and the starting rotation is still wildly inconsistent.

No. 27: Chicago Cubs (11-17, Previous: 25)

Current Lineup 

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

Current Rotation

SP Ryan Dempster
SP Matt Garza
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Chris Volstad
SP Paul Maholm
CL James Russell

Team Outlook

The Cubs closed out a 3-3 week with an extra-innings win against the Dodgers, as they took two of three from the NL West leaders at home.

Carlos Marmol (5.59 ERA, 12.1 BB/9) has been removed from the closer's role, and Ryan Dempster is back after a DL stint, so perhaps the pitching will be improved moving forward. Offensively, Bryan LaHair (.390 BA, 7 HR, 16 RBI) continues to do everything in his power to hold off top prospect Anthony Rizzo (.364 BA, 7 HR, 25 RBI at Triple-A).

No. 26: Pittsburgh Pirates (12-16, Previous: 24)

Current Lineup

LF Alex Presley
RF Jose Tabata
CF Andrew McCutchen
3B Pedro Alvarez
2B Neil Walker
1B Garrett Jones
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 

Team Outlook

The Pirates took one game each from the Braves, Cardinals and Reds to escape the week with a 3-4 record, as they are now tied for fourth place in the NL Central.

Pedro Alvarez (8-for-22, 3 HR, 8 RBI) finally broke through this week and was quickly bumped up to the cleanup spot in the order. The rest of the lineup will need to follow suit, though, if the Pirates are to start stringing together wins.

No. 25: Seattle Mariners (13-17, Previous: 20)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Team Outlook

After a week in which they went 4-2 and climbed five spots, the Mariners were swept in a four-game series with the Rays before taking two of three from the Twins.

Mike Carp is back from injury, and Kyle Seager looks to have a firm grasp on the third base job, so Chone Figgins has been relegated to the bench. Also, Felix Hernandez (3-1, 1.89 ERA) is really good in case you weren't aware.

No. 24: Colorado Rockies (12-15, Previous: 22)

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 Jamie Moyer
SP Juan Nicasio
SP Drew Pomeranz
SP Alex White
SP ??? - TBD
CL Rafael Betancourt

Team Outlook

The Rockies took two of three from a good Dodgers team to open the week but were swept by the Braves at home to close out the week at 2-4.

Carlos Gonzalez (.313 BA, 7 HR, 25 RBI) has gotten hot of late and is carrying the offense, but the starting pitching continues to struggle, as every starter has an ERA over 4.00, although Drew Pomeranz (2.30 ERA over last 15.2 IP) looks capable of stepping into the role of staff ace.

No. 23: Houston Astros (13-15, Previous: 27)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP Lucas Harrell
SP Bud Norris
SP J.A. Happ
SP ??? - TBD
CL Brett Myers

Team Outlook

It was a banner week for the Astros, as they swept the Mets at home and then took two of three from the division-leading Cardinals to pull into third place in the NL Central.

Their offense has been terrific, led by Jose Altuve (.352 BA) and Jed Lowrie (.333 BA, 4 HR, 12 RBI), as they rank fourth in the NL in runs scored. However, the starting pitching is still struggling outside of Wandy Rodriguez.

No. 22: Boston Red Sox (11-16, Previous: 14)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Team Outlook

A 6-1 week last week shot the Red Sox into the upper half of the rankings, but they return to the bottom section after going 1-5 on the week and getting swept by the Orioles to close things out.

No starting pitcher has an ERA under 4.00, the bullpen has struggled and the offense has too many holes to offset those problems like they could in years past. On a positive note, the era of Will Middlebrooks (5-for-16, 2 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI) has begun with a bang while Kevin Youkilis is on the DL.

No. 21: Milwaukee Brewers (12-16, Previous: 18)

Current Lineup

CF Nyjer Morgan
2B Rickie Weeks
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
RF Corey Hart
C Jonathan Lucroy
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

Team Outlook

The Brewers opened the week dropping two of three to the lowly Padres and went on to lose two of three to the Giants as well.

Mat Gamel is likely done for the season after tearing his ACL, and Alex Gonzalez also hit the DL with a knee injury, as the already offense-strapped Brewers could be even worse moving forward. On the other side of things, their pitching staff continues to struggle with a 4.88 ERA, good for second to last in the NL.

No. 20: Los Angeles Angels (12-17, Previous: 21)

Current Lineup

CF Mike Trout
LF Vernon Wells
1B Albert Pujols
DH Kendrys Morales
RF Torii Hunter
2B Howie Kendrick
3B Mark Trumbo
SS Erick Aybar
C Chris Iannetta

Current Rotation

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

Team Outlook

The Angels enjoyed their best week of the season last week, as they swept the lowly Twins before taking two of four from a good Blue Jays team, keeping them from falling any further down the rankings.

The highlight, though, was Jered Weaver's no-hitter on Wednesday to close out the Twins series. The week also featured the first home run of the year from Albert Pujols (.196 BA, 1 HR, 7 RBI).

No. 19: Chicago White Sox (13-15, Previous: 19)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP John Danks
SP Jake Peavy
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Phil Humber
SP Eric Stults
CL Chris Sale

Team Outlook

The White Sox had a tough week within their own division, as they lost two of three to both the Indians and Tigers to drop to third place in the AL Central.

The decision was made to move Chris Sale (3-1, 2.81 ERA in five GS) to the closer's role to both protect his arm and solidify the bullpen. Offensively, Adam Dunn (9 HR, 23 RBI) continues to enjoy a nice bounce-back season, while four other regulars are hitting below .225.

No. 18: Miami Marlins (14-14, Previous: 26)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Carlos Zambrano
SP Anibal Sanchez
CL Steve Cishek 

Team Outlook

The Marlins are fresh off their best week of the season, as they have now won six straight with sweeps of the Giants and Padres on the road last week.

Their starting pitching is carrying them right now, as every starter aside from the still struggling Josh Johnson (6.61 ERA) has an ERA below 3.00. Meanwhile, Heath Bell has been removed from the closer's role after blowing four of seven save chances.

No. 17: Oakland Athletics (15-14, Previous: 23)

Current Lineup

2B Jemile Weeks
SS Cliff Pennington 
RF Josh Reddick
CF Yoenis Cespedes
LF Seth Smith
C Kurt Suzuki
DH Kila Ka'aihue
1B Daric Barton
3B Brandon Inge

Current Rotation

SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Bartolo Colon
SP Tom Milone
SP Tyson Ross
SP Jarrod Parker
CL Grant Balfour

Team Outlook

The Athletics enjoyed a solid week against AL East competition, as they took two of three from both the Red Sox and Rays to move into second place in the AL West.

Coco Crisp hit the DL, but considering he was hitting just .194, that may not be a bad thing. Meanwhile Jarrod Parker picked up his first win with the Athletics and now has a 1.38 ERA through his first two starts.

No. 16: New York Mets (15-13, Previous: 11)

Current Lineup

LF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
SS Ruben Tejada
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
RF Lucas Duda
1B Ike Davis
CF Andres Torres
C Josh Thole
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Johan Santana
SP R.A. Dickey
SP Jon Niese
SP Miguel Batista
SP Dillon Gee
CL Frank Francisco

Team Outlook

A 5-3 week last week moved the Mets up to No. 11, but they were swept by the Astros to open last week before taking two of three from the Diamondbacks to settle for a 2-4 week and earn a drop in the rankings.

David Wright (.375 BA, 3 HR, 14 RBI) continues to enjoy a terrific start, and the offense as a whole has been very good as a whole, hitting .263 (third in NL). However, their pitching and lack of a second premier run-producer (Ike Davis?) prevent them from being serious contenders as of now.

No. 15: San Francisco Giants (14-14, Previous: 12)

Current Lineup 

CF Angel Pagan
3B Conor Gillaspie
LF Melky Cabrera
C Buster Posey
RF Nate Schierholtz
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

Team Outlook

The Giants were swept by the resurgent Marlins to open the week before taking two of three from the Brewers to keep from tumbling too far down the rankings.

The trio of Buster Posey, Pablo Sandoval (who was placed on the DL) and Melky Cabrera has been carrying the offensive load, and the pitching has begun to round into form with a 3.18 ERA that ranks third in the NL.

No. 14: Philadelphia Phillies (14-15, Previous: 16)

Current Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
3B Placido Polanco
CF Shane Victorino
RF Hunter Pence
1B Ty Wigginton
LF Laynce Nix
C Carlos Ruiz
2B Freddy Galvis
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Roy Halladay
SP Vance Worley
SP Cole Hamels
SP Joe Blanton
SP Kyle Kendrick
CL Jonathan Papelbon

Team Outlook

The Phillies avoided a sweep at the hands of the Nationals on Sunday, sealing a 4-3 week for what was their first week with a winning record so far this season.

They continue to do what they can offensively without Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, as guys like Laynce Nix (.311 BA, 2 HR, 10 RBI) and Ty Wigginton (.289 BA, 2 HR, 10 RBI) have performed admirably in expanded roles. With their pitching, they should be able to keep their heads above water until they are back at full strength.

No. 13: Arizona Diamondbacks (14-15, Previous: 13)

Current Lineup

SS Willie Bloomquist
CF Gerardo Parra
RF Justin Upton
LF Jason Kubel
C Miguel Montero
1B Paul Goldschmidt
2B Aaron Hill
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

Team Outlook

The Diamondbacks took a game each from the Marlins, Nationals and Mets on their way to a 3-4 week, pulling them within half a game of the Giants for second place in the NL West.

Wade Miley (3-0, 2.33 ERA) looks to be the real deal, but the team continues to look for a reliable fifth starter in the absence of Daniel Hudson. Offensively, no regular is hitting over .300, and the team can't get Chris Young (shoulder) back soon enough.

No. 12: Cincinnati Reds (14-13, Previous: 15)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Team Outlook

The Reds split a two-game series with the Cubs to open the week before taking two of three from the Pirates, as they are now just 2.5 games behind the Cardinals in the NL Central.

Still one of the most complete teams in the National League, the Reds' biggest issues continue to lie in the starting rotation, and a strong start by Mat Latos (6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 11 Ks) last time out is an extremely positive sign.

No. 11: New York Yankees (15-13, 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 Andruw Jones
C Russell Martin

Current Rotation

SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ivan Nova
SP David Phelps
CL David Robertson

Team Outlook

The Yankees lost two of three to the upstart Orioles to open the week before splitting a four-game series with the lowly Royals, as they dropped to fourth in the AL East.

It was a week of more bad injury news for the Yankees too, as Mariano Rivera tore his ACL shagging fly balls in batting practice and will miss the rest of the season. That came just a week after the team found out Michael Pineda would not pitch this season. Things are not looking great in the Bronx right now.

No. 10: Detroit Tigers (14-13, Previous: 9)

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

Team Outlook

After a 1-5 showing the previous week, the Tigers got back on track last week as they went 3-2 and closed the week out by taking two of three from the White Sox at home.

The team should get a boost with Doug Fister returning from injury and Delmon Young back from his suspension. Despite their hiccup last week they still have to be considered one of the best teams in the AL.

No. 9: Cleveland Indians (15-11, Previous: 17)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Team Outlook

The Indians opened the week by taking two of three from the division rival White Sox before impressing in winning two of three against a stacked Rangers team.

The team has now held or shared the AL Central lead since April 24, and while no one in particular stands out as a star, the Indians continue to find ways to win as a team.

No. 8: Toronto Blue Jays (16-13, Previous: 10)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Kyle Drabek
SP Drew Hutchison
CL Francisco Cordero

Team Outlook

The Blue Jays outslugged the Rangers to take two of three at home before splitting a four-game series with the increasingly competitive Angels.

Edwin Encarnacion (.279 BA, 9 HR, 25 RBI) continues to carry the offensive load as the team patiently waits for Jose Bautista (.183) and Adam Lind (.194) to come around. The pitching continues to be an asset, as four starters have an ERA under 4.00.

No. 7: Los Angeles Dodgers (18-10, Previous: 4)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Chad Billingsley
SP Chris Capuano
SP Aaron Harang
SP Ted Lilly
CL Javy Guerra

Team Outlook

The Dodgers entered the week tied for the best record in baseball at 16-6 but dropped back-to-back series on the road to the Rockies and Cubs for a 2-4 week.

That said, they still have the best player in the game right now in Matt Kemp (.388 BA, 12 HR, 27 RBI) as well as the NL RBI leader in Andre Ethier (28). Those two, paired with a fantastic pitching staff, make the Dodgers legitimate contenders moving forward.

No. 6: Atlanta Braves (18-11, Previous: 5)

Current Lineup

CF Michael Bourn
LF Martin Prado
3B Chipper Jones
C Brian McCann
2B Dan Uggla
1B Freddie Freeman
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

Team Outlook

The Braves overcame a 1-3 start to the week by sweeping the Rockies in Colorado, as they kept pace with the Nationals in what is a tight NL East.

Scoring runs looked to be the Braves' biggest concern entering the season, but they have put any fear of that to rest as they lead baseball in runs scored. On the other hand, their pitching, which was expected to be terrific, has struggled as three starters have ERAs north of 5.00.

No. 5: St. Louis Cardinals (17-11, Previous: 3)

Current Lineup

SS Rafael Furcal
CF Jon Jay
LF Matt Holliday
RF Carlos Beltran
3B David Freese
C Yadier Molina
1B Allen Craig
2B Skip Schumaker
Pitcher

Current Rotation

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

Team Outlook

The Cardinals took two of three from the Pirates to open the week, exploding for 25 runs over three games, before losing two of three to the Astros in Houston to close things out.

Allen Craig (6-for-16, 1 HR, 7 RBI) made his season debut last week after opening the season on the DL, and he has picked right up where he left off last postseason. As long as the pitching stays as strong as it's been, the NL Central belongs to the Cardinals.

No. 4: Washington Nationals (18-10, Previous: 6)

Current Lineup

SS Ian Desmond
3B Steve Lombardozzi
RF Bryce Harper
1B Adam LaRoche
CF Rick Ankiel
2B Danny Espinosa
LF Tyler Moore
C Wilson Ramos
Pitcher

Current Rotation

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

Team Outlook

The Nationals took two of three from the Diamondbacks and Phillies on the week to maintain their lead in the NL East.

The pitching continues to be fantastic (2.59 team ERA), and Bryce Harper (8-for-26, 5 doubles) is doing his best to keep from being sent back down once Ryan Zimmerman returns from injury. There's a lot to like about the Nationals right now, as they are the real deal.

No. 3: Baltimore Orioles (19-9, Previous: 7)

Current Lineup

LF Endy Chavez
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Nick Markakis
CF Adam Jones 
C Matt Wieters
1B Chris Davis
3B Wilson Betemit
DH Mark Reynolds
2B Robert Andino

Current Rotation 

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

Team Outlook

New week, same story for the Orioles, as they had no trouble against AL East foes this past week, taking two of three from the Yankees in New York before sweeping the Red Sox in Boston for a 5-1 week.

Their pitching staff (2.78 ERA) is the best in the AL right now, and their offense continues to thrive even while J.J. Hardy, Mark Reynolds and Nick Markakis struggle. Anyone who was not a believer in the Orioles heading into the week should certainly reconsider after yet another dominant stretch of games left them with the best record in baseball.

No. 2: Tampa Bay Rays (19-10, Previous: 2)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP James Shields
SP David Price
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SP Matt Moore
SP Jeff Niemann
CL Fernando Rodney

Team Outlook

While the Orioles lead the AL East by half a game, the Rays didn't do anything to justify moving them down a spot, so they remain at No. 2, following a 5-2 week in which they swept the Mariners.

The team continues to piece together the third base position while Evan Longoria is out, but getting B.J. Upton (.333 BA, 2 HR, 11 RBI) back at full strength certainly helps. Meanwhile, the pitching continues to impress with plenty of room to get even better moving forward.

No. 1: Texas Rangers (18-10, Previous: 1)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Team Outlook

A 2-4 week marked the worst stretch of the season for the Rangers, as they dropped two of three to both the Blue Jays and Indians. Those are two good teams, so that was not enough to drop them from the top spot, but the gap between the Rangers and the rest of baseball has certainly been narrowed.

The starting pitching stumbled a bit this week, but they still have a solid staff led by Yu Darvish (4-1, 2.54 ERA), one of the best bullpens in baseball and as potent a lineup as there is, so for now they keep the top spot.