Updated MLB Power Rankings: Big Week Moves Reds, White Sox into Top 10

There was plenty of movement in the rankings this week as we close out the month of May and move towards the summer. 

A pair of top teams struggled through awful weeks, as the Blue Jays and Braves combined for one win, while the Reds and White Sox made serious pushes and combined to go 11-2.

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 (15-32, Previous: 30)

Current Lineup 

RF David DeJesus
SS Starlin Castro
CF Joe Mather
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 James Russell

Last Week's Record:  0-6

Team Outlook

The Cubs continue to struggle, as their losing streak has reached a whopping 12 games with no end in sight. The fire sale could begin soon, with a number of players expected to be departing at the deadline.

The team continues its search for a reliable closer, with James Russell likely to become the third pitcher to fill the role this season. 

29. Minnesota Twins (15-32, Previous: 28)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Carl Pavano
SP P.J. Walters
SP Scott Diamond
SP Cole De Vries
SP Francisco Liriano
CL Matt Capps

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Team Outlook

The pitching continues to be horrendous for the Twins, who sport a collective 5.47 ERA and are one of just two teams (Rockies: 5.16 ERA) over 5.00. Francisco Liriano (8.47 ERA) is back in the rotation after a couple of weeks in the bullpen, but is that really a good thing?

28. San Diego Padres (17-32, Previous: 27)

Current Lineup

RF Will Venable
CF Cameron Maybin
1B Yonder Alonso
LF Jesus Guzman
3B Chase Headley
C Nick Hundley
SS Andy Parrino 
2B Everth Cabrera
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: 1-5

Team Outlook

Help is on the way for the Padres, as Carlos Quentin is expected to rejoin the team this coming week and could even be in the lineup on Monday, according to Corey Brock of MLB.com. His addition should help a group that is hitting .220 collectively, just .001 ahead of the Pirates for worst in the NL.

27. Colorado Rockies (17-29, Previous: 29)

Current Lineup

2B Marco Scutaro
3B Jordan Pacheco
LF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Todd Helton
RF Michael Cuddyer
C Wilin Rosario
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: 2-4

Team Outlook

An adequate week pushes the Rockies to the top of a four-horse race for worst team in baseball that has been going on for several weeks now.

Top prospect Wilin Rosario (6 HR, 15 RBI) is making his case to remain the team's catcher once Ramon Hernandez returns from injury.

26. Milwaukee Brewers (19-28, Previous: 25)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Zack Greinke
SP Randy Wolf
SP Shaun Marcum
SP Michael Fiers 
CL John Axford

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Team Outlook

The Brewers acquired shortstop Cody Ransom last week with Alex Gonzalez and Cesar Izturis both on the shelf, and he should provide decent fill-in offense. Still, the team has struggled offensively outside of Ryan Braun (13 HR, 34 RBI) and big surprise Jonathan Lucroy (.345 BA, 5 HR, 30 RBI).

25. Kansas City Royals (19-27, Previous: 26)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Felipe Paulino 
SP Will Smith
SP Nathan Adcock
CL Jonathan Broxton

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

Kansas City seems to have solved its second base problem with Irving Falu, as the team's bats are slowly coming around. The Royals went 3-3 in a week in which they faced the Yankees and Orioles on the road, easily marking their best stretch of the year.

24. Seattle Mariners (21-29, Previous: 22)

Current Lineup

2B Dustin Ackley
LF Alex Liddi
RF Ichiro Suzuki
3B Kyle Seager
DH Jesus Montero
1B Justin Smoak
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
CL Tom Wilhelmsen 

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Team Outlook

The Mariners demoted closer Brandon League after he allowed six earned runs in 3.1 innings over his last four outings, blowing a pair of saves in the process.

A four-game sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels keeps them in last place in the AL West.

23. Oakland Athletics (22-26, Previous: 19)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Team Outlook

Josh Reddick (.271 BA, 13 HR, 26 RBI) continues to be the only thing the A's offense has going for it, with no one else on the team hitting over .250. However, offensive reinforcements are on the way. 

Travis Blackley will get his first start of the season this week as the team continues to look for a reliable fifth starter.

22. Arizona Diamondbacks (22-26, Previous: 20)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Joe Saunders
SP Wade Miley
SP Daniel Hudson
CL J.J. Putz

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

The Diamondbacks should get a boost with the return of Daniel Hudson from the disabled list, even with his 5.48 ERA through four starts before going on the DL.

Offensively, the search for a reliable third baseman continues, with former Orioles prospect Josh Bell moving into the starting role.

21. Houston Astros (22-25, Previous: 24)

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 Jordan Lyles
CL Brett Myers

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Team Outlook

The Astros continue to exceed expectations, as they swept the Cubs before taking a game from the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

A 3.47 team ERA is good for fifth in the NL, and while no one is having a phenomenal year offensively, Houson has gotten contributions up and down its lineup.

20. Pittsburgh Pirates (23-24, Previous: 21)

Current Lineup

LF Jose Tabata
RF Josh Harrison
CF Andrew McCutchen
3B Pedro Alvarez
2B Neil Walker
1B Matt Hague
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: 4-2

Team Outlook

The Pirates' pitching continues to keep them in games. Their 3.25 team ERA offsets their .219 team batting average and has made them competitive in a wide-open NL Central.

A.J. Burnett has been a legitimate ace, boasting a 1.79 ERA outside of his disastrous 2.2 IP, 12 ER outing against the Cardinals.

19. Detroit Tigers (23-24, Previous: 18)

Current Lineup

CF Quintin Berry
LF Andy Dirks
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Delmon Young
RF Brennan Boesch
C Alex Avila
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: 3-3

Team Outlook

After getting swept by the Indians, the Tigers bounced back by sweeping the lowly Twins.

Doug Fister (2.10 ERA, 25.2 IP) has been terrific since coming back and the pitching staff has the potential to be among the best in baseball, but the Tigers remain an average team capable of so much more.

18. Boston Red Sox (23-24, Previous: 14)

Current Lineup

SS Mike Aviles
2B Dustin Pedroia
DH David Ortiz
RF Adrian Gonzalez 
1B Kevin Youkilis
3B Will Middlebrooks
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
LF Daniel Nava
CF Marlon Byrd

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

With Kevin Youkilis back from the disabled list, manager Bobby Valentine has gotten creative with his lineups, even plugging Adrian Gonzalez into right field.

Something will have to give when Ryan Sweeney returns from injury, but overall the Red Sox's offense has been much improved. Their pitching on the other hand continues to be wildly inconsistent.

17. Philadelphia Phillies (25-24, Previous: 16)

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: 4-3

Team Outlook

The Phillies continue to rank as a middle-of-the-road team with Ryan Howard and Chase Utley out of their lineup.

They have the pitching to stay in games and enough offense to get by, but if they expect to be serious competitors, they will need to upgrade their starting lineup moving forward.

16. San Francisco Giants (25-23, Previous: 17)

Current Lineup 

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

Team Outlook

The Giants' offense has been surprisingly productive, as their .260 average ranks eighth in all of baseball while their 3.47 ERA is tied for seventh. While those numbers have resulted in little more than a .500 team to this point, they should be right in the running for the NL West title once Pablo Sandoval gets healthy and Tim Lincecum turns things around. 

15. Los Angeles Angels (24-25, Previous: 23)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Jered Weaver
SP Dan Haren
SP Ervin Santana
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Jerome Williams
CL Ernesto Frieri

Last Week's Record: 6-1

Team Outlook

The Angels put together their best week of the season, beating up on lowly AL West foes in the A's and Mariners for a 6-1 week.

Most importantly, Albert Pujols is heating up, as he hit .321 with 4 HR and 8 RBI last week. If he can keep it up the team should continue its ascent.

14. Toronto Blue Jays (24-24, Previous: 7)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Team Outlook

The Blue Jays had a chance to prove they were among the elite teams in baseball when they matched up against the Rays and Rangers this past week, but they fell flat and are currently riding a six-game losing streak.

They are still a solid team top-to-bottom, but this goes to show that they aren't quite ready to be considered a top-tier contender just yet.

13. Atlanta Braves (26-23, Previous: 4)

Current Lineup

CF Michael Bourn
LF Martin Prado
1B Freddie Freeman
2B Dan Uggla
C Brian McCann
RF Jason Heyward
3B Juan Francisco
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: 0-7

Team Outlook

It was a tough week for the Braves, as they not only went winless with sweeps at the hands of the Reds and Nationals, but also lost Chipper Jones to a leg injury. Things don't get much easier moving forward either as they face the Cardinals and Nationals this coming week.

12. New York Mets (27-21, Previous: 13)

Current Lineup

LF Mike Baxter
CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
3B David Wright
RF Lucas Duda
2B Daniel Murphy
1B Ike Davis
SS Ronny Cedeno
C Rob Johnson
Pitcher

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Team Outlook

The Mets continue to win despite a handful of key players being injured and the continued struggles of first baseman Ike Davis (.170 BA).

They had a relatively easy stretch facing off against the Pirates and Padres, so their 5-2 week is a bit watered down.

11. Cleveland Indians (26-21, Previous: 8)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Team Outlook

After sweeping the Tigers to open the week, the Indians were swept by the White Sox in Chicago as their lead in the AL Central was cut to just half a game.

Cleveland's offense will do its best to can stand pact while Carlos Santana, currently on the seven-day DL, recovers from a concussion. 

10. Chicago White Sox (26-22, Previous: 15)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Jake Peavy
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Chris Sale
SP Phil Humber
SP Jose Quintana
CL Addison Reed

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Team Outlook

The White Sox have gone 10-3 over the past two weeks, and they pulled within half a game of the Indians after they swept them in Chicago. Offensively, Paul Konerko (.399 BA, 11 HR, 33 RBI) continues to put up ridiculous numbers, while Adam Dunn and Dayan Viciedo also provide some punch.

9. Miami Marlins (26-22, Previous: 10)

Current Lineup

SS Jose Reyes
2B Omar Infante
3B Hanley Ramirez
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Logan Morrison
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

Team Outlook

The Marlins continue to improve offensively, and their starting rotation has been terrific all season long.

The problem lies in the back end of the bullpen. Three different pitchers recorded saves this past week in what has truly become a bullpen by committee.

8. St. Louis Cardinals (26-22, Previous: 9)

Current Lineup

SS Rafael Furcal
CF Skip Schumaker
LF Matt Holliday
RF Carlos Beltran
3B David Freese
C Yadier Molina
1B Matt Adams
2B Tyler Greene
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: 4-3

Team Outlook

With Lance Berkman and Matt Carpenter both on the disabled list, prospect Matt Adams has gotten a shot at regular at bats and he is 10-for-29 through eight games.

On the diamond, former ace Adam Wainwright is back on track, filling up a pitching staff with no holes.

Now the Cardinals just need to watch out for the Reds.

7. New York Yankees (26-21, Previous: 11)

Current Lineup

SS Derek Jeter
CF Curtis Granderson
2B Robinson Cano
3B Alex Rodriguez
1B Mark Teixeira
LF Raul Ibanez
RF Nick Swisher
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: 5-1

Team Outlook

Facing the lowly Royals and A's, the Yankees took care of business and gained some ground in the AL East, and are now just 2.5 games out of first place.

Andy Pettitte (2-1, 2.53 ERA) has given the rotation a boost, and the offense was bound to improve from its early season showing.

6. Cincinnati Reds (27-20, Previous:12)

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: 6-1

Team Outlook

The Reds finally hit their stride last week, as they swept a four-game series against the Braves before taking two of three from the Rockies. That moved them into first place in the NL Central, 1.5 games ahead of the Cardinals.

As long as they can avoid injuries and keep getting better as a team, they should be able to keep pace with the Redbirds all season long. 

5. Baltimore Orioles (29-19, Previous: 2)

Current Lineup

LF Xavier Avery
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Nick Markakis
CF Adam Jones 
C Matt Wieters
1B Chris Davis
3B Wilson Betemit
DH Nick Johnson
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: 2-4

Team Outlook

The Orioles finally hit a speed bump last week, and they did so against two teams they probably should have beaten in the Royals and Red Sox. They are currently tied atop the AL East with the Rays, and the two teams will square off in Tampa Bay this coming week in what will be a huge three games for both squads. 

4. Tampa Bay Rays (29-19, 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: 4-2

Team Outlook

The Rays took a pair of series within the AL East, taking two of three from the Blue Jays and Red Sox to move into a tie with the Orioles atop the division.

The fact that the team continues to win without Evan Longoria is a great sign, as their pitching alone makes them one of the best teams in baseball.

3. Washington Nationals (29-18, Previous: 6)

Current Lineup

LF Steve Lombardozzi
RF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
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 Chien-Ming Wang
CL Tyler Clippard

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Team Outlook

The Nationals have a pair of big series within their own division this coming week against the Marlins and Braves, as they currently hold a 2.5 game lead over the Mets in the NL East.

Ross Detwiler (9 GS, 3-3, 3.88 ERA) has been moved to the bullpen despite a solid start to the season to make way for Chien-Ming Wang. His addition could be a case of the rich getting richer as the team's 2.93 ERA leads all of baseball.

2. Texas Rangers (30-18, Previous: 3)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Colby Lewis
SP Derek Holland
SP Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Scott Feldman
CL Joe Nathan 

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Team Outlook

The Rangers continue to win games with baseball's deepest lineup and the best player in the game in Josh Hamilton. He added a walk-off, extra-inning home run to a laundry list of impressive moments this season, and his current line of .376 BA, 20 HR, 53 RBI through 44 games would be tough to put up in a video game.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (32-15, Previous: 1)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Chad Billingsley
SP Chris Capuano
SP Aaron Harang
SP Nathan Eovaldi
CL Kenley Jansen

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Team Outlook

The fact that the Dodgers continue to win games with superstar Matt Kemp on the disabled list speaks to the fact that the team is for real this year.

Andre Ethier (.314 BA, 9 HR, 41 RBI) has gone somewhat unnoticed in the shadow of what Kemp did early on, but he is playing at an All-Star level in a bid for a new contract.