Updated MLB Power Rankings: Pirates Make Big Climb, Mets and Marlins Fall

After an odd week that saw many of the top teams struggle and the Marlins and White Sox storm to the top of the rankings, things are somewhat back to normal.

With two months worth of season behind us, I decided to forgo the usual "team outlook" section and instead named who I feel has been the biggest surprise and biggest disappointment to this point for each team.

That said, here are this week's MLB power rankings. Be sure to 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 (20-40, Previous: 30)

Current Lineup 

CF Tony Campana
SS Starlin Castro
RF David DeJesus
LF Alfonso Soriano
1B Bryan LaHair
C Steve Clevenger
2B Darwin Barney
3B Ian Stewart
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: 2-5

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP Jeff Samardzija (12 GS, 5-4, 3.96 ERA, 72 Ks, 72.2 IP)

After bouncing between the rotation and bullpen his entire career, Samardzija has settled in as the Cubs' most reliable starter. That was enough for him to be deemed "untouchable," as he figures to be a big part of the Cubs' future.

Disappointment: 3B Ian Stewart (.203/.288/.339, 5 HR, 17 RBI)

Looked at as a prime candidate for a bounce-back season, the Cubs acquired Stewart from the Rockies for Tyler Colvin and D.J. LeMahieu and plugged him in as the everyday third baseman. However, the struggles have continued, and he looks destined for a non-tender.

29. San Diego Padres (20-41, Previous: 29)

Current Lineup

RF Will Venable
CF Cameron Maybin
3B Chase Headley
LF Carlos Quentin
1B Yonder Alonso
C Nick Hundley
2B Logan Forsythe
SS Everth Cabrera
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Clayton Richard
SP Anthony Bass
SP Jason Marquis
SP Andrew Cashner
CL Huston Street

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: RF Carlos Quentin (.429/.500/.971, 5 HR, 10 RBI)

Injured for much of the start of the season, it looked as the Padres swung and missed on their offseason acquisition of Quentin. However, in 10 games now, he's put up insane numbers and set himself up to be the top bat on the market at the trade deadline.

Disappointment: CF Cameron Maybin (.217/.302/.333, 3 HR, 20 RBI)

Signed to a five-year, $25 million extension after enjoying a breakout season last year, many expected Maybin to emerge as the face of the franchise. Instead, he has struggled mightily at the plate, as the Padres have shuffled him all over the lineup in an effort to snap him out of it.

28. Kansas City Royals (24-34, Previous: 25)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Felipe Paulino 
SP Vin Mazzaro
SP TBD
CL Jonathan Broxton

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP Felipe Paulino (7 GS, 3-1, 1.67 ERA, 15 Ks, 37.2 IP)

It's been a disappointing season for the Royals to this point, due in large part to an abysmal starting rotation. Paulino has been the lone bright spot, and after quietly having a solid year last year with a 4.11 ERA in 20 starts, he has taken the next step.

Disappointment: 1B Eric Hosmer (.223/.288/.381, 7 HR, 30 RBI)

After a stellar rookie season that saw him finish third in Rookie of the Year voting, most expected Hosmer to continue his ascent to superstardom this season. He has heated up of late with a .385 June average, but he's no doubt been a disappointment overall.

27. Colorado Rockies (24-35, Previous: 22)

Current Lineup

CF Dexter Fowler
SS Marco Scutaro
LF Carlos Gonzalez
RF Michael Cuddyer
1B Todd Helton
3B Jordan Pacheco
C Wilin Rosario
2B D.J. LeMahieu
Pitcher

Current Rotation 

SP Jeremy Guthrie
SP Alex White
SP Christian Friedrich
SP Josh Outman
SP Jeff Francis
CL Rafael Betancourt

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: OF Tyler Colvin (.300/.322/.564, 6 HR, 18 RBI)

Acquired from the Cubs for Ian Stewart in a swap of guys coming off of disappointing seasons, the Rockies have gotten the better end of the deal without question. Colvin has been terrific as a fourth outfielder who plays regularly.

Disappointment: SP Jeremy Guthrie (9 GS, 3-4, 6.35 ERA, 23 Ks, 51 IP)

Take your pick from any one of the Rockies starters, but Guthrie gets my pick for most disappointing. Not only has he failed to fill the role of workhorse that the Rockies hoped he would, but they gave up Jason Hammel (6-2, 3.22 ERA) to get him.

26. Minnesota Twins (24-35, 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 Nick Blackburn
SP P.J. Walters
SP Scott Diamond
SP Francisco Liriano
SP TBD
CL Matt Capps

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP Scott Diamond (7 GS, 5-1, 1.61 ERA, 28 Ks, 44.2 IP)

Diamond made seven starts as a rookie last season and went 1-5 with a 5.08 ERA, so it goes without saying that his performance through seven starts this year is a surprise to say the least.

Disappointment: 1B Chris Parmelee (.182/.265/.261, 0 HR, 3 RBI)

Impressive through 76 at-bats last season (.355 BA, 4 HR, 14 RBI), the 24-year-old Parmelee has looked overmatched at the plate this season, leading to a demotion. He torched Triple-A pitching and has since been recalled, so we'll see if he's turned a corner.

25. Oakland Athletics (26-35, Previous: 27)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Bartolo Colon
SP Tom Milone
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Travis Blackley
CL Brian Fuentes

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: RF Josh Reddick (.272/.339/.522, 14 HR, 30 RBI)

Reddick came over from the Red Sox in the Andrew Bailey trade expected to be a young, inexpensive and capable everyday outfielder. He's far exceeded those expectations and has emerged as a legitimate power source.

Disappointment: 2B Jemile Weeks (.223/.307/.326, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 10 SB)

A 2008 first-round pick, Weeks hit .303 and swiped 22 bases as a rookie last season. That was enough for the A's to view him as a franchise building block, but he has looked far from that so far this season.

24. Houston Astros (26-34, Previous: 26)

Current Lineup

CF Jordan Schafer
2B Jose Altuve
SS Jed Lowrie
LF J.D. Martinez
1B Brett Wallace
3B Chris Johnson
RF Brian Bogusevic
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: 3-3

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SS Jed Lowrie (.289/.365/.533, 12 HR, 28 RBI)

Acquired from the Red Sox for reliever Mark Melancon, Lowrie has not only locked down the shortstop position, but he has shown surprising power all season. He entered the season with just 19 career home runs in 808 at-bats.

Disappointment: RF J.D. Martinez (.234/.330/.370, 6 HR, 33 RBI)

While he leads the team in RBI, Martinez was viewed as a potentially a key rebuilding block after impressing as a rookie last season. The potential is certainly still there for the 24-year-old, but he has taken a step back in 2012.

23. Seattle Mariners (27-35, Previous: 24)

Current Lineup

RF Ichiro Suzuki
2B Dustin Ackley
3B Kyle Seager
DH Jesus Montero
1B Justin Smoak
LF Mike Carp
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: 3-3

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: CF Michael Saunders (.272/.341/.451, 6 HR, 21 RBI)

A .196 career hitter in three big league seasons leading up to this year, Saunders was forced into a starting role in the absence of Franklin Gutierrez, and he has been the Mariners' best hitter outside of Kyle Seager.

Disappointment: LF Mike Carp (.157/.286/.337, 4 HR, 12 RBI)

Following a .276 BA, 12 HR, 46 RBI season last year in just 290 at-bats, Carp was a popular pick to break out this season in a starting role, but he was injured to start the season and has spun his tires since returning.

22. Detroit Tigers (28-32, Previous: 23)

Current Lineup

CF Austin Jackson
RF Brennan Boesch
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Delmon Young
SS Ramon Santiago
LF Quintin Berry
2B Danny Worth
C Bryan Holaday
 

Current Rotation

SP Justin Verlander
SP Drew Smyly
SP Max Scherzer
SP Rick Porcello
SP Casey Crosby
CL Jose Valverde

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP Drew Smyly (11 GS, 2-2, 3.71 ERA, 55 Ks, 60.2 IP)

By no means a slouch as the Tigers' No. 3-ranked prospect entering the season, Smyly has nonetheless exceeded expectations this season. Many expected No. 1 prospect Jacob Turner to be the team's fifth starter and Smyly to open the season in Triple-A.

Disappointment: The Detroit Tigers

It's not fair to single one person out as most disappointing on what has been without question the most disappointing team in baseball. A trendy pick to win it all after signing Prince Fielder, the Tigers are 17-27 since a 10-5 start and currently sit in third place in the AL Central.

21. Philadelphia Phillies (29-33, Previous: 19)

Current Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Juan Pierre
RF Hunter Pence
C Carlos Ruiz
CF Shane Victorino
1B Ty Wigginton
3B Placido Polanco
2B Mike Fontenot
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Joe Blanton
SP Kyle Kendrick
SP Vance Worley
CL Jonathan Papelbon

Last Week's Record: 1-6

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: C Carlos Ruiz (.347/.399/.555, 8 HR, 33 RBI)

Ruiz had upped his offensive game over the past two seasons with an average .292 BA, 7 HR, 46 RBI line, but he's having a career year at the age of 33, as he has been the Phillies' offensive leader all season.

Disappointment: SP Roy Halladay (11 GS, 4-5, 3.98 ERA, 56 Ks, 72.1 IP)

After making at least 31 starts and averaging 18 wins per season over the past six years, Halladay is on the shelf with a serious injury. What would have been a blow to the team in any season is only compounded by the fact that they have also been without Ryan Howard and Chase Utley all season.

20. Milwaukee Brewers (28-32, Previous: 20)

Current Lineup

1B Corey Hart
RF Norichika Aoki
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
2B Rickie Weeks
SS Cody Ransom
CF Carlos Gomez
C Martin Maldonado
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: 4-2

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: C Jonathan Lucroy (.345/.387/.583, 5 HR, 30 RBI)

Lucroy took over as the Brewers' everyday catcher last season and hit .265 BA, 12 HR, 59 RBI to solidify himself as the franchise catcher. He's taken the next step towards being a star this season as one of the most productive catchers in all of baseball.

Disappointment: 2B Rickie Weeks (.158/.298/.287, 5 HR, 15 RBI)

The current NL strikeout leader with 72, Weeks has been terrible all season. He was one of the players counted on to pick up the slack in the absence of Prince Fielder, and that just hasn't happened.

19. Boston Red Sox (29-31, Previous: 14)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Jon Lester
SP Josh Beckett
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Felix Doubront
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka
CL Alfredo Aceves

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: RP Scott Atchison (25 G, 1-0, 1.32 ERA, 27 Ks, 34 IP)

At 36 years old, Atchison was not even guaranteed a roster spot out of spring training after spending much of 2012 in minors. However, he has emerged as the Red Sox most reliable reliever and has given the staff a much-needed boost.

Disappointment: P Daniel Bard (11 G, 10 GS, 5-6, 5.24 ERA, 34 Ks, 55 IP)

A case could be made for Kevin Youkilis or Clay Buchholz, but I'll go with Bard as most disappointing. His transition from setup man to starter has been a rough one, as his stuff has not looked the same and he has walked more batters than he's struck out. He's now in the minors trying to sort things out.

18. St. Louis Cardinals (31-30, Previous: 17)

Current Lineup

SS Rafael Furcal
RF Carlos Beltran
LF Matt Holliday
1B Allen Craig
3B David Freese
C Yadier Molina
2B Daniel Descalso
CF Shane Robinson
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Kyle Lohse
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Lance Lynn
SP Jake Westbrook
SP Joe Kelly
CL Jason Motte

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: RF Carlos Beltran (.290/.378/.594, 18 HR, 46 RBI)

Signed to a two-year, $26 million contract this offseason in an attempt to replace some of the production lost with the departure of Albert Pujols, Beltran has been better than anyone could have hoped. He currently leads the NL in home runs and is third in RBI.

Disappointment: RP Fernando Salas (20 G, 0-3, 5.60 ERA, 22 Ks, 17.2 IP)

Fantastic in his first full big league season last year (68 G, 24 Sv, 2.28 ERA), Salas was expected to be the Cardinals' primary setup man this season. While his 22:9 K/BB ratio is good, a .316 BAA and 1.87 WHIP have kept him from succeeding this year.

17. Arizona Diamondbacks (30-30, Previous: 21)

Current Lineup

SS Willie Bloomquist
2B Aaron Hill
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero 
CF Chris Young
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
3B Ryan Roberts
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: 5-1

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP Wade Miley (12 G, 9 GS, 7-2, 2.53 ERA, 41 Ks, 67.2 IP)

Forced into the rotation when Daniel Hudson hit the DL, Miley has been the Diamondbacks' most consistent starter this season, and his emergence has been even more important giving the next person we'll talk about.

Disappointment: SP Josh Collmenter (12 G, 4 GS, 0-2, 5.75 ERA, 34 Ks, 36 IP)

Collmenter came out of nowhere to go 10-10 with a 3.38 ERA last season, as his unexpected contribution played a role in the Diamondbacks' surprise division title. This season has been a different story, though, as a 9.82 ERA through his first four starts landed him in the bullpen, where he has actually posted a terrific 1.53 ERA.

16. Toronto Blue Jays (31-29, Previous: 13)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: DH Edwin Encarnacion (.290/.357/.581, 17 HR, 44 RBI)

While Jose Bautista struggled early, Encarnacion carried the offense, as he is enjoying the best season of his career. It could not have come at a better time either, as he is in the final year of his contract.

Disappointment: 1B Adam Lind (.186/.273/.314, 3 HR, 11 RBI)

Lind has been a consistent disappointment since his .305 BA, 35 HR, 114 RBI season back in 2009, but he has managed to remain a constant power source and average hitter. This season, however, he struggled to the point of demotion and is likely on his way out in Toronto.

15. New York Mets (32-29, Previous: 9)

Current Lineup

CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
C Josh Thole
3B David Wright
RF Lucas Duda
2B Daniel Murphy
1B Ike Davis
LF Jason Bay
SS Omar Quintanilla 
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP R.A. Dickey
SP Johan Santana
SP Jon Niese
SP Dillon Gee
SP Chris Young
CL Frank Francisco

Last Week's Record: 1-6

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP R.A. Dickey (12 GS, 9-1, 2.44 ERA, 78 Ks, 81 IP)

Props to surprise rookie Kirk Nieuwenhuis, but Dickey has been the surprise of the season for the Mets so far, as he has emerged as a true staff ace. Take away a disastrous start against the Braves back in April in which he allowed eight runs, and he has a 1.65 ERA on the season.

Disappointment: 1B Ike Davis (.167/.248/.285, 5 HR, 22 RBI)

Davis was on his way to a career year last season before he went down with a season-ending injury, and many expected him to pick up right where he left off this season. Instead, he has struggled to the point that there has been talk of a demotion.

14. Miami Marlins (31-29, Previous: 1)

Current Lineup

SS Jose Reyes
2B Omar Infante
3B Hanley Ramirez
RF Giancarlo Stanton
LF Logan Morrison
1B Gaby Sanchez
CF Chris Coghlan
C John Buck
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: 0-6

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: 2B Omar Infante (.296/.321/.473, 6 HR, 20 RBI)

When much of the Marlins offense struggled early, Infante came out hot and has been the team's most consistent offensive performer all season. He currently has a 1.3 WAR and could be on his way to his second All-Star appearance.

Disappointment: 1B Gaby Sanchez (.198/.244/.302, 1 HR, 12 RBI)

After making the All-Star team last season with a .293 BA, 13 HR, 50 RBI first half, Sanchez struggled in the second half to go just .225 BA, 6 HR, 28 RBI. Those struggles have continued, and he was just recently recalled from the minors after being demoted.

13. Cleveland Indians (32-27, Previous: 16)

Current Lineup

RF Shin-Soo Choo
2B Jason Kipnis
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
C Carlos Santana
CF Michael Brantley
LF Johnny Damon
1B Casey Kotchman
DH Matt LaPorta
3B Lonnie Chisenhall

Current Rotation

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

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP Derek Lowe (12 GS, 7-4, 3.72 ERA, 24 Ks, 72.2 IP)

While he has cooled off a bit after a hot start, Lowe still ranks as the biggest surprise of the season for the Indians. Dumped by the Braves, along with $10 million of his $15 million salary for a low-level prospect, Lowe has been the ace of the Indians staff.

Disappointment: 1B Casey Kotchman (.219/.289/.326, 4 HR, 20 RBI)

Despite a lackluster offense last season, the Indians didn't add much in free agency outside of Kotchman. Coming off of a career year in which he hit .306, he looked far more like his 2010 self, as his "breakout" year looks to have been an apparition.

12. Cincinnati Reds (32-27, Previous: 7)

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: 2-4

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: 3B Todd Frazier (.275/.328/.596, 7 HR, 22 RBI)

With Scott Rolen on the disabled list and having played just 29 games on the season with a shoulder injury, Frazier has stepped in as the everyday third baseman. The former Baseball America Top 100 player is finally getting a chance at everyday playing time at the age of 26 and thriving.

Disappointment: LF Ryan Ludwick (.203/.281/.428, 8 HR, 26 RBI)

Signed to fill the void in left field, Ludwick has given the Reds production similar to what they got from Jonny Gomes. The power is there, but he simply isn't hitting enough to warrant everyday playing time, and Chris Heisey could overtake him soon.

11. Pittsburgh Pirates (32-27, Previous: 18)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Erik Bedard
SP James McDonald
SP A.J. Burnett
SP Kevin Correia
SP Brad Lincoln
CL Joel Hanrahan

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP James McDonald (12 GS, 5-2, 2.39 ERA, 73 Ks, 75.1 IP)

A full-time member of the rotation for the first time last year, McDonald went 9-9 with a 4.21 ERA in 31 starts while showing flashes of having ace stuff. This year, he has become that ace, as he ranks fifth in the NL in ERA.

Disappointment: SS Clint Barmes (.192/.215/.305, 3 HR, 14 RBI)

In their ongoing search to find a reliable everyday shortstop, the Pirates gave Barmes a two-year, $10.5 million contract despite a less-than-stellar track record. He's been awful so far, with a shockingly bad two walks in 175 plate appearances.

10. Los Angeles Angels (32-29, Previous: 15)

Current Lineup

CF Mike Trout
3B Maicer Izturis
1B Albert Pujols
DH Kendrys Morales
LF Mark Trumbo
RF Torii Hunter
2B Howie Kendrick
SS Erick Aybar
C Hank Conger

Current Rotation

SP Dan Haren
SP Ervin Santana
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Jerome Williams
SP Garrett Richards
CL Ernesto Frieri

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: RP Ernesto Frieri (16 G, 4 Sv, 0.00 ERA, 33 Ks, 16.1 IP)

Acquired from the Padres for infielder Alexi Amarista earlier this season, Frieri has been nearly untouchable since coming to the Angels, as he has allowed just two hits in 16.1 innings of work. 

Disappointment: SS Erick Aybar (.220/.256/.287, 0 HR, 14 RBI)

Aybar had a terrific 2011 season, hitting .279 BA, 10 HR, 59 RBI with 30 steals while also winning the Gold Glove. That earned him a five-year, $40.08 million extension, but he has been horrible so far this season.

9. San Francisco Giants (34-27, Previous: 10)

Current Lineup 

RF Gregor Blanco
LF Melky Cabrera
3B Pablo Sandoval
C Buster Posey
CF Angel Pagan
1B Brandon Belt
2B Ryan Theriot
SS Brandon Crawford
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

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: LF Melky Cabrera (.364/.403/.531, 4 HR, 28 RBI)

Acquired from the Royals for left-hander Jonathan Sanchez (1-2, 6.75 ERA), Cabrera has been among the best hitters in all of baseball. Many expected him to regress after a breakout year in 2011, but he has been even better.

Disappointment: SP Tim Lincecum (13 GS, 2-7, 6.00 ERA, 77 Ks, 72 IP)

Lincecum has had tough stretches in the past, but nothing like what he is going through right now. The Giants are 2-11 in games started by Lincecum, and he has lost five straight decisions as he is among the worst starters in all of baseball right now.

8. Baltimore Orioles (34-26, Previous: 11)

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation 

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

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP Jason Hammel (12 GS, 6-2, 3.22 ERA, 69 Ks, 72.2 IP)

When the Orioles acquired Hammel from the Rockies for Jeremy Guthrie, it was to add depth to their rotation. They had no idea they'd be getting the ace of their staff, but that's exactly what Hammel has been.

Disappointment: 3B Mark Reynolds (.206/.348/.349, 3 HR, 14 RBI)

No one expects Reynolds to hit for a high average, and he has remained a viable MLB starter because of his terrific power. This season, however, that power has been nowhere to be seen, and his bat has been a hole in an otherwise fantastic lineup.

7. Chicago White Sox (33-27, Previous: 2)

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: 2-4

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP Chris Sale (12 G, 11 GS, 8-2, 2.05 ERA, 76 Ks, 74.2 IP)

There was no question he had the stuff, but I don't think anyone expected Sale's transition from setup man to starter to go quite this well. He currently leads the AL in wins, ERA and WHIP (0.924) and has to be considered a Cy Young contender.

Disappointment: 3B Brent Morel (.177/.225/.195, 0 HR, 5 RBI)

After closing out the 2011 season with an eight HR, 19 RBI final month, many expected Morel to take the next step this season and prove to be the answer at third for the White Sox. That hasn't been the case, though, and he's currently on the DL with a back strain.

6. Atlanta Braves (34-26, Previous: 12)

Current Lineup

CF Michael Bourn
LF Martin Prado
3B Chipper Jones
2B Dan Uggla
C Brian McCann
1B Freddie Freeman
RF Jason Heyward
SS Andrelton Simmons
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: 5-1

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP Brandon Beachy (12 GS, 5-4, 1.98 ERA, 63 Ks, 77.1 IP)

After a solid 2011 in which he went 7-3 with a 3.68 ERA over 25 starts, Beachy has been a revelation this season for the Braves, as he currently has the best ERA in all of baseball. Still only 25, he should only get better moving forward.

Disappointment: SS Tyler Pastornicky (.248/.281/.324, 1 HR, 12 RBI)

When the Braves decided to let Alex Gonzalez walk in free agency, it was because they thought Pastornicky was ready to step in and become the team's everyday shortstop. Instead, early struggles have earned him a trip back to the minors, and 22-year-old Andrelton Simmons is now manning the position.

5. Texas Rangers (35-26, Previous: 3)

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 Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Scott Feldman
SP Alexi Ogando
CL Joe Nathan 

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: RP Robbie Ross (23 G, 6-0, 1.30 ERA, 22 Ks, 34.2 IP)

In need of a left-hander in the bullpen, Ross won a spot out of spring training, and he has thrived in the role and managed to vulture six wins in the process. A top starting pitching prospect, the 23-year-old is making his mark in the bullpen for the time being.

Disappointment: SP Derek Holland (12 G, 11 GS, 5-4, 5.10 ERA, 59 Ks, 67 IP)

Expected to assume the role of staff ace with C.J. Wilson departed, Holland has instead been the worst pitcher on the staff. He's now on the disabled list with shoulder fatigue, and while the Rangers are still doing well, getting him right will be important moving forward.

4. New York Yankees (34-25, Previous: 8)

Current Lineup

SS Derek Jeter
CF Curtis Granderson
3B Alex Rodriguez
2B Robinson Cano
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

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: SP Andy Pettitte (6 GS, 3-2, 2.81 ERA, 40 Ks, 41.2 IP)

After retiring following the 2010 postseason, Pettitte has come back better than anyone could have hoped after missing an entire year. The Yankees rotation is full of holes, and they'd be even worse off if Pettitte wasn't pitching so well.

Disappointment: SP Phil Hughes (12 GS, 6-5, 4.76 ERA, 63 Ks, 68 IP)

While his numbers aren't horrible, and he's made two very good starts in a row, it's looking more and more like Hughes will never be the front-of-the-rotation guy the Yankees thought they had when he won 18 games two years ago.

3. Tampa Bay Rays (35-25, Previous: 5)

Current Lineup

LF Desmond Jennings
CF B.J. Upton
RF Matt Joyce
2B Ben Zobrist
DH Luke Scott
1B Carlos Pena
3B Sean Rodriguez
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

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: RP Fernando Rodney (30 G, 18 Sv, 0.94 ERA, 26 Ks, 28.2 IP)

After proving to be somewhat of a disappointment over his two-year, $11 million contract with the Angels, Rodney signed with the Rays on a one-year, $2 million deal. When Kyle Farnsworth went down with an injury, he stepped into the closer's role and he's been lights out.

Disappointment: SP Matt Moore (12 GS, 3-5, 4.59 ERA, 71 Ks, 68.2 IP)

The preseason favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year and a top-three prospect on every preseason list, Moore has not enjoyed the tremendous early success many thought he would. He's still having a decent season, is just 23 and has all the potential in the world, but so far, he's been a bit of a letdown. 

2. Washington Nationals (35-23, Previous: 6)

Current Lineup

LF Steve Lombardozzi
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
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

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: OF Bryce Harper (.282/.368/.521, 6 HR, 17 RBI)

It is not so much the numbers that are surprising—after all, he is baseball's top prospect for a reason. Instead, it is how early in the season Harper was called up and what an immediate spark he was able to provide to a surprise contender.

Disappointment: RP Henry Rodriguez (24 G, 9 Sv, 5.14 ERA, 23 Ks, 21 IP)

Rodriguez has some nasty stuff, and he can dial his fastball up into the triple digits. He seemed like the perfect candidate to hold down the closer's role until Drew Storen returns, but he struggled in the ninth-inning role and has taken a step back this season.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (39-22, Previous: 4)

Current Lineup

SS Dee Gordon
3B Elian Herrera
LF Bobby Abreu
RF Andre Ethier
2B Jerry Hairston, Jr.
1B James Loney
C A.J. Ellis
CF Tony Gwynn, Jr.
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: 6-1

Biggest Surprise/Disappointment

Surprise: C A.J. Ellis (.306/.422/.475, 6 HR, 25 RBI)

After showing potential in limited action the past two seasons, Ellis took over as the Dodgers' everyday catcher this season, and he has been terrific. His .422 on-base percentage is the best among catchers, while his .306 average ranks third.

Disappointment: SS Dee Gordon (.229/.274/.280, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 16 SB)

After a rookie season in which he hit .304 and stole 24 bases, Gordon looked ready to take his place among the top leadoff hitters in the game. Instead, he's taken a big step back, as strikeouts and poor plate discipline have dogged him all season.