Fresh MLB Power Rankings: Where Do Things Stand at the Three-Quarter Mark?

The season is now three quarters of the way over, and as we enter the latter weeks of August, the playoff picture continues to take shape.

As with the first-quarter pole and midseason marks, it is time to award the top hitter and pitcher for each MLB team at this juncture of the season.

Along with that, 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. Houston Astros (39-83, Previous: 30)

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: 2B Jose Altuve (.303/.358/.420, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 68 R)

Altuve has been the Astros' most consistent hitter all season long, and he is a legitimate building block for the future hitting near the top of the team's lineup and providing terrific contact skills.

Top Pitcher: SP Lucas Harrell (24 GS, 10-8, 3.81 ERA, 103 Ks, 146.1 IP)

Despite pitching for a team that has won just 39 games this season, Harrell has posted an impressive stat line and leads the team with 10 wins. At 27 years old and in his first full season, he should be a rotation staple moving forward.

Current Lineup

SS Tyler Greene
2B Jose Altuve
1B Brett Wallace
RF Steve Pearce
3B Scott Moore
CF Justin Maxwell
C Jason Castro
LF Fernando Martinez
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Lucas Harrell
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Bud Norris
SP Dallas Keuchel
SP Armando Galarraga
CL Wilton Lopez

29. Minnesota Twins (50-70, Previous: 27)

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: LF Josh Willingham (.258/.370/.543, 31 HR, 89 RBI, 71 R)

Willingham has been a steal on the three-year, $21 million deal he signed with the Twins this offseason as he has been among the best power hitters in all of baseball. A nod to Joe Mauer (.319 BA, 8 HR, 61 RBI), who is healthy once again.

Top Pitcher: SP Scott Diamond (19 GS, 10-5, 2.95 ERA, 70 Ks, 128 IP)

The out-of-nowhere rookie of the season thus far, Diamond has been the lone bright spot in a terrible Twins rotation this year. The 25-year-old has a promising future ahead of him, and while he does not have lights-out stuff, he gets guys out and has proven he knows how to win games.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Scott Diamond
SP Cole De Vries
SP Nick Blackburn
SP Samuel Deduno 
SP Brian Duensing
CL Glen Perkins

28. Chicago Cubs (47-73, Previous: 29)

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: SS Starlin Castro (.280/.311/.427, 12 HR, 61 RBI, 59 R)

There are still holes in his game, but Castro has continued his ascent to stardom this season, and the Cubs rewarded him with a seven-year, $60 million extension last week. He needs to walk more and play better defense, but at 22, he is well ahead of the curve.

Top Pitcher: SP Jeff Samardzija (24 GS, 8-11, 4.17 ERA, 146 Ks, 144.2 IP)

With the trades of Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm and the injury to Matt Garza, Samardzija has assumed the role of ace in the Cubs rotation. While he still has his bad outings, he has shown flashes of greatness this season and will no doubt be a big part of the Cubs rotation moving forward.

Current Lineup 

RF David DeJesus
3B Josh Vitters
1B Anthony Rizzo
LF Alfonso Soriano
SS Starlin Castro
CF Brett Jackson
C Steve Clevenger
2B Darwin Barney
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Travis Wood
SP Justin Germano 
SP Chris Volstad
SP TBD
CL Carlos Marmol

27. Colorado Rockies (46-73, Previous: 28)

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: LF Carlos Gonzalez (.320/.389/.542, 20 HR, 79 RBI, 78 R)

After injuries held his numbers back last season following a breakout year in 2010, Gonzalez is back to dominant form this season. His home/road splits remain somewhat eye-opening, but there is no denying his production.

Top Pitcher: RP Rafael Betancourt (46 G, 23-for-28 SV, 2.64 ERA, 8.1 K/9)

A setup man for the bulk of his career, the 37-year-old Betancourt opened the season as the Rockies closer, and while he has not been dominant, he has performed as well as anyone could have hoped in the role and is the highlight of an awful Rockies staff.

Current Lineup

RF Eric Young Jr.
SS Josh Rutledge 
CF Dexter Fowler
LF Carlos Gonzalez
1B Tyler Colvin
C Wilin Rosario
3B Jordan Pacheco
2B D.J. LeMahieu
Pitcher

Current Rotation 

SP Jeff Francis
SP Drew Pomeranz
SP Tyler Chatwood
SP Alex White
SP Jhoulys Chacin
CL Rafael Betancourt

26. San Diego Padres (53-70, Previous: 24)

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: 3B Chase Headley (.275/.366/.463, 20 HR, 76 RBI, 63 R)

Headley grabbed plenty of headlines during the trade deadline, as he was among the most talked-about trade chips in all of baseball. He's enjoying a bona fide breakout year and putting up premium production at a position that has become thin league-wide.

Top Pitcher: RP Huston Street (37 G, 21-of-21 SV, 0.75 ERA, 45 Ks, 36 IP)

Street was acquired from the Rockies this past offseason in what equated to a salary dump, and he has been among the most dominant closers in baseball this season when healthy. The Padres opted against moving him at the deadline and instead inked him to a two-year, $14 million extension.

Current Lineup

2B Alexi Amarista
SS Everth Cabrera
3B Chase Headley
LF Carlos Quentin
C Yasmani Grandal
1B Yonder Alonso
RF Will Venable
CF Cameron Maybin
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Clayton Richard
SP Jason Marquis
SP Eric Stults
SP TBD
CL Dale Thayer

25. Miami Marlins (55-67, Previous: 25)

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: RF Giancarlo Stanton (.287/.361/.579, 24 HR, 61 RBI, 53 R)

Stanton missed the bulk of July, but he's produced at a high level when he has been on the field, and a .284 BA, 19 HR, 50 RBI line in the first half put him among the most productive hitters in the league. A nod to Justin Ruggiano (.330 BA, 10 HR, 26 RBI), who has enjoyed a breakout year at the age of 30.

Top Pitcher: SP Josh Johnson (25 GS, 7-10, 3.73 ERA, 133 Ks, 154.1 IP)

After injuries limited him to just nine starts last season, Johnson has been healthy this season, and while his record does not necessarily reflect it, he's returned strong this year. The Marlins shopped him at the deadline and could again look to move him in the offseason, but he's been the team's top arm this year.

Current Lineup

CF Emilio Bonifacio
LF Justin Ruggiano
SS Jose Reyes
1B Carlos Lee
RF Giancarlo Stanton
3B Greg Dobbs
C John Buck
2B Donovan Solano
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Wade LeBlanc
SP Nathan Eovaldi
CL Heath Bell

24. Cleveland Indians (54-67, Previous: 22)

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: RF Shin-Soo Choo (.286/.370/.474, 15 HR, 49 RBI, 71 R)

The Indians have struggled offensively this season, but Choo has posted solid numbers across the board once again this season. He doesn't do anything amazingly, but he does everything well, posting good on-base numbers with potential for a 20-20 season.

Top Pitcher: RP Chris Perez (48 G, 32-of-36 SV, 3.63 ERA, 10.1 K/9)

Since the start of 2010, Perez has racked up 91 saves and become one of the top closers in baseball. Starters Ubaldo Jimenez and Justin Masterson have been largely disappointing this season, but Perez has remained reliable at the back end of the bullpen.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Zach McAllister
SP Corey Kluber
SP Roberto Hernandez 
CL Chris Perez

23. Kansas City Royals (54-66, Previous: 26)

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: DH Billy Butler (.306/.376/.519, 25 HR, 79 RBI, 52 R)

Still only 26 years old, Butler has taken a step forward offensively this season as he has already tallied a career high in home runs, and his .895 OPS is nearly 40 points higher than his previous career high. He'll continue to play a major role in the Royals' return to contention.

Top Pitcher: RP Kelvin Herrera (55 G, 2.47 ERA, 60 Ks, 62 IP)

The Royals' starting pitching has been abysmal this season, and they dealt their top bullpen arm Jonathan Broxton to the Reds at the deadline. Tim Collins, Aaron Crow and Greg Holland have all been solid relievers, but I'll give the nod to Herrera as the team's top arm so far this season.

Current Lineup

CF Lorenzo Cain
SS Alcides Escobar 
LF Alex Gordon
DH Billy Butler
C Salvador Perez
3B Mike Moustakas
RF Jeff Francoeur
1B Eric Hosmer
2B Johnny Giavotella

Current Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Luis Mendoza
SP Will Smith
SP Jeremy Guthrie
CL Greg Holland

22. Milwaukee Brewers (54-66, Previous: 20)

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: LF Ryan Braun (.305/.382/.594, 33 HR, 83 RBI, 78 R)

Braun has enjoyed a terrific season in light of a controversial offseason, and he continues to rank among the best hitters in all of baseball. His power/speed combination makes him a rare producer, and while the Brewers have struggled this year, he has not missed a beat.

Top Pitcher: SP Yovani Gallardo (25 GS, 12-8, 3.67 ERA, 154 Ks, 154.2 IP)

Gallardo has hit his stride of late, going 4-0 with a 1.88 ERA over his last four starts, and as a result his numbers now better reflect his status as the team's staff ace. The 26-year-old is signed through 2015 and will be at the core of the Brewers' rebuilding efforts.

Current Lineup

RF Norichika Aoki
2B Rickie Weeks
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Corey Hart
C Jonathan Lucroy
CF Carlos Gomez
SS Jean Segura 
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Randy Wolf
SP Michael Fiers
SP Marco Estrada
SP Mark Rogers
CL Jim Henderson

21. Toronto Blue Jays (56-65, Previous: 19)

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: DH Edwin Encarnacion (.289/.386/.560, 31 HR, 82 RBI, 73 R)

Encarnacion has been one of the breakout stars of 2012, as he has finally tapped into his tremendous potential and carried the Blue Jays offense with Jose Bautista missing time throughout the season. His performance earned him a three-year, $27 million extension.

Top Pitcher: RP Darren Oliver (48 G, 2-2, 1.84 ERA, 42 Ks, 44 IP)

The Blue Jays have been hit hard by injuries this season, especially to their pitching staff, and as a result, the bright spots on the mound have been few and far between. The 41-year-old has a 2.86 ERA in 396 appearances over the past seven seasons.

Current Lineup

LF Rajai Davis
CF Colby Rasmus
1B Edwin Encarnacion
DH David Cooper
SS Yunel Escobar
2B Kelly Johnson
C Jeff Mathis
RF Anthony Gose 
3B Adeiny Hechavarria 

Current Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Aaron Laffey
SP Carlos Villanueva
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP J.A. Happ
CL Casey Janssen

20. Philadelphia Phillies (56-65, Previous: 21)

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: C Carlos Ruiz (.335/.399/.559, 14 HR, 58 RBI, 47 R)

The Phillies have been a major disappointment this season, and a number of their star hitters have been sidelined by injuries and struggled upon return. Ruiz, however, has been phenomenal, ranking among the best offensive catchers in all of baseball.

Top Pitcher: SP Cole Hamels (24 GS, 14-6, 2.94 ERA, 168 Ks, 171.1 IP)

While Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay have underperformed this season, Cole Hamels has been terrific once again this season. That earned him a six-year, $144 million contract, and while the Phillies may be headed for some turnover from a roster standpoint, Hamels will remain atop the rotation.

Current Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Juan Pierre
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
RF Domonic Brown
CF John Mayberry Jr.
3B Kevin Frandsen
C Erik Kratz
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Roy Halladay
SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Vance Worley
SP Kyle Kendrick
CL Jonathan Papelbon

19. New York Mets (57-64, Previous: 18)

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: 3B David Wright (.320/.411/.521, 16 HR, 75 RBI, 73 R)

Wright struggled through the worst season of his career last year, posting a .254 BA, 14 HR, 61 RBI line and playing just 102 games. He's turned it around this season, though, and is once again producing at a premier level.

Top Pitcher: SP R.A. Dickey (25 G, 24 GS, 15-4, 2.89 ERA, 175 Ks, 168.1 IP)

Dickey has been one of the biggest stories of 2012, as he reinvented himself as a knuckleball pitcher a few years back but has taken his game to the next level this season. A spike from 5.8 K/9 to 9.4 K/9 shows just how much better his stuff has been this year.

Current Lineup

SS Ruben Tejada
RF Mike Baxter
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
2B Daniel Murphy
LF Jordany Valdespin
CF Andres Torres
C Josh Thole
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP R.A. Dickey
SP Matt Harvey
SP Johan Santana
SP Jon Niese
SP Chris Young
SP Jeremy Hefner
CL Frank Francisco

18. Seattle Mariners (58-64, Previous: 23)

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: 3B Kyle Seager (.249/.312/.399, 13 HR, 68 RBI, 46 R)

The Mariners offense has been abysmal this season from top to bottom, and the 24-year-old Seager has been among the lone bright spots. He leads the team in home runs and RBI and has also swiped 10 bases on the season.

Top Pitcher: SP Felix Hernandez (25 GS, 11-5, 2.60 ERA, 174 Ks, 180 IP)

Hernandez has once again been one of the best pitchers in the game this season, as he is posting terrific numbers across the board and is a true staff ace. Left-hander Jason Vargas (13-8, 3.53 ERA) is also deserving of a mention, as he has enjoyed a breakout year.

Current Lineup

2B Dustin Ackley
CF Michael Saunders
DH Jesus Montero
C John Jaso
3B Kyle Seager
1B Justin Smoak
LF Trayvon Robinson
RF Eric Thames
SS Brendan Ryan

Current Rotation

SP Felix Hernandez
SP Jason Vargas
SP Kevin Millwood
SP Hisashi Iwakuma
SP Blake Beavan
CL Tom Wilhelmsen

17. Boston Red Sox (59-63, Previous: 17)

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: DH David Ortiz (.316/.414/.609, 23 HR, 58 RBI, 65 R)

While he has played just 89 games this season, it is hard to ignore the numbers that Ortiz was able to put up through 320 at-bats. Adrian Gonzalez (.308 BA, 14 HR, 84 RBI) has been a solid run producer and is worth mention as well.

Top Pitcher: P Franklin Morales (36 G, 8 GS, 3-4, 3.67 ERA, 73 Ks, 73.2 IP)

It's been a trying year for the Red Sox pitching staff, but they have gotten a boost from Franklin Morales, who has pitched well as both a reliever and starter this season. He's 3-3 with a 3.98 ERA in eight starts and has a 3.23 ERA and one save in 28 relief appearances.

Current Lineup

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
LF Carl Crawford
2B Dustin Pedroia
1B Adrian Gonzalez 
DH Cody Ross
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS Mike Aviles
RF Scott Podsednik
3B Nick Punto

Current Rotation

SP Josh Beckett
SP Jon Lester
SP Aaron Cook
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Franklin Morales
CL Alfredo Aceves

16. Arizona Diamondbacks (62-59, Previous: 16)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: LF Jason Kubel (.275/.344/.537, 25 HR, 77 RBI, 63 R)

Eyebrows were raised when the Diamondbacks signed Kubel this offseason, as his addition moved Gold Glove winner Gerardo Parra to the bench. However, he has been the team's primary run producer this season, and with Chris Young struggling, Parra has wound up in a starting role anyway.

Top Pitcher: SP Wade Miley (24 G, 21 GS, 13-8, 2.96 ERA, 104 Ks, 143 IP)

Miley opened the season as a reliever but moved to the rotation after Josh Collmenter struggled through his first three starts. That move proved huge for the Diamondbacks, as Miley wound up being the team's All-Star representative and most reliable starter.

Current Lineup

SS Stephen Drew
2B Aaron Hill
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero 
3B Chris Johnson
CF Gerardo Parra
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Wade Miley
SP Joe Saunders
SP Patrick Corbin
CL J.J. Putz

15. Los Angeles Angels (62-60, Previous: 12)

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: CF Mike Trout (.343/.405/.608, 24 HR, 70 RBI, 96 R)

As a 21-year-old rookie, Trout has not only been the best hitter on the Angels but perhaps the single best player in all of baseball this season. His numbers are among the best ever for a rookie, and he helped turn the Angels season around after they struggled early.

Top Pitcher: SP Jered Weaver (22 GS, 15-3, 2.74 ERA, 108 Ks, 141 IP)

After finishing second to Justin Verlander in AL Cy Young voting last season, Weaver should once again be right in the thick of things this season. His 0.972 WHIP leads the American League, and he has been the unquestioned ace of the Angels staff.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Jered Weaver
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Dan Haren
SP Zack Greinke
SP Ervin Santana
CL Ernesto Frieri

14. Detroit Tigers (64-57, Previous: 13)

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: 3B Miguel Cabrera (.331/.397/.592, 31 HR, 104 RBI, 82 R)

Cabrera has been phenomenal this season, as he is on his way to the best season of his career, and that is saying something given how productive he has been over his 10 years in the league. He's no doubt benefited from the protection Prince Fielder has provided in the lineup.

Top Pitcher: SP Justin Verlander (25 GS, 12-7, 2.53 ERA, 180 Ks, 181.2 IP)

The reigning AL MVP and Cy Young winner, Verlander is putting together another phenomenal season. While he may not be headed for another MVP, he is squarely in the running to repeat as AL Cy Young. He's a workhorse and the most reliable pitcher in the game today.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Justin Verlander
SP Doug Fister
SP Max Scherzer
SP Rick Porcello
SP Anibal Sanchez
CL Jose Valverde

13. Oakland Athletics (65-55, Previous: 14)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: LF Yoenis Cespedes (.307/.368/.520, 16 HR, 60 RBI, 43 R)

It was a tough choice between Cespedes and Josh Reddick (.251 BA, 25 HR, 61 RBI), but the Cuban import gets the nod. He's driven in just one less run than Reddick in 124 fewer at-bats, and if not for the presence of Mike Trout, he'd be squarely in the running for Rookie of the Year.

Top Pitcher: SP Bartolo Colon (24 GS, 10-9, 3.43 ERA, 91 Ks, 152.1 IP)

Signed to a one-year, $2 million contract to fill out the A's rotation, Colon has instead emerged as the team's ace with Brandon McCarthy missing time due to injury. He's been reliable if nothing else, and at 39, he still has plenty left in the tank.

Current Lineup

CF Coco Crisp
2B Jemile Weeks
RF Josh Reddick
LF Yoenis Cespedes
DH Chris Carter
1B Brandon Moss
3B Josh Donaldson
C Derek Norris
SS Cliff Pennington

Current Rotation

SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Bartolo Colon
SP Tom Milone
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Daniel Straily 
CL Grant Balfour

12. San Francisco Giants (66-55, Previous: 10)

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: C Buster Posey (.330/.405/.545, 19 HR, 77 RBI, 56 R)

The choice here would have been Melky Cabrera (.346 BA, 11 HR, 60 RBI) if not for his recent PED-related suspension. Posey is more than deserving of the honor, though, as he has come back stronger than ever after missing much of last season with a broken leg.

Top Pitcher: SP Matt Cain (24 GS, 12-5, 2.90 ERA, 154 Ks, 167.2 IP)

Highlighted by a perfect game, Cain has had a terrific season and emerged as the ace of the Giants staff. Close behind him are teammates Ryan Vogelsong (10-7, 2.85 ERA) and Madison Bumgarner (13-7, 2.97 ERA) as the Giants are pitching rich, even with the struggles of Tim Lincecum.

Current Lineup 

CF Angel Pagan
2B Marco Scutaro
3B Pablo Sandoval
C Buster Posey
RF Hunter Pence
1B Brandon Belt
LF Gregor Blanco
SS Brandon Crawford
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Lincecum
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Matt Cain
SP Barry Zito
SP Ryan Vogelsong
CL Sergio Romo

11. Chicago White Sox (65-55, Previous: 7)

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: C A.J. Pierzynski (.294/.344/.543, 23 HR, 67 RBI, 53 R)

The White Sox offense has been much better than expected all season, as Alex Rios (.301 BA, 19 HR, 70 RBI) and Adam Dunn (35 HR, 83 RBI) have enjoyed bounce-back seasons, and Paul Konerko (.314 BA, 20 HR, 57 RBI) was great before missing time. Pierzynski has been the most significant producer all season, though, and he has an impressive .887 OPS.

Top Pitcher: SP Chris Sale (22 G, 21 GS, 14-4, 2.72 ERA, 137 Ks, 145.1 IP)

Sale has been nothing short of phenomenal in his first season as a starter after spending the past two seasons as the team's primary setup man. The team will be careful with their future ace down the stretch, as he is in uncharted inning territory, but he's a big part of why they're in contention.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Jake Peavy
SP Chris Sale
SP Jose Quintana
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Francisco Liriano
CL Addison Reed

10. St. Louis Cardinals (65-56, Previous: 9)

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: LF Matt Holliday (.301/.381/.519, 23 HR, 81 RBI, 76 R)

The Cardinals have a number of worthy candidates, as Yadier Molina (.317 BA, 16 HR, 56 RBI), Allen Craig (.941 OPS, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 79 G) and Carlos Beltran (28 HR, 85 RBI) have all been great. Holliday is the choice here, though, as he's been a consistent force all season amid a number of injuries.

Top Pitcher: SP Kyle Lohse (25 GS, 12-2, 2.61 ERA, 101 Ks, 162 IP)

When the Cardinals lost Chris Carpenter before the season even started, Lohse stepped into the role of staff ace and was named the team's Opening Day starter. He's been great all year and leads a pitching staff that has exceeded expectations all season long.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

9. Baltimore Orioles (66-55, Previous: 11)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: CF Adam Jones (.292/.339/.515, 24 HR, 62 RBI, 74 R)

Jones has gotten better every season since he joined the Orioles in the deal that sent Erik Bedard to the Mariners. He's taken a big step forward this season and is the face of an up-and-coming Orioles franchise. The team inked him to a six-year, $85.5 million extension earlier this season.

Top Pitcher: SP Wei-Yin Chen (25 GS, 12-7, 3.87 ERA, 122 Ks, 151 IP)

Signed to a three-year, $11.09 million deal out of Japan this past offseason, Chen has been the Orioles' most reliable starter this season and looks to have a bright future at 26 years old. Jason Hammel (8-6, 3.54 ERA) has been solid as well, but injuries have limited him to just 18 starts.

Current Lineup

RF Nick Markakis
SS J.J. Hardy
LF Nate McLouth
CF Adam Jones 
C Matt Wieters
DH Chris Davis
1B Mark Reynolds
3B Manny Machado
2B Omar Quintanilla

Current Rotation 

SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP Chris Tillman
SP Tommy Hunter
SP Zach Britton
CL Jim Johnson 

8. Los Angeles Dodgers (67-55, Previous: 15)

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: CF Matt Kemp (.338/.407/.605, 17 HR, 51 RBI, 55 R)

Kemp has played just 70 games this season but remains the Dodgers' most impressive hitter on the season with an impressive 1.012 OPS. He was on an absolute tear to open the season, and he appears to be settling in once again.

Top Pitcher: SP Clayton Kershaw (25 GS, 11-6, 2.90 ERA, 165 Ks, 170.2 IP)

His numbers are not as eye-popping as his Cy Young winning 2011 stats (21-5, 2.28 ERA, 248 Ks), but Kershaw is nonetheless one of baseball's best, and the scary thing is he's only 24 years old and should only get better moving forward.

Current Lineup

LF Shane Victorino
2B Mark Ellis
CF Matt Kemp
RF Andre Ethier
SS Hanley Ramirez
1B James Loney
3B Luis Cruz
C A.J. Ellis
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Aaron Harang
SP Chris Capuano
SP Chad Billingsley
SP Joe Blanton
CL Kenley Jansen

7. Pittsburgh Pirates (67-54, Previous: 6)

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: CF Andrew McCutchen (.354/.420/.592, 24 HR, 76 RBI, 85 R)

McCutchen has been among the best players in all of baseball this season, as he single-handedly carried the Pirates offense through the first half of the season. He's in position to win the batting title, and the six-year, $51.5 million extension he signed before the season looks like an absolute steal now.

Top Pitcher: SP A.J. Burnett (22 GS, 15-4, 3.54 ERA, 126 Ks, 145 IP)

Burnett went a combined 21-26 with a 5.20 ERA over the past two seasons with the Yankees, and when the Pirates acquired him in a cost-cutting move this past offseason, it looked as though New York got the better end of things. Instead, he's been a legitimate staff ace and a huge addition to a surprise postseason contender.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Erik Bedard
SP James McDonald
SP A.J. Burnett
SP Jeff Karstens
SP Wandy Rodriguez
CL Joel Hanrahan

6. Tampa Bay Rays (67-54, Previous: 8)

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: 3B Evan Longoria (.299/.385/.504, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 20 R)

While he has played in just 35 games on the season, Longoria has had an incredibly profound impact on the Rays offense this year. The team is 9-2 since he returned from injury in early August and 24-10 overall when he is in the lineup, proving just how valuable he's been to the team's success.

Top Pitcher: SP David Price (24 GS, 16-4, 2.39 ERA, 159 Ks, 162 IP)

Price currently leads the AL in wins and ERA, as he has officially joined the ranks of baseball's elite pitchers this season. Closer Fernando Rodney (38-of-40 SV, 0.79 ERA) deserves mention as well, as he's come out of nowhere to dominate in the ninth inning.

Current Lineup

LF Desmond Jennings
CF B.J. Upton
RF Matt Joyce
DH Evan Longoria
SS Ben Zobrist
3B Jeff Keppinger
1B Carlos Pena
2B Ryan Roberts
C Jose Molina

Current Rotation

SP David Price
SP James Shields
SP Alex Cobb
SP Matt Moore
SP Jeremy Hellickson
CL Fernando Rodney

5. Texas Rangers (70-50, Previous: 2)

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: LF Josh Hamilton (.287/.353/.586, 34 HR, 102 RBI, 77 R)

While he has slumped in the second half, Hamilton's overall stat line remains among the most impressive in all of baseball. He's playing for his next contract, and if he can get hot down the stretch, he could put himself squarely in the AL MVP conversation.

Top Pitcher: SP Matt Harrison (24 GS, 14-7, 3.19 ERA, 96 Ks, 161 IP)

Harrison was solid last season in going 14-9 with a 3.39 ERA, but he has stepped up as the ace of the Rangers staff this season with the rotation saddled by injuries. The 26-year-old is yet another valuable piece acquired in the Mark Teixeira deal back in 2007.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Derek Holland
SP Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Scott Feldman
SP Roy Oswalt
CL Joe Nathan 

4. Atlanta Braves (70-51, Previous: 5)

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: 3B Chipper Jones (.313/.391/.525, 13 HR, 54 RBI, 45 R)

In what is to be the final season of his Hall of Fame career, Jones continues to put up terrific numbers even at the age of 40. He's been immensely valuable to his team, as they have gone 47-31 with him in the lineup, and he'll be counted on to keep it up down the stretch.

Top Pitcher: RP Craig Kimbrel (45 G, 31-of-33 SV, 1.20 ERA, 15.8 K/9)

The Braves rotation has had some question marks this season, and while Tim Hudson (12-4, 3.59 ERA) has remained solid as the staff's ace, Kimbrel has been lights out in the ninth inning while posting dominant numbers.

Current Lineup

CF Michael Bourn
LF Martin Prado
RF Jason Heyward
3B Chipper Jones
1B Freddie Freeman
2B Dan Uggla
C Brian McCann
SS Paul Janish
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Hudson
SP Mike Minor
SP Kris Medlen
SP Ben Sheets
SP Paul Maholm
SP Tommy Hanson
CL Craig Kimbrel

3. New York Yankees (72-49, Previous: 4)

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: 2B Robinson Cano (.305/.368/.540, 25 HR, 68 RBI, 74 R)

Cano is head and shoulders above anyone else at second base, and he has become the Yankees' biggest run producer over the past few seasons. The team has gotten good production up and down the lineup this season, but Cano and his .908 OPS earn the nod as top hitter.

Top Pitcher: SP Hiroki Kuroda (25 GS, 12-8, 2.96 ERA, 125 Ks, 167 IP)

Signed to a one-year, $10 million deal to shore up the Yankees rotation this offseason, Kuroda has been great this season, and with CC Sabathia battling injury, Kuroda has assumed the role of staff ace. Also worth a mention is closer Rafael Soriano (31 SV, 1.64 ERA) who has filled in very well for the injured Mariano Rivera.

Current Lineup

SS Derek Jeter
RF Nick Swisher
2B Robinson Cano
1B Mark Teixeira
3B Eric Chavez
CF Curtis Granderson
DH Raul Ibanez
LF Ichiro Suzuki
C Russell Martin

Current Rotation

SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Freddy Garcia
SP Ivan Nova
SP Phil Hughes
SP David Phelps
CL Rafael Soriano

2. Cincinnati Reds (74-48, Previous: 3)

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: 1B Joey Votto (.342/.465/.604, 14 HR, 49 RBI, 52 R)

A knee injury has limited him to just 86 games this season, but his numbers prior to hitting the DL are simply too good to be ignored. His 1.069 OPS and .465 OBP would rank tops in all of baseball if he had the at-bats, and once he returns, the Reds could run away with the NL Central.

Top Pitcher: SP Johnny Cueto (25 GS, 16-6, 2.44 ERA, 135 Ks, 169.2 IP)

Cueto has stepped up as a true staff ace this season, as he leads the NL with 16 wins and has gone 6-1 in the second half of the season. Aroldis Chapman (29 SV, 1.35 ERA, 16.5 K/9) is also worth mention, as he has been dominant all season.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Bronson Arroyo
SP Homer Bailey
SP Mike Leake
CL Aroldis Chapman

1. Washington Nationals (75-46, Previous: 1)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Three-Quarter Pole Awards

Top Hitter: 3B Ryan Zimmerman (.281/.350/.461, 16 HR, 67 RBI, 72 R)

After a slow first half, Zimmerman has been as hot as any hitter in baseball since the All-Star break with a .353 BA, 8 HR, 26 RBI and 1.029 OPS. Ian Desmond and Adam LaRoche have also provided a boost offensively.

Top Pitcher: SP Stephen Strasburg (24 GS, 14-5, 2.91 ERA, 173 Ks, 139.1 IP)

The Nationals have ridden their fantastic pitching staff to the top of these rankings, and while Strasburg has been every bit the staff ace this season, Gio Gonzalez (16-6, 3.23 ERA) and Jordan Zimmermann (9-7, 2.38 ERA) also both rank among the best pitchers in all of baseball this season.

Current Lineup

RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Ross Detwiler
CL Tyler Clippard