Updated MLB Power Rankings: Where Does Your Favorite Team Stand?

With just over two weeks left in the regular season, where does your favorite team stand in this week's MLB power rankings?

 1: Washington Nationals (89-57, Previous: 1)

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Despite shutting down Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals remain atop these rankings as they still have a fantastic pitching staff led by Cy Young candidate Gio Gonzalez (19-8, 2.95 ERA) and a well-balanced offensive attack.

They have a relatively tough schedule the rest of the way, facing off against the Dodgers, Brewers and Cardinals along with six games against the Phillies. They should have no problem holding off the Braves for the division crown and bringing postseason baseball to our nation's capital for the first time since the 1933 Washington Senators.

2: Texas Rangers (87-59, Previous: 2)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

The Rangers welcomed back catcher Mike Napoli this past week, as the team no doubt hopes he can match the fantastic numbers he put up last October in his first season with the team.

Yu Darvish has hit his stride of late, going 4-1 with a 2.32 ERA and 10.8 K/9 as he could be viewed as the ace of the staff right now and will be relied on heavily in the playoffs. The Rangers still need to hold off the charging A's though, as their division lead has shrunk to just three games. 

3: Cincinnati Reds (88-59, Previous: 3)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

The Reds have a bigger lead than any other division winner, as they are 11 games up on the Cardinals in the NL Central and should be able to coast into the playoffs.

Having Joey Votto back makes them all the more dangerous, but manager Dusty Baker has to find a way to get Todd Frazier into the lineup. The NL Rookie of the Year candidate was bumped to the bench in favor of Scott Rolen when he returned from injury, and there is no question it was a step down in production.

4: Oakland Athletics (84-62, Previous: 5)

Last Week's Record: 5-2

There has been no hotter team in baseball since the All-Star break than the A's, as they've gone 41-19 after a 43-43 start to the season. Not only that, but they've been particularly good of late in winning eight of their last ten.

The team lacks a true superstar, but has gotten contributions from up and down the lineup all season long. It will be interesting to see how their incredibly young pitching staff—sans Bartolo Colon and Brandon McCarthy—handle the season's final weeks.

5: Atlanta Braves (84-63, Previous: 4)

Last Week's Record: 3-3

The Braves have had a firm hold on the first NL wild-card spot for some time now, as they are currently seven games up on the Cardinals for the top spot. 

They swept the Nationals to close out last week and pulled within 5.5 games of the NL East lead, and despite the fact that they will likely wind up as the wild card, they have to be viewed as legitimate title contenders. Kris Medlen remains the biggest X-factor: he has pitched like an ace since moving to the rotation but lacks the proven track record of success.

6: San Francisco Giants (83-63, Previous: 6)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

The Giants have a comfortable lead in the NL West right now, as they are 7.5 games up on the Dodgers. Those two teams meet to close out the season, and the Giants could have a chance to play spoiler and keep the rival Dodgers out of the postseason.

Catcher Buster Posey (.333/.407/.545, 22 HR, 93 RBI) has to be viewed as a legitimate NL MVP contender, and the pitching staff remains one of the best in the game. Even Barry Zito (12-8, 4.21 ERA) is having a solid season as the team has not missed a beat despite the struggles of ace Tim Lincecum (9-14, 5.09 ERA).

7: New York Yankees (83-63, Previous: 7)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

The Yankees have been forced to shuffle around their lineup with Mark Teixeira sidelined by a calf injury, but they will benefit from the return of Ivan Nova from injury as he certainly ranks as an upgrade over Freddy Garcia.

With seven more games against the Blue Jays as well as a three-game series against the Twins, the Yankees appear to be in decent shape to hold off the Orioles for the AL East title. Getting Teixeira back for the playoffs and having Andy Pettitte pitch well upon his return would go a long way towards making the Yankees World Series contenders.

 8: Baltimore Orioles (82-64, Previous: 8)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

One of the hottest teams in baseball of late, the Orioles have done everything in their power to keep pace in the AL East. They've got a favorable schedule the rest of the way, as their season-ending series with the Rays are their only remaining games against a team above .500.

After losing Nick Markakis to a fractured thumb earlier this month, the Orioles were dealt another blow this past weekend when DH/3B Wilson Betemit (.261 BA, 12 HR, 40 RBI) was lost for the season with a wrist injury.

9: Chicago White Sox (79-66, Previous: 12)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

With 12 combined games remaining against the Royals, Twins and Indians, the White Sox appear to be in decent shape to hold onto their two-game lead over the Tigers in the AL Central.

The team has enjoyed unexpected levels of production from a number of players, and they will need guys like Alex Rios, Adam Dunn, A.J. Pierzynski and Jake Peavy to continue to play at a high level if they hope to hold off the Tigers and go anywhere in October.

 10: Los Angeles Angels (80-67, Previous: 9)

Last Week's Record: 3-4

The Angels climbed back into the playoff picture on the strength of an 11-1 stretch, but they've gone just 3-4 since and are currently 2.5 games back for the second wild card in the AL with no one between them and the Orioles.

They've got a tough week coming up as they face the White Sox and Rangers, but if they can weather that storm, six of their final nine games are against the Mariners.

11: Detroit Tigers (77-68, Previous: 14)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

The Tigers continue to battle it out with the White Sox for the AL Central crown, as they currently trail Chicago by just two games. With so many teams in the wild-card hunt, it will likely be the division or nothing for both of those teams so there is a lot riding on these next two weeks.

Despite currently trailing, the Tigers could be considered favorites in the division as they have six games with the Twins and seven with the Royals once they finish up a three-game series with the A's to open this week.

12: St. Louis Cardinals (77-70, Previous: 11)

Last Week's Record: 2-5

After sitting in third place behind the Reds and Pirates in the NL Central for much of the season, the Cardinals have once again made a late-season push to climb into the playoff picture.

Their next nine games are against the Astros, Cubs and the Astros again as they have a great chance to put some distance between themselves and the field for the second wild-card spot. They are currently clinging to a one-game lead over the Dodgers.

13: Tampa Bay Rays (78-68, Previous: 10)

Last Week's Record: 1-5

With a win over the Yankees two weeks ago, the Rays had pulled within 1.5 games of New York in the AL East, but they've gone 3-7 since and now sit four games back for the second wild-card spot in the AL.

Six of their next nine games are against the Red Sox so they have a chance to regain some ground, but they wrap things up with series against the White Sox and Orioles in what will be a tough way to end the season.

14: Los Angeles Dodgers (76-71, Previous: 13)

Last Week's Record: 2-4

The Dodgers have as tough a schedule as anyone the rest of the way, as they play the Nationals, Reds and Giants as well as the vastly improved Padres. Their only easy series is three games against the Rockies who they've gone just 7-8 against on the season.

Lack of a reliable starter behind Clayton Kershaw remains a big issue, as do the struggles of deadline acquisitions Adrian Gonzalez and Shane Victorino. In other words, they have their work cut out for them if they hope to make the postseason.

15: Milwaukee Brewers (74-72, Previous: 16)

Last Week's Record: 5-1

The Brewers are 19-6 over their past 25 games, passing the Pirates in the NL Central. They finally pulled to over .500 with a win against the Braves on Wednesday.

Ryan Braun is putting up another MVP-caliber season (.312 BA, 40 HR, 103 RBI, 24 SB) and teamed with Corey Hart and Aramis Ramirez, the team has one of the best middle-of-the-orders in baseball. Young starting pitching is reason for excitement too, as Wily Peralta and Michael Fiers look to be the real deal.

 16: Philadelphia Phillies (73-74, Previous: 17)

Last Week's Record: 4-3

The Phillies used a seven-game winning streak to climb into the playoff picture, but fell back to earth when they dropped three of four to the Astros to close out last week.

They're not getting any younger, but if they can stay healthy next season they do still have the tools to compete. However, their farm system is thin and their window of contention may well be closing.

17: Pittsburgh Pirates (73-72, Previous: 15)

Last Week's Record: 1-5

The Pirates have hit the skids of late, going 3-12 in their last 15 games and falling behind the streaking Brewers and into fourth place in the NL Central.

While the offense has turned things around in the second half, the pitching has gone in the other direction and the team has shuffled their rotation a number of times of late. That said, Jeff Locke is gaining some valuable experience and Gerrit Cole could win a rotation spot next spring as the rotation should be better down the line.

 18: San Diego Padres (71-76, Previous: 19)

Last Week's Record: 5-1

The Padres are 19-6 in their past 25 games, as they are now just six games out of the NL wild card and playing some of the best baseball of anyone in the league right now.

With a deep farm system and after the decision to keep their veteran pieces at the deadline, the Padres could be right in the thick of things in the NL West next season. Third baseman Chase Headley (.284 BA, 28 HR, 104 RBI) has emerged as one of the best hitters in the league.

19: Arizona Diamondbacks (72-74, Previous: 18)

Last Week's Record: 3-2

The Diamondbacks remain on the fringe of the playoff picture, as they are currently 4.5 games back in the wild card. However, there are six teams ahead of them in the standings and a lot will have to break right for them to be playing in October.

Prospect Adam Eaton has taken over as the everyday center fielder after he hit .375/.456/.523 between Double-A and Triple-A this season. It will be interesting to see what they do with their rotation next season, as Daniel Hudson and Trevor Bauer will be in the running for a spot alongside their five current starters.

20: Seattle Mariners (70-77, Previous: 20)

Last Week's Record: 3-3

The Mariners play nothing but contenders from here on out, with series against the Orioles, Rangers, Angels and A's before closing things out with another three games against the Angels.

With one of the best farm systems in all of baseball and a number of top prospects currently in the high minors, expect the Mariners roster to look dramatically different at this time next season as they begin their homegrown rebuild.

 21: Toronto Blue Jays (66-79, Previous: 21)

Last Week's Record: 2-4

The Blue Jays will no doubt be happy to put this injury-riddled season behind them in a couple weeks, as they had the players to make some serious noise in the AL East this season but were hit harder by the injury bug then perhaps anyone else.

Edwin Encarnacion (40 HR, 102 RBI, .947 OPS) has been the breakout star of 2012 at the plate, and the three-year, $27 million extension they signed him to now looks like an absolute steal.

22: Kansas City Royals (66-80, Previous: 24)

Last Week's Record: 3-3

The Royals have seven games against the Tigers and three against the White Sox down the stretch, as they have a chance to end the season on a positive note. 

Salvador Perez (.310 BA, 11 HR, 36 RBI) has looked fantastic over just 245 at bats this season, and Billy Butler (.310 BA, 27 HR, 95 RBI) has taken his offense to the next level. Top pitching prospect Jake Odorizzi was called up on Sunday, as he'll be auditioning for a rotation spot next season.

 23: Boston Red Sox (66-81, Previous: 25)

Last Week's Record: 3-3

The Red Sox have had a long year and are well out of contention at this point, but they'll play a huge role in determining the postseason picture in the American League.

With six games each against the Rays and Orioles and three games against the Yankees, they could certainly do some damage to those teams' October hopes. The real fun for Red Sox fans will start this offseason though, as the team has roughly $80 million coming off of their payroll.

 24: Miami Marlins (65-82, Previous: 23)

Last Week's Record: 2-4

The Marlins have undoubtedly been a huge disappointment this season, and they have an interesting road ahead as far as building their team into a winner after spending and then selling big.

Catcher Rob Brantly (.317/.427/.508), who was acquired from the Tigers at the deadline, looks like he'll be a big part of the team's future. Slugger Giancarlo Stanton has matched his career best with 34 home runs this season, doing it in 92 less at bats than he did in 2011. He continues to emerge as one of the game's top young hitters.

25: New York Mets (66-80, Previous: 22)

Last Week's Record: 1-5

The Mets second-half slide has been a big one, as they've gone 20-40 since the All-Star break. However, they have a good, young group of players that should help them return to contention.

This team is getting a glimpse of the future of their rotation. Prospect Jenrry Mejia has joined the rotation for the season's final month and fellow top prospect Jeurys Familia is pitching out of the bullpen to pitch alongside Matt Harvey.

 26: Minnesota Twins (60-87, Previous: 26)

Last Week's Record: 2-5

The Twins' offense has been one of the best in the American League this season, but they continue to have trouble winning games behind one of the worst rotations in baseball.

Joe Mauer (.321 BA, 10 HR, 77 RBI) is enjoying a terrific bounce back season. Josh Willingham (34 HR, 105 RBI) has been perhaps the best bargain signing of the offseason. If the Twins can address their starting pitching this offseason, they have the offensive core to be a contender again very soon.

27: Cleveland Indians (61-86, Previous: 27)

Last Week's Record: 2-5

It's hard to believe that the Indians were legitimate contenders as recently as July, but they've gone just 10-34 since the beginning of August and now rank as one of the worst teams in the league.

Prospect Lonnie Chisenhall has moved into the everyday third base role and hit .333/.444/.600 in six games since being recalled. He'll look to win the starting job for next season with a strong performance down the stretch.

28: Chicago Cubs (58-88, Previous: 29)

Last Week's Record: 4-2

The Cubs have gone 7-2 in their last nine games, including five of six against the Pirates to put the latter's playoff chances in serious jeopardy.

Rookie Anthony Rizzo (.300 BA, 14 HR, 43 RBI) continues to show the makings of a future superstar, while Alfonso Soriano reached the 100-RBI mark this past week as he continues to enjoy a resurgent season.

29: Colorado Rockies (58-87, Previous: 28)

Last Week's Record: 2-4

It's been a rough season for the Rockies, but it has not been without its bright spots as young players like Wilin Rosario (.259 BA, 24 HR, 64 RBI), Josh Rutledge (.291 BA, 8 HR, 32 RBI) and Jordan Pacheco (.301 BA, 4 HR, 45 RBI) have shown that there is some hope for the future.

Their pitching is still rough; some strong starts by Drew Pomeranz and Alex White down the stretch would be nice to build off of moving forward. With an MLB-worst team ERA of 5.15, there's no question their staff needs an overhaul this offseason.

30: Houston Astros (48-99, Previous: 30)

Last Week's Record: 4-3

A winning week helped keep the Astros from reaching the 100-loss mark, as they took three of four from a streaking Phillies team. 

Shortstop Jed Lowrie returned from injury last week, as he'll look to pick back up what was a breakout season. They'll have a chance to play spoiler again this coming week as they take on the Cardinals and Pirates.