Updated MLB Power Rankings and Team Analysis

With just a week and a half remaining in the 2012 MLB season, teams have just three series left to make their postseason push.

While three of the five playoff spots have been secured in the National League, nothing has been decided in the American League to this point, and the end of the season promises to be an exciting one.

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 (50-103, Previous: 30)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

It's safe to say that next season's move to the AL West won't be an easy one for the Astros, as they will likely spend the foreseeable future in last place.

After trading off all of their veterans, they have been able to get some of their young players some valuable experience in the second half. Expect top prospects Jonathan Singleton and Jarred Cosart to make an impact early next season and be a cause for excitement.

Current Lineup

2B Jose Altuve
LF Fernando Martinez
1B Brett Wallace
CF Justin Maxwell
SS Jed Lowrie
3B Matt Dominguez
C Jason Castro
RF Jimmy Paredes
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Lucas Harrell
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Bud Norris
SP Fernando Abad
SP Edgar Gonzalez
SP Dallas Keuchel
CL Wilton Lopez

29. Colorado Rockies (58-94, Previous: 29)

Last Week's Record

0-7

Team Outlook

The Rockies have lost nine straight, as they limp down the home stretch and close out what has been a terrible season, destined to be the first 100-loss year in franchise history.

Starter Jorge De La Rosa made his season debut last week, as he looks to get in some time down the stretch and return to the form that made him a 16-game winner back in 2009. Regardless, his $11 million option will be declined, but he could be brought back to a team in desperate need of viable starters if he can show something late.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation 

SP Jeff Francis
SP Drew Pomeranz
SP Tyler Chatwood
SP Jhoulys Chacin
SP Jorge De La Rosa
CL Rafael Betancourt

28. Chicago Cubs (59-94, Previous: 28)

Last Week's Record

1-6

Team Outlook

It's a fierce battle at the bottom of the standings between the Cubs and Rockies over who will have the second-worst record in baseball this season. 

The emergence of Anthony Rizzo (.290 BA, 14 HR, 45 RBI) continues to provide hope for the future, and the impressive season of Alfonso Soriano (.263 BA, 31 HR, 105 RBI) continues to make Cubs' fans wonder where that has been the past five years.

Current Lineup 

RF David DeJesus
2B Darwin Barney
1B Anthony Rizzo
LF Alfonso Soriano
SS Starlin Castro
3B Luis Valbuena
C Wellington Castillo
CF Brett Jackson
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Travis Wood
SP Justin Germano 
SP Chris Volstad
SP Chris Rusin
SP Jason Berken 
CL Carlos Marmol

27. Cleveland Indians (63-90, Previous: 27)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

After contending early on in the season, the Indians now appear to be a complete teardown effort moving forward after going 19-49 since the All-Star break.

They could look to move Shin-Soo Choo and Justin Masterson this offseason in an effort to boost what is a thin farm system, but regardless of what they do, it looks like the Indians have an uphill battle ahead of them.

Current Lineup

RF Shin-Soo Choo
2B Jason Kipnis
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
C Carlos Santana
CF Michael Brantley
DH Travis Hafner
3B Lonnie Chisenhall
1B Casey Kotchman
LF Ezequiel Carrera 

Current Rotation

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Zach McAllister
SP Corey Kluber
SP Jeanmar Gomez
SP David Huff
CL Chris Perez

26. Toronto Blue Jays (66-85, Previous: 21)

Last Week's Record

0-6

Team Outlook

The Blue Jays have had as bad of luck as any team in baseball this season, as seemingly everyone on their roster has spent significant time on the disabled list.

One player who has avoided the injury bug is Edwin Encarnacion (.281 BA, 40 HR, 103 RBI), and with him in the fold next season alongside a good core of big leaguers and one of the strongest minor-league systems in baseball, the Blue Jays need only stay healthy to be contenders next season.

Current Lineup

3B Brett Lawrie
CF Colby Rasmus
1B Edwin Encarnacion
DH Adam Lind
SS Yunel Escobar
2B Kelly Johnson
C J.P. Arencibia
RF Moises Sierra
LF Rajai Davis

Current Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Carlos Villanueva
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Aaron Laffey
CL Casey Janssen

25. Miami Marlins (66-87, Previous: 24)

Last Week's Record

1-5

Team Outlook

As far as disappointments go, the Marlins have been as disappointing as it comes this year after spending big on free agents for their fancy new stadium in the offseason.

After selling big at the deadline, and with them perhaps looking to deal Josh Johnson this offseason, they are now building a good foundation of prospects for future success. It may take longer than the quick fix they were hoping for this year, but they are heading in the right direction long term.

Current Lineup

LF Bryan Petersen
CF Justin Ruggiano
SS Jose Reyes
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Carlos Lee
3B Greg Dobbs
2B Donovan Solano
C Rob Brantly
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Nathan Eovaldi
SP Jacob Turner
SP Wade LeBlanc
CL Steven Cishek

24. Minnesota Twins (64-89, Previous: 26)

Last Week's Record

3-2

Team Outlook

Behind a rejuvenated Joe Mauer (.323 BA, 10 HR, 83 RBI) and impressive free-agent signing Josh Willingham (.261 BA, 35 HR, 110 RBI), the Twins' offense has ranked among the best in baseball this season.

Pitching will be what determines their success in the short term, and that is something that their farm system—and big-league roster, for that matter—are short on. The return of Kyle Gibson from Tommy John surgery and work on the free-agent market will determine how quickly they can return to relevance in the AL Central.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Scott Diamond
SP Liam Hendriks
SP Samuel Deduno 
SP P.J. Walters
SP Esmerling Vasquez
CL Glen Perkins

23. New York Mets (69-83, Previous: 25)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Mets' second-half slide has overshadowed what was a surprisingly good first half, and the team has the pieces to put together more sustained success moving forward.

Re-signing David Wright will be a big first step, but with top pitching prospects Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler ready to join Cy Young candidate R.A. Dickey (19-6, 2.66 ERA) atop the Mets' rotation, the future is bright.

Current Lineup

SS Ruben Tejada
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
LF Lucas Duda
RF Mike Baxter
C Kelly Shoppach
CF Andres Torres
Pitcher

Current Rotation

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

22. Boston Red Sox (69-85, Previous: 23)

Last Week's Record

3-4

Team Outlook

For all the bad luck and results the Red Sox have had this season, they were equally lucky to find a team willing to take on $270 million in payroll.

In total, the team will have roughly $80 million in payroll free this offseason alone, and it will be very interesting to see what direction the team goes—whether it opts for a slow, sustainable, ground-up rebuild or for a big-spending offseason and possible quick return to contention.

Current Lineup

3B Pedro Ciriaco
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2B Dustin Pedroia
RF Cody Ross
1B James Loney
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
DH Ryan Lavarnway
LF Scott Podsednik
SS Jose Iglesias

Current Rotation

SP Jon Lester
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Felix Doubront
SP Aaron Cook
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka
SP Zach Stewart
CL Andrew Bailey

21. Seattle Mariners (72-81, Previous: 20)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

It's been a tough season for the Mariners, especially on the offensive side of things, but the future is bright for a team with one of the best farm systems in baseball. If nothing else, they can take solace in the fact that they should have no problem finishing ahead of last place next season thanks to the Astros' arrival.

I recently wrote an article on the top-20 prospects expected to debut next season and included Nick Franklin, James Paxton and Danny Hultzen from the Mariners as impact players on their way. Those three, along with Jesus Montero, Kyle Seager, Felix Hernandez and Jason Vargas will form a solid core that should only get better.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

20. Kansas City Royals (70-82, Previous: 22)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

By virtue of other teams struggling mightily down the stretch, the Royals have continued to climb up these rankings. They played spoiler in taking two of three from the White Sox to open the week.

Top pitching prospect Jake Odorizzi made his big-league debut last week, going 5.1 innings and allowing three runs in a loss. He'll be an integral part of the team's future, as will Wil Myers, as the team continues to build around their homegrown core of players with more homegrown players.

Current Lineup

CF David Lough
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 Jeremy Guthrie
SP Will Smith
SP Jake Odorizzi
CL Greg Holland

19. San Diego Padres (73-80, Previous: 18)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

The Padres made a valiant run at the Diamondbacks for third place in the NL West, but it looks as though they'll have to settle for fourth place.

That said, the team has an impressive young core of players led by breakout star Chase Headley and what I feel is the deepest farm system in all of baseball, currently fronted by second baseman Jedd Gyorko (.311 BA, 30 HR, 100 RBI). The future is very bright in San Diego.

Current Lineup

SS Everth Cabrera
2B Logan Forsythe
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 Eric Stults
SP Andrew Werner
SP Casey Kelly
CL Huston Street

18. Pittsburgh Pirates (75-77, Previous: 17)

Last Week's Record

2-5

Team Outlook

The dream appears to be over for the Pirates, as they have fallen to 6.5 games behind the Cardinals for the second wild-card spot.

They still have a chance at a winning season, which would be a long-awaited step forward, but the team is headed for bigger things in the near future. Prospects Jeff Locke and Kyle McPherson have gotten a taste of the big-league rotation this season and will likely be joined by Gerrit Cole next season, as the team looks to build a rotation to match its solid, young lineup.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP A.J. Burnett
SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP Jeff Locke
SP Kevin Correia
SP Kyle McPherson
CL Joel Hanrahan

17. Arizona Diamondbacks (77-75, Previous: 19)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

The Diamondbacks won't go away in the NL wild-card chase, and with four games against the Rockies and three against the Cubs remaining on their schedule, they certainly still have a chance.

Top prospect Adam Eaton has provided a spark atop the lineup (.380 OBP, 15 R, 16 G), and with a strong rotation backed by one of the best bullpens in all of baseball, they have the horses to make a run not just at a wild-card spot, but beyond.

Current Lineup

CF Adam Eaton
2B Aaron Hill
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
C Miguel Montero 
RF Justin Upton
3B Chris Johnson
SS John McDonald
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Wade Miley
SP Patrick Corbin
SP Tyler Skaggs
CL J.J. Putz

16. Philadelphia Phillies (77-76, Previous: 16)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

A 20-9 stretch by the Phillies has pulled the team back from the depths and into contention for a wild-card spot. At five games back, their hopes are slim, but they will end the season on a positive note nonetheless.

Their core group of superstars is not getting any younger, and their minor-league system is thin, as the Phillies will need to begin taking steps toward the future while still making use of their competitive core in the short term.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Roy Halladay
SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Kyle Kendrick
SP Tyler Cloyd
CL Jonathan Papelbon

15. Los Angeles Dodgers (79-74, Previous: 14)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

With the Giants having run away with the NL West, the Dodgers have only the wild card to rely on if they hope to make the postseason, and they are currently three games behind the Cardinals for the final spot.

For all of their wheeling and dealing in July and August, they have not been able to come together and make a sizable run of any sort down the stretch. With ace Clayton Kershaw battling a hip injury, their chances seem even slimmer, as they don't have their ace to lean heavily on (think Cardinals with Chris Carpenter last season) down the stretch.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Aaron Harang
SP Chris Capuano
SP Josh Beckett
SP Joe Blanton
SP Stephen Fife
CL Kenley Jansen

14. Detroit Tigers (80-72, Previous: 11)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Tigers had a chance to take charge in the AL Central with the Sox struggling to a 2-5 week, but they only managed to gain 1.5 games. They face the Royals seven times and the Twins three times to close out the season.

Expect to see Justin Verlander pitching on short rest over the next week and a half, as the team looks to do whatever it takes. Also, Miguel Cabrera's run at the Triple Crown will likely take center stage if he remains in the hunt heading into the final games of the season.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

13. Chicago White Sox (81-71, Previous: 9)

Last Week's Record

2-5

Team Outlook

Try as the Tigers might to let them run away with the division, the White Sox seem intent on making things interesting in the AL Central, as they dropped two of three to the Royals to open the week and have lost five straight overall.

That's left them clinging to a half-game lead in the division, and with six of their final 10 games against the lowly Indians, one would think they were in a good position to be playing in October. They're 8-4 on the season against the Indians, and if they can weather a four-game series with the Rays, they should be in decent shape. Then again, they could lose their next 10 the way they're playing right now, so who knows?

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

12. Milwaukee Brewers (79-74, Previous: 15)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

Had the Brewers known they were going to make such an impressive late-season push, they may have thought twice about moving Zack Greinke at the deadline, as they've pulled into the thick of the wild-card race thanks to a 21-6 stretch.

With prospects Michael Fiers and Wily Peralta teaming with swingman Marco Estrada in the rotation, the run has been an unlikely one. However, there is no ignoring the Brewers' offense. If they can take two of three from the Reds this week, they have a realistic shot at catching the Cardinals.

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 Michael Fiers
SP Marco Estrada
SP Shaun Marcum
SP Wily Peralta
CL John Axford

11. Tampa Rays (83-70, Previous: 13)

Last Week's Record

5-2

Team Outlook

It looks as though the AL East will come down to the Orioles and Yankees, but thanks to a five-game winning streak, the Rays are still very much alive in the AL wild-card picture.

As they have all season, they'll make it as far as their pitching and timely hitting can take them. Expect David Price (18-5, 2.58 ERA) to be at the ready for some big starts, perhaps on short rest, as the Rays look to capture some late-season magic once again this year.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

10. St. Louis Cardinals (82-71, Previous: 12)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

The return of Chris Carpenter (5 IP, 2 ER, ND) may be just the boost the Cardinals need to hold off the charging Brewers, among others, for the second NL wild-card spot.

The team opens this week with a three-game series against the Astros before closing things out with the Nationals and Reds. As daunting as that sounds, it may work in their favor, as those teams could be resting guys for the postseason at that point.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Kyle Lohse
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Jaime Garcia
SP Lance Lynn
SP Chris Carpenter
CL Jason Motte

9. Los Angeles Angels (84-69, Previous: 10)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

After closing out last week with a sweep of the White Sox, the Angels have a pair of three-game series with the Mariners sandwiched between a three-game series with the division-leading Rangers.

He got off to a shaky start in Los Angeles, but Zack Greinke has been a stud over his last six starts, going 4-0 with a 1.60 ERA and lasting at least seven innings each game. If their pitching can live up to its reputation on paper and the offense can continue to perform, the 2.5-game gap between them and the A's could be bridged.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

8. Oakland Athletics (86-66, Previous: 4)

Last Week's Record

2-4

Team Outlook

The A's have dropped five of their past seven games, as the Angels have pulled within 2.5 games of them for the final wild-card spot. Things don't get easier, either, as they have seven games remaining against the Rangers.

After losing their top-two starters in Bartolo Colon and Brandon McCarthy, the A's lost another arm this past week when Brett Anderson was lost for the rest of the season with a strained oblique. Do the A's have enough second-half magic left to hold on and capture a wild-card spot?

Current Lineup

CF Coco Crisp
DH Seth Smith
RF Josh Reddick
LF Yoenis Cespedes
1B Brandon Moss
3B Josh Donaldson
SS Stephen Drew
C Derek Norris
2B Cliff Pennington

Current Rotation

SP Jarrod Parker
SP Tommy Milone
SP A.J. Griffin
SP Daniel Straily
SP Travis Blackley
CL Grant Balfour

7. Baltimore Orioles (87-65, Previous: 8)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

The Orioles have a relatively easy road this coming week, facing off against the struggling Blue Jays and Rays. And while the postseason is their ultimate goal, they will be looking to overtake the Yankees and capture the AL East crown.

Top prospect Dylan Bundy made his big-league debut on Sunday at the age of 19, and he'll serve as another cog in what has been a true team effort on the hill for the Orioles this season. Offensively, power continues to be their calling card, with five players over 20 home runs, led by Adam Jones' 31.

Current Lineup

LF Nate McLouth
SS J.J. Hardy
CF Adam Jones 
C Matt Wieters
DH Jim Thome
1B Mark Reynolds
RF Chris Davis
3B Manny Machado
2B Robert Andino 

Current Rotation 

SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Joe Saunders
SP Chris Tillman
SP Zach Britton
SP Randy Wolf
SP Miguel Gonzalez
CL Jim Johnson 

6. New York Yankees (88-64, Previous: 7)

Last Week's Record

5-1

Team Outlook

With the Orioles right on their heels, the Yankees close out the season with what should be a relatively easy slate of games. They'll take on the Twins and Blue Jays on the road this coming week before closing things out with three games against the rival Red Sox.

After a slow start in the Bronx, Ichiro has come around in a big way and is currently hitting .331 with five home runs, 23 RBI and 21 runs since joining the Yankees. Andy Pettitte rejoined the rotation last week with five shutout innings, and he could be a big contributor down the stretch as well.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ivan Nova
SP David Phelps
SP Andy Pettitte
CL Rafael Soriano

5. Atlanta Braves (88-65, Previous: 5)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook

With a six-game lead over the second-place team, the Braves have the No. 1 wild-card spot in the NL locked up, and they'll be a tough draw for whoever comes away with the other wild card.

They close the season against the Mets, Marlins and Pirates, as they should be able to coast into the postseason. It will be interesting to see how the Braves stack their postseason rotation, and whether they'll go with veteran Tim Hudson or emergent ace Kris Medlen as their No. 1 starter.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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

4. San Francisco Giants (89-64, Previous: 6)

Last Week's Record

6-1

Team Outlook

All season, the Reds, Nationals and Rangers have clearly been a notch ahead of the rest of MLB, but as they have continued to play well and run away with the NL West, the Giants have effectively joined that trio in the upper echelon of MLB teams.

With a legitimate MVP candidate in Buster Posey (.332 BA, 23 HR, 98 RBI) and a starting rotation that rivals any in baseball fronted by Matt Cain (15-5, 2.86 ERA), Madison Bumgarner (16-10, 3.26 ERA) and Ryan Vogelsong (13-9, 3.58 ERA), they should be a dangerous team come October.

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

3. Texas Rangers (90-62, Previous: 2)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Rangers remain the cream of the AL crop, and they'll need to defend their spot atop the AL West to close out the season, with seven games against the A's and three against the Angels.

Rookie Yu Darvish has emerged as a legitimate staff ace of late, going 5-1 with a 2.13 ERA and 10.8 K/9 in his past seven starts. He and Matt Harrison, alongside Ryan Dempster and Derek Holland, should give the Rangers more than enough pitching to back their potent lineup down the stretch.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

SP Derek Holland
SP Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Ryan Dempster
SP Martin Perez
CL Joe Nathan 

2. Washington Nationals (93-60, Previous: 1)

Last Week's Record

3-3

Team Outlook

The Nationals haven't lost a beat since shutting down Stephen Strasburg, as they are still in the race for the best record in baseball. They've already clinched the first playoff berth in Washington since the 1933 Washington Senators.

John Lannan got roughed up in his last start (3.2 IP, 6 ER) and the team could give Chien Ming-Wang a start the next time through the rotation. Either way, neither of them will be part of the postseason roster, and the four who will continue to be among the best in all of baseball.

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 Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Ross Detwiler
SP John Lannan
SP Chien-Ming Wang
CL Tyler Clippard

1. Cincinnati Reds (92-61, Previous: 3)

Last Week's Record

4-2

Team Outlook 

With a healthy lineup and a rotation that has seen their five Opening Day starters make every start but one this season, little has changed for the Reds since the start of the season.

Jonathan Broxton has been a big addition in the setup role, but aside from that, things have gone exactly according to plan for the Reds this season. Todd Frazier is one of the front-runners for NL Rookie of the Year and Johnny Cueto should get plenty of support for Cy Young.

Current Lineup

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

Current Rotation

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