MLB Power Rankings: Re-Ranking All 30 Teams' Pitching Rotations in Week 2

Along with my weekly team power rankings, I also wrote an article power ranking all 30 MLB teams' pitching staffs entering Opening Day back on March 27.

While many different things have to be taken into account when ranking an entire team—and thus, my team power rankings didn't drastically change through one week of play—ranking just one aspect of a team is much more cut and dry and can be done simply by looking at the numbers.

Overall team ERA was the biggest factor in these rankings, though it was not the be-all, end-all. Starting-pitching performance carried more weight than the bullpen, and overall talent level did still factor in when making close calls.

So with that, here is an undated look at where all 30 MLB pitching staffs currently rank.

30. Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 13)

Overall Team ERA: 6.43

Starting Rotation (2-5, 6.65 ERA)

LHP Cole Hamels
RHP Roy Halladay
LHP Cliff Lee  
RHP Kyle Kendrick 
LHP John Lannan

When you take into account the fact that Cliff Lee threw eight scoreless innings in his lone start, the Phillies' other starters have a 9.68 ERA to this point.

Cole Hamels (0-2, 10.97 ERA) and Roy Halladay (0-2, 14.73 ERA) have led the way in being terrible, while Kyle Kendrick (7.94 ERA) struggled in his lone start as well. John Lannan went seven innings and allowed three runs for a quality start in his Phillies debut.

Bullpen (1-for-2, 5.96 ERA)

Closer: Jonathan Papelbon
Setup: Mike Adams 
Setup: Antonio Bastardo (L)
Relief: Jeremy Horst (L)   
Relief: Chad Durbin
Relief: Phillippe Aumont
Relief: Raul Valdes (L)

After allowing two runs in his first outing of the year, closer Jonathan Papelbon nailed down his first save chance with a perfect inning. Mike Adams, Phillippe Aumont and Antonio Bastardo have each pitched two scoreless innings on the year.

29. San Diego Padres (Previous: 26)

Overall Team ERA: 6.43

Starting Rotation (1-5, 6.21 ERA)

RHP Edinson Volquez
LHP Clayton Richard
LHP Eric Stults
RHP Jason Marquis  
RHP Tyson Ross

The team's top two starters have been nothing short of terrible to open the season, as Edinson Volquez (0-2, 10.00 ERA) and Clayton Richard (0-1, 8.68 ERA) have not pitched like front-of-the-rotation arms.

Eric Stults was great in his first start, throwing five shutout innings and striking out seven. After going 8-3 with a 2.92 ERA after joining the Padres last season, he could very well wind up being the team's best starter this year before all is said and done.

Bullpen (1-for-1 SV, 5.47 ERA)

Closer: Huston Street
Setup: Luke Gregerson 
Setup: Andrew Cashner
Relief: Brad Brach
Relief: Joe Thatcher (L)
Relief: Dale Thayer   
Relief: Anthony Bass

A strength of the team last year and in years past, the Padres bullpen has been a mixed bag so far. Luke Gregerson and Dale Thayer have yet to allow a run, while Huston Street, Joe Thatcher and Brad Brach all sport ERAs of 9.00 or higher.

28. Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 21)

Overall Team ERA: 5.45

Starting Rotation (1-2, 5.09 ERA)

RHP Yovani Gallardo
RHP Marco Estrada
RHP Wily Peralta
RHP Kyle Lohse
RHP Mike Fiers 

Kyle Lohse pitched very well in his Brewers debut, allowing five hits and one run in six innings, though he took a no-decision after the bullpen blew it.

The rest of the rotation has struggled, though, as every other starter has an ERA of 4.50 or higher. Michael Fiers (5 IP. 9 H, 6 ER) was particularly bad in his season debut.

Bullpen (1-for-2 SV, 5.40 ERA)

Closer: Jim Henderson
Setup: Brandon Kintzler
Setup: Michael Gonzalez 
Relief: John Axford
Relief: Burke Badenhop
Relief: Tom Gorzelanny (L)
Relief: Alfredo Figaro

Closer John Axford (3.1 IP, 9 H, 9 ER, 4 HR) has already lost his job to Jim Henderson, and newcomers Mike Gonzalez (13.50 ERA) and Burke Badenhop (8.10 ERA) have done little to improve the bullpen, as it could once again be a problem area for the team.

27. Baltimore Orioles (Previous: 11)

Overall Team ERA: 4.57

Starting Rotation (2-2, 5.45 ERA)

RHP Jason Hammel
LHP Wei-Yin Chen
RHP Miguel Gonzalez
RHP Jake Arrieta
RHP Chris Tillman  

After the team struggled to find five reliable arms to fill out its rotation last season, Orioles starters have struggled once again to open the year.

Jake Arrieta (5 IP, 5 ER) and Chris Tillman (3.2 IP, 5 ER) were both terrible in their lone starts, while Wei-Yin Chen (2 GS, 3.75 ERA) once again looks to be the most stable arm on the staff.

Bullpen (2-for-4 SV, 2.95 ERA)

Closer: Jim Johnson
Setup: Pedro Strop
Setup: Darren O'Day
Relief: Troy Patton (L)
Relief: Luis Ayala 
Relief: Brian Matusz (L)
Relief: Tommy Hunter
Relief: T.J. McFarland (L) 

Closer Jim Johnson has made good on both of his save chances, but he's allowed three hits, two walks and an unearned run in his three innings of work. Pedro Strop and Luis Ayala each sport ERAs of 9.00, as they've both suffered through one poor outing.

26. Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 10)

Overall Team ERA: 5.06

Starting Rotation (1-3, 6.08 ERA)

RHP R.A. Dickey
RHP Brandon Morrow
LHP Mark Buehrle 
RHP Josh Johnson 
RHP J.A. Happ

The struggles of new ace R.A. Dickey (0-2, 10.2 IP, 15 H, 10 ER) has been one of the biggest storylines of the early going in Toronto.

Mark Buehrle (10.13 ERA) and Josh Johnson (4.50 ERA) were both far from great in their Blue Jays debuts as well, while incumbents J.A. Happ (5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER) and Brandon Morrow (9.2 IP, 6 ER, 8 K) have done a great job holding things together.

Bullpen (1-for-1 SV, 3.67 ERA)

Closer: Casey Janssen
Setup: Steve Delabar 
Setup: Sergio Santos
Relief: Darren Oliver (L)
Relief: Esmil Rogers   
Relief: Aaron Loup (L)
Relief: Brett Cecil (L)

Casey Janssen and Steve Delabar have yet to allow a run and have given up just three hits in 5.1 innings as a solid one-two punch to close out the game. A poor outing from Dave Bush (3 IP, 5 ER) makes the bullpen numbers look worse than they actually are.

25. Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 6)

Overall Team ERA: 5.53

Starting Rotation (2-4, 4.96 ERA)

LHP David Price
RHP Jeremy Hellickson
RHP Roberto Hernandez
LHP Matt Moore
RHP Alex Cobb 

While the top of the rotation has struggled, Matt Moore (6 IP, 2 H) and Alex Cobb (7.1 IP, 4 H) were both fantastic in their season debuts, as neither allowed an earned run.

David Price was absolutely shelled in his last start, allowing 10 hits and eight runs in five innings, and with James Shields gone, he needs to pitch like an ace now more than ever.

Bullpen (0-for-2 SV, 6.86 ERA)

Closer: Fernando Rodney
Setup: Joel Peralta 
Setup: Jake McGee (L)
Relief: Kyle Farnsworth  
Relief: Cesar Ramos (L)
Relief: Brandon Gomes
Relief: Jamey Wright

After barreling through the competition in the WBC, closer Fernando Rodney has allowed runs in each of his two outings and blown his lone save chance on the season. Jamey Wright has made four scoreless appearances as the lone bright spot in what has been a terrible bullpen.

24. Houston Astros (Previous: 30)

Overall Team ERA: 4.94

Starting Rotation: (1-6, 4.10 ERA)

RHP Bud Norris
RHP Lucas Harrell
RHP Phil Humber
RHP Brad Peacock
LHP Erik Bedard

Veterans Phil Humber (3.09 ERA) and Bud Norris (3.18 ERA) have both pitched well so far this season, with Norris picking up the team's lone win.

On the flip side, last year's surprise ace Lucas Harrell (7.84 ERA) was shelled for eight earned runs in 4.1 innings of work against the A's after a strong first start against Texas.

Bullpen (1-for-1 SV, 6.14 ERA)

Closer: Jose Veras
Setup: Wesley Wright (L)
Setup: Hector Ambriz 
Relief: Xavier Cedeno (L)
Relief: Rhiner Cruz
Relief: Paul Clemens 
Relief: Dallas Keuchel (L) 

Dallas Keuchel and Erik Bedard have both pitched well in long outings out of the bullpen, and Rhiner Cruz (2.08 ERA) has been solid over four appearances, but as a group, the Astros bullpen has been poor. They could have trouble holding onto the few leads they get this season.

23. New York Yankees (Previous: 17)

Overall Team ERA: 4.89

Starting Rotation (4-4, 3.83 ERA)

LHP CC Sabathia
RHP Hiroki Kuroda
LHP Andy Pettitte 
RHP Ivan Nova
RHP David Phelps 

Andy Pettitte threw a gem in his first start, allowing just one run over eight innings. CC Sabathia threw seven scoreless innings his last time out to out-duel Justin Verlander and bounce back from a so-so first start.

The other three starters all have ERAs of 6.75 or higher and have pitched just 14.4 innings combined over four starts.

Bullpen (1-for-1, 6.51 ERA)

Closer: Mariano Rivera
Setup: David Robertson 
Setup: Boone Logan (L)
Relief: Joba Chamberlain 
Relief: Shawn Kelley
Relief: David Phelps
Relief: Adam Warren 

Aside from setup man David Robertson, who has thrown two scoreless innings, and Adam Warren, who didn't allow a run in 5.1 innings of relief in his first outing against the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees bullpen has been terrible. Even Mariano Rivera has allowed three hits and a run in two innings of work, though he did convert his only save chance.

22. Cleveland Indians (Previous: 23)

Overall Team ERA: 5.58

Starting Rotation (2-5, 5.86 ERA)

RHP Justin Masterson
RHP Ubaldo Jimenez
RHP Brett Myers 
RHP Zach McAllister 
LHP Carlos Carrasco

Opening Day starter Justin Masterson has looked the part over his first two starts, allowing just five hits and one run over 13 innings to open the season 2-0.

Trevor Bauer walked seven over five innings in his debut, though he allowed just three runs. Brett Myers (12.60 ERA) and Ubaldo Jimenez (6.97 ERA) are both off to poor starts.

Bullpen (2-for-3 SV, 5.14 ERA)

Closer: Chris Perez
Setup: Vinnie Pestano
Setup: Joe Smith
Relief: Cody Allen
Relief: Bryan Shaw
Relief: Rich Hill (L)
Relief: Matt Albers 

The Indians had one of the game's best bullpens last season, and it's been stellar again to kick off 2013. Vinnie Pestano, Joe Smith and Bryan Shaw have thrown a combined nine innings of scoreless relief, through Chris Perez blew one of his two save chances.

21. Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 15)

Overall Team ERA: 4.00

Starting Rotation (3-3, 4.94 ERA)

RHP Ian Kennedy
RHP Trevor Cahill
RHP Brandon McCarthy
LHP Wade Miley
LHP Patrick Corbin

Brandon McCarthy (5 IP, 6 ER) was roughed up in his Diamondbacks debut, and Trevor Cahill (0-2, 5.91 ERA) has not been particularly sharp in his first two starts.

The rest of the staff has pitched well, though Wade Miley (6 IP, 1 ER, 8 K) is the only one to turn in an above-average start, and he is now battling arm fatigue.

Bullpen (2-for-4 SV, 2.87 ERA)

Closer: J.J. Putz
Setup: David Hernandez 
Setup: Heath Bell 
Relief: Tony Sipp (L)
Relief: Brad Ziegler 
Relief: Matt Reynolds (L)
Relief: Josh Collmenter

If not for the presence of Heath Bell (4 G, 10.80 ERA), the Diamondbacks bullpen would rank among the best in baseball to this point. Closer J.J. Putz did blow one of his two save chances, while ace setup man David Hernandez (5 IP, 7 K) has made five scoreless appearances.

20. Detroit Tigers (Previous: 4)

Overall Team ERA: 4.40

Starting Rotation (4-2, 3.58 ERA)

RHP Justin Verlander
RHP Anibal Sanchez 
RHP Rick Porcello
RHP Doug Fister 
RHP Max Scherzer 

Justin Verlander (1-1, 2.19 ERA) has pitched well, and Anibal Sanchez threw five scoreless innings in his debut, but the rest of the Tigers staff has stumbled out of the gates.

Rick Porcello (5.1 IP, 3 ER), Doug Fister (5 IP, 3 ER) and Max Scherzer (5 IP, 4 ER) have each taxed the bullpen in their first outings, but there is still plenty of time for one of the league's best staffs from a talent standpoint to turn things around.

Bullpen (2-for-3 SV, 6.23 ERA)

Closer: Joaquin Benoit
Setup: Phil Coke 
Setup: Al Alburquerque 
Relief: Octavio Dotel
Relief: Drew Smyly 
Relief: Brayan Villarreal 
Relief: Darin Downs

Phil Coke has gotten the first crack at closer duties, and he's allowed three runs in 1.2 innings of work while blowing one of his two save chances. Brayan Villarreal and Octavio Dotel have also been hit hard, while Darin Downs and Al Alburquerque have both looked good early on.

19. St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 12)

Overall Team ERA: 4.01

Starting Rotation (4-2, 3.04 ERA)

RHP Adam Wainwright
LHP Jaime Garcia
RHP Lance Lynn 
RHP Jake Westbrook 
RHP Shelby Miller

Lance Lynn was bad in his first start, allowing four runs in four innings, but the rest of the Cardinals rotation all have ERAs under 4.00.

Adam Wainwright (3.46 ERA) and Jaime Garcia (2.92 ERA) have pitched like front-line guys over their first two starts, while rookie Shelby Miller allowed two runs in 5.1 innings in his season debut.

Bullpen (1-for-4 SV, 5.90 ERA)

Closer: Mitchell Boggs
Setup: Trevor Rosenthal
Setup: Edward Mujica
Relief: Marc Rzepczynski (L)
Relief: Fernando Salas
Relief: Randy Choate (L)
Relief: Joe Kelly 

The Cardinals bullpen has sorely missed closer Jason Motte, as stand-in Mitchell Boggs (11.81 ERA) clearly belongs in the setup role. Fernando Salas (3 G, 8.10 ERA) and Joe Kelly (3 G, 9.82 ERA) have been awful as well, and they'll need to turn things around quickly or look to add an arm.

18. Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 14)

Overall Team ERA: 4.55

Starting Rotation (1-2, 4.54 ERA)

LHP C.J. Wilson
RHP Joe Blanton
LHP Jason Vargas
RHP Tommy Hanson
RHP Garrett Richards

Joe Blanton (5 IP, 7 H, 4 ER) was bad in his Angels debut, but the rest of the rotation has pitched fairly well to this point.

Ace Jered Weaver left his last start with a strained non-throwing elbow, so that's something worth watching moving forward, as he could miss his next start. Jason Vargas was sharp in his Angels debut, allowing one run in 5.2 innings.

Bullpen (1-for-2 SV, 4.18 ERA)

Closer: Ernesto Frieri
Setup: Sean Burnett (L)
Setup: Kevin Jepsen
Relief: Scott Downs (L)   
Relief: Mark Lowe
Relief: Dane De La Rosa
Relief: Jerome Williams

Ernesto Frieri made good on his lone save chance so far, and as a whole, the Angels bullpen looks to be an improved unit that should only get better with the return of Ryan Madson. Scott Downs has been the one negative, as he has a 9.00 ERA and has allowed runs in three of his four appearances.

17. Minnesota Twins (Previous: 28)

Overall Team ERA: 3.69

Starting Rotation (1-2, 4.24 ERA)

RHP Vance Worley
RHP Kevin Correia 
RHP Mike Pelfrey
RHP Liam Hendriks
RHP Pedro Hernandez

Mike Pelfrey didn't allow an earned run in 5.1 innings in his return from Tommy John surgery, and fellow newcomer Kevin Correia was solid in his Twins debut as well, going seven innings and allowing two runs.

The other three starters were unimpressive at best, though, and new "ace" Vance Worley is 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA through his first two starts in Minnesota.

Bullpen (2-for-3 SV, 2.61 ERA)

Closer: Glen Perkins (L)
Setup: Jared Burton 
Setup: Casey Fien
Relief: Brian Duensing (L)
Relief: Josh Roenicke   
Relief: Ryan Pressly
Relief: Anthony Swarzak 

The Twins bullpen has been terrific, and aside from a rough outing out of Casey Fien against Baltimore in which he allowed four earned runs in 0.2 innings of work, they've been nearly untouchable. Closer Glen Perkins has thrown three perfect innings so far, converting both of his save chances.

16. Chicago Cubs (Previous: 25)

Overall Team ERA: 4.25

Starting Rotation (2-4, 3.43 ERA)

RHP Jeff Samardzija
RHP Edwin Jackson 
LHP Travis Wood
RHP Scott Feldman 
RHP Carlos Villanueva

Jeff Samardzija has looked the part of staff ace in his two starts so far this year, as he threw eight shutout innings in the opener, then struck out 13 in 5.2 innings last time out before running into trouble and eventually taking the loss.

Travis Wood threw six innings of one-hit ball to win his start, while Carlos Villanueva allowed one run in 6.2 innings but took a no-decision after the bullpen blew it. Edwin Jackson and Scott Feldman have been rough in their short Cubs tenures so far.

Bullpen (2-for-3 SV, 6.23 ERA)

Closer: Kyuji Fujikawa
Setup: Shawn Camp
Setup: James Russell (L) 
Relief: Michael Bowden 
Relief: Hisanori Takahashi (L)
Relief: Hector Rondon 
Relief: Carlos Marmol

Carlos Marmol threw a scoreless inning on Monday to lower his ERA to 16.87, as he was horrible in each of his first three outings before being removed from the closer's role. James Russell, Michael Bowden and Rule 5 pick Hector Rondon all have ERAs under 2.00, but the rest of the bullpen has been bad.

15. Miami Marlins (Previous: 27)

Overall Team ERA: 4.01

Starting Rotation (1-4, 2.50 ERA)

RHP Ricky Nolasco
RHP Kevin Slowey 
LHP Wade LeBlanc
RHP Alex Sanabia
RHP Jose Fernandez 

The story of the first week has to be the debut of 20-year-old Jose Fernandez, who allowed just three hits and one run while fanning eight over five innings to earn a no-decision. 

Alex Sanabia was terrific as well, throwing six shutout innings, and the Marlins closed out the week with the fourth-best starter ERA in MLB.

Bullpen (0-for-1 SV, 7.23 ERA)

Closer: Steve Cishek
Setup: Jon Rauch
Setup: Ryan Webb
Relief: Mike Dunn (L)
Relief: A.J. Ramos
Relief: Chad Qualls
Relief: John Maine

The Marlins have MLB's worst bullpen thus far, as closer Steve Cishek (15.43 ERA) and veteran middle man Chad Qualls (10.80 ERA) have both been crushed. Jon Rauch (3.86 ERA) is the only reliever who has worked more than an inning with an ERA under 4.00.

14. Seattle Mariners (Previous: 22)

Overall Team ERA: 3.84

Starting Rotation (3-3, 4.20 ERA)

RHP Felix Hernandez
RHP Hisashi Iwakuma 
LHP Joe Saunders
RHP Brandon Maurer
RHP Blake Beavan

Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma have each thrown 14 innings over their first two starts, and each allowed four earned runs with a WHIP under 1.00.

Joe Saunders (3.48 ERA) has been solid through two starts, but Brandon Maurer (6 IP, 6 ER) and Blake Beavan (5 IP, 5 ER) struggled in their first starts.

Bullpen (3-for-4 SV, 3.00 ERA)

Closer: Tom Wilhelmsen
Setup: Carter Capps
Setup: Charlie Furbush (L)
Relief: Stephen Pryor  
Relief: Oliver Perez (L)
Relief: Lucas Luetge (L)
Relief: Kameron Loe

Closer Tom Wilhelmsen has converted all three of his save chances, while Stephen Pryor, Carter Capps, Charlie Furbush and Oliver Perez have allowed just one run combined (Pryor) in 12.1 innings over 14 appearances.

13. Washington Nationals (Previous: 1)

Overall Team ERA: 4.17

Starting Rotation (3-2, 3.41 ERA)

RHP Stephen Strasburg
LHP Gio Gonzalez
RHP Jordan Zimmermann 
RHP Dan Haren 
LHP Ross Detwiler

A terrible debut from Dan Haren (4 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 4 HR) inflates the numbers here a bit, as the rest of the rotation has put up a 2.08 ERA to this point.

Gio Gonzalez and Ross Detwiler each threw six innings without giving up an earned run, and Jordan Zimmermann allowed one run in six innings. Stephen Strasburg threw seven shutout innings in the opener, but allowed nine hits and six runs against the Reds on Sunday.

Bullpen (2-for-3 SV, 5.49 ERA)

Closer: Rafael Soriano
Setup: Drew Storen 
Setup: Tyler Clippard
Relief: Ryan Mattheus
Relief: Henry Rodriguez   
Relief: Zach Duke (L)
Relief: Craig Stammen

New closer Rafael Soriano is 2-for-3 on save chances, as he blew one against the Reds last Saturday. Tyler Clippard has been dominant out of the gates, throwing three hitless innings and striking out four, but he's been one of the few reliable arms in the early going.

12. San Francisco Giants (Previous: 2)

Overall Team ERA: 3.63

Starting Rotation (4-2, 3.54 ERA)

RHP Matt Cain
RHP Madison Bumgarner
RHP Tim Lincecum 
LHP Barry Zito
RHP Ryan Vogelsong

Giants starters didn't allow an earned run through the team's first four games, but the group's ERA shot up when Matt Cain gave up nine runs through 3.2 innings against the Cardinals on Sunday.

Tim Lincecum walked seven in his debut, but threw five scoreless innings, while Barry Zito (7 IP, 0 ER) and Madison Bumgarner (2-0, 1.32 ERA) have both pitched very well in the early going.

Bullpen (4-for-4 SV, 3.80 ERA)

Closer: Sergio Romo
Setup: Santiago Casilla
Setup: Javier Lopez (L)
Relief: Jeremy Affeldt (L)
Relief: George Kontos
Relief: Jose Mijares (L)
Relief: Chad Gaudin

Closer Sergio Romo leads the majors with four saves, and he's allowed just one base runner in four innings of work. Jeremy Affeldt and Chad Gaudin have combined for eight scoreless innings out of the 'pen.

11. Kansas City Royals (Previous: 9)

Overall Team ERA: 3.56

Starting Rotation (3-2, 3.43 ERA)

RHP James Shields
RHP Jeremy Guthrie
RHP Ervin Santana 
RHP Wade Davis 
RHP Luis Mendoza

James Shields (1-1, 3.75 ERA) and Ervin Santana (1-1, 3.21 ERA) have both begun their Royals careers on a high note, while Wade Davis (4 IP, 9 H, 4 ER) struggled in his debut with the team.

Jeremy Guthrie and Luis Mendoza each went six innings and allowed one earned run in their first starts of the year, and to this point, the Royals rotation looks to be significantly improved over last year.

Bullpen (3-for-4 SV, 3.86 ERA)

Closer: Greg Holland
Setup: Kelvin Herrera 
Setup: Aaron Crow 
Relief: Tim Collins (L)
Relief: Luke Hochevar 
Relief: Juan Gutierrez 
Relief: Bruce Chen (L)

Closer Greg Holland (18.00 ERA) has allowed a run in two of his three appearances so far this season, converting 1-of-2 save chances in the process. The rest of the bullpen has been solid, with Aaron Crow and Kelvin Herrera each making four scoreless appearances.

10. Texas Rangers (Previous: 18)

Overall Team ERA: 3.34

Starting Rotation (4-2, 3.35 ERA)

LHP Matt Harrison
RHP Yu Darvish
LHP Derek Holland 
RHP Alexi Ogando 
RHP Nick Tepesch

For as much as has been made about Yu Darvish (2-0, 1.98 ERA, 13.2 K/9) early on, and rightfully so following his near-perfect game, Alexi Ogando (2-0, 0.77 ERA, 9.8 K/9) has been even better.

Derek Holland allowed two runs in seven innings in his first start, and the team has not had to use it's fifth starter yet. The only real struggles have come from Matt Harrison (8.44 ERA), who has pitched poorly in each of his starts.

Bullpen (2-for-2 SV, 3.32 ERA)

Closer: Joe Nathan
Setup: Jason Frasor
Setup: Robbie Ross (L)
Relief: Tanner Scheppers
Relief: Joseph Ortiz (L)
Relief: Michael Kirkman (L)
Relief: Derek Lowe

Joe Nathan has nailed down both of his save chances, while Tanner Scheppers and Robbie Ross have worked a combined 6.1 scoreless innings as a late-inning, one-two punch. Newcomer Jason Frasor (10.80 ERA) has not fared quite as well in the setup role.

9. Colorado Rockies (Previous: 29)

Overall Team ERA: 3.02

Starting Rotation (4-1, 3.02 ERA)

RHP Jhoulys Chacin
LHP Jorge De La Rosa
RHP Juan Nicasio 
LHP Jeff Francis
RHP Jon Garland 

Aside from Jorge De La Rosa, who allowed 11 hits and seven runs in 10.1 innings of work, every Rockies starter has an ERA of 3.00 or lower through the first week.

Opening Day starter Jhoulys Chacin has been particularly good, allowing just nine hits and two earned runs in 13.1 innings of work over his first two starts.

Bullpen (3-for-4 SV, 3.00 ERA)

Closer: Rafael Betancourt
Setup: Matt Belisle
Setup: Wilton Lopez 
Relief: Rex Brothers (L)
Relief: Edgmer Escalona
Relief: Adam Ottavino
Relief: Chris Volstad

Newly acquired setup man Wilton Lopez (11.57 ERA, 1 BS) has been knocked around, but the rest of the Rockies bullpen has been solid to open the year. Closer Rafael Betancourt is a perfect 3-for-3 on save chances and has yet to allow a run.

8. Oakland Athletics (Previous: 8)

Overall Team ERA: 2.86

Starting Rotation (5-2, 3.09 ERA)

LHP Brett Anderson
RHP Jarrod Parker
LHP Tommy Milone 
RHP A.J. Griffin 
RHP Bartolo Colon

A healthy Brett Anderson (13 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 16 K) has looked like a bona fide ace, and getting Bartolo Colon back from suspension to fill the No. 5 spot should only make the staff better.

Jarrod Parker gave up four runs in five innings in his first start, but if he can turn things around his second time out, the rotation doesn't look to have a weak link at this point.

Bullpen (1-for-1 SV, 2.33 ERA)

Closer: Grant Balfour
Setup: Ryan Cook 
Setup: Sean Doolittle 
Relief: Pat Neshek 
Relief: Jerry Blevins
Relief: Evan Scribner
Relief: Chris Resop

Grant Balfour has converted his only save chance so far, and the bullpen as a whole has pitched very well. Jerry Blevins (4 G, 13.5 K/9), Sean Doolittle (3 G, 6.0 K/9) and Chris Resop (3 G, 12.9 K/9) have each yet to allow an earned run.

7. Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 3)

Overall Team ERA: 2.74

Starting Rotation (3-0, 3.09 ERA)

RHP Johnny Cueto
RHP Mat Latos
RHP Bronson Arroyo 
RHP Homer Bailey 
RHP Mike Leake 

Reds starters have gone at least six innings in each of the team's first seven games of the season, as they have done a nice job taking pressure off of their very good bullpen.

Homer Bailey allowed just two hits in six shutout innings in his season debut, while Johnny Cueto (2.77 ERA, 13 IP, 15 K) and Mat Latos (2.84 ERA, 12.2 IP, 13 K) have both pitched like the front-line starters they are.

Bullpen (2-for-3 SV, 2.13 ERA)

Closer: Aroldis Chapman (L)
Setup: Jonathan Broxton
Setup: Sean Marshall (L)
Relief: J.J. Hoover
Relief: Manny Parra (L)
Relief: Alfredo Simon
Relief: Sam LeCure 

Back in the bullpen where he feels comfortable, it's been more of the same from Aroldis Chapman, as he's 2-for-2 on save chances and has nine strikeouts in five innings. J.J. Hoover (5.1 IP, 4 ER) is the only reliever with an ERA over 3.00, and even he's looked good this season.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 19)

Overall Team ERA: 2.55

Starting Rotation (1-5, 3.03 ERA)

RHP A.J. Burnett
LHP Wandy Rodriguez
RHP James McDonald 
LHP Jeff Locke 
LHP Jonathan Sanchez

A complete lack of offense has once again plagued the Pirates, as they've opened the season 2-5 despite solid performances from their staff.

Wandy Rodriguez has allowed just one earned run in nine innings over his first two starts, and James McDonald was a tough-luck loser against the Cubs when he went seven innings and gave up just one run on two hits.

Bullpen (2-for-2 SV, 2.05 ERA)

Closer: Jason Grilli
Setup: Mark Melancon 
Setup: Tony Watson (L)
Relief: Jared Hughes
Relief: Justin Wilson (L) 
Relief: Chris Leroux
Relief: Jeanmar Gomez 

Jason Grilli has settled into the closer's role nicely, converting all three of his save chances and striking out three in 2.2 innings of work. Aside from a few hiccups, the rest of the bullpen has been very good, and relief pitching looks as though it will once again be a strength of the team.

5. Boston Red Sox (Previous: 20)

Overall Team ERA: 2.95

Starting Rotation (4-2, 2.45 ERA)

LHP Jon Lester
RHP Clay Buchholz
RHP Ryan Dempster 
LHP Felix Doubront
RHP John Lackey

Jon Lester (2-0, 1.50 ERA, 9.8 K/9) and Clay Buchholz (2-0, 0.64 ERA, 7.7 K/9) have both pitched terrifically through their first two starts, and bounce-back seasons from them could go a long way toward improving the Red Sox's chances in 2013.

The other three starters have been average, with John Lackey allowing two runs with eight strikeouts over 4.1 innings in his return from Tommy John surgery. He left the game, however, with a biceps strain.

Bullpen (3-for-4 SV, 3.92 ERA)

Closer: Joel Hanrahan
Setup: Andrew Bailey
Setup: Koji Uehara
Relief: Andrew Miller (L)
Relief: Junichi Tazawa
Relief: Alfredo Aceves
Relief: Clayton Mortensen  

New closer Joel Hanrahan is a perfect 3-for-3 on save chances so far, and aside from Alfredo Aceves (4.1 IP, 5 ER), the bullpen has been very good top-to-bottom.

4. Chicago White Sox (Previous: 16)

Overall Team ERA: 2.41

Starting Rotation (2-1, 2.72 ERA)

LHP Chris Sale
RHP Jake Peavy
RHP Gavin Floyd 
LHP Jose Quintana
RHP Dylan Axelrod 

Take away a rough start from Jose Quintana (4 IP, 8 H, 5 ER) and the rest of the White Sox staff has allowed a total of six earned runs for a 1.39 ERA.

Chris Sale (1.84 ERA) and Jake Peavy (1.50 ERA) have both been great so far, and young Dylan Axelrod threw 5.2 scoreless innings in his first start of the season.

Bullpen (3-for-3 SV, 1.83 ERA)

Closer: Addison Reed
Setup: Matt Thornton (L)
Setup: Jesse Crain
Relief: Nate Jones
Relief: Matt Lindstrom
Relief: Donnie Veal (L) 
Relief: Hector Santiago (L)

Second-year closer Addison Reed has been nearly untouchable so far, allowing just one hit and two walks over four innings to go a perfect 3-for-3 on saves. Matt Thornton and Nate Jones are the only relievers to allow a run to this point.

3. Atlanta Braves (Previous: 5)

Overall Team ERA: 2.29

Starting Rotation (4-1, 2.63 ERA)

RHP Tim Hudson
LHP Paul Maholm
RHP Kris Medlen
LHP Mike Minor
RHP Julio Teheran

Granted they kicked off the season against the Phillies, Cubs and Marlins, but the Braves pitching staff has been as good as advertised so far this season.

Paul Maholm has yet to allow an earned run through 12.2 innings while striking out 13, as he opens the season 2-0. Rookie Julio Teheran had the lone poor start, giving up five runs in five innings, but even he was bailed out for a no-decision.

Bullpen (3-for-3 SV, 1.64 ERA)

Closer: Craig Kimbrel  
Setup: Eric O'Flaherty (L)
Setup: Jordan Walden
Relief: Cory Gearrin
Relief: Luis Avilan (L)
Relief: Anthony Varvaro  
Relief: Cristhian Martinez

Flame-throwing closer Craig Kimbrel is 3-for-3 on save chances, as he's allowed one hit and one walk while striking out three in three innings. Cristhian Martinez (2.1 IP, 2 ER) is the only reliever to allow more than one earned run to this point.

2. New York Mets (Previous: 24)

Overall Team ERA: 2.29

Starting Rotation (3-2, 1.87 ERA)

LHP Jon Niese 
RHP Matt Harvey 
RHP Dillon Gee
RHP Jeremy Hefner
LHP Aaron Laffey

Led by breakout sophomore Matt Harvey, the Mets rotation has been nothing shot of phenomenal to open the season. The 24-year-old is 2-0 and has allowed just four hits and one run in 14 innings of work, striking out 19.

Jon Niese, Dillon Gee and Jeremy Hefner all have ERAs under 2.50, as Aaron Laffey is the only starter to have had a rough outing, allowing 10 hits and three runs in 4.1 innings of work.

Bullpen (0-for-1 SV, 3.66 ERA)

Closer: Bobby Parnell
Setup: Brandon Lyon 
Setup: Scott Atchison
Relief: Josh Edgin (L)
Relief: LaTroy Hawkins   
Relief: Scott Rice (L)
Relief: Greg Burke

The Mets bullpen was their undoing last season, but it's been solid to this point. Greg Burke and LaTroy Hawkins have each allowed a pair of earned runs in 2.2 innings, but the rest of the 'pen has been great.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 7)

Overall Team ERA: 1.00

Starting Rotation (4-2, 1.32 ERA)

LHP Clayton Kershaw
LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu 
RHP Josh Beckett 
RHP Zack Greinke
RHP Chad Billingsley 

Josh Beckett (6 IP, 3 ER) is the only Dodgers pitcher to have even a moderately bad outing so far this season. Hyun-Jin Ryu (12.2 IP, 3 ER) is the only other pitcher on the staff to allow a run to this point, as the team has surrendered just six runs total on the season.

Clayton Kershaw has been arguably the best pitcher in baseball so far, giving up just six hits and one walk with 16 strikeouts in 16 innings of work.

Bullpen (2-for-2 SV, 0.00 ERA)

Closer: Brandon League
Setup: Kenley Jansen
Setup: Ronald Belisario 
Relief: Paco Rodriguez (L)
Relief: Matt Guerrier
Relief: J.P. Howell (L)
Relief: Chris Capuano (L)

The bullpen has worked 13 scoreless innings so far on the season, striking out 11 and walking just four, as it's been an impressive effort top-to-bottom. Closer Brandon League has a pair of saves in the early going.

Joel Reuter is a National MLB Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report.

Follow @JoelReuterBR