2010 MLB Power Rankings Post-Matt Holliday Signing (#30-21)

After weeks of uncertainty, false rumors, and redundant Sportscenter discussions, we now know where Matt Holliday will play for the next seven years. And with that comes the 2010 Power Rankings (post Matt-Holliday signing)! So pull up a chair, turn off Sportscenter and let's get busy!

30. Pirates (62-99)

It seems as if the Pirates always have great young talent and trade it away, but such is life when you're total salaries equals the startup cost of a hot dog stand (kidding). I don't see anything bright in the future for the Pirates here, unless they somehow manage to spend another 30 million this season (unlikely) or manage to field a team of nine Hanley Ramirez's (more unlikely). When you rank in the bottom half of the league in both pitching and hitting, there's not much you can do to rise to the top quickly. Sorry Bucs fans but here's to one more season in the dumpster. Key Additions: Ryan Church

29. Nationals (59-103)

Despite the acquisition of Jason Marquis (gulp), Pudge, and Matt Capps, I don't see much improvement from a squad that posted the worst record in baseball last year. Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman are both great hitters, but the rest of the lineup needs improvement (Nyjer Morgan is looking great, however). Pudge is old and his bat may not be as good as it once was, but his catching experience surely will help a pitching squad that posted one of the worst ERA's in the league. When you're ace is John Lannan you know you're in trouble (no offence to Lannan, you're pretty good). Key Additions: Jason Marquis, Ivan Rodriguez, Matt Capps

28. Orioles (64-98)

I've always liked the Orioles. I don't know why, maybe it's because I still remember the Iron Man whenever I think of the Orioles. That being said, they're still plenty bad. Despite signing Garret Atkins to a one year deal this offseason, I don't see him helping all that much and especially not adding another 20-25 wins to their record. Now that the Jays have traded away Halladay, it's possible that the O's can jump up to 4th place in the AL East. There's a lot of players on the O's that have the potential to be great, and I really like Markakis, Roberts, Bedard, Gonzalez, and Millwood—so the future's not looking all that bad. Key Additions: Kevin Millwood, Mike Gonzalez, Garret Atkins

27. Cleveland (65-97)

The Indians need a lot of help. For starters, they need pitching. The Indians finished second to last in ERA in 2009, with opponents batting .351 against them. The hitting was only a little bit better and was in the middle of the pack for almost every major statistical category. I don't see much coming from the Indians next year unless they can find better pitchers. Key Additions: Austin Kearns, Anthony Reyes, Mark Grudielanek, Shelley Duncan

26. Kansas City (65-97)

You'd think a team that fielded an MVP winner would try to surround him with better players—unfortunately that's not how the Royals see things. The team batting statistics were in the bottom half of almost every category and even with the pitching being anchored by Greinke they still managed to finish with a combined 4.81 ERA for the season. With no major acquisitions coming out of Kansas City, I can't readily predict a winning season. Key Additions: Scott Podsednik

25. Houston (74-88)

Opponents grounded into 142 double plays against the 'Stros, yet the pitching staff still managed to post a 4.54 ERA and give up 174 HR's. Brett Myers should help to anchor the staff and provide nice support for Roy Oswalt. As for the hitting, the Astros only struck out 990 times, yet were plenty average in every other category. Don't expect Houston to win the NL central, but they may win 75-80 games. Key Additions: Brett Myers

24. Arizona (70-92)

Now that the Big Unit has officially retired, the DBacks rotation basically has two legitimate starters. The hitting was subpar, yet the future is bright for Mark Reynolds, Justin Upton, and Stephen Drew. They led the league in strikeouts and were 27th in BA, but did hit 173 homers and stole 102 bases, showing a rare combination of power and speed. Key Additions: Bob Howry

23. San Diego (75-87)

The Padres were last in the league in BA, hits, and slugging percentage and only middle of the pack for pitching. Adrian Gonzalez is the soul of this franchise right now and if they can build around him I see big things for San Diego, but that starts with better pitching and increased protection in the lineup. Key Additions: n/a

22. Cincinnati (78-84)

It's very possible that the Reds will be the dark horse in the NL Central this upcoming year. They ranked in the top 10 in ERA, shutouts, and innings pitched but second to last in batting average and in the bottom half for OBP, slugging, and RBI's. If the hitting comes up big this year I see a possible playoff run in the future. Key Additions: Aroldis Chapman

21. New York Mets (70-92)

Even though everyone loves to hate on the Mets, you still have to feel sorry for the amount of injuries they endured last year. They basically spent most of the season without their electric leadoff hitter Jose Reyes, their main power source in Carlos Delgado, set-up man JJ Putz, and part of the season without David Wright and Johan Santana. K-Rod slowed down the stretch but the main source of the Mets' misfortunes were their lack of starters. With the hole in left field filled with the signing of Jason Bay and the the addition of Reyes, possibly Delgado, Wright, and Beltran, I see the Mets quickly climbing the ladder in the NL East. Key Additions: Jason Bay

Coming up: #20-11