MLB Power Rankings: Who Has the National League’s Top Power-Hitting Lineup?
As most big free agents have signed, it is time to take a look towards the 2011 season. Some teams have improved their lineups significantly, while others have done little.
Home runs are one of the most exciting events to occur in a baseball game. The National League has the most exciting power hitters in baseball in Albert Pujols. They also have some of the most powerful teams in baseball.
Last year, National League teams averaged 150 home runs, 4.33 runs per game and a .399 slugging percentage.
16) Houston Astros
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2010 Stats: 3.77 R/G, 108 HR, .362 SLG%
The Astros have the least powerful lineup in the National League. Last year, they were last in the NL in home runs and slugging percentage, and the only team that they outscored was the Pirates.
The Astros do have two power threats in Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence, who last year hit 24 and 25 home runs respectively. Bill Hall should give the Astros a nice boost in the power department this year.
15) San Diego Padres
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2010 Stats: 4.10 R/G, 132 HR, .371 SLG%
The Padres lost their biggest power threat when they traded Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox. The Padres are expecting Kyle Blanks to fill some of the void left by his power. The Padres are also hoping that Brad Hawpe and Jason Bartlett can return to the form that they demonstrated in the 2009 season.
The Padres are also betting that Cameron Maybin can demonstrate the talents that he showed in the minor leagues.
14) Los Angeles Dodgers
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2010 Stats: 4.12 R/G, 120 HR, .379 SLG%
The Dodgers were carried by their strong pitching staff last year. Their offensive production was below the National League average. The Dodgers are hoping free agent signing Juan Uribe can help solve some of their problems.
He hit 24 home runs last year and the Dodgers are hoping he can repeat that. The Dodgers are also looking for some improvement from Matt Kemp.
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13) Florida Marlins
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2010 Stats: 4.44 R/G, 152 HR, .403 SLG%
The loss of Dan Uggla takes a lot of power out of the Marlins lineup. The Marlins are hoping that Mike Stanton can hit over 40 home runs this season to make up for that loss. Logan Morrison could not find the power that he had previously showed in the minors during his time in the majors last season. This trend might continue this season.
12) Pittsburgh Pirates
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2010 Stats: 3.62 R/G, 126 HR, .373 SLG%
The Pirates have three 20 home run threats in their lineup, as Garrett Jones, Andrew McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez should all improve on the numbers they posted last season. Alvarez should see significant improvement since he is playing in just his second major league season.
Ryan Doumit and Neil Walker could also hit at least 15 home runs for the Pirates next year. Lyle Overbay will also be a nice addition to the Pirates lineup.
11) New York Mets
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2010 Stats: 4.05 R/G, 128 HR, .383 SLG%
The Mets did not make any major transactions this offseason. Their biggest boost offensively is going to come from having both Carlos Beltran and Jason Bay healthy for a full season. In addition to these two, David Wright and Ike Davis are also 25+ home run threats.
The Mets can also expect some power out of Jose Reyes and Angel Pagan. For the first time in years, the Mets can expect some power from the second base position, especially if Daniel Murphy wins the starting job.
10) Washington Nationals
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2010 Stats: 4.04 R/G, 149 HR, .390 SLG%
The Nationals lost one of the best power hitters in baseball when Adam Dunn signed with the Chicago White Sox this offseason. New additions Adam LaRoche and Jayson Werth should make up for Dunn's absence. The Nationals also lost another power threat when they traded Josh Willingham to the Athletics. Ryan Zimmerman is a 30+ home run threat in the middle of the Nationals lineup.
9) Chicago Cubs
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2010 Stats: 4.23 R/G, 149 HR, .401 SLG%
The Cubs should expect a boost in their power as a result of signing Carlos Pena. They should also expect a significant decrease in their team's batting average. Pena is going to have to keep his average around .210 to keep himself in the starting lineup.
The Cubs will also be wondering if Tyler Colvin can continue to show 20 home run power again next season. Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez may see their power deteriorate as they continue to age.
8) Arizona Diamondbacks
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2010 Stats: 4.40 R/G, 180 HR, .416 SLG%
The Diamondbacks lost their biggest power threat when they traded Mark Reynolds to the Baltimore Orioles. They also lost another big power threat in Adam LaRoche. The Diamondbacks still have a few 20 home run threats in Justin Upton, Stephen Drew, Chris Young and Kelly Johnson. Top prospect Brandon Allen could also hit at least 15 home runs next season.
7) Atlanta Braves
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2010 Stats: 4.56 R/G, 139 HR, .401 SLG%
The biggest boost that the Braves can expect in power production will come from some of their youngest players. Jason Heyward should continue to impress, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him to hit more than 25 home runs. The Braves should also see power from Freddie Freeman as he takes over at first base. Re-signing Eric Hinske was also a key move for the Braves.
6) San Francisco Giants
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2010 Stats: 4.30 R/G, 162 HR, .408 SLG%
The defending World Champions were carried by both a strong rotation and a powerful lineup last season. Re-signing Aubrey Huff and Pat Burrell were key offseason moves, as was signing Miguel Tejada, but Tejada will not be able to replace Juan Uribe's power at shortstop however.
The Giants should expect over 20 home runs from Buster Posey this season. The Giants will also get a power boost if they decide to call up Brandon Belt this season.
5) St. Louis Cardinals
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2010 Stats: 4.54 R/G, 150 HR, .402 SLG%
Albert Pujols is by far the most feared power hitter in the National League. He is always in a position to lead the National League in home runs. He also has some good support in the lineup with fellow power threats Matt Holliday and Colby Rasmus. Lance Berkman would also look to regain his power in St. Louis.
4) Philadelphia Phillies
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2010 Stats: 4.77 R/G, 166 HR, .413 SLG%
The Phillies are another team that will benefit from a healthy season from some of their best players. Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins should be expected to produce better numbers this season. Ryan Howard should be expected to hit at least 30 home runs again this year. Dominic Brown should show some power, but he will not be able to make up for the lost of Jayson Werth.
3) Colorado Rockies
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2010 Stats: 4.75 R/G, 173 HR, .425 SLG%
There are obvious benefits to playing at Coors Field, which had a park factor of 118 last year, showing that it heavily favors hitters. The Rockies have two big power threats in Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki. Ian Stewart and Seth Smith are also 20 home run threats.
2) Milwaukee Brewers
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2010 Stats: 4.63 R/G, 182 HR, .424 SLG%
Prince Fielder is only four years removed from his 50 home run season. He has shown that he still has that power as evidenced by his 46 home run season in 2009. Ryan Braun, Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks have legitimate 30 home run power. Casey McGehee can also be expected to hit at least 20 home runs next season. The addition of Yuniesky Betancourt should add some more power to the lineup.
1) Cincinnati Reds
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2010 Stats: 4.88 R/G, 188 HR, .436 SLG%
Led by reigning NL MVP Joey Votto, the Reds have the most powerful lineup in the National League. Votto has 40 home run power and he is just entering his prime. The Reds also have five additional players with 20 home run power: Brandon Phillips, Johnny Gomes, Scott Rolen, Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce. The Reds are an absolute offensive juggernaut which led to their run to the playoffs.
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