Major League Baseball 2011 Awesome Rankings: No. 1

The NFL and NCAA power rankings are so popular (ha ha), so why not rank the teams in America’s pastime? It has been a great opening week of baseball so far, but we have a LONG way to go. It is hard to get too excited about one team doing well after six games, I realize that. I would be HIGHLY surprised if the Orioles win the AL East and the Red Sox finish in last. Anyway, here are the first rankings.

1. Texas Rangers (6-0)

Maybe a homer call, but the Rangers are playing great baseball. Two series, no losses. The Red Sox know how good the Rangers are playing right now. Nellie Cruz continues his early season domination. Oh, and the pitching (without Cliff Lee) is fifth in the majors with a staff ERA of 2.83.

2. Philadelphia Phillies (5-1)

Yeah the rotation is good, but the offense has been the story this early. The Phillies have a team batting average of .353, and have not relied solely on the home run. They are middle of the pack (only five) in that category. Oh, and when the bats stop, the arms will still be there.

3. Cincinnati Reds (5-1)

Our Central winners this season have started off well, much like last season. This team has figured out ways to win games, something that a lot of teams don’t have. Joey Votto hasn’t opened up his power swing yet, but it’s coming.

4. Colorado Rockies (4-1)

Our preseason pick to win it all, the Rockies lead the competitive NL West early, which is important. Troy Tulowitzki will make a run at NL MVP. Colorado is second in the league with a 2.49 team ERA.

5. Baltimore Orioles (5-1)

SOMEBODY BREAK UP THE ORIOLES! Buck Showalter has his team playing well right now. Old stars like Vlad Guerrero and Derrek Lee mixed with young stars like Nick Markakis and Adam Jones make this team a fun one to watch. Oh, and the 2.33 ERA the staff has leads the majors. Can they keep it up?

6. Chicago White Sox (4-2)

The question coming into this season was pitching, which hasn’t been great. Everyone knew this offense would rake, and they have. This Central race will be one of the closest all season.

7. New York Yankees (4-2)

Admittedly, this first ranking for the Bronx Bombers is a little low, but I wanted to put the Orioles in the top five. Ha ha. This team will continue to be in the playoff hunt. Mark Teixeira is having an uncharacteristically hot start.

8. Toronto Blue Jays (4-2)

So far, doing things well as an entire team. Ranked in the top five in both hitting and pitching, the Jays have their hands full in the crowded AL East.

9. Kansas City Royals (4-2)

No real reason to put these guys here. Their record is top 10, but I don’t expect for the Royals to be on the countdown too much longer. Fun team though, I admit that I am a closet fan.

10. San Francisco Giants (2-4)

WHAT? How could I put this team here? Well, I don’t know, but I am still a fan of the Giants. The pitching staff is still great, the bats just have to wake up. They are about to go on a run.

Bottom Four

Boston Red Sox

Don’t have to sell World Series tickets yet, but you may want to get ready.

Tampa Bay Rays

Losing Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena have hurt this offense.

Houston Astros

Can’t believe they won a game so soon. Seriously.

Washington Nationals

From what I hear, Bryce Harper will be ready soon.