Baseball Betting - MLB Power Rankings



New York Yankees
It says something about the number one team's starting pitching when there is worry over the availability of a starting pitcher with a 5.00 ERA. Then again, the Yankees have a relentless lineup that will overpower most anyone and an elite closer that can shut it down at the end. The smart money says the Pinstripes get back into the winner's circle this year. Key Injuries: LHP Randy Johnson (back).

New York Mets
Losing Pedro Martinez is a crushing blow for the Mets' title hopes, as the trio of Tom Glavine, Orlando Hernandez and John Maine (or Steve Trachsel) doesn't strike fear into the opposition. Much like their crosstown rivals, though, the Twins have a power-packed lineup that can overcome their pitching deficiencies and their closer is one of the best. Key Injuries: RHP Pedro Martinez (calf/shoulder).

Minnesota Twins
The Twins go into the postseason with a lot of momentum. While the lineup isn't as chock full of sluggers as those above, the Twins are getting enough offense from Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, along with some timely hitting from the likes of Michael Cuddyer, who finished with a surprising 109 RBI. Add in a top-notch bullpen and the Twins have a legit title team. Key Injuries: LF Shannon Stewart (foot), LHP Francisco Liriano (elbow).

San Diego Padres
The pitching is good, and could be better than that if Jake Peavy (6-4, 2.75 ERA since the beginning of August) is really back on track. Offensively, the Padres are lacking pop, but have enough dangerous bats, with Adrian Gonzalez and Mike Cameron leading the charge, to keep the opposition honest. Key Injuries: None.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Consistency is not the hallmark of these Dodgers, but when they are at their best, they are nearly unbeatable. Greg Maddux has been a solid addition to the rotation and seven of the Dodgers' regulars hit .280 or better, enough to at least be a nuisance. Key Injuries: 3B Bill Mueller (knee), RHP Eric Gagne (back).

Oakland Athletics
Frank Thomas and Nick Swisher are looking for help offensively, but the A's do have pitching that could make a difference in the postseason. It would be even better if Rich Harden was able to contribute, but after his regular season finale, that's risky proposition. Key Injuries: SS Bobby Crosby (back).

Anaheim Angels
The off-season will have to bring about a search for more power to help Vladdy, but the Angels do have the pitching side of things taken care of.

Detroit Tigers
Limped in to the finish, though the Tigers' power arms will give them a chance in the playoffs. If Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman and Joel Zumaya can rev it up for a few weeks, the Tigers will be tough. If they're less than dominant, though, the bats won't be able to pick them up. Key Injuries: None.

Toronto Blue Jays
Second place is nice and 87 wins is more than respectable, so the Jays have to see the positives in this season. At the same time, it's going to be a crucial off-season for the franchise, with the long-term future of CF Vernon Wells the most pressing issue.

Houston Astros
Another furious finish wasn't quite enough to get the Astros into the postseason, but does anyone think that Roger Clemens is really done after he registeredd a 2.30 ERA in 19 starts this year?

St. Louis Cardinals
Tony LaRussa can prove his managerial genius by getting any kind of playoff success out of his bunch. It would be like resurrecting the dead for a team that was 35-39 in the second half and there's just not enough pitching behind Chris Carpenter or enough hitting behind Albert Pujols for the Cards to be championship contenders. Key Injuries: RHP Jason Isringhausen (hip), LHP Mark Mulder (shoulder).

Chicago White Sox
Underachieved and still won 90 games, and it seemingly wastes outstanding seasons from Jermaine Dye and Jim Thome and Paul Konerko, so the White Sox will have to straighten up the pitching staff and perhaps add an outfielder to the mix in order to return to contender status.

Boston Red Sox
Finished 17-26 after posting a 69-50 record heading into that epic five-game showdown with the Yankees and the free-fall started. Change is coming next season, not least of all in the pitching staff where closer Jonathan Papelbon will join the rotation.

Philadelphia Phillies
Ryan Howard and Chase Utley ignited the Phillies in the second half, keeping them in the pennant race right to the end, and it gives the Phils reason for optimism, though more pitching needs to be on the shopping list.

Atlanta Braves
The pitching wasn't up to par and the Braves' playoff streak ended after 14 years, but the next generation -- C Brian McCann, 1B Andy LaRoche and RF Jeff Francoeur -- are good pieces around which the Braves can rebuild.

Florida Marlins
Manager Joe Girardi will be ousted after steering this bottom payroll roster into wildcard contention. The upside for Girardi is that he could probably be hired somewhere else later the same day if he wants it and the Marlins better hope that the successor can keep things moving in the right direction with all this young talent.

Seattle Mariners
Only a slightly disappointing season all things considered. The Mariners didn't get consistent enough pitching and they'll need Felix Hernandez to live up to his vast potential if they are going to be able to take a step forward next year.

Texas Rangers
A fairly standard season for the Rangers, though the offense wasn't quite as potent, which means the pitching wasn't as awful as it typically is. Improvement on both sides is needed for next season.

San Francisco Giants
Letting Felipe Alou go means the Giants will be heading in a new direction next season, and that new direction could be without Barry Bonds. It might be best for all involved if the Giants wiped the slate clean.

Cleveland Indians
A terribly disappointing season for a team that should have contended, but the Indians still have a strong nucleus heading into next year. It will be up to management to solve bullpen shortcomings, and perhaps add another bat to keep pace in the suddenly competitive AL Central.

Cincinnati Reds
Changes during the season did shore up the bullpen, but now the Reds are definitely a few bats short of fielding a competitive lineup. That's what the off-season is for, addressing those needs.

Arizona Diamondbacks
There will be several young players joining the everyday lineup next year and it should change the energy in Arizona, but the team needs to address its starting and relief pitching as well before they can expect significant improvement.

Milwaukee Brewers
Should have been better, but injuries hampered both the lineup and pitching staff. Some veteran power would fit well with the Brewers up-and-coming young talent.

Colorado Rockies
Even with better pitching, the Rockies ended up out of the race yet again. In a strange twist, the Rockies might actually have to look for more hitting to make the next step.

Baltimore Orioles
Consistent underachievers didn't do anything to shake that impression this year either. Dramatic changes have to happen or it will be more of the same next year, and the year after that.

Washington Nationals
Frank Robinson's out and he could be getting out at the right time. If the Nats can't retain the services of Alfonso Soriano, it's hard to imagine how they'd be better next year.

Chicago Cubs
Dusty got sent packing and the Cubs have lots of work to do for whomever takes over. A healthy Mark Prior would be a bonus next year, and if the Cubs build their pitching staff under that expectation, they might not be so disappointed by mid-June.