Sunday, September 14, 2008

Power Rankings Part 2

There was a lot of movement in the rankings this week. Its still really early, so thats expected.

1 (1) Louisville Swingers - Currently tied with the Astros in the NL South. The Swingers pitching has been stellar. Pitchers
Paulie Sanders, Pasqual Martinez, and Cam Anderson are all off to great starts to the season.

2 (2) Houston Astros - The Astros have recently added a few exceptionally good starting pitchers. The addition of Mel Wagner could make this the best rotation in the league. They did lose one of the best hitters in the NL in Rocky Spencer in the trade for Wagner. It could be tough to make up for the loss of Rocky and his 40+ HRs.

3 (9) Las Vegas Slobs - The Slobs were the biggest gainers in this weeks rankings. They are currently tied with the Dirt Bags for the best record in the AL. The Slobs currently lead the league in team ERA. When was the last time a team from the AL lead the league team ERA? Its probably been a while. Mike Leius, and Esteban Torres are both off to great starts to the season. There both only 25 years old, so the Slobs rotation should be solid for many seasons to come.

4 (3) San Diego Dirt Bags - The Dirt Bags are off to a very impressive start to the season. Thomas has done a great job of turning this team around. They do some impressive young talent with guys like Miguel Estalella, Trevor Stevenson, Luis Maduro, Lee Coleman, Joe Bolton, Max McCarthy, and Sammy Sosa. In my opinion the AL West will probably be one of the toughest divisions in the league for many seasons to come. The Slobs, DBs, Royals, and Splashdogs are all very good.

5 (8) Cincinatti Reds - As predicted the Reds moved up 3 spots to #5. How will the loss of veteran starter Mel Wagner effect this team? The addition of Rocky Spencer should make the Reds lineup one of the most potent in the league.

6 (NR) Atlanta Pork N Beans - The PnBs move into the rankings for the 1st time this season. Their off to a solid start to the season but it appears the Ball Hogs and Indians are going to battle them for the division title this season in the rejuvenated NL East. The PnBs have possibly the most potent line up in the league, but their starting pitching has been pathetic this season. Their starters are a combined 11 - 13.

7 (NR) Austin Deuce Droppers - The DDs make their first appearance in the rankings. It appears the DDs are back. They are 9 -1 over their last 10 games, and tied with the Corn Dogs and Community College in the AL South. Ramon Dong may be the best free agent addition any team made this off season.

8 (NR) Kansas City Royals - The Royals also make their first appearance in the rankings. They are 3rd AL West team in the rankings. The Royals have been impressive this season. They are currently 2nd in team batting average in the league. It appears the addition of Tuck Buck may not benefit the Royals as much as Knucks desired. He should be good for 200 innings this season, but his era and whip need to improve to justify his $15.5 million price tag.

9 (NR) Chicago Cubs - Last seasons WS champs move into the rankings at the number 9 spot. They are currently one game back of the Reds in the NL North. It should be a good battle between the Cubs, Reds, and Brewers in the North this season.

10 (NR) Jacksonville Beach Boys - After struggling a bit early it looks like the BBs are back on track. They have won 7 in a row. Omar Elcano is off to a great start. He is 5 - 0 in 8 starts, and should challenge Yamil for the CY Young this season. The BBs are only 3 games back of the Astros and Swingers in the NL South.

Dropped Out:
Toronto Blue Jays
Detoit Detroit
Milwaukee Brewers
Monterrey Corn Dogs
New York Yankees

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