April Power Rankings

Nostalgic League Baseball

Power Ratings through April 30

Top 5

1. Detroit (19-6)

What can I say, I know I am a homer, but on paper this team still looks to be one of the best. The bullpen has been dominant to say the least (see Tidbits sent out by league office) and the starting pitching has been pretty damn good too. Add the fact that Harper is hitting less than .200 and Springer and Cain barely cracking that mark, I’d say the best is yet to come for Detroit.

2. New York (18-8)

The Yankees rebounded nicely from a 1-4 start to the campaign and should be in the hunt for the top spot from here on out. Nolan Arenado’s early season power surge and a strong bullpen performance has made the Yanks a tough unit to stop. Panik and Yelich have been setting the table for Texiera and Arenado and the defense has been solid.

3. Pittsburgh (14-8)

I didn’t give the Sharktopis much love in the pre-season and Mr. Lynch was deepkly hurt by the lack of respect and brown nosing provided by the newbie prognosticator. Well so far e has the right to shovel the “I told ya so’s” my direction. Led by Big Poppe, Gregorius, Alex Gordon and excellent pitching, the Sharks have put together a 14-8 start and top the National League Central. If they didn’t have to face the mighty Silver Bullet nine, they may have fared even better. (More locker room wall fodder).

4. Atlanta(14-10)

My pick in the pre-season to be one of the best, that opinion has not changed one bit. At 14-10, the Mighty Tomahawks lead the NL East over Miami. Encarnacion and Cruz are popping dingers with regularity and the pitching has been excellent.

5. Miami (15-11)

Marte and the Marlins have settled in behind the Tom’s in the NL East trailing by percentage points. The starting staff has been excellent led by Degrom, Rodriguez, Verlander and a solid bullpen. Look for the Marlins to hang around for the duration.

Next 5

6. Oakland (15-12)

I had predicted good things for the Mean Green in the preseason, mainly because I felt the division was a bit weak. True to form the Green’ relievers have carried the pitching staff. They may be getting overworked and I know Matt is concerned about this, but for now they are enjoying their lofty perch atop the AL West. Offensively, the Mean Green has been adequate, but not outstanding. Can they maintain their status as the season progresses? Good question. Keep an eye the free agent list for late season help.

7. Tampa Bay (15-12)

Tampa Bay continues to hold the second position in the balanced NL East. They were projected to grab the top spot in the AL East and stil might do so over the long haul.

8. Cleveland (14-13)

Chasing Detroit, but should be able to stay in the top 10.

9. San Diego (15-8)

Bit of a surprise to me here, but the Breeze had a great first month. Still not convinced they can keep it up. I had them tabbed for the bottom spot in the division. Shows you what I know. Still not convinced though. We’ll see what May brings.

10. Houston (14-13)

Will challenge Oakland for the top spot in the West for the remainder of the season.

Treading water

11. Texas (12-13)

12. Chicago (13-13)

13. Baltimore (11-10)

14 – Washington (12-13)

Still have hopes of challenging

15 – Arizona (12-12)

16 – Boston (13-12)

17 - Seattle (10-14)

18 – San Francisco (12-15)

19 – Kansas City (10-14)

In need of a transfusion

20 – Milwaukee (10-15)

21 – Los Angeles (7-18)

22 – Philadelphia (9-18)

23 – St. Louis (6-16)

24 – Minnesota (9-15)