Every Tuesday for the remainder of the regular season we will do an MLB Power Ranking. This takes into account each team's performance in the past week and overall season. It will reflect who the best and worst teams in the majors are at that time.
With almost two full weeks of play completed since the All Star break, it is time to re-evaluate the landscape of the MLB. A lot has changed since July 10th, and the postseason picture looks dramatically different for a few teams. Some squads have come out of the break on fire and are making a serious playoff push (see: Oakland) while others could be falling out of contention (see: Boston, NY Mets). See where these teams land in our power rankings:
10. Baltimore Orioles
Last 10: 6-4
Overall: 51-45, 2nd AL East
The fightin' Buck Showalters are hanging in there in the tough AL East. This crew has just flat out found a way to win games. It hasn't always been pretty (Remember 1st Baseman Chris Davis pitching) but they have got it done. Going forward, they are going to need some continued luck if they want to make a real postseason push. Adam Jones can't do it all by himself at the plate and is going to need help from J.J. Hardy or Matt Wieters. They currently have one of the worst run differentials on any team in the league.
9. L.A. Dodgers
Last 10: 6-4
Overall: 53-44, 2nd NL West
Now that Matt Kemp and Andre Either are back in action, the Dodgers are starting to hit their stride. If one more bat can step up (Dee Gordon, Bobby Abreu, James Loney?) the Dodgers could challenge for the division crown. They currently sit 1 and 1/2 games back of the Giants.
8. Cincinnati Reds
Last 10: 8-2
Overall: 56-40, 1st NL Central
After starting the 2nd half off by sweeping the Cardinals, the Reds have kept momentum on their side. Five of their next six series are against sub .500 teams. The Reds could create distance between themselves and the Pirates during this stretch.
7. L.A. Angels
Last 10: 5-5
Overall: 53-44, 2nd AL West
The Angels still have a lot of work to do in a division that just got a lot tougher, but they have more than enough talent to do it. Trout, Trumbo, Pujols, Weaver and Wilson should lead this team into at least a Wildcard.
6. Oakland A's
Last 10: 9-1
Overall: 51-44, 3rd AL West
The A's are the the it team. They are the 2nd half monsters, the team that catches fire. They are the underdogs, the underpaid. They are 8-1 since the break, including a sweep of the Yankees. In the month of July, the A's are 14-2. Of the A's eight wins since the break, five have been by one run. Right now, Uncle Mo is solidly in Oakland's corner. The A's have moved into a Wildcard position during their run.
[caption id="attachment_322" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Coco Crisp gets the pie in the face after sweeping the Yankees"]
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5. San Francisco Giants
Last 10: 8-2
Overall: 54-42, 1st NL West
The Giants have started out the 2nd half on a roll, sweeping Houston then winning series at Atlanta and Philadelphia. The biggest news for the Giants could be that Tim Lincecum seems to be back after a abysmal first half. The Freak has given up only two runs in 15 innings since the break. In the batters box, Buster Posey might be the hottest player in the majors. Posey is hitting a ridiculous .513 since the break.
[caption id="attachment_324" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Posey and Lincecum"]
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4. Washington Nationals
Last 10: 6-4
Overall: 56-39, 1st NL East
The Nats don't show any signs of letting up. The pitching staff has been unbelievable and the bats are starting to heat up, led by Ryan Zimmerman. Still, what will happen when Strasburg is shut down?
3. Detroit Tigers
Last 10: 8-2
Overall: 52-44, 1st AL Central
The Tigers are finally living up to their pre-season hype. This team could run away with the AL Central.
2. Texas Rangers
Last 10: 6-4
Overall: 57-38, 1st AL West
The Rangers have been one of the two elite teams all season, and show no signs of letting up. Star slugger Josh Hamilton has had a slow start to the second half, but don't expect his struggles to continue.
1. New York Yankees
Last 10: 5-5
Overall: 58-38, 1st AL East
Even after being swept at Oakland, the Bronx Bombers have our top spot. As if their lineup wasn't already stacked, the Yanks have added Ichiro... to hit in the eight spot! Ichiro has to be the highest paid eight hitter ever. If the Yankees add an arm, they will be good to go.
