MLB Power Rankings: Braves’ stellar start flying under the radar; Blue Jays move up after ending Rays’ streak

1

Rays

Here’s the thing about clowning on the Rays for the weak schedule during their 13-game winning streak to start the season: There’s a legitimate argument that the Tigers, Nationals and A’s will be the three worst teams in baseball this season. It’s OK to say that the Rays just beat up on weak competition for nine games. The Red Sox, though, are now 8-4 when they don’t play the Rays. Those four wins are good wins. In assessing the full picture here, only a sweep in Toronto would’ve had me contemplate a move down. — 14-2
2

Braves

By the same token, if we’re gonna talk about the Rays’ weak schedule, we have to point out the Braves have eight wins against the Reds, Royals and Nationals. And as things stand, that sweep of the Cardinals might not be overly impressive. So if we’re being consistent on the schedule talk, we have to dock the Braves nearly as many imaginary points as the Rays. 3 12-4
3

Brewers

Last week I pointed out what an impressive start the Brewers had. Though they lost the series in Arizona to start the week, going into San Diego and taking three of four is a hell of an accomplishment. 1 11-5
4

Yankees

Just win series, right? The Yankees are 4-0-1 in their five series this season. They are the only team that hasn’t lost a series this season. 1 10-6
5

Blue Jays

They’ve won nine of 12 and taking the series from the previously unbeaten Rays was a nice statement. Are they ready for more? This week brings a road trip to see the Astros and Yankees. 1 10-6
6

Twins

The most strikeouts in a season without a walk, among position players only, is 39 (Alejandro Sanchez, 1985 Tigers). I bring this up because Michael A. Taylor already has 21 strikeouts and hasn’t walked. Let’s not go only negative, though, as the Twins have had a very nice start to the season. 1 10-6
7

Mets

Francisco Lindor established a career high with 107 RBI last season. So far this year, despite hitting just .246, he’s driven home 16 runs in 16 games. 5 10-6
8

Guardians

Possibly concerning? Shane Bieber’s strikeout rate has been declining since 2020 and so far this year he’s only struck out 18 batters in 25 innings. — 9-7
9

Padres

They’ve only really been impressive in taking three of four in Atlanta, right? Of course, they’re about to get Fernando Tatis Jr. back and he’s going to be a beast. Maybe that’ll wake Juan Soto up. 5 8-9
10

Astros

After winning three of four, it looked like they might be awakening from their early season slumber. Then they lost two of three to the Rangers and looked pretty punchless in the two losses. Still, leeway for the champs here and remember, they were exactly 7-9 last year at this point, too. 1 7-9
11

Diamondbacks

The first-place Diamondbacks have Andrew Chafin as their dominant, lock-down closer. That’s a fun sentence right there. 4 9-7
12

Dodgers

They are 8-8 with a +18 run differential, which is a small-sample oddity. They don’t look a lot better than the record to these eyes so far, but it’s still way early. Remember, they were 16-26 at one point in 2018 and ended up in the World Series. 2 8-8
13

Orioles

Fun team. They should have solidified their pitching staff better by spending more money in free agency, but the result is those who aren’t invested get to see a lot of wild games and this past week illustrated as much. 4 9-7
14

Cubs

I’ve never made it a secret I’m a die-hard Cubs fan (side note: It’s hilarious when people think they “catch” me). Coming into the year, I was pretty skeptical and just thought it was a mediocre team. I know it’s a small sample and all that, but I have to say I’m pretty intrigued right now. They had a ridiculous comeback last week, have won three straight series and have taken seven of their last 10. That series win over the Dodgers in L.A. was the first since 2014. I suppose we could say they took two of three there in the 2016 NLCS, but those were different times. The point is, there might be a little something going here. 4 8-6
15

Rangers

The Rangers have won five of their last seven and are the only team in the AL West above .500. 4 9-6
16

Mariners

Gotta credit the Mariners’ fortitude. They blew a 7-0 lead in Wrigley Field and that was their third straight loss. They responded by winning four straight to climb back to .500. 3 8-8
17

Red Sox

As noted above, the Red Sox are 8-4 when they don’t play the Rays. Still, look at that lineup. It doesn’t resemble that of a contender. Not right now. Rob Refsnyder in the three hole says it all. 1 8-9
18

Cardinals

Can a 4-3 week be uninspiring? Yeah, I’d say we just witnessed it. Given the competition and the Cardinals’ expectations for the season, it should’ve been 5-2 or 6-1. Still, it’s a big step in the right direction after the terrible week last time around. 4 7-9
19

Angels

They’ve looked pretty good in flashes so far, but then those three losses in Boston to start that series were pitiful. 8 8-8
20

Marlins

They have a .500 record despite having gone 1-3 in Sandy Alcantara’s four starts. They’re definitely interesting, but they’ve got to generate more offense. They’ve only scored 49 runs in 16 games (3.06 runs per game and league average is 4.72). 3 8-8
21

Pirates

How long can they hang around above .500 and in contention? The talent isn’t there, but they battle on nearly a nightly basis. The rest of the April schedule isn’t too tough, either. They might well hang for a bit. — 9-7
22

Phillies

Prior to Sunday’s 14-run output, the Phillies had been one of the least “clutch” teams in all of baseball. Among NL teams, they were second in average, third in slugging, fourth in OPS and 13th in runs. Maybe Sunday’s barrage jarred something loose. 2 6-10
23

White Sox

On the opposite end of the Yankees, there are the White Sox. They haven’t been swept and have generally looked competitive, but they are 0-4-1 in series this season. 1 6-10
24

Giants

Boring and bad is a rough combination, but it might be headed that way this season for the Giants. 4 5-9
25

Reds

Graham Ashcraft has been amazing, Nick Lodolo is clearly a future ace and, hell, maybe he’s already there. Hunter Greene flashes so much upside. And then there’s Luis Cessa. Woof. Really fun Big Three in the rotation, though! — 6-9
26

Rockies

Uh oh, is it happening again? The Rockies are 3-4 at home but 2-7 on the road. They’ll need to get better at home to better resemble their drastic splits from recent memory, but it’s on the table. — 5-11
27

Tigers

If they got a vintage Javier Bàez hot streak, it would at least be a tolerable team to watch. And lookie here: In his last three games, Javy is 5 for 9 with three doubles, four RBI and two walks. 2 5-9
28

Nationals

Everyone is picking on Patrick Corbin, but the Nats have now won his last two starts. Sure, you could say those came in spite of him, as he sports a 6.30 ERA and 1.75 WHIP, but … yeah, OK. The wins were in spite of him. — 5-11
29

Royals

It’s too early to start tracking the worst home records in history, but the Royals are now 1-9 this year in Kauffman. 2 4-12
30

Athletics

In the midst of a pathetic 17-6 loss Friday night, A’s pitchers issued 17 walks (yes, 17; that’s not a typo) and hit two batters. It’s just not a major-league-quality ballclub. A sad state of affairs for a city that deserves so much better. — 3-13