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2014 Power Rankings: Week 14
RANK TEAM / RECORD TRENDING COMMENTS
1
Athletics
47-29
1
Last Week: 2 The A's might be the first team in history to productively carry three catchers: Derek Norris (.914 OPS), Stephen Vogt (.883), and John Jaso (.817) are mashing, and manager Bob Melvin has frequently started all three in the same lineup (with Jaso at DH and Vogt in the outfield).. -- Jason Wojciechowski (@jlwoj), Beaneball
2
Brewers
47-30
1
Last Week: 3 The Brewers completed a stretch of 15 of 18 games on the road with a sweep of the Rockies Sunday, and finished the stretch with a 12-6 record. The team's 47-30 start is the best in franchise history. Milwaukee starting pitchers lead MLB in innings pitched and are second in quality starts. -- Ryan Topp (@RDTopp), Disciples of Uecker
3
Giants
45-30
2
Last Week: 1 The Giants regained some of their swagger with a series win at Arizona this weekend. Buster Posey is hitting .352 in the month of June and Madison Bumgarner has established himself as a bona fide ace in the NL, lowering his ERA to 2.63 after his start on Sunday. Even after dropping 7 of their last 10, the Giants still hold a four-game lead over the Dodgers in the West. -- Andrew Tweedy (@WCBGiants), West Coast Bias
4
Blue Jays
42-35
--
Last Week: 4 Injuries to Jose Bautista and Brett Lawrie threaten to derail what was shaping up as a dream season in Toronto. -- ESPN.com
5
Angels
41-33
--
Last Week: 5 A tumultuous week was headlined by Ernesto Frieri's demotion from the closer role (again) and Raul Ibanez's release, but the Angels still enter Monday a season-best eight games over .500 thanks to a sweep of the Rangers at home over the weekend. The series marked the first time since 2008 the Halos have broken out the broomsticks against Texas. -- Nate Aderhold, Halos Daily
6
Cardinals
41-35
2
Last Week: 8 The Cardinals lost key hurlers Michael Wacha and Jaime Garcia to the disabled list and will ask flamethrowing reliever Carlos Martinez to step into the rotation. -- Matt Philip (@fungoes), Fungoes
7
Tigers
40-32
1
Last Week: 6 The Royals came to Detroit to start the week and convincingly knocked the Tigers into second for the first time all season. Detroit responded by going on the road and sweeping Cleveland, getting much improved starting pitching in the process. More importantly for the long term, Justin Verlander looked like his old self with seven strong innings on Saturday night. -- Grey Papke (@spacemnkymafia), Walkoff Woodward
8
Dodgers
42-35
4
Last Week: 12 Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter highlighted a strong stretch of play for the Dodgers, who are methodically working their way back into the NL West hunt. -- ESPN.com
9
Yankees
39-35
1
Last Week: 10 After scoring 16 runs and sweeping a three-game set against Toronto, the Yankees scored six runs and lost two of three to Baltimore. And while a 4-2 record is a good thing, the non-existent scoring on Saturday and Sunday was troubling. The Yankees need more guys to step up at the plate. -- Stacey Gotsulias (@StaceGots), It's About the Money
10
Royals
39-36
1
Last Week: 11 They've followed that 10-game winning streak with four straight losses and now host the tough Dodgers and Angels this week. Eric Hosmer is hitting .186/.217/.301 over his past 27 games and maybe it?s time to move him down in the lineup. -- David Schoenfield (@dschoenfield), SweetSpot
11
Nationals
39-35
4
Last Week: 7 The Braves have seemingly had the Nats' number, but taking two straight from Atlanta to finish off the weekend should have Washington fans feeling better. -- ESPN.com
12
Braves
38-37
3
Last Week: 9 Atlanta lost its third starting pitcher this year when Gavin Floyd left Thursday's start, with what is apparently a season-ending elbow injury. Fortunately for the Braves, they had Alex Wood go to the minors two weeks ago to get stretched out. He should be ready to step in and take over Floyd's rotation spot. -- Martin Gandy (@gondeee), Chop County
13
Orioles
39-35
--
Last Week: 13 Over the past week, the Orioles made up three games on the Blue Jays and now sit just outside of the lead for the AL East. Moving forward, the club will need to begin getting more value out of second and third base because it is difficult to see Nelson Cruz keeping up his monster slash line (.293/.363/.594). -- Jon Shepherd (@CamdenDepot), Camden Depot
14
Mariners
40-36
2
Last Week: 16 Such a tease. Right when they look ready to fall apart -- like after losing twice to San Diego -- they rebound to sweep the Royals on the road, twice breaking ties in the ninth inning and winning two games 2-1. Since June 10, shortstop Brad Miller is hitting .375/.409/.550, raising his average from .169 to .207. -- David Schoenfield (@dschoenfield), SweetSpot
15
Reds
37-37
3
Last Week: 18 The Reds have won eight of 11 to climb back to .500. Johnny Cueto, who went eight strong innings on Sunday, allowing one earned run and striking out eight, continues to be the best-kept secret in baseball. Cueto leads NL starters in ERA (1.86), WAR (3.3, tied with Adam Wainwright), and ranks second in strikeouts. -- Chad Dotson (@dotsonc), Redleg Nation
16
Marlins
37-38
1
Last Week: 15 If not for Marcel Ozuna's miracle throw on Friday night the Marlins could have been on the wrong end of a four-game sweep at home against the Mets. That can't happen to a team with playoff aspirations. -- ESPN.com
17
Indians
37-39
--
Last Week: 17 Even though Nick Swisher played the hero with a walk-off grand slam in Thursday's game against the Angels, he was just 2-for-24 this week, with 14 strikeouts. Josh Tomlin's week was even worse -- he went 0-2 and allowed 10 earned runs. Most of the players probably wishes they could just forget this weekend's series against the Tigers. -- Stephanie Liscio (@stephanieliscio), It's Pronounced "Lajaway"
18
Pirates
37-38
4
Last Week: 14 The Pirates have played better since the arrival of top prospect Gregory Polanco, and now sit just one game below .500, bringing back hopes of a run for a wild-card spot. -- ESPN.com
19
Rangers
35-40
--
Last Week: 19 In his last two starts, Yu Darvish has posted an ERA of 6.55. An inflated BABIP of .440 during that stretch, however, leaves hope that he'll rediscover his fastball command and remain in the running for a Cy Young Award in what may end up amounting to a lost season for Texas. -- Brandon Land (@one_strike_away), One Strike Away
20
Twins
36-38
--
Last Week: 20 Joe Mauer drove in six runs in a four-game sweep over the White Sox at Target Field. If the Twins are to keep winning, they'll need much more of that from the struggling first baseman. -- Nick Nelson, Twins Daily
21
Rockies
34-41
2
Last Week: 23 Despite getting no-hit by Clayton Kershaw, Corey Dickerson and friends continue to shine offensively while pitching keeps the Rockies from staying in games. Recent call-ups, both in the rotation and bullpen, look to right the ship moving forward, as reinforcements from the disabled list are eagerly anticipated. -- Scott Fults (@theREALsfults), Rockies Zingers
22
Red Sox
35-41
1
Last Week: 21 The Red Sox salvaged one win in Oakland on Sunday thanks to David Ortiz's latest heroics, but they appear to be on the outside looking in at a three-team race in the AL East. -- ESPN.com
23
Phillies
34-40
3
Last Week: 26 Ryan Howard is fourth in the NL with 50 RBIs. He?s only hitting .239 with RISP but 11 of his 14 home runs have come with a runner or runners on base. Hey, they?re only five back in the East so they?re not eight of it. Next eight are at home against the Marlins and Braves. -- David Schoenfield (@dschoenfield), SweetSpot
24
White Sox
35-41
2
Last Week: 22 What kind of team can rough up division-leading Giants and drop four-straight to the Twins in the same week? The undeniably improved but hopelessly incomplete White Sox, whose nightmare weekend likely dispelled the last homer delusions that they would be deadline buyers.. -- James Fegan (@TheCatbird_Seat), The Catbird Seat
25
Mets
35-41
--
Last Week: 25 David Wright is finally showing signs of life: He has hit in seven straight games, going 12-for-27 (.444) with 4 doubles, 2 home runs, and 6 RBIs, including one in each of his last six games. -- Joe Janish (@metstoday), Mets Today
26
Cubs
31-42
3
Last Week: 29 Super prospect Kris Bryant has three hits since being promoted to Triple-A Iowa?all three have been home runs. -- Joe Aiello (@VFTB), View from the Bleachers
27
Astros
33-44
3
Last Week: 24 The Astros had started showing signs of life with George Springer's ascent, but after losing three of 10 they are back in the mix for the No.1 pick in the draft. -- ESPN.com
28
Padres
32-44
--
Last Week: 28 GM Josh Byrnes got the axe on Sunday. Hey, when the team is hitting .214 and has scored one run or less an MLB-leading 24 times, somebody has to take the fall. Meanwhile, Jedd Gyorko?s foot is still in a cast, Chase Headley had an epidural for a herniated disc that was causing leg pain and Yonder Alonso, Carlos Quentin and Yasmani Grandal are all hitting under .211. -- David Schoenfield (@dschoenfield), SweetSpot
29
Diamondbacks
32-47
2
Last Week: 27 While most eyes in Arizona have shifted to the trade deadline, the D-backs still lead the majors in games played. The club will finally get two rest days this week, and after going 4-10 in the last 14 days, the club could use the break. -- Ryan P. Morrison (@InsidetheZona), Inside the 'Zona
30
Rays
31-46
--
Last Week: 30 The Rays attempted to use the Astros as a springboard out of the American League basement by taking five of seven from Houston over the last week. The season is still largely lost for Tampa Bay, but an "everything must go" sale appears unlikely. -- Tommy Rancel (@TRancel), The Process Report
Biggest Jump:4
Biggest Drop:4
RANK TEAM / RECORD TRENDING COMMENTS
1
Athletics
47-29
1
Last Week: 2 The A's might be the first team in history to productively carry three catchers: Derek Norris (.914 OPS), Stephen Vogt (.883), and John Jaso (.817) are mashing, and manager Bob Melvin has frequently started all three in the same lineup (with Jaso at DH and Vogt in the outfield).. -- Jason Wojciechowski (@jlwoj), Beaneball
2
Brewers
47-30
1
Last Week: 3 The Brewers completed a stretch of 15 of 18 games on the road with a sweep of the Rockies Sunday, and finished the stretch with a 12-6 record. The team's 47-30 start is the best in franchise history. Milwaukee starting pitchers lead MLB in innings pitched and are second in quality starts. -- Ryan Topp (@RDTopp), Disciples of Uecker
3
Giants
45-30
2
Last Week: 1 The Giants regained some of their swagger with a series win at Arizona this weekend. Buster Posey is hitting .352 in the month of June and Madison Bumgarner has established himself as a bona fide ace in the NL, lowering his ERA to 2.63 after his start on Sunday. Even after dropping 7 of their last 10, the Giants still hold a four-game lead over the Dodgers in the West. -- Andrew Tweedy (@WCBGiants), West Coast Bias
4
Blue Jays
42-35
--
Last Week: 4 Injuries to Jose Bautista and Brett Lawrie threaten to derail what was shaping up as a dream season in Toronto. -- ESPN.com
5
Angels
41-33
--
Last Week: 5 A tumultuous week was headlined by Ernesto Frieri's demotion from the closer role (again) and Raul Ibanez's release, but the Angels still enter Monday a season-best eight games over .500 thanks to a sweep of the Rangers at home over the weekend. The series marked the first time since 2008 the Halos have broken out the broomsticks against Texas. -- Nate Aderhold, Halos Daily
6
Cardinals
41-35
2
Last Week: 8 The Cardinals lost key hurlers Michael Wacha and Jaime Garcia to the disabled list and will ask flamethrowing reliever Carlos Martinez to step into the rotation. -- Matt Philip (@fungoes), Fungoes
7
Tigers
40-32
1
Last Week: 6 The Royals came to Detroit to start the week and convincingly knocked the Tigers into second for the first time all season. Detroit responded by going on the road and sweeping Cleveland, getting much improved starting pitching in the process. More importantly for the long term, Justin Verlander looked like his old self with seven strong innings on Saturday night. -- Grey Papke (@spacemnkymafia), Walkoff Woodward
8
Dodgers
42-35
4
Last Week: 12 Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter highlighted a strong stretch of play for the Dodgers, who are methodically working their way back into the NL West hunt. -- ESPN.com
9
Yankees
39-35
1
Last Week: 10 After scoring 16 runs and sweeping a three-game set against Toronto, the Yankees scored six runs and lost two of three to Baltimore. And while a 4-2 record is a good thing, the non-existent scoring on Saturday and Sunday was troubling. The Yankees need more guys to step up at the plate. -- Stacey Gotsulias (@StaceGots), It's About the Money
10
Royals
39-36
1
Last Week: 11 They've followed that 10-game winning streak with four straight losses and now host the tough Dodgers and Angels this week. Eric Hosmer is hitting .186/.217/.301 over his past 27 games and maybe it?s time to move him down in the lineup. -- David Schoenfield (@dschoenfield), SweetSpot
11
Nationals
39-35
4
Last Week: 7 The Braves have seemingly had the Nats' number, but taking two straight from Atlanta to finish off the weekend should have Washington fans feeling better. -- ESPN.com
12
Braves
38-37
3
Last Week: 9 Atlanta lost its third starting pitcher this year when Gavin Floyd left Thursday's start, with what is apparently a season-ending elbow injury. Fortunately for the Braves, they had Alex Wood go to the minors two weeks ago to get stretched out. He should be ready to step in and take over Floyd's rotation spot. -- Martin Gandy (@gondeee), Chop County
13
Orioles
39-35
--
Last Week: 13 Over the past week, the Orioles made up three games on the Blue Jays and now sit just outside of the lead for the AL East. Moving forward, the club will need to begin getting more value out of second and third base because it is difficult to see Nelson Cruz keeping up his monster slash line (.293/.363/.594). -- Jon Shepherd (@CamdenDepot), Camden Depot
14
Mariners
40-36
2
Last Week: 16 Such a tease. Right when they look ready to fall apart -- like after losing twice to San Diego -- they rebound to sweep the Royals on the road, twice breaking ties in the ninth inning and winning two games 2-1. Since June 10, shortstop Brad Miller is hitting .375/.409/.550, raising his average from .169 to .207. -- David Schoenfield (@dschoenfield), SweetSpot
15
Reds
37-37
3
Last Week: 18 The Reds have won eight of 11 to climb back to .500. Johnny Cueto, who went eight strong innings on Sunday, allowing one earned run and striking out eight, continues to be the best-kept secret in baseball. Cueto leads NL starters in ERA (1.86), WAR (3.3, tied with Adam Wainwright), and ranks second in strikeouts. -- Chad Dotson (@dotsonc), Redleg Nation
16
Marlins
37-38
1
Last Week: 15 If not for Marcel Ozuna's miracle throw on Friday night the Marlins could have been on the wrong end of a four-game sweep at home against the Mets. That can't happen to a team with playoff aspirations. -- ESPN.com
17
Indians
37-39
--
Last Week: 17 Even though Nick Swisher played the hero with a walk-off grand slam in Thursday's game against the Angels, he was just 2-for-24 this week, with 14 strikeouts. Josh Tomlin's week was even worse -- he went 0-2 and allowed 10 earned runs. Most of the players probably wishes they could just forget this weekend's series against the Tigers. -- Stephanie Liscio (@stephanieliscio), It's Pronounced "Lajaway"
18
Pirates
37-38
4
Last Week: 14 The Pirates have played better since the arrival of top prospect Gregory Polanco, and now sit just one game below .500, bringing back hopes of a run for a wild-card spot. -- ESPN.com
19
Rangers
35-40
--
Last Week: 19 In his last two starts, Yu Darvish has posted an ERA of 6.55. An inflated BABIP of .440 during that stretch, however, leaves hope that he'll rediscover his fastball command and remain in the running for a Cy Young Award in what may end up amounting to a lost season for Texas. -- Brandon Land (@one_strike_away), One Strike Away
20
Twins
36-38
--
Last Week: 20 Joe Mauer drove in six runs in a four-game sweep over the White Sox at Target Field. If the Twins are to keep winning, they'll need much more of that from the struggling first baseman. -- Nick Nelson, Twins Daily
21
Rockies
34-41
2
Last Week: 23 Despite getting no-hit by Clayton Kershaw, Corey Dickerson and friends continue to shine offensively while pitching keeps the Rockies from staying in games. Recent call-ups, both in the rotation and bullpen, look to right the ship moving forward, as reinforcements from the disabled list are eagerly anticipated. -- Scott Fults (@theREALsfults), Rockies Zingers
22
Red Sox
35-41
1
Last Week: 21 The Red Sox salvaged one win in Oakland on Sunday thanks to David Ortiz's latest heroics, but they appear to be on the outside looking in at a three-team race in the AL East. -- ESPN.com
23
Phillies
34-40
3
Last Week: 26 Ryan Howard is fourth in the NL with 50 RBIs. He?s only hitting .239 with RISP but 11 of his 14 home runs have come with a runner or runners on base. Hey, they?re only five back in the East so they?re not eight of it. Next eight are at home against the Marlins and Braves. -- David Schoenfield (@dschoenfield), SweetSpot
24
White Sox
35-41
2
Last Week: 22 What kind of team can rough up division-leading Giants and drop four-straight to the Twins in the same week? The undeniably improved but hopelessly incomplete White Sox, whose nightmare weekend likely dispelled the last homer delusions that they would be deadline buyers.. -- James Fegan (@TheCatbird_Seat), The Catbird Seat
25
Mets
35-41
--
Last Week: 25 David Wright is finally showing signs of life: He has hit in seven straight games, going 12-for-27 (.444) with 4 doubles, 2 home runs, and 6 RBIs, including one in each of his last six games. -- Joe Janish (@metstoday), Mets Today
26
Cubs
31-42
3
Last Week: 29 Super prospect Kris Bryant has three hits since being promoted to Triple-A Iowa?all three have been home runs. -- Joe Aiello (@VFTB), View from the Bleachers
27
Astros
33-44
3
Last Week: 24 The Astros had started showing signs of life with George Springer's ascent, but after losing three of 10 they are back in the mix for the No.1 pick in the draft. -- ESPN.com
28
Padres
32-44
--
Last Week: 28 GM Josh Byrnes got the axe on Sunday. Hey, when the team is hitting .214 and has scored one run or less an MLB-leading 24 times, somebody has to take the fall. Meanwhile, Jedd Gyorko?s foot is still in a cast, Chase Headley had an epidural for a herniated disc that was causing leg pain and Yonder Alonso, Carlos Quentin and Yasmani Grandal are all hitting under .211. -- David Schoenfield (@dschoenfield), SweetSpot
29
Diamondbacks
32-47
2
Last Week: 27 While most eyes in Arizona have shifted to the trade deadline, the D-backs still lead the majors in games played. The club will finally get two rest days this week, and after going 4-10 in the last 14 days, the club could use the break. -- Ryan P. Morrison (@InsidetheZona), Inside the 'Zona
30
Rays
31-46
--
Last Week: 30 The Rays attempted to use the Astros as a springboard out of the American League basement by taking five of seven from Houston over the last week. The season is still largely lost for Tampa Bay, but an "everything must go" sale appears unlikely. -- Tommy Rancel (@TRancel), The Process Report
Biggest Jump:4
Biggest Drop:4
