Around the Diamond - Power Rankings (Memorial Day)

Memorial Day is right around the corner which means we will be celebrating the unofficial start to summer 2013. For MLB this means we are about one quarter of the way thru the season. Now is as good a time as any to release my first edition of power rankings. I am putting these rankings together using team's win/loss records as well as the staying power I believe these top ten teams have.

Let's get started...

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1. St. Louis Cardinals (28-16) -  It really is amazing to see this team compete every year despite losing significant pieces of the roster every year. A balanced lineup, solid starting pitching and the game's best farm system will keep the Cardinals in contention all season long. 

2. Texas Rangers (29-16) - The Rangers sport one of the game's best lineups and Yu Darvish is a legitimate Cy Young contender.

3. Cincinnati Reds (27-18) - The Big Red Machine is back! A good rotation just got better with the return of Johhny Cueto and one could argue that this team has the best lineup in baseball hands down. Barring injury I would not be shocked to see the Reds represent the National League in the fall classic.

4. New York Yankees (28-16) - Not happy about this pick but I can't argue with what they are doing on the field. This team is devastated by injuries yet they continue to win.

5. Boston Red Sox (27-18) - Best team in April started to slide in the beginning of May but they have turned it on of late. Andrew Bailey coming back should help solidify bullpen.

6. Atlanta Braves (26-18) - Despite a recent slide this is still one of the better teams in the senior circuit. Justin Upton continues to mash the ball while brother B.J. continues to look helpless.

7. Arizona Diamonbacks (26-19) - The snakes are for real. Manager Kirk Gibson has this team playing with a dirt dog mentality and the results are undeniable.

8. Cleveland Indians (26-17) - As of today the Indians are the hottest team in baseball and they have a 2.5 game lead over the Tigers in the A.L. Central. This may not last but the Fighting Francona's are fun to watch.

9. Pittsburgh Pirates (26-18) - Will this finally be the year that the Pirates finish with a winning record and compete for a playoff spot?

10. Detroit Tigers (23-19) - Miguel Cabrera continues to show us that he is the best hitter in the game and the starting pitching is pretty lethal. It would be a shame to see the bullpen be the downfall of this very talented team.


-M. Lucas Jr.