MLB Power Rankings 03/30/2008

Opening Day in Japan and the US showed us a few things. First the Sox need Beckett, and second don’t underestimate Odalis Perez when he’s christening a new stadium!

1.
New York Mets
Johan had a typical spring, and should use his success to get the Mets off to a good start. Pelfrey also take the reigns as the Mets 5th starter, which may be a blessing in disguise. El Duque was not impressive when he was healthy.

2.
New York Yankees
Jeter has a minor finger injury and Pettitte had the back flare up early, but Jeter is making opening day and Pettitte’s first start will soon follow.

3.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers will have a Royal feast on Kansas City to get things going.

4.
Boston Red Sox
Don’t be mad Nation. That split with the A’s was almost an 0-2 deficit to start the season. Thankfully Huston Street is 0-1 in save opps. Tek looked washed up (0-8 6k’s and one GIDP), but at least Manny was fired up.

5.
Chicago Cubs
All cylinders are fired up for the Cubs to start the season. Meaning there are no health concerns early, but how long will that last?

6.
Cleveland Indians
As many question marks as they may have, right now they are the healthiest contending team in the AL.
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7.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson will start the season on the DL, but everyone thinks he’ll be a factor early.
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8.
Philadelphia Phillies
Jimmy Rollins has had a tough spring, but nothing can simulate the real game, and Rollins will be ready to rake come opening day.

9.
Seattle Mariners
Bedard’s horrendous spring isn’t cause for concern…unless he comes out flat in the opener.
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10.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Torre was on the ball for the game in the LA Coliseum, when he only started two outfielders. He then continued with the managerial maneuvers when he designated Juan Pierre to the bench. Andre Ethier has a much higher ceiling, and I believe Joe made the right call.

11.
Atlanta Braves
A stinger from Zimmerman to start the season, but where was the offense? Hudson pitched a gem, but you have to be able to hit Odalis Perez. We’ll chalk it up to a little home team magic for the opening of the new stadium.

12.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Escobar will be on the shelf a little longer than expected. Lackey returning healthy and effective will be essential now.
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13.
San Diego Padres
Maybe the offense will come from Kouzmanoff this time around, or even a rejuvenated Brian Giles. Whoever it is needs to be a reliable bat the Friars can count on….besides Gonzalez of course.

14.
Colorado Rockies
Tulo will be looking to cement his status as a top tier SS this season, but don’t be surprised if Garret Atkins garnishes attention as a top third basemen.

15. Milwaukee Brewers
Ryan Braun looks to continue this season where he left off in 2007. He had a great spring, and in that lineup his numbers could be through the roof.
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16.
Houston Astros
The veterans will carry the offense, but don’t overlook Hunter Pence. He could be the guy that takes them to the next level.

17.
Toronto Blue Jays
They could make a strong statement for themselves by jumping on the Yankees early.
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18.
Cincinnati Reds
Reds fans should be gearing up for the last season of Junior.
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19.
Chicago White Sox
Will Thome notch over 400 AB’s this year? Would it matter?
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20.
Minnesota Twins
Liriano will build up more velocity in the minors to start the season. This should let you know the Twins mentality is definitely not in a win now frame of mind. At least they committed to Nathan. That must have been a pleasant surprise for Twins fans.

21.
St. Louis Cardinals
Wainwright will have to hold the fort down until these injured pitchers start returning to active duty. Albert certainly looks good, and I’m betting he makes it the year. This could very well be a dark horse team in the weak central.

22.
Texas Rangers
So much is riding on Josh Hamilton’s bat. The hype is already exceeding my expectations, but maybe they have to hype Josh as the pitching is just dreadful.

23.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays really need to shoot for that winning season if they hope to spark the fans going into next season.

24.
Oakland Athletics
A healthy Rich Harden is capable of many great things, but we’ve all been teased by him before. The team that trades for him needs to be very wary. The whole thing smells like one of those Nigerian bank scams. “I guarantee the barer of this bond one Rich Harden. In exchange we’ll need access to all your banking/scouting records.” You could very well end up with nothing.

25.
Washington Nationals
President Bush was pressured by Joe Morgan last night into offering him a job as a GM should Bush ever repurchase a team. Since Bush never gave Joe one in the first place, maybe we all underestimated his intelligence? Probably not, but I couldn’t help think I might have underestimated the Nationals this year. No…I didn’t they started Odalis Perez opening day.

26.
San Francisco Giants
Eugenio made the roster!

27.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Ian Snell would be as hyped as any of the young pitching prospects if not for his team.

28.
Florida Marlins
Hopefully this is the team Floridians can get behind, and not just another Marlins experiment gone bad.
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29.
Kansas City Royals
Jose Guillen needs to be a team leader. That’s sort of like asking Burger King to sell Big Macs.
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30.
Baltimore Orioles
Who loves the new Nationals Stadium more than Peter Angelos!

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