Post-Deadline MLB Power Rankings

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By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

1. Phillies (69-39) (June Ranking: 3) - The offense has been a bit more visible since my last Power Rankings were published and they've added a big piece in Hunter Pence. The starting staff, despite some injuries to Joe Blanton and Roy Oswalt, has not disappointed and they own the best record in baseball.

2.Red Sox (66-41) (JR: 2) - The have just been on fire during the month of July and everyone in the lineup seems like an impossible out. Adrian Gonzalez has 90 RBI and Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury of all people led the majors with 8 homers in the month. Those 3 could be in the top 5 of the MVP vote when its all said and done.

3. Yankees (65-42) (JR: 1) - Believe it or not, but the Yankees are quietly, yes quietly, putting together a great season. They are right there with Sox even though their rivals are getting all the national love. There was no traditional trade deadline deal for the pinstripes, but A-Rod's return is just as good as Carlos Beltran to the Giants.

4. Rangers (61-48) (JR: 7) - The offense can compete with the Red Sox, the rotation stacks up with the Angels and Tigers and the bullpen just got better than the Yankees thanks to the acquisitions of Mike Adams and Koji Uhera.

5. Giants (61-48) (JR: 5) - The offense remains a concern even with the addition of Beltran and the five spot in the rotation has been a question, but Lincecum, Cain, Bumgarner and even Vogelsong make them a scary team in a short series.

6. Brewers (61-49) (JR: 9) - The injury to Rickie Weeks hurts, but the Crew still has won seven straight. They are still looking for more consistent results from their aces Yovani Gallardo and Zack Greinke.

7. Braves (63-47) (JR: 13) - The pitching has been better than advertised in March, but the offense has been inconsistent as expected. The hope is Michael Bourne will kick start them, but with no Brian McCann or Chipper Jones the Braves could slip by the time I write my September rankings.

8. Cardinals (57-52) (JR: 4) - They certainly are in the grind of the season and because of extending innings logged for the entire staff now is the time Albert and the offense needs to carry them into the playoffs.

9. Angels (59-50) (JR: 8) - With that twosome of Jered Weaver and Dan Haren plus a experienced lineup I'm not counting the Halos out of anything. I wouldn't be surprised if they caught Texas for the AL West crown.

10.Tigers (57-51) (JR: 16) - There are still question all over the 25-man roster to whether they really hang long enough to win the AL Central, but if Justin Verlander continues to throw near no-hitters every time out they'll remain a deadly club. A stopper like that does wonders.

11.Indians (54-52) (JR: 6) - Count me as a non-believer that is shocked they a still in reach of first place in August. I guess the front office has high hopes though becuase he just shipped out some pretty talented kids for Ubaldo Jimenez.

12. Pirates (54-53) (JR: 23) - The biggest surprise team has to be the Buccos who actually were buyers at the trade deadline for the first time in 20 years. How would have thunk it?

13. Reds (53-56) (JR: 10) - It's certainly not the place the defending AL Central champs hoped to be at this time. They needed to add a started behind Johnny Cueto and the did not do so. Not sure what is in store for this club in August.

14. Rays (56-51) (JR: 12) - They have been buried in the AL East, but they still are having a solid season. They know though the playoffs are a long shot so bring up Desmond Jennings and lets prepare for the future.

15. Diamondbacks (60-49) (JR: 18) - What a year it has been for Kirk Gibson, who I think should win NL Manager of the Year. While Dan Hudson and Ian Kennedy have become studs the offense has done enough to keep them in the hunt for October.

16. Athletics (49-60) (JR: 14) - They have been better of late and is probably is too late to make the playoffs, but they are still playing better than tams with better records. Gio Gonzalez has been fun to watch and the future is bright in Oakland.

17. White Sox (52-55) (JR: 22) - The starters have so good lately that the offense can just kind of go through the motions and win enough game to be relevant.

18. Marlins (54-55) (JR: 11) - They are so lucky I did not do July Power Rankings because they would have been near Astro-territory. They either win a bunch in a row or lose every day. There's no in between with this squad.

19. Blue Jays (55-53) (JR: 24) - They may be my most perplexing team and it's probably because I do not get to watch a lot of Jays games. I guess they hit, I guess they pitch, yet they still are nowhere near a contending team. Got to love the AL East I guess.

20. Rockies (51-58) (JR: 15) - The trade of Ubaldo Jimenez signifies rebuilding times even though the front office will not admit it. Hey, you were hit with injuries this season and that's what you have to do. Don't be ashamed of it.

21. Twins (50-58) (JR: 29) - They've been at the bottom of the league all season long, but they have no fallen so far our of contention that some think Gardy's guys could catch fire and catch the Tigers.

22. Mets (55-54) (JR: 27) - When everything seems to go wrong for this club tip your cap for how hard they have played for Terry Collins. They are playing with a professional attitude and grinding it out. They just don't have the picting right now to contend.

23. Royals (46-62) (JR: 19) - Nobody in KC wants to talk about anything that happen prior to Auguts 1st. The All-Star game is in town next year and the could actually have more than the required one person in attendance. Some of the kiddies are exciting.

24. Dodgers (49-49) (JR: 20) - I thought you were not suppose to bring your personal problems to work? Well, Frank McCourt divorce has effected everyone except Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp, who are putting up insane numbers.

25. Nationals (52-56) (JR: 28) - When I understand the GM's game plan for the future I will slide them up higher in the ranks. Jonny Gomes? You really need Denard Span? Stop it.

26. Padres (47-63) (JR: 26) - I think 2010 was the closest they'll ever get to winning in Petco unless they become a high payroll team. They need guys that hit it 5,000 feet if they ever are going to win.

27. Orioles (42-63) (JR: 25) - I hope all these top pitching prospects were not rushed becuase they have flamed out at the bigs. I might be a grandfather to my unborn children by the time Baltimore has something to cheer about.

28. Cubs (44-65) (JR: 21) - Maybe the biggest disappointment in the bigs considering how high their payroll is. If they didn't have Wrigley Field, they would have nothing.

29. Mariners (46-62) (JR: 17) - I did not think it was possible for a major league team to lose 17 straight games, but there was Seattle to prove me wrong.

30. Astros (36-73) (JR: 30) - After trading away Hunter Pence and Michael Bourne the Astros may have just put out the worst lineup of all time. I probably know 700 of the 750 major leaguers and 20 of those unknowns no reside in the heart of Texas.