Here, I give you my MLB power rankings through week 3 of the 2009 season.
1. Boston Red Sox (11-6)
I honestly think the Red Sox forgot how to lose a baseball game. A nine-game winning streak will get you an automatic top five spot no matter what in my opinion. Their offense is coming together. Strong rotation, good bullpen. Life is good in Boston.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (13-5)
How can you not have the Dodgers in the top three? They're in the top five in hitting and pitching. Joe Torre and the Dodgers have their ducks in a row (for now).
3. St. Louis Cardinals (13-5)
I know what you're thinking: "How are the Cardinals not No. 1?" Well, I do think that the Cardinals are the best team in the majors and their record and offensive numbers prove it. but they're just not the hottest at the moment (that belongs to Boston).
4. Toronto Blue Jays (13-6)
I bumped the Jays up this week because of the still-amazing offense. If you listen closely outside your front door, you might be able to hear them score another run.
5. Seattle Mariners (12-6)
This team has been a bit surprising since the start of the season. I didn't think this team had a chance to win the division, but their pitching staff is basically carrying the load for the M's. They've developed a three-headed monster in Erik Bedard, Jarrod Washburn, and Felix Hernandez.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates (10-7)
Surprise, Surprise. Last week I said to enjoy it now because you might not see this team get any higher than number 10. Apparently that's not the case anymore.
After sweeping the Florida Marlins (who were my No. 1 team last week), they deserve a top ten ranking (for now).
7. New York Yankees (9-8)
Okay, the Yankees are still the Yankees. A top ten team every year and all that. They actually did an okay job this week. Still haven't beaten the Red Sox this weekend but still, not too bad. So I moved them up five spots.
8. Detroit Tigers (9-8)
I bumped them up a spot because of their top ten offense. Miguel Cabrera and Brandon Inge are both swinging the bats really well. Keep up the good work, Tigers!
9. San Diego Padres (10-7)
I'm a little disappointed in the Padres. I had this team at number three last week. But they've only won five of their last ten and their defense isn't too exciting.
10. Florida Marlins (11-6)
*Insert sound of plane crash here* They've lost six in a row and their two weeks of stardom is officially over.
11. Philadelphia Phillies (8-8)
They're the champs for a reason. They haven't been too bad lately but they have won three in a row, which is pretty good so I bumped them up a few spots.
12. Chicago White Sox (9-8)
This team hasn't been all that exciting so far this year. Their hitting is average, their pitching is average. Not a whole lot of frills in southern Chicago.
13. Kansas City Royals (9-8)
This team can't swing a bat very well, but they have a prety impressive pitching staff that involves Zack Greinke.
14. Cincinnati Reds (9-8)
The only exciting name on their roster is Joey Votto. He's really the only guy on their team that has anything going for them right now.
15. Atlanta Braves (9-8)
After starting the year at number one, it's been just average. I like their pitching and i think Javier Vazquez is amazing at the moment.
But overall they've won their last three, but only four out of their last ten. I think the Braves could get something going soon and become a threat to win the NL East.
16. San Francisco Giants (8-8)
This team has fantastic pitching but just can't swing a bat. I'm not a big fan of pitching, but this team know how to throw a ball effectively!
17. Minnesota Twins (9-9)
This team really needs to do a better defensive job. Giving up 99 runs in 18 games isn't going to cut it.
18. Texas Rangers (8-9)
Come on Rangers! More pitching! Texas has guys like Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz, and Michael Young getting it done on offense, but this team still has to work on their defense/pitching if they want to see themselves in the upper-15.
19. New York Mets (8-9)
Johan Santana is playing like a baseball pitching God at the moment. I picked him to win the NL Cy Young once the season started, and he's making me look like a genius!
As far as the rest of the team, I think it's just a slow start, that's all. The Red Sox had a slow start to the year and look where they are.
20. Chicago Cubs (8-8)
Theis pitching staff isn't doing too bad but this team needs to get their heads out of their fannies. They've lost four in a row and six of their last ten. Give Alfonso Soriano some help please!
21. Milwaukee Brewers (8-9)
YOVANI GALLARDO! A four game winning streak and six wins out of ten games. I guess I'll take that.
22. Oakland Athletics (6-10)
Can anybody tell me about this Andrew Bailey guy?
23. Tampa Bay Rays (7-11)
To all the people who thought the Rays were going back to the playoffs, get over yourselves. They're a one-hit wonder. Deal with it.
24. Los Angeles Angels (6-11)
Wow the Angels are struggling to start the year. Their pitching staff is a little hammered. They've lost seven of their last ten. This team could stay in the bottom ten for a while.
25. Baltimore Orioles (8-10)
Dude! BAD! How can you give up 123 runs in 18 games? Seriously?!
26. Cleveland Indians (6-12)
Why is everybody saying that Cliff Lee is going to get traded? It's not going to happen. That would be dumb.
27. Arizona Diamondbacks (6-11)
Happy trails to Brandon Webb. Get well soon!
28. Houston Astros (6-12)
I thought this team had some promise for 2009. Apparently not.
29. Washington Nationals (3-13)
I just got tired of seeing them at number 30, so i put them at 29.
30. Colorado Rockies (5-11)
Out of all teams in the majors, the Rockies are the only team that has a 2-8 or worse record over their last ten games. Pretty sad.
Carter's AL MVP Race:
1. Ian Kinsler (Rangers)
2. Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox)
3. Aaron Hill (Blue Jays)
4. Grady Sizemore (Indians)
5. Nick Markakis (Orioles)
Carter's NL MVP Race:
1. Albert Pujols (Cardinals)
2. Orlando Hudson (Dodgers)
3. Matt Kemp (Dodgers)
4. Andre Ethier (Dodgers)
5. Raul Ibanez (Phillies)
Carter's AL Cy Young Award Race:
1. Zack Greinke (Royals) (PICTURED)
2. Erik Bedard (Mariners)
3. Roy Halladay (Blue Jays)
4. Jarrod Washburn (Mariners)
5. Felix Hernandez (Mariners)
Carter's NL Cy Young Award Race:
1. Johan Santana (Mets)
2. Chad Billingsley (Dodgers)
3. Jonathan Broxton (Dodgers)
4. Josh Johnson (Marlins)
5. Heath Bell (Padres)
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