By Grant Brisbee, Chad Jennings, and Levi Weaver
Each week, we invite a group of baseball writers—both local and national—to rank the teams from best to worst. Here are the combined results.
The Flaming Lips Connection
Are you familiar with The Flaming Lips? This renowned psychedelic rock band, led by Wayne Coyne, is known for writing quirky songs about topics like making toast with Vaseline, using magazines as tissues, and coloring hair with tangerines. If that doesn’t resonate, perhaps you’d prefer the story of a girl using karate to save a city from pink robots. It’s bizarre yet potentially brilliant.
At Power Rankings, we feel a bond with The Flaming Lips. While our work is enjoyed by many, it’s also critiqued by some who see us as a bit eccentric. Plus, at least one of us (Levi) sports rockstar-worthy hair.
Team Highlights and Statistics
Currently, the Dodgers (29-19) rank first in our Power Rankings. Andy Pages has emerged as the Dodgers’ second-most valuable player, showcasing exceptional defense and all-around skills that fans appreciate. His stats may not reflect overwhelming superiority yet, but he’s been a bright spot amid concerns over the Dodgers’ expenses.
The Yankees (27-19) have nearly identical offensive numbers to the Dodgers, making them a force offensively with slight surprises in their lineup. Aaron Judge and Freddie Freeman lead their respective leagues in OPS, while both teams surprisingly have a similar runs-per-game rate.
Unexpected Leaders
Interestingly enough, the Tigers (31-17) currently have the best record in the league, with Javy Báez leading in bWAR. This unexpected standout showcases how surprising statistics can feel akin to finding out that the human circulatory system is remarkably long.
Meanwhile, the Mets (29-19) hold the honor of having the best pitching staff in baseball, boasting a remarkable collective ERA despite injuries. Their performance has kept them as a strong contender in our rankings.
Other Notable Teams
The Padres (27-18) lead the league in hitting ground balls to the opposite field, which, while seemingly odd, has contributed to their offensive stats. Their trend can be linked to other competitive teams in the league.
The Cubs are getting noteworthy contributions from Pete Crow-Armstrong, who, at just 23, is on pace for a historic season. Additionally, the Phillies’ rotation has been consistent, further underpinning their competitive stature in the league.
The Bottom of the Rankings
The Rangers (25-21) show a strong rotation but struggle with overall performance. The Angels (21-25) are statistically the clutch team in the league, performing extraordinarily well in high-pressure situations.
On the flip side, the White Sox (14-34) and Rockies (8-38) are facing disheartening seasons. The Rockies, despite their home-field advantage, have the lowest OPS at Coors Field in years. Overall, the league is seeing unexpected successes and challenges, creating a dynamic season ahead.
