MLB Power Rankings: Spring Training
By Matt Welch
16. Philadephia Phillies
The Phillies have seemed to fall off the map. Their trying to build their lineup back to prominence but it hasn’t happened yet.
17. Pittsburgh Pirates
August 29, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) high-fives center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) as the Pirates celebrate defeating the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pirates just need to learn how to close a season. They proved last season that they have the talent and now they have young talent coming up through the ranks. Keep an eye on them in the NL Central.
18. Kansas City Royals
The Royals added some much needing pitching to their roster. The bats started to come alive last season, now with solid pitching, it’ll be fun to see if they can put it all together.
19. Boston Red Sox
Could the Red Sox be the worst team in the AL East? It’s possible. The lineup is pretty solid but clubhouse problems will continue to plague them.
20. Chicago White Sox
Power. That’s what the White Sox have. If they can keep that power going all season, they’ll see their ranking rise.
21. Arizona Diamondbacks
It’ll be interesting to see this team without Upton. They’ll need to build the lineup around a solid player and focus on defense and pitching.
22. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers pitching staff is the only thing keeping this team down here. Once they get that bullpen going, they’ll be in better shape.
23. Cleveland Indians
They’ve added some good bats but they don’t have that great bat. They need to strengthen their pitching and defense and gain some confidence going forward.
24. Chicago Cubs
The Cubs’ struggles will continue in 2013 unless they find guys to fill that lineup. Their pitching will keep them in some games but it’s not good enough to win them.
25. Seattle Mariners
Keeping King Felix is never a bad thing. But what else do they really have? I’ll let you hang on that one.
26. New York Mets
Getting rid of a Cy Young winner isn’t a good way to impress your fans. We might as well go ahead and call this a rebuilding year.
27. Colorado Rockies
Troy Tulowitzki can’t carry this team by himself. He needs some help. Until they get him help, they’ll stay down here.
28. Miami Marlins
Essentially restarting, the Marlins will take a little longer to get their problems fixed.
29. Minnesota Twins
The Twins are rebuilding and with that comes struggles. They could possibly get things rolling, but only if the injury bug stays away.
30. Houston Astros
September 15, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro (15) and pitcher Wesley Wright (53) celebrate after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 5-0 at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Does this surprise you? The Astros are going to the AL and I have a feeling things aren’t going to get any better for them.