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Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The first week of the season is down. Let us take a look at the MLB Power Rankings as things stand right now.
Well, the first week of the MLB season has ended. There have been some dominant performances, and some of the teams that we expected to perform well have struggled out of the gate. It has been the typical opening week.
It is also important to avoid reading too much into the first week of the season. Players are still getting used to being on the field for a full game, and pitchers are not yet pitching as deep into a game as they would be. Likewise, if a team was to struggle in the middle of the season, it would not be nearly as noticeable as it is at the start of the season.
However, even in the first week, there are still things to pay attention to, and trends that could be concerning. For those teams and players doing well, that hot start could well be a springboard to a surprising season.
With the first week in the books, let us take a trip around the game. Here are the MLB power rankings as we head into the second week of the season.
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
San Diego Padres
Last week: 3-4 recordLast rank: 30
The San Diego Padres were surprisingly competitive with a 3-4 record, but two of those wins were by one run. With the worst run differential in the game, -17, the bottom is likely to fall out soon.29
Milwaukee Brewers
Last week: 2-5 recordLast rank: 26
Losing Junior Guerra three innings into his first start hurts. On the plus side, Eric Thames has been exactly what the Brewers hoped for, showing that his incredible production may translate to the Majors.28
Atlanta Braves
Last week: 1-5 recordLast rank: 23
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Aside from Freddie Freeman, no one on the Braves offense scares anyone. Julio Teheran has yet to allow an earned run in 13 innings, and has nothing to show for it. Looks like 2016 again.27
Cincinnati Reds
Last week: 4-2 recordLast rank: 29
Remember when the Reds indicated that they were considering a four man rotation at closer? Just one week into the season, and it looks as though Raisel Iglesias has that role for himself. Nonetheless, this could be a solid bullpen.26
Chicago White Sox
Last week: 2-3 recordLast rank: 28
Well, one week into the season, and Jose Quintana is still int he White Sox rotation. Meanwhile, Michael Kopech was dominant in his first outing, striking out 10 in 4.1 innings in his debut at AA. Does Chicago have that future ace?Next: Moving back, surging ahead
Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Athletics
Last week: 3-4 recordLast rank: 25
The A's rotation was going to be a question mark until Sonny Gray returned, and they are already making moves. Raul Alcantara is out, and Jesse Hahn is back. If Hahn can perform like he did in his relief stint, he may be ready to break out.24
Minnesota Twins
Last week: 5-1 recordLast rank: 27
If the first week is any indication, 2016 was the fluke for the Minnesota Twins. a solid start to the year, and an opening series sweep, has the Twins hopeful for this season. Now, they just need to get Byron Buxton on track23
Kansas City Royals
Last week: 2-4 recordLast rank: 16
Herostratus sought infamy by burning the Temple of Artemis, in hopes that his name would live on forever. Instead, it was decreed that he would never be mentioned again, and his name was striken from all official records. Let us hope that the Royals do not need to take such action against Matt Strahm, their own arsonist on the mound.22
Los Angeles Angels
Last week: 5-2 recordLast rank: 22
The Angels may have dodged a bullet with Garrett Richards, but the health of his elbow bears watching. After a promising first week, if Richards can stay healthy, Los Angeles could end up sneaking into postseason contention.21
Arizona Diamondbacks
Last week: 6-1 recordLast rank: 24
Guess who has the best record after the first week in the MLB? That's right – the Arizona Diamondbacks. Shelby Miller looked useful, and Patrick Corbin had a solid performance against the Indians. Could this be what Dave Stewart thought he had last year?Next: Slow starts and an injury concern
Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Orioles
Last week: 4-1 recordLast rank: 21
The Orioles may have been 4-1 last week, but Zach Britton was hardly dominant. He may not have given up a run, but eight baserunners in five innings is not exactly what the Orioles hoped for from their lights out closer.19
New York Yankees
Last week: 2-4 recordLast rank: 14
Gary Sanchez is on the disabled list. It took until Sunday for a starter to pitch into the sixth. And Dellin Betances has been hittable thus far. If this is a sign of things to come, the Yankees are in some serious trouble.18
Philadelphia Phillies
Last week: 3-3 recordLast rank: 20
The Phillies started off hot last season as well before collapsing as soon as the calendar flipped to May. However, with the young talent ready to contribute at the Major League level, 2017 may not be a repeat of last year.17
Miami Marlins
Last week: 3-3 recordLast rank: 17
Last year was considered to be the breakout for J.T. Realmuto. However, after one week, he is currently leading the Marlins in virtually every offensive category. It won't last, but Realmuto may be taking another step in his development.16
Colorado Rockies
Last week: 5-2 recordLast rank: 19
The Rockies may have actually built a legitimate pitching staff. After the first week, including three games against the Dodgers at Coors Field, Colorado has a 3.40 ERA. That development has taken away from Mark Reynolds surprising start to the season, as he is absolutely raking right now.Next: Hanging around the periphery
Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Tigers
Last week: 3-2 recordLast rank: 15
The Tigers were heading into the 2017 in a state of flux. With an aging roster and a window of opportunity that is seemingly closing, they were hoping for clarity one way or the other. If the first week is any indication, they may hover around .500, making that decision even tougher.14
Tampa Bay Rays
Last week: 5-2 recordLast rank: 18
The Rays were returning to their old philosophy of speed and defense. Mallex Smith, who personifies that plan, has been excellent thus far in Tampa Bay. Add in Chris Archer looking like an ace again, and the Rays could be dangerous.13
Texas Rangers
Last week: 2-4 recordLast rank: 11
The Rangers were swept by the Indians, then took two of three from Oakland. While the focus may be on Rougned Odor hitting three home runs, Joey Gallo continues to do Joey Gallo things. He homered twice in his 23 plate appearances, and has struck out nine times. Chris Carter thinks that Gallo has contact problems.12
St. Louis Cardinals
Last week: 2-4 recordLast rank: 10
The highlight of the week involved a ball that got stuck to Yadier Molina's chest protector. One has to wonder exactly what was on that ball in order for it to stay there as though it was a dart. It was certainly suspicious, and no one would have faulted the umpire for checking Brett Cecil for foreign substances.11
Pittsburgh Pirates
Last week: 3-2 recordLast rank: 13
Ivan Nova and Jameson Taillon have been exactly what the Pirates hoped for. Once they get Gerrit Cole on track, the Pirates rotation could be on their way to being one of the best in the Central. If only they could find the real Andrew McCutchen again….Next: With October aspirations
Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Mariners
Last week: 1-6 recordLast rank: 9
This start was about the worst case scenario for the Mariners. Jean Segura is the only player hitting. The bullpen has been enough of a disaster that FEMA was called in. It is just one week, but this was Jerry DiPoto's worst nightmare.9
Toronto Blue Jays
Last week: 1-5 recordLast rank: 12
This was a horrendous week for the Blue Jays. And yet, they showed signs of fight, literally, against the Rays. Personally, I'm thinking that scuffle wakes them up, much like a dustup last year set Toronto in motion. If not, the free fall begins next week.8
San Francisco Giants
Last week: 2-5 recordLast rank: 7
The positive: Madison Bumgarner became the only pitcher to hit two homers on Opening Day. The negative: the Giants still have major holes in the rotation. What would be a good ending for Bumgarner and Cueto, then pray for….7
Washington Nationals
Last week: 3-3 recordLast rank: 5
Holy Aesop! That's Jeremy Guthrie's music!!!! Or, at least, it was. His introduction song hadn't ended before he was pummeled for ten runs in just two outs. At least J-Guts made history on the mound, albeit not the way he wanted.6
Houston Astros
Last week: 4-3 recordLast rank: 8
George Springer has been a revelation in the leadoff role, while becoming the first player since 2007 to hit a walkoff and a leadoff homer in back to back games. If they can get Collin McHugh healthy, the Astros could be ready to take over the West.Next: The cream of the crop
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Indians
Last week: 3-3 recordLast rank: 4
Any team can go through a rough stretch, but being swept by the Diamondbacks, especially when Shelby Miller and Patrick Corbin are on the mound, has to be tough to take. They should still be right there in October, but no one could have seen that coming.4
New York Mets
Last week: 3-3 recordLast rank: 6
At this point in time, the Mets may be calling Doc Gooden and Ron Darling to take a turn on the mound, given the status of their rotation. Even the Mets depth needs additional depth at this point.3
Los Angeles Dodgers
Last week: 4-3 recordLast rank: 3
The Dodgers have the second best run differential in the league at +18, but are just 4-3. This is due to their struggles against lefties, but if their performance against Tyler Anderson can be believed, those struggles may be ending.2
Boston Red Sox
Last week: 3-2 recordLast rank: 2
Right now, the only thing that could stop the Red Sox has been the flu. The bug has run rampant through the clubhouse, and even found its way into the broadcast booth. Anyone know if Dunkin' Donuts helps hydrate?Next: Jeremy Guthrie's awful day1
Chicago Cubs
Last week: 4-2 recordLast rank: 1
Unless the Cubs are sitting under .500 when May rolls around, there is no reason to assume they will not be playing in the postseason. They may even be deeper than they were last season, as Theo Epstein is looking to build a dynasty.
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