MLB Power Rankings, Awards Tracker: Padres rise, but Dodgers stay same
Every Friday, The California Post will power rank MLB’s 30 teams and check in on one intriguing awards race.Here is this week’s edition:1) Dodgers (14-4): There was a lot of movement in this week’s rankings.
But the Dodgers remain firmly entrenched here with a stellar record, MLB’s best early-season offense and a pitching staff that just tortured the Mets in a three-game sweep.(Last week: 1st)2) Braves (12-7): Matt Olson being the Braves’ best hitter so far isn’t a huge surprise.
But Mauricio Dubón, Drake Baldwin and even Dominic Smith also being in that conversation? All signs of what has been an auspicious opening few weeks in Atlanta, even with a bunch of big names still on the IL.(Last week: 4th)3) Yankees (10-9): Two walk-off wins against the Angels saved the Yanks from what could’ve been a disastrous week.
Still, between Jazz Chisholm not appearing to know the rules and a five-game losing streak that included a sweep to the Rays, the Bombers’ hot start has officially ended.(Last week: 2nd)4) Rangers (10-9): It sure looks like the Rangers got the better of the Brandon Nimmo-Marcus Semien trade.
Nimmo is hitting .319 with a team-best .915 OPS in Texas.Semien? Well, we’ll get to the Mets later.
(Last week: 6th)5) Brewers (10-8): Last year, the Brewers were defined by long winning streaks, including their historic 14-game run.This week, they suffered their longest losing skid in almost three years, dropping six in a row before salvaging a series against the Blue Jays.
(Last week: 3rd) 6) Padres (12-6): Things suddenly feel different in San Diego.A seven-game winning streak* that included three walk-off victories will do that.
*It should be noted, however, that four of them came against the Rockies.(Last week: 19th)7) Guardians (11-9): Parker Messick couldn’t complete a no-hitter he took into the ninth Thursday.
But he’s been the biggest early surprise (3-0, 1.05 ERA, 25 Ks) for a Guardians team that keeps finding new ways to win.(L...