Early Season MLB Rankings - Pretenders/Contenders

[Tanko]

OK guys/gals. We are a week into the new season. Most team's pitching staff have started or are about to start on their 2nd rotation. Its a small sample of games but, who do we believe is currently a front running pretender and who is a surprise contender with staying power so far?????

What teams surprise you?

MLB Power Rankings: Which teams have made the biggest jumps since Opening Day?

Here's how all 30 clubs measure up one week into the new season.

www.espn.com

 

[parrothead]

The more I watch the White Sox the more I like them. I think they will be a contender long-term the season

 

[Tanko]

The more I watch the White Sox the more I like them. I think they will be a contender long-term the season

I agree. The sox are for real. I've made a few $ on them so far. They are possible ALSC contentders.

 

[biggins]

Angels and Astros low octane offense. Good pitching good Under teams

 

[Tanko]

Angels and Astros low octane offense. Good pitching good Under teams

Houston sucking at the plate 0.218 batting so far. 19th in league. I think last year they were #1 for the season.

I love their pitching especially w/ Verlander (hope he's healthy). They replaced Correa and Springer with McCormick/Siri and Pena. Those guys will need to really pick it up if Houston is going to be in top 10 hitting.

 

[Tanko]

Two teams stand out to me. Its early though.

Cleveland - Leading the AL Central at 4-2.
This is surprising since I do not believe they will compete for the playoffs. They've had 4 games against what I consider a poor team (Royals). They actually lost two of those games so it speaks to how strong they are NOT.

Colorado - Leading the NL West at 4-1.
OK this is surprising. I did not think they would compete against the killers of the West (Giants, Dodgers) but, they won the opening seasons series against the Dodgers and they look pretty good. Maybe they make a run at the Div title.


The only team I see that is performing well below are the Tigers. I think this team will make a run for the playoffs. They have good coaching and have developed their younger players.

 

[Shortstop]

FWIW, I’m predicting this World Series matchup;

The Chicago White Sox/St. Louis Cardinals ⚾️

 

[Tanko]

Sox I could see. Cardinals... Might be a stretch. Is the Cardinals a pick based on gut feeling or actual strength of the team?

I have the Brewers winning that division.
Good luck though.

 

[Shortstop]

Sox I could see. Cardinals... Might be a stretch. Is the Cardinals a pick based on gut feeling or actual strength of the team?

I have the Brewers winning that division.
Good luck though.

I’ve never liked Craig Counsell as a Manager.

 

[teacher10]

If the Mets bullpen comes together they have a real shot of getting to the WS. Their starting rotation is legit even without Degrom.

 

[Tanko]

If the Mets bullpen comes together they have a real shot of getting to the WS. Their starting rotation is legit even without Degrom.

Mets will give Atlanta a run for their money in that division.

 

[Enikk]

If the Mets bullpen comes together they have a real shot of getting to the WS. Their starting rotation is legit even without Degrom.

The East is nasty. If phils got another starter and another relief and Hand has done what he has in the past than look out with those hitters. Braves and Mets stacked. I think it is going to be one of the more interesting seasons and MLB gets some interest back