We continue to wait for things to clear up in the MLB but clarity seems to elude us. The Athletics went on a run that made us scratch our heads. Cincinnati pulled within half a game of the NL Central lead. The Mets and Cardinals look horrific. Arizona and Texas look like they are in control of the West divisions. All we can do is look at the evidence in front of us. Here are the MLB power rankings for week 12.
1. Tampa Bay Rays +/-0
Tampa just does not lose! They have taken seven of the last ten games, and three straight. They won two of three against Texas, then two of four against Oakland. Maybe losing two to Oakland should penalize the Rays, but they are still the top team in the MLB.
2. Atlanta Braves +1
Solidifying their spot atop the NL East, the Braves look like the favorites to represent the NL in the World Series this year. Pitching has been good, second in runs allowed in the NL, and the offense has scored the second most in the NL.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks +2
Not only have they separated themselves a bit from LA, but the Diamondbacks have also solidified themselves as a threat in the NL. They swept the Tigers and split with the Phillies, then bounced back against Cleveland on Friday. The pitching is still the question mark on this young but talented team.
4. Baltimore Orioles +/-0
Excitement is in the air in Baltimore. This team has clearly been better than the Yankees, Jays, and Red Sox. Their only obstacle right now is those pesky Rays.
5. Texas Rangers -3
Texas had a rough week against the Rays and Angels. They still hold a 4.5-game advantage in the AL West though. They have put up a whopping 423 runs scored so far this season while only allowing 279. If they can maintain that margin, they will maintain the division lead.
6. Miami Marlins +4
I still do not believe in this team, but their record is undeniable. The pitching is beat up, which should be the downfall of the Marlins moving forward.
7. Los Angeles Dodgers +/0
Slow and steady wins the race, at least that is what the children’s story says. LA sits three games back from Arizona, but they are staying right there nearby.
8. Los Angeles Angels +4
The Angels make their debut in the top ten after a solid week against Seatle, Texas, and KC. Maybe we will get to see the top international star and the top US star in the playoffs.
9. New York Yankees -3
The Yankees do not look scary this year, except to Yankees fans. When healthy the offense can keep them in games, but the pitching needs some additions before the trade deadline passes.
10. Houston Astros -2
I still think Houston is the best team in the AL West and a top-three team in the AL. They will have to put a couple of good weeks together to climb the standings, but I am more confident about this team than most of the AL teams above them in these rankings.
11. Toronto Blue Jays -2
12. San Francisco Giants +1
13. Minnesota Twins -2
14. Boston Red Sox +/-0
15. Milwaukee Brewers +/-0
16. Philadelphia Phillies +1
17. Cleveland Guardians +1
18. Cincinnati Reds +4
19. San Diego Padres +/-0
20. Seattle Mariners +/-0
21. Pittsburgh Pirates -5
22. Chicago Cubs +1
23. New York Mets -2
24. Chicago White Sox +/-0
25. St. Louis Cardinals +/-0
26. Detroit Tigers +/-0
27. Washington Nationals +/-0
28. Colorado Rockies +/-0
29. Kansas City Royals +/-0
30. Oakland Athletics +/-0
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