Article:MLB Powerless Rankings (5/3/08)

We all know and love (or possibly hate) the phenomenon known as Power Rankings. They provide just about anyone an opportunity to give their opinion on who the best teams are each week in any given league. But don’t we owe it to ourselves to know who the bad teams are as well? Sport Crack is proud to present a new weekly feature: The Powerless Rankings!

This week showed a bit of promise for everyone, without their really being a unanimous number one worst team in the league. The Nationals have actually started to win some ball games and have climbed out from the #1 spot. There’s been a lot of fluxuation these last couple weeks but we’re starting to see the same familiar logos litter the dregs of the league standings. As always, feel free to disagree vehemently in the comments and bon appetit!

26. Colorado Rockies (11-17, LW: NR)

The Rockies have lost six of their last seven and are looking like they are having a serious World Series hangover. I know it’s only May but come on guys, you won the NL last year -- start looking like it.

Prognosis: With rumors that shortstop Troy Tulowitzki may be out til the All Star break, the Rockies look prepared to get quite comfortable down here in the cellar.

27. Washington Nationals (12-18, LW: 30)

Have the Nationals finally awaken from their slumber? They’ve went 6-2 in their last eight games and that record includes wins over the Braves, Pirates and Cubs. Welcome to the 2008 season fellas, glad to see you decided to show up.

Prognosis: If they keep playing like they have been, they might just turn things around. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though.

28. Cincinnati Reds (12-18, LW: 26)

I stated last week that the Reds would be extremely lucky to win three of their next six games for the upcoming week. They proved me wrong and won three games but they were just shut out by the Braves a few moments ago. They’ve still got a long ways to go to get out of the cellar.

Prognosis: Two games with the Braves followed by three with the Cubs. If they take three out of those five I personally promise I will take them out of the bottom five.

29. Kansas City Royals (12-16, LW: 28)

They took two out of three from a Toronto (who I don’t quite know what to make of them just yet) but then dropped two out of three to the Rangers. Absolutely mediocre.

Prognosis: Let’s see how they fare in a three game set against the Angels starting next Monday.

30. San Diego Padres (11-19, LW: 27)

It’s amazed me how there has been such a unanimous worst team each week so far this season (at least in my mind). This week it was easily the San Diego Padres who dropped five of seven and don’t look they have many wins in their future.

Prognosis: They’re offense needs to get going or their pitching, which has been so strong this season, will all be for naught.

Mediocre mentions: Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates

UPDATE: In a new feature that will now be a part of the Powerless Rankings, we will lighten up the dreary mood of having so many bad teams in here with rankings of the opposite side of the spectrum. Nothing too detailed, just a look at the Top 5 teams in the MLB for that week.

POWERFUL RANKINGS

1. Arizona Diamondbacks (20-8)

Most pleasant surprise of the season. They've consistently been the best team in the league since the day the season began.

2. St. Louis Cardinals (18-11)

Just the same old, same old for the Cardinals. Per usual, expect them to stay near the top for the majority of the season.

3. Oakland Athletics (18-12)

The Athletics have also been consistent contenders year in and year out. All they need to do is get over that hump that is the divisional playoff round.

4. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (18-12)

Even though they have a location identity crisis, the Angels lineup is one of the most lethal in baseball. If they can keep getting a solid outing from it's pitching staff, they should have no problem contending this year.

5. Chicago Cubs (17-11)

Is the 100th year a charm? I guess we'll soon see.

Honorable mentions: Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Marlins