As Major League Baseball continues interleague play, it’s seems that the American League continues to hold an advantage over National League clubs. A few theories mentioned over the years include how it’s difficult for NL teams to adjust to using the designated hitter, the higher total payroll in the AL compared to the NL despite having two less teams, or that there is just better talent being produced in American League farm systems. The one team attempting to combat these disadvantages is the Philadelphia Phillies, who sport a payroll just under $173 million – second to that of the New York Yankees (roughly $202.7 million). They also have a potential future DH in Ryan Howard who has played the position before along with arguably the best pitching staff in baseball. When considering these factors and the continued success of the fightin’ Phils, it’s difficult to argue against placing them in the top spot this week in the power rankings.
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Philadelphia Phillies – Oswalt done until August; I guess that’s what Cliff, Doc and Cole are for.
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Boston Red Sox – Slumping a bit, but their performance against top teams puts them at two.
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New York Yankees – Offense only second to the Sox; pitching coming along as well.
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Tampa Bay Rays – Read hot, best road record in MLB, great pitching…but victim of AL East.
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Milwaukee Brewers – Surviving rough interleague stretch; haven’t lost consecutive home games.
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San Francisco Giants – Feels like in every Giant highlight, the beard is closing it down.
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Atlanta Braves – Pitching is this team’s M.O.; get a nice shot in the arm with Beachy back.
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Arizona Diamondbacks – One of the best 1-2 pitching combos in Kennedy and Hudson.
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Detroit Tigers – Have surpassed the Indians and have one of the best offenses in baseball.
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Texas Rangers – Leading the way in a weak AL West; offense keeping them afloat.
On the bubble: Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates