National League power rankings
The Major League Baseball season is approaching its quarter-pole, which means it is a great time to take some stock. For a few teams, the season has been a roaring success to this point. For others, managers have already been fired and the next four and a half months are probably going to drag painfully on until it’s time to go golfing.
While we are still a few months away from the July 31 trade deadline, we can start to see who might be a contender and which teams might be selling. In that vein, let’s look at the National League and run down the power rankings, going into the evening of May 17.
15. Milwaukee Brewers (13-25)
The Brewers don’t have the worst roster with stars like Jonathan Lucroy, Ryan Braun and Carlos Gomez, but the club is brutal, getting manager Ron Roenicke fired.
14. Philadelphia Phillies (16-23)
This used to be a great franchise and a proud club. It’s best position player now is Freddy Galvis. These won’t be remembered as glory days.
13. Colorado Rockies (13-21)
It’s the same old story for the Mile High City. All hitting, no pitching and a terrible record. It’s really too bad, because the fans are good.
12. Arizona Diamondbacks (15-21)
Arizona, outside of Paul Goldschmidt, is a nameless, faceless team. There might not be a more forgetting franchise in the league right now.
11. Miami Marlins (16-22)
Mike Redmond was relieved of his duties as manager, allowing for Jeff Conine to be hired. Regardless of the manager, the ample talent must step up for this group.
10. Atlanta Braves (18-19)
Atlanta is without a ton of ability, but is somehow hovering around .500. Give the team a lot of credit, some thought this might be a 95-loss team.
9. Cincinnati Reds (18-20)
The Reds aren’t terrible, but they don’t seem like a team that can go on a prolonged run. Expect them to stay close to even all season.
8. Pittsburgh Pirates (18-20)
The lineup has the makings of a good offense, but the pitching staff is suspect. Somebody needs to take charge and become a legitimate ace.
7. San Diego Padres (19-20)
The Padres remade their entire team in the offseason and are sitting third in the NL West. Still, this could be a team that gels and really takes off.
6. Chicago Cubs (21-16)
The Cubs appear to finally be turning a corner with their young, talented roster. The main question here is whether they can contend with a questionable starting staff.
5. San Francisco Giants (20-18)
The defending champs are having a tough start offensively, but are showing off their customary quality pitching. This team will be in the mix come October.
4. New York Mets (22-16)
After starting red-hot, the Mets have come back to Earth. The pitching will keep New York relevant, but the lineup is mighty suspect.
3. Washington Nationals (22-17)
Washington started poorly, but is 8-2 over its last 10 games. The Nationals are the most talented team in baseball, and it’s starting to show.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (24-13)
The Dodgers appear to be a powerhouse. Imagine how good they are going to be when Clayton Kershaw finally gets on track.
1. St. Louis Cardinals (24-12)
Despite losing Adam Wainwright to a torn Achilles, the Cardinals have the best record in baseball. Some things change, others always stay the same. St. Louis is amazing.
