https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31208667/mlb-power-rankings-week-1-biggest-risers-fallers-first-week-seasonInteresting look at the power rankings so far. I saw several things noteworthy.
The rangers are ranked 28 out of 30 in these rankings despite having a .500 ranking. If they win the series against the Padres this weekend, I bet they move up 5 slots.
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Texas doesn't have much going on the mound, as evidenced by the whopping 38 runs given up in the first five games of the season. The Rangers have been slightly better at the plate, but they're not good enough to outslug teams -- which is exactly what they'll need to do to win games. -- Rogers
Minnesota : #4 overall
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So far, so good: The Twins have averaged more than six runs per game. The best thing about it is that through Tuesday, only 39% of their runs had come via the long ball, down from 49% last season and 51% the season before. With Byron Buxton breaking out and contact hitters Luis Arraez, Willians Astudillo and Andrelton Simmons all off to fast starts, this is a more balanced Twins attack. Oh, and Nelson Cruz just doesn't age. This should not be possible, but his bat looks as quick as ever. Upper 90s, up in the zone? No problem. Cruz has a 3.500 OPS on those so far. He's almost 41 years old! -- Doolittle
It's nice to see a team not play banister meathead baseball and be rewarded for it. I'm still mad at JD for not fighting harder to keep Nelson Cruz.
Cincinnati: #19 overall
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The Reds might be the biggest early surprise in all of baseball. They looked awful in spring training, but their offense has come alive this month. It's a year later than many predicted, as they're being led by a couple of newer players in right fielder Nick Castellanos (second year with the team) and left fielder Tyler Naquin (first year). Naquin has already reached his 2020 home run total, hitting four in the team's first six games. The Reds might not have staying power on the mound, but right now they are the cream of the NL Central. -- Rogers
Last year, many ranger fans like myself were dying to see the team make some moves to upgrade the offense. For about 2 months castellanos was the most notable guy out there and JD probably could've got him or he tried. We have Nate Lowe and so far the guy is carrying his weight. It will be interesting to compare the trajectories of both Castellanos and Lowe going forward.
Oakland : #18 overall
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The A's have so many questions that will factor into whether they can legitimately contend for a playoff spot. Can Elvis Andrus adequately replace Marcus Semien? Will they find a pitcher to be a consistent ace at the top of the rotation? Maybe the biggest will be whether both Matt Olson and Matt Chapman can have bounce-back seasons after down years in 2020. -- Lee
Yes you read that right. The 1-5 Oakland A's are still ranked way ahead of us. It will be interesting to see if former rangers Elvis and Mitch can get it together there.
These rankings are still heavily weighted by both spring training and the moves made in the preseason ( or lack there of) by some teams.