Power Numbers: Red Sox rising
Each week during the regular season, I will rank the 10 best teams – and the five worst teams – in the major leagues. I will also single out a team that is on the rise and a team that is on the decline.
Team records are through April 18.
THE TOP 10
1.Boston Red Sox (8-5) – They're starting to get hot, having won five straight. Manny Ramirez came alive on Saturday and now has hit four homers in the last three games. Tim Wakefield (2-0, 1.37) and Matt Clement (1-0, 3.12) have been the most solid starters so far.
2.St. Louis Cardinals (7-4) – The offense has been fairly quiet. As the temperature heats up, their bats will heat up as well. Scott Rolen, as expected, broke out with a good series in last weekend's sweep at Milwaukee.
3.Los Angeles Dodgers (10-2) – They're off to a good start in the NL West with Barry Bonds out of the picture in San Francisco. They have a nice, balanced lineup led by Jeff Kent, who's hitting .370 with four home runs and 13 RBIs. Odalis Perez (3-0, 2.04 ERA) and Jeff Weaver (2-0) have been impressive.
4.New York Yankees (5-8) – As Tampa Bay found out Monday, it's tough to keep this lineup down. The pitching surprisingly has been sub-par. You almost have to guarantee that there'll be better performances with guys like Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina in the rotation.
5.Minnesota Twins (8-5) – Offensively, they're capable of doing more than they've done so far, and they're where they are right now because of the pitching. Cy Young winner Johan Santana is 3-0.
6.Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (7-6) – There's just too much talent on this team to ignore. Vladimir Guerrero (.327) is starting to catch fire.
7.Atlanta Braves (6-6) – John Smoltz is winless in three starts but that will definitely change. He's too competitive not to succeed. Chipper Jones (.380) is the only hot bat. Rafael Furcal (.190) and Andruw Jones (.204) have to pick it up.
8.Chicago White Sox (9-4) – They've gotten some nice outings from Mark Buehrle (2-1, 2.25) and Freddy Garcia (1-1, 3.43). Their offense has won some games playing small ball, although six of Paul Konerko's 11 hits have been home runs.
9.Baltimore Orioles (8-5) – They looked impressive in sweeping the Yankees. They've gotten good pitching from Rodrigo Lopez (2-0, 2.66) and B.J. Ryan (two saves). Their offense has been huge behind Brian Roberts (.434, five HRs, 14 RBIs) and Miguel Tejada (.373, three HRs, 18 RBIs).
10.Florida Marlins (7-6) – Mike Lowell (.173) is the lone guy struggling in the lineup. With a majors-best 1.72 team ERA, it's amazing the Marlins haven't won more games.
ON THE RISE
Washington Nationals (8-5) – They've gotten a spark from playing in D.C. with all of the hype and excitement. Veterans Vinny Castilla (.436, three HRs) and Jose Guillen (.321, five HRs) have provided the power. Closer Chad Cordero is 2-0 with two saves and a 1.17 ERA.
ON THE DECLINE
Houston Astros (5-7) – Their staff ERA (3.02) is second in the NL and they're hitting. They're just not scoring any runs, managing just 44 in 12 games.
THE BOTTOM FIVE
26.Cleveland Indians (6-7) – Although they've had adequate pitching, the offense has been way down hitting a majors-worst .220. They need more out of Victor Martinez (.167) and Aaron Boone (.116).
27.Kansas City Royals (4-9) – Mike Sweeney (.296) is doing all he can to carry the whole load offensively. The Royals' 5.37 ERA isn't helping matters.
28.Pittsburgh Pirates (4-9) – Before the season, I knew they would be lacking power. Jason Bay is their only power source. General manager Dave Littlefield would like to acquire another big bat, but the Pirates need more than one.
29.Tampa Bay Devil Rays (4-9) – At least second baseman Jorge Cantu (.321) is a bright spot.
30.Colorado Rockies (2-10) – They're hitting .285 as a team, but their staff ERA is the worst in the big leagues at 7.45. It's hard to win while giving up seven earned runs a game.
