GW’s MLB Power Ratings (Week 10):
1. Dodgers (2): Team issues aside, it’s good to see Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda out of the hospital and back in his element, watching his beloved Bums play ball at Dodger Stadium.
2. Rangers (1): No disrespect to their Texas-rival Astros, but the Rangers are really looking forward to welcoming the longtime NL team to the AL West next season. The Rangers have won their annual Interleague Series six straight years.
3. Angels (3): A one-hitter by Ervin Santana over the D-Backs bodes well for the Angels in their pursuit of the Rangers in the AL West.
4. Giants (4): This is shaping up to be another battle royal right down to the finish line between bitter rivals SF and LA, who just happen to end the regular season with a three-game series at Dodger Stadium. That will be fun. Also, here’s a tip of the GolfersWest cap to Matt Cain on his perfecto.
5. Diamondbacks (5): If Josh Collmenter can take his success out of the BP (1.53 ERA) into the rotation (9.82 ERA in four starts), the reigning NL West champs could make some noise the second half of the regular season.
6. Rockies (7): Versatile Chris Nelson has the talent to warrant a regular position in the Rockies infield, except for shortstop, of course.
7. Athletics (8): So much for that highly-anticipated middle of the lineup featuring Manny Ramirez. Apparently, his patience with the offense-challenged A’s got the best of him and he returned to the unemployed roster.
8. Padres (9): Their three-game sweep of the hapless Mariners at Safeco Field lifted the hapless Pads out of the GW Power Ratings basement for the first time this season.
9. Mariners (6): Kudos to the six pitcher no-hitter against the Dodgers, but can’t you imagine how many no-no games the staff could pitch if they faced the Seattle lineup regularly. It’s kind of scary, eh?
(Last Week’s rating in parenthesis)