GW’s MLB Power Ratings (Week 2):
1. Rangers (1): On most teams, a pitcher with 13 walks in 18 innings would raise some red flags, but the powerful Rangers are quite happy with Yu-know-who in the rotation – yes, Yu Darvish.
2. Dodgers (3): As powerfully hot as he’s been, it’s unlikely that Matt Kemp will break either the AL or NL record for most home runs in April. The record is 14, shared by A-Rod (AL) and Albert Pujols (NL).
3. Angels (2): Write this down: Pujols will not hit 14 home runs in April 2012, but the Angels are remaining patient. Same can’t be said of the media.
4. Rockies (4): Kudos and a tip of the GW baseball cap to savvy lefty Jamie Moyer for becoming the oldest pitcher in MLB history to win a game.
5. Diamondbacks (5): Anyone that can pronounce reliever Jonathan Albaladejo’s last name correctly in less than five seconds should get a free ticket to a future D-Backs game.
6. Giants (6): There’s a massive manhunt around the City by the Bay for the real Tim Lincecum – and not the imposter using the right-hander’s name and uniform in three atypical starts (10.54 ERA).
7. Athletics (8): Is it too early in the season to name Bartolo Colon the AL Comeback Player of the Year. He’s pitching like a 20-something year-old.
8. Mariners (7): The other “perfect” thing about Saturday’s rare early-season afternoon game against the White Sox and Philip Humber at Safeco Field was the weather in Seattle.
9. Padres (9): Watching Cameron Maybin leg out another triple at PETCO Park ranks as one of the most anticipated events on any given day. Wins? Well, that’s another thing.
(Last Week’s rating in parenthesis)