Major League Baseball
Power Rankings
Breaking down the post-season pecking order
By Jesse Campigotto
Last updated Oct. 4, 2009
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1. NEW YORK YANKEES
Record: 103-59 (Won AL East) Run differential: +162 Last 10: 7-3 Rotation a worry, but will be prohibitive favourites against winner of Detroit-Minnesota playoff game. |
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2. BOSTON RED SOX
Record: 95-67 (AL Wildcard, 2nd in AL East) Run differential: +136 Last 10: 4-6 9-1 in last 3 post-season series against Angels. |
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3. LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Record: 97-65 (Won AL West) Run differential: +122 Last 10: 7-3 Red Sox have owned them in playoffs, but Angels won season series 5-4. |
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4. LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Record: 95-67 (Won NL West) Run differential: +169 Last 10: 4-6 Best run diff in baseball, but looked vulnerable down the stretch and went 2-5 against first-round opponent St. Louis. |
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5. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Record: 91-71 (Won NL Central) Run differential: +90 Last 10: 2-8 Don't count out a team with Carpenter, Wainwright topping rotation and Pujols, Holliday anchoring batting order. |
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6. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Record: 93-69 (Won NL East) Run differential: +111 Last 10: 4-6 Can they defend their world title with 2009 Brad Lidge (MLB-leading 11 blown saves) as their closer? |
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7. COLORARO ROCKIES
Record: 92-70 (NL Wildcard, 2nd in NL West) Run differential: +89 Last 10: 6-4 Terrific turnaround from 20-32 start; just 2 years removed from stunning NL pennant. |
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8. MINNESOTA TWINS
Record: 86-76 (T-1st in AL Central) Run differential: +51 Last 10: 7-3 Excellent home record, Detroit's poor road record give Twins the edge for Tuesday's 1-game playoff at Metrodome. |
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9. DETROIT TIGERS
Record: 86-76 (T-1st in AL Central) Run differential: -1 Last 10: 4-6 Rookie starter Porcello (14-9) gives them puncher's chance against surging Twins. |