Post by Ken Rosenthal on May 9, 2016 10:45:29 GMT -5
NEW YORK - Ken Rosenthal here, bringing you all the action from Week 5 around the league.
We saw our pool of undefeated teams cut in half in Week 5, as both the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks lost their first games of the season. There were also a few surprises as well, headlined by New York's win of the Baltimore Orioles, making the AL Central race all the more interesting early on. Perhaps the greatest trend to date: the fact that the league power has completely, utterly, and entirely shifted from the American League to the National League. 10 of the league's top 15 scoring teams are from the NL.
So as always, take a seat, grab a snack, and enjoy some (occasionally very) opinionated writing about your team. Previous rankings will be noted in parenthesis.
Group 5: The Next Year's Draft Prospects Fan Club
#30: Toronto Blue Jays (0-5)
In this weeks edition of who's on the block in Toronto, we turn to Mallex Smith (now that Chase Utley has been traded to Washington). The outfielder managed 13.5 points during the week, much due to the one home run he managed. On a serious note, who saw an attempted trade for Felix Hernandez and Edwin Encarnacion coming from Toronto? Not I.
#29: New York Mets (0-5)
The Mets highest scoring player for the week was a reliever named Christian Bergman who pitched a couple innings and ended up with a win. If that doesn't give you a picture of how bad things are in New York right now, I'm not quite sure what will.
#28: St. Louis Cardinals (0-5)
If you glance to the left, the Committee of One would like to point out that Clayton Kershaw currently sits 3rd in the Cy Young race with 152.9 points. That's the difference between a team like the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers right now. St. Louis will certainly have callers on their ace throughout the summer.
#27(26): Cleveland Indians (1-4)
Cleveland actually put up a reasonably respectable showing against the Los Angeles Angels... but ultimately and obviously, they're not as good. At a position without much depth, Ian Kinsler played great this past week with 29.5 points. He's another potential trade candidate as the season rolls on.
#26(27): Atlanta Braves (1-4)
Atlanta managed to come up with a win at last, albeit against the New York Mets. But a wins a win, and Atlanta will have to take it in an ultra-competitive National League. Hats off to outfielder Adam Duvall (haven't heard of him?... I honestly hadn't either) who hit an impressive four home runs during the week.
#25: Chicago White Sox (2-3)
Chicago nearly pulled off the upset over Seattle to stay within a game of the Minnesota Twins near the top of the division, but lost despite 41.6 points from starter Collin McHugh. Don't count out the White Sox though. This is a young team with potential to get better as the season goes, and they may be the best challenger to Minnesota for the Central Division.
#24(22): Pittsburgh Pirates (1-4)
After watching this past week, the Committee of One is becoming convinced that there isn't room for a team like the Pittsburgh Pirates to compete in the National League this season. Pittsburgh gets a potential win against St. Louis next week, but then plays Milwaukee, Houston, Chicago, and Cincinnati in succession. We're probably looking at a 2-8 team come Week 11.
#23(24): San Francisco Giants (1-4)
San Francisco doesn't really need to rush this rebuild, as it's apparent the field will be difficult this season. Take the near-victory against Los Angeles as a positive sign. Newcomer George Springer was terrific with 34.5 points...as he swiftly earns the adoration of his new fans from the Bay Area.
Group 4: The So-So's... The Not-so-great's... the Okay's
#22(20): Boston Red Sox (2-3)
The Committee of One feels bad that it has to move Boston down a couple of places after their victory across the border. However, the Red Sox only managed 200 points to Toronto's 38, hardly a statement win. Beat Tampa Bay next week Boston... then the Committee will give you some love.
#21(23): Kansas City Royals (1-4)
The Royals lost the game against Texas, but scored enough points that they would have beaten every other team in the American League this week, an encouraging sign for a team that sits three games back of Minnesota in the AL Central. Second baseman Brandon Phillips mashed 5 home runs for 45 points to top Adam Duvall... who I still don't really know anything about.
#20(19): Colorado Rockies (2-3)
Colorado made it interesting against Miami, but the Marlins eventually blew them out during the weekend. Outfielder Stephen Piscotty, a personal favorite, managed four multi-hit games during the week, bringing his batting average to a terrific .323. Much like San Francisco, the Rockies merely need to bide their time this season while their young talent gets better.
#19(18): Detroit Tigers (1-4)
Detroit certainly had their chance against the Rays, but lost a nail-bitter that sunk them to 1-4 on the season thus far. Brandon Belt is quietly having a great season, hitting .327 with 4 home runs and 21 RBI's. Detroit plays a pivotal game next week against a streaking team from the Bronx.
#18(21): New York Yankees (2-3)
Few saw the Yankees win over the division-leading Orioles coming in Week 5, but it happened and New York now sits just a game back of both Tampa Bay and Baltimore in the early stages of the season. The MVP of the week for the Yanks? Ben Zobrist. The guy who plays everywhere had three 10+ points days and wowed with 15 RBI's.
Group 3: The possible playoff participants
#17: Los Angeles Dodgers (3-2)
The Committee of One is hesitant to move the Dodgers up much, well aware of their ranking of 17th for points scored compared to the rest of the league. The Dodgers are a team I'd like to see make a couple of moves to compete. Perhaps Seattle and Los Angeles could be the perfect trading partners?
#16(13): Oakland Athletics (3-2)
Oakland followed up a win against Baltimore with a disappointing loss to Minnesota. The Athletics play Kansas City next week (who suddenly looks like more of a tough out), then a rematch with the Twins. The schedule doesn't look too favorable for Oakland... which could be a cause for concern in a tough division. The Athletics don't want to be team number 7 in the AL come September.
#15(16): Seattle Mariners (4-1)
Enjoy this ranking while it's there Mariners fans, because Seattle is heavily shopping star first baseman Edwin Encarnacion and ace Felix Hernandez (who's been with the team... since the leagues started I believe). The Mariners are currently in fire sale mode despite their early season success. Another win against Cleveland is likely for this week, however.
#14(15): Cincinnati Reds (2-3)
Cincinnati is slowly beginning to creep back up the power rankings as they won their second straight in Week 5. The forecast? Milwaukee, Houston, Chicago. The NL Central is brutal. Hopefully Cincinnati won't repeat their shortcomings in the first three weeks of the season, where they lost to all three of those teams.
#13(14): Minnesota Twins (4-1)
The Twins are quietly having a great season, much like second baseman Daniel Murphy is quietly having a great season as well. Murphy managed 45 points in Week 5 in a huge victory over the Oakland Athletics. The Twins will now move on to play Texas before a re-match with Oakland in Week 7. So far so good in this tough three-week stretch.
Group 2: The Contenders... They're for real
#12(10): Baltimore Orioles (3-2)
To date, no team has likely been more thankful to have a match-up with the Toronto Blue Jays on the schedule for the week than the Baltimore Orioles as we enter Week 6. The Orioles have now lost two in a row after being upset by the Yankees this past week. The O's could use another piece or two to solidify their place in the American League playoff pecking order.
#11: Tampa Bay Rays (3-2)
The Rays came away with a hard-fought victory over the Tigers, with much thanks due to the legendary DH, Big Papi, who two home runs Sunday night to pull Tampa past Detroit. The season has not mirrored last year as much as the Rays would like, but big games against Boston and Baltimore in the coming weeks will be telling.
#10(12): San Diego Padres (3-2)
Well, the Padres panicked early and made a few moves to improve their team... and it seems to have paid off. Kyle Seager came alive with 5 multi-hit days to give him 44 points for the week. The Padres will get another chance to prove themselves against Washington next week, but it's important to remember that this was the consensus #1 at the start of the season.
#9: Miami Marlins (3-2)
It must be nice to be elsewhere watching the Phillies and Nationals play each other... as the game gave Miami a boost right back into the thick of the NL East race to start the season. The Marlins are enjoying a phenomenal start to the season by outfielder Christian Yelich (.340, 4, 16, 2) and will enjoy playing the Rockies for the second week in a row in Week 6.
#8(6): Washington Nationals (4-1)
Washington is no longer undefeated, thanks to an extremely painful two point loss to the Phillies in a much anticipated battle at the top of the division. The Nationals have been somewhat of a surprise this season and have given signs that they're able to compete with just about anybody this year. They'll have a great chance to do just that against San Diego and Arizona in the coming weeks.
#7(8): Texas Rangers (4-1)
The Defending-Champs (hey... I get to say it until someone else wins, right?) were by far the highest scoring team in the American League in Week 5, shooting them up to 7th in points scored. The re-emergence of Robinson Cano has perhaps been the best news so far for Texas. He's currently 5th in the MVP race with 161.5 points. The question is: will he maintain this level of play all season?
#6(7): Milwaukee Brewers (4-1)
The Brewers picked up a huge victory over Chicago this past week, pushing them to 4-1. Few teams get as much production as Milwaukee does from their catcher, as Jonathan Lucroy hit his way to 45 points for the week. The veteran currently has a line of .327, 3, and 13... with all three of home runs coming this past week.
Group 1: The Best of the Best
#5(4): Chicago Cubs (3-2)
If there's a team that needs to go after Felix Hernandez and/or Edwin Encarnacion, it's the Chicago Cubs. They have the farm to acquire them, the cap space to pay for them, and the need to employ them. The Cubs fell to Milwaukee in Week 5, and now play the best team in baseball so far from Houston. Make a move Chicago!
#4(2): Arizona D'backs (4-1)
Like Washington, Arizona lost their first game of the season... similarly bitterly at the hands of a huge division rival. 212 points is uncharacteristic of the D'backs, and they'll have to avoid such low numbers in Weeks 6 and 7 against Philadelphia and Washington or they will most certainly be 4-3.
#3: Philadelphia Phillies (4-1)
The Phillies got a... HUGE... win to knock off the previously undefeated Washington Nationals. Somewhat newly acquired first baseman Jose Abreu came up big with 33 points, but it was a team effort that squeaked out a two point win for the Phils. The team sent heralded prospect Byron Buxton to Houston in order to improve the team's championship run this season. It's a big price to pay. But each team is trying to win a championship right?
#2(5): Houston Astros (5-0)
The Committee decided it's time to give Houston the respect it deserves after a 250 points drubbing of the St. Louis Cardinals in Week 5. Jose Quintana has been quite the surprise this season in a dominate Astros rotation. The southpaw is 5-1 with 42 strikeouts, a 1.38 ERA, and a 0.99 WHIP. The Astros get a big game against Chicago this week, and if they win, the Committee vows to deservedly make them the new #1 in Week 6, regardless of the outcome in Los Angeles.
#1: Los Angeles Angels (5-0)
The #1 team's star, Mike Trout, bounced back in a 37-point week amidst a somewhat disappointing start to the season. The Angels schedule isn't all that difficult early on... especially when comparing it to the elite teams from the NL. But hey, here's your #1 team for the week... and for the season so far folks.
Biggest +: Astors/Yankees +3
Biggest -: Athletics -3
Week 6 GoTW: Reds vs. Brewers
Week 6 Match-ups & The Committee's Predictions (in bold)
Rockies vs. Marlins
Cardinals vs. Pirates
Astros vs. Cubs
Reds vs. Brewers
Dodgers vs. Mets
Giants vs. Braves
Nationals vs. Padres
D'backs vs. Phillies
Mariners vs. Indians
Twins vs. Rangers
Orioles vs. Blue Jays
Rays vs. Red Sox
Yankees vs. Tigers
Angels vs. White Sox
Royals vs. Athletics
The Committee's record:
Wk. 5: 12-3
Overall: 54-21
We saw our pool of undefeated teams cut in half in Week 5, as both the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks lost their first games of the season. There were also a few surprises as well, headlined by New York's win of the Baltimore Orioles, making the AL Central race all the more interesting early on. Perhaps the greatest trend to date: the fact that the league power has completely, utterly, and entirely shifted from the American League to the National League. 10 of the league's top 15 scoring teams are from the NL.
So as always, take a seat, grab a snack, and enjoy some (occasionally very) opinionated writing about your team. Previous rankings will be noted in parenthesis.
Group 5: The Next Year's Draft Prospects Fan Club
#30: Toronto Blue Jays (0-5)
In this weeks edition of who's on the block in Toronto, we turn to Mallex Smith (now that Chase Utley has been traded to Washington). The outfielder managed 13.5 points during the week, much due to the one home run he managed. On a serious note, who saw an attempted trade for Felix Hernandez and Edwin Encarnacion coming from Toronto? Not I.
#29: New York Mets (0-5)
The Mets highest scoring player for the week was a reliever named Christian Bergman who pitched a couple innings and ended up with a win. If that doesn't give you a picture of how bad things are in New York right now, I'm not quite sure what will.
#28: St. Louis Cardinals (0-5)
If you glance to the left, the Committee of One would like to point out that Clayton Kershaw currently sits 3rd in the Cy Young race with 152.9 points. That's the difference between a team like the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers right now. St. Louis will certainly have callers on their ace throughout the summer.
#27(26): Cleveland Indians (1-4)
Cleveland actually put up a reasonably respectable showing against the Los Angeles Angels... but ultimately and obviously, they're not as good. At a position without much depth, Ian Kinsler played great this past week with 29.5 points. He's another potential trade candidate as the season rolls on.
#26(27): Atlanta Braves (1-4)
Atlanta managed to come up with a win at last, albeit against the New York Mets. But a wins a win, and Atlanta will have to take it in an ultra-competitive National League. Hats off to outfielder Adam Duvall (haven't heard of him?... I honestly hadn't either) who hit an impressive four home runs during the week.
#25: Chicago White Sox (2-3)
Chicago nearly pulled off the upset over Seattle to stay within a game of the Minnesota Twins near the top of the division, but lost despite 41.6 points from starter Collin McHugh. Don't count out the White Sox though. This is a young team with potential to get better as the season goes, and they may be the best challenger to Minnesota for the Central Division.
#24(22): Pittsburgh Pirates (1-4)
After watching this past week, the Committee of One is becoming convinced that there isn't room for a team like the Pittsburgh Pirates to compete in the National League this season. Pittsburgh gets a potential win against St. Louis next week, but then plays Milwaukee, Houston, Chicago, and Cincinnati in succession. We're probably looking at a 2-8 team come Week 11.
#23(24): San Francisco Giants (1-4)
San Francisco doesn't really need to rush this rebuild, as it's apparent the field will be difficult this season. Take the near-victory against Los Angeles as a positive sign. Newcomer George Springer was terrific with 34.5 points...as he swiftly earns the adoration of his new fans from the Bay Area.
Group 4: The So-So's... The Not-so-great's... the Okay's
#22(20): Boston Red Sox (2-3)
The Committee of One feels bad that it has to move Boston down a couple of places after their victory across the border. However, the Red Sox only managed 200 points to Toronto's 38, hardly a statement win. Beat Tampa Bay next week Boston... then the Committee will give you some love.
#21(23): Kansas City Royals (1-4)
The Royals lost the game against Texas, but scored enough points that they would have beaten every other team in the American League this week, an encouraging sign for a team that sits three games back of Minnesota in the AL Central. Second baseman Brandon Phillips mashed 5 home runs for 45 points to top Adam Duvall... who I still don't really know anything about.
#20(19): Colorado Rockies (2-3)
Colorado made it interesting against Miami, but the Marlins eventually blew them out during the weekend. Outfielder Stephen Piscotty, a personal favorite, managed four multi-hit games during the week, bringing his batting average to a terrific .323. Much like San Francisco, the Rockies merely need to bide their time this season while their young talent gets better.
#19(18): Detroit Tigers (1-4)
Detroit certainly had their chance against the Rays, but lost a nail-bitter that sunk them to 1-4 on the season thus far. Brandon Belt is quietly having a great season, hitting .327 with 4 home runs and 21 RBI's. Detroit plays a pivotal game next week against a streaking team from the Bronx.
#18(21): New York Yankees (2-3)
Few saw the Yankees win over the division-leading Orioles coming in Week 5, but it happened and New York now sits just a game back of both Tampa Bay and Baltimore in the early stages of the season. The MVP of the week for the Yanks? Ben Zobrist. The guy who plays everywhere had three 10+ points days and wowed with 15 RBI's.
Group 3: The possible playoff participants
#17: Los Angeles Dodgers (3-2)
The Committee of One is hesitant to move the Dodgers up much, well aware of their ranking of 17th for points scored compared to the rest of the league. The Dodgers are a team I'd like to see make a couple of moves to compete. Perhaps Seattle and Los Angeles could be the perfect trading partners?
#16(13): Oakland Athletics (3-2)
Oakland followed up a win against Baltimore with a disappointing loss to Minnesota. The Athletics play Kansas City next week (who suddenly looks like more of a tough out), then a rematch with the Twins. The schedule doesn't look too favorable for Oakland... which could be a cause for concern in a tough division. The Athletics don't want to be team number 7 in the AL come September.
#15(16): Seattle Mariners (4-1)
Enjoy this ranking while it's there Mariners fans, because Seattle is heavily shopping star first baseman Edwin Encarnacion and ace Felix Hernandez (who's been with the team... since the leagues started I believe). The Mariners are currently in fire sale mode despite their early season success. Another win against Cleveland is likely for this week, however.
#14(15): Cincinnati Reds (2-3)
Cincinnati is slowly beginning to creep back up the power rankings as they won their second straight in Week 5. The forecast? Milwaukee, Houston, Chicago. The NL Central is brutal. Hopefully Cincinnati won't repeat their shortcomings in the first three weeks of the season, where they lost to all three of those teams.
#13(14): Minnesota Twins (4-1)
The Twins are quietly having a great season, much like second baseman Daniel Murphy is quietly having a great season as well. Murphy managed 45 points in Week 5 in a huge victory over the Oakland Athletics. The Twins will now move on to play Texas before a re-match with Oakland in Week 7. So far so good in this tough three-week stretch.
Group 2: The Contenders... They're for real
#12(10): Baltimore Orioles (3-2)
To date, no team has likely been more thankful to have a match-up with the Toronto Blue Jays on the schedule for the week than the Baltimore Orioles as we enter Week 6. The Orioles have now lost two in a row after being upset by the Yankees this past week. The O's could use another piece or two to solidify their place in the American League playoff pecking order.
#11: Tampa Bay Rays (3-2)
The Rays came away with a hard-fought victory over the Tigers, with much thanks due to the legendary DH, Big Papi, who two home runs Sunday night to pull Tampa past Detroit. The season has not mirrored last year as much as the Rays would like, but big games against Boston and Baltimore in the coming weeks will be telling.
#10(12): San Diego Padres (3-2)
Well, the Padres panicked early and made a few moves to improve their team... and it seems to have paid off. Kyle Seager came alive with 5 multi-hit days to give him 44 points for the week. The Padres will get another chance to prove themselves against Washington next week, but it's important to remember that this was the consensus #1 at the start of the season.
#9: Miami Marlins (3-2)
It must be nice to be elsewhere watching the Phillies and Nationals play each other... as the game gave Miami a boost right back into the thick of the NL East race to start the season. The Marlins are enjoying a phenomenal start to the season by outfielder Christian Yelich (.340, 4, 16, 2) and will enjoy playing the Rockies for the second week in a row in Week 6.
#8(6): Washington Nationals (4-1)
Washington is no longer undefeated, thanks to an extremely painful two point loss to the Phillies in a much anticipated battle at the top of the division. The Nationals have been somewhat of a surprise this season and have given signs that they're able to compete with just about anybody this year. They'll have a great chance to do just that against San Diego and Arizona in the coming weeks.
#7(8): Texas Rangers (4-1)
The Defending-Champs (hey... I get to say it until someone else wins, right?) were by far the highest scoring team in the American League in Week 5, shooting them up to 7th in points scored. The re-emergence of Robinson Cano has perhaps been the best news so far for Texas. He's currently 5th in the MVP race with 161.5 points. The question is: will he maintain this level of play all season?
#6(7): Milwaukee Brewers (4-1)
The Brewers picked up a huge victory over Chicago this past week, pushing them to 4-1. Few teams get as much production as Milwaukee does from their catcher, as Jonathan Lucroy hit his way to 45 points for the week. The veteran currently has a line of .327, 3, and 13... with all three of home runs coming this past week.
Group 1: The Best of the Best
#5(4): Chicago Cubs (3-2)
If there's a team that needs to go after Felix Hernandez and/or Edwin Encarnacion, it's the Chicago Cubs. They have the farm to acquire them, the cap space to pay for them, and the need to employ them. The Cubs fell to Milwaukee in Week 5, and now play the best team in baseball so far from Houston. Make a move Chicago!
#4(2): Arizona D'backs (4-1)
Like Washington, Arizona lost their first game of the season... similarly bitterly at the hands of a huge division rival. 212 points is uncharacteristic of the D'backs, and they'll have to avoid such low numbers in Weeks 6 and 7 against Philadelphia and Washington or they will most certainly be 4-3.
#3: Philadelphia Phillies (4-1)
The Phillies got a... HUGE... win to knock off the previously undefeated Washington Nationals. Somewhat newly acquired first baseman Jose Abreu came up big with 33 points, but it was a team effort that squeaked out a two point win for the Phils. The team sent heralded prospect Byron Buxton to Houston in order to improve the team's championship run this season. It's a big price to pay. But each team is trying to win a championship right?
#2(5): Houston Astros (5-0)
The Committee decided it's time to give Houston the respect it deserves after a 250 points drubbing of the St. Louis Cardinals in Week 5. Jose Quintana has been quite the surprise this season in a dominate Astros rotation. The southpaw is 5-1 with 42 strikeouts, a 1.38 ERA, and a 0.99 WHIP. The Astros get a big game against Chicago this week, and if they win, the Committee vows to deservedly make them the new #1 in Week 6, regardless of the outcome in Los Angeles.
#1: Los Angeles Angels (5-0)
The #1 team's star, Mike Trout, bounced back in a 37-point week amidst a somewhat disappointing start to the season. The Angels schedule isn't all that difficult early on... especially when comparing it to the elite teams from the NL. But hey, here's your #1 team for the week... and for the season so far folks.
Biggest +: Astors/Yankees +3
Biggest -: Athletics -3
Week 6 GoTW: Reds vs. Brewers
Week 6 Match-ups & The Committee's Predictions (in bold)
Rockies vs. Marlins
Cardinals vs. Pirates
Astros vs. Cubs
Reds vs. Brewers
Dodgers vs. Mets
Giants vs. Braves
Nationals vs. Padres
D'backs vs. Phillies
Mariners vs. Indians
Twins vs. Rangers
Orioles vs. Blue Jays
Rays vs. Red Sox
Yankees vs. Tigers
Angels vs. White Sox
Royals vs. Athletics
The Committee's record:
Wk. 5: 12-3
Overall: 54-21