Thursday, August 7, 2008

AL Power Rankings, Week 1

1 Wichita Sizzlers

Record (Win %): 26-8 (.765)
Expected Win %: .747
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Coming off a bizarre injury-riddled down year, they've turned it around in a big way. At the moment, they're on pace for 124 wins, which would be a Ryan World record.

2 Madison Massas

Record (Win %): 25-9 (.735)
Expected Win %: .641
Last Week: N/A
Notes: The defending champs are back in front-running form, despite some shaky pitching. The team has recorded a 5.17 ERA so far this season.

3 Oklahoma City Chickens

Record (Win %): 24-10 (.706)
Expected Win %: .695
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Lead the majors in HR with 80 as a team. That's despite playing half their games in the most extreme pitchers' park in the league. Bullpen is a perfect 12-for-12 in save opportunities.

4 Monterrey Acero

Record (Win %): 22-12 (.647)
Expected Win %: .629
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Team has posted a ML-beat fielding percentage of .989. Have also recorded an AL-best 8 "plus" plays.

5 Kansas City McCoys

Record (Win %): 20-14 (.588)
Expected Win %: .607
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Al Astacio is on a 17-game hitting streak.

6 Boston Badasses

Record (Win %): 19-15 (.559)
Expected Win %: .550
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Glenallen Bell leads the majors in ERA among qualified pitchers with a 1.21 mark. His ERA last season (7.22) was more than six runs higher.

7 Chicago Bearcubs

Record (Win %): 18-16 (.529)
Expected Win %: .535
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Freddie Reynolds and Matt Shave are two of four players tied for the ML lead with 15 HR this season.

8 Washington DC Old School Warriors

Record (Win %): 17-17 (.500)
Expected Win %: .349
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Expected win % suggests they won't maintain their .500 play, but the acquisition of Omar Segui for virtually nothing will help. The offense is still the worst in the AL (.719 OPS, 133 runs scored).

9 Cleveland Indians

Record (Win %): 16-18 (.471)
Expected Win %: .372
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Team has grounded into 55 double plays, worst in the majors. AAA team has posted a 26-8 record, while the High A team is 5-29.

10 New York Bombers

Record (Win %): 13-21 (.382)
Expected Win %: .500
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Yorvit Castillo leads the AL in OPS at 1.181.

11 Charlotte Winstons

Record (Win %): 14-20 (.412)
Expected Win %: .456
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Pitching staff leads the AL with 18 quality starts.

12 St. Louis Stampede

Record (Win %): 14-20 (.412)
Expected Win %: .419
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Their one "plus" play in the field is the worst in the majors, as is their eight "minus" plays.

13 Arizona Rattlesnakes

Record (Win %): 13-21 (.382)
Expected Win %: .394
Last Week: N/A
Notes: One year after posting a 6.05 ERA, the $12M man Marshall Maduro is pitching like he's in a contract year with a 1.95 ERA.

14 Baltimore Wiretappers

Record (Win %): 12-22 (.353)
Expected Win %: .391
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Greg Coleman has given up 17 HRs, most in the majors. That's already the most he has ever surrendered in a season. On the bright side, Tito Owens is tied for the ML lead with 15 HR.

15 Durham Bulls

Record (Win %): 10-24 (.294)
Expected Win %: .370
Last Week: N/A
Notes: A 10-24 record would be a total disaster in most places, but it actually qualifies as good news this year in Durham. After an 0-11 start, the team has rebounded to post a respectable 10-13 record in its last 13 games. Bob Hines' 11.81 ERA in seven starts hasn't helped things this year.

16 Las Vegas Gamble

Record (Win %): 9-25 (.265)
Expected Win %: .350
Last Week: N/A
Notes: Tied for worst in the majors in fielding percentage. Next-to-last in the AL in OPS. Next-to-last in the majors in ERA. Closer Chris Sears has two losses, a WHIP over 2, and an ERA over 12. Things in the desert are not... good.

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