Rays, Mets, surprising Mariners join top 10
Heading into the second full week of the regular season, it’s probably too early to draw any real conclusions about how things will shake out this summer. But some teams have certainly haven’t played to our expectations, for better or worse.
Don’t even try acting like you thought the Mariners, seemingly starting a rebuild this winter, would have the best record in baseball.
Through Sunday, Seattle (9-2) was leading the majors in home runs and the crafty rotation was averaging less than a walk per start.
The key player in the lineup has been Domingo Santana, who hit 30 home runs and stole 15 bases in 2017 for the Brewers but was the casualty of the team’s outfield acquisitions last season. The 26-year-old had 15 RBI in the first 11 games of the year, while veterans Jay Bruce (5 home runs), Tim Beckham (4) and Edwin Encarnacion (2) have provided even more fireworks.
The Astros are still the favorites in the American League West, but it’s worth keeping an eye on this group of Mariners.
Here’s how our nine-person power rankings panel voted this week (stats and records going into Monday):
Rank, team, movement from preseason
1. Dodgers (+3)
❚ Cody Bellinger with 6 HRs, 17 RBI in first nine games.
2. Brewers (+8)
❚ MVP Christian Yelich picking up right where he left off.
3. Phillies (+2)
❚ Offense has been as good as advertised.
4. Rays (+8)
❚ Charlie Morton’s first two starts: 11 IP, 2 ER, 14 Ks.
5. Yankees (-4)
❚ Six homers in eight games to start the year for Gary Sanchez.
6. Astros (-2)
❚ Wade Miley (3 ER in 112⁄3 IP) looking like a bargain.
7. Indians (-1)
❚ Carlos Santana has been terrific in return to Indians.
8. Mets (+7)
❚ Rookie first baseman Pete Alonso looking like a genuine slugger.
9. Mariners (+13)
❚ Nobody saw this hot start coming.
10. Red Sox (-7)
❚ Started the season on an 11-game road trip with no off days.
11. Twins (+5)
❚ Michael Pineda was sharp in first two post-Tommy John starts.
12. Athletics (+2)
❚ Ramon Laureano has been electrifying in center field.
13. Braves (-4)
❚ If Dansby Swanson keeps hitting, this is a scary lineup.
14. Nationals (-8)
❚ Trevor Rosenthal’s first four games: 9 batters faced, 7 ER, 0 outs.
15. Padres (+4)
❚ We’ve seen some flashes through the first 10 games.
16. Cardinals (-8)
❚ Paul Goldschmidt hit 5 HRs in his
17. Cubs (-6)
❚ The last thing Joe Maddon needed was a 2-7 start.
18. Tigers (+9)
❚ Closer Shane Greene starts 7-for-7 on save opportunities.
19. Pirates (-2)
❚ Depleted outfield gets Gregory Polanco back soon.
20. Diamondbacks (+1)
❚ A lot of teams are kicking themselves for passing on Adam Jones.
21. Rockies (-8)
❚ Finally healthy, David Dahl is absolutely raking.
22. Angels (-4)
❚ First nine games: Team batting average, .201. Mike Trout’s average, .385.
23. Rangers (+3)
❚ Pitching depth will be tested by Edinson Volquez injury.
24. White Sox (+1)
❚ Yoan Moncada, only 23, finally might be coming into his own.
25. Blue Jays (-2)
❚ No walks, 9 Ks in Ken Giles’ first five outings.
26. Giants (-2)
❚ Kevin Pillar will be fun to watch in San Francisco’s vast center field.
27. Orioles (+3)
❚ Chris Davis’ 0-for-44 stretch dating to last season approaches an ugly record.
28. Marlins (+1)
❚ Average attendance of 9,577 through seven home games.
29. Reds (-9)
❚ Derek Dietrich proving to be a shrewd addition.
30. Royals (-2)
❚ Adalberto Mondesí making sure we know last year was no fluke.