1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Even without Manny Ramirez, the Dodgers has held the top spot in the power rankings for practically the entire season.

2. Philadelphia Phillies
After a slow start, the Phillies are starting to turn it on. The defending World Series champions are 8-2 over their last ten games.

3. Boston Red Sox
If the Red Sox can get some starting pitching, the rest of their team looks very strong. But right now, the starting pitching is horrid.

4. New York Yankees
The Yankees are another team that started slowly but they’ve turned it around. Since Alex Rodriguez returned, the entire squad has played much better.

5. Texas Rangers
Although the Rangers have a good record, it’s just difficult to take the Ragers seriously. Are they going to tank again once the summer heats up? Time will tell.

Are the Texas Rangers for Real? (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

2009 MLB Power Rankings – Top Five

Here are our 2009 MLB power rankings as of June 1st:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Even without the suspended Manny Ramirez, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the best team in baseball. They aren’t quite as good without Ramirez but they have a good shot to hold onto their National League leading record.

2. Texas Rangers
Are the Rangers for real? It’s difficult to tell for sure. The fact that their bats are hot isn’t the story. The real story is that their pitching finally appears to be decent, which is bad news for the rest of baseball.

3. New York Yankees
All the millions the Yankees handed out this summer appear to be paying off. Mark Teixeira is hitting well and C.C. Sabathia has become the ace. Once Alex Rodriguez really heats up, the Yankees will be tough to beat.

C.C. Sabathia seems to be worth the money (Image: Newscom)

4. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies aren’t getting any help from their starting pitchers and their bullpen has been shaky (especially closer Brad Lidge), they have only lost four times in their last 16 games. Once their pitching becomes decent, watch out!

5. Boston Red Sox
Like the Phillies, the Red Sox are winning despite their starting pitching. However, with John Smoltz getting closer and closer to returning and a strong bullpen, Boston appears to be in good shape to make the playoffs.

Post from: EveryJoe

2009 MLB Power Rankings – June Edition