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

Alex Rodriguez - Image: Newscom

1. New York Yankees
The Yankees didn’t make the playoffs in 2008 but after a hugely successful offseason, the Yankees have leapfrogged over the entire league to become the favorites in 2009. As long as Alex Rodriguez eventually returns to near 100% health, the Yankees will undoubtedly make the playoffs this year.

2. Boston Red Sox
Though the Red Sox didn’t make the big splash in free agency that the Yankees made, they had a number of quality moves to help improve their roster. With no more Manny Ramirez to cause drama, this team has a great combination of talent and chemistry.

3. Philadelphia Phillies
The reigning World Series champions are the team to beat in the National League. The bats appear ready to have a big year. The question mark for the Phillies is whether or not their pitching can keep up and perform at least as well as they did last season.

4. Tampa Bay Rays
Can Cinderella strike again? The Rays are definitely talented but they still have a lot to prove. Over the last few decades, there have been a number of teams that had one fluke season before returning to mediocrity. Will the Rays be the next example?

5. Los Angeles Angels
Last season, the Angels had the best record in baseball. However, they flamed out early in the playoffs. This season, they have the pieces to once again be dominant in the regular season. That said, they will need to prove they have the clutch players who can thrive in the postseason.

Post from: EveryJoe

Ranking the Best Teams in Baseball