National League Power Rankings
With the American League already complete, what would leaving a job half finished say about me if I neglected the NL? In the interest of being concise and precise we’ll get right to the point while assessing the senior circuit and the playoff prospects for some unlikely contenders.
16) Houston Astros
I really struggled with who to place into this dubious distinction of dead last so congrats to the Astros for top billing. The future might look bright (eventually) with an underrated pitching staff yet this season is definitely a lost cause. At least Texans camp opens in only a few weeks right?
15) Chicago Cubs
Anyone remember that old Bugs Bunny cartoon where he plays every position? If Anthony Rizzo can do that, I’m definitely open to moving the lovable losers up my list. There are a few talented young hitters that will come up through the ranks but it’s only going to get worse on the north side when Dempster and Garza are dealt for prospects.
14) Colorado Rockies
Jeremy Guthrie is this team’s ace…no, I didn’t stutter before marking that down he really is. I know Drew Pomeranz, Alex White, and Cargo are the names for the future however the future on Blake Street isn’t this summer.
13) San Diego Padres
The reason I have this team slightly ahead of their cellar dwelling compatriots is because they’re undervalued in the betting market. If you’re looking for offense, this isn’t your team. However the young bounty they heisted from the Reds in the Mat Latos deal should pay dividends the next 75 games and at least allow them to be competitive.
12) Milwaukee Brewers
I’m under the assumption both Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum are headed away from beer town USA. If not, this team can win a few games despite a bullpen that’s reliability would increase by trading for Heath Bell. I’m not buying their offense either right now even though I do think Rickie Weeks has a huge 2nd half ahead and may give them some much needed pop in a top heavy division.
11) New York Mets
I know Dillon Gee isn’t an ace yet his absence in the 2nd half will hurt the depth of the staff. I like this Mets team more than I thought I would coming into the year. David Wright is finally playing like a star anchoring a line-up of up and comers although their torrid first half pace is unlikely to continue during crunch time.
10) Philadelphia Phillies
Oh how the mighty have fallen on hard times. A rash of injuries and aging superstars has caused the Phillies exit from grace to come faster than we expected. This team still has too much pride to go completely into the tank and when you can trot out the trio of Lee, Halladay, and Hamels (for now) a winning streak is always a possibility.
9) Miami Marlins
The sky was the limit coming into this season for a suddenly invested franchise. Unfortunately the best laid plans don’t always come to fruition and Miami has struggled in a very competitive division. Look for Josh Johnson to find his swagger but until this offense shows consistency and the bullpen gets settled their ceiling is limited.
8 ) Los Angeles Dodgers
I wanted to drop this team lower, I really did however the impact Matt Kemp has on this offense can’t be undervalued. I’m still not sold on a pitching staff that relies on Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano and will remain skeptical until they produce for an entire season. Major League’s best early story won’t finish with a fairy tale ending, at least not in my eyes.
7) Arizona Diamondbacks
Is Justin Upton ever going to get himself out of a season long slumber? He may although it appears he’ll be doing so in another team’s jersey. Trevor Bauer needs to be a consistent arm if this team makes a 2nd half run like last year…I think they’ll come up just short of the postseason.
6) St Louis Cardinals
If this pitching staff ever comes together, look out. Losing Carpenter for the season won’t help the Redbirds run at back to back titles that’s for sure. Did anyone see this offensive explosion without Pujols? Stop lying…you didn’t either.
5) Atlanta Braves
Freddie Gonzalez needs to learn from Bobby Cox that you don’t choke as Braves manager until after you make the postseason. This team has a wealth of riches yet they go through such streaks of offensive futility it’s maddening. Losing Beachy didn’t help the staff but if they add an arm before the deadline, they can be dangerous.
4) Washington Nationals
I know pegging the feel good story of the season here will draw plenty of heat. I think the team is for real yet I saw cause for concern towards the end of the 1st half. Strasburg’s innings count, Harper’s inevitably rookie regression, and a beleaguered pen may all need to be rectified if the nation’s capital will see a pennant in 2012.
3) Pittsburgh Pirates
As long as Jerry Meals isn’t behind the dish this 2nd half, the Buccos will be much better prepared to learn from last year’s collapse. James Mcdonald has emerged as the ace Pittsburgh expected when acquiring him from the Dodgers and AJ Burnett actually looks like the arm the Yankees paid for years ago. More than any other single factor, this team benefits immensely from a soft schedule and we should be talking postseason for the black and gold.
2) Cincinnati Reds
Ah Dusty Baker, how will you find a way to ruin this talented pitching staff? Cueto and Latos make an awesome 1-2 punch and the offense is laden with superstars (no Drew Stubbs, this doesn’t apply to you). I’m still skeptical of their middle relief however I think the Redlegs have to be considered national league elite…
1) San Francisco Giants
They aren’t in first in their division and they’re 4.5 games out of the NL wildcard so why do I call this team the best in the NL? Pitching, pitching, and more pitching. I know Lincecum has been abysmal yielding more runs in the first half of the season than he had in any of the last 4 full seasons but Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, and Ryan Vogelsong have shown they’re capable of picking up the slack. I believe the Giants will address their major weakness in the pen before things heat up and fully expect them to make plenty of noise in October.
