MCB’s MLB Playoff Power Rankings: Wild Card Round

Sep 27, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Oakland Athletics designated hitter Brandon Moss (37) is greeted at the dugout after hitting a three-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

6. Atlanta Braves (96-66)

The Atlanta Braves shredded through a weak NL East, having the division pretty much wrapped up in August. Their boom-or-bust offense hit more home runs than any other NL team, but they also struck out more than any other NL team.

5. Detroit Tigers (93-69)

The Detroit Tigers simply don’t look like the same team with Miguel Cabrera hobbled in the clean-up spot. They very clearly have the best starting rotation of any team in the postseason, but the offense sputtered down the stretch without their MVP firing on all cylinders. Detroit was no-hit in the season finale in Miami, but expect their offense to roar back in October with the first-teamers back in the lineup.

4. Oakland Athletics (96-66)

The Oakland Athletics finished with 96 wins, but they played in perhaps the very worst division in all of baseball (hi Astros). That’s not to say that they’re not an excellent team, but the Detroit Tigers are a different beast. It’s interesting, though, that Josh Donaldson might be a better hitter than the hurting Miguel Caberea right now. Who would have thought that?