MLB Power Rankings 2015: Week 5 Detroit Tigers fall to No. 2
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May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) signs a baseball for a young fan on the pitchers mound before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Generally, I like to wait until the calendar changes to May to begin looking at trends and making predictions for the rest of the 2015 season.
Although Motor City Bengals has already been doing power rankings for two weeks, it is now May, and that sample size is just large enough for fair judgements.
Of course, being the best team at the beginning of May means nothing. There is still a long, long way to go.
MCB would like readers to know that these power rankings are based on just one opinion, and the difference of opinion between readers and fans is what makes the power rankings so fun to discuss. For our list, we took into account record, strength of schedule, run differential and other human element subject matter such as injuries.
More from Motor City Bengals
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- Detroit Tigers: Prospect Colt Keith is making up for lost time in AFL
- Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
- The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
- Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
That means just because a team is on 8-2 hot streak, they don’t automatically jump to the highest spots. It’s like my high school coach always used to say, “A team is never as good as its best win, and it’s never as bad as it’s worse loss.”
Lastly, readers should know, the rankings are serious, but the comments for each team are not. There are so many baseball articles analyzing the most small details on the web, we wanted to start out the week with a little fun.
Here are MCB’s MLB Power Rankings heading into the fifth week of the 2015 baseball season.
Apr 20, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke watches the game against the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
30. Milwaukee Brewers (7-18)
Too bad Ron Roenicke, but look at the bright side, you don’t have to pretend to still like Ryan Braun.
May 2, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
29. Philadelphia Phillies (9-17)
Word on the street is that Cole Hamels was going to be part of the Marcus Mariota deal, but Hamel’s no-trade clause prevented the deal from happening.
May 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Kyle Blanks (88) throws to first base for an out during the game against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
28. Texas Rangers (8-16)
The Rangers are the only team to not win consecutive games this season. Wow.
May 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) hits a single in the twelfth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
27. Arizona Diamondbacks (10-14)
One run of fewer in six of the last nine games … ouch.
May 3, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) hits a solo home run during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
26. Colorado Rockies (11-13)
Everyone should be learning Nolan Arenado’s name. He’s hitting .314 with six home runs and 17 RBI in 86 at-bats this season.
May 3, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Ichiro Suzuki (51) steals third base during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
25. Miami Marlins (12-13)
After 3-10 start, Marlins have won nine of 11.
Apr 29, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Members of the media take photos of first inning action of the game between Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Fans are not allowed to attend the game due to the current state of unrest in Baltimore. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
24. Chicago White Sox (8-14)
Just when you thought you saw everything, the White Sox and Orioles played a game in front of no one.
May 3, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) scores a run during the fifth inning as Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16) walks back to the mound at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
23. Tampa Bay Rays (13-12)
The Rays are starting to wonder if they could permanently trade ball parks with the Orioles.
Apr 30, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) at bat in the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 12-2.Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
22. Minnesota Twins (13-12)
96 at-bats and zero home runs for Mr. Mauer.
May 3, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Drew Hutchison (36) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
21. Toronto Blue Jays (12-14)
Sports Net wrote on Sunday night that the Blue Jays starters have no where to go but up. Well, Toronto’s starting pitchers have a combined 5.70 ERA, which is dead last in the league, so technically Sports Net is correct.
May 3, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Jose Ramirez (11) hits a sacrifice bunt during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
20. Cleveland Indians (9-15)
It’s ok Indians fans. The season didn’t start so well in Major League either, and you guys turned it around in time then.
May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Michael Kohn (58) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Reds 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
19. Atlanta Braves (12-13)
Well the Braves success was short lived.
May 3, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) greets outfielders Nori Aoki (23) Gregor Blanco (7) and Angel Pagan (16) after they defeated the Los Angeles Angels at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
18. San Francisco Giants (12-13)
Anybody in this league not have 12 or 13 wins.
May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart (2) leaves the game against the Atlanta Braves after sustaining a cut to his right hand while fielding a ground ball during the seventh inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Reds 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
17. Cincinnati Reds (12-13)
Apparently not.
May 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) celebrates with catcher Stephen Vogt (21) after hitting a two run home run during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
16. Oakland Athletics (11-15)
This franchise is truly amazing. They lost their No. 3 and No. 4 hitters over the last 12 months, and Stephen Vogt with Josh Reddick have just fit into those spots wonderfully.
May 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros catcher Hank Conger (16) and relief pitcher Will Harris (36) celebrate after the Astros defeated the Seattle Mariners 11-4 at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
15. Houston Astros (18-7)
The Astros have won 10 straight. In 2012, it took until May 1 for Houston to get it’s 10th victory.
May 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) and left fielder Hanley Ramirez (13) congratulate first baseman Mike Napoli (12) after hitting a three run home run during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
14. Boston Red Sox (12-13)
Anyone else tired of Red Sox and Yankees on Sunday Night Baseball?
May 3, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles starting pitcher Jered Weaver (36) throws the ball against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
13. Los Angeles Angels (11-14)
Jered Weaver looking more like his brother, Jeff, this season with a 0-4 record and a 6.29 ERA.
May 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Nelson Cruz (23) hits a single during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
12. Seattle Mariners (10-15)
Doesn’t look like Nelson Cruz minds at all hitting in Seattle. He already has 13 home runs this season.
May 2, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte (6) hits a double off of St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Carlos Villanueva (not pictured) during the eleventh inning at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Pirates 2-1 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
11. Pittsburgh Pirates (12-13)
Hey, at least they scored two runs on Sunday!
May 3, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (10), right fielder Delmon Young (27) , and shortstop Everth Cabrera (1) celebrate with teammates after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
10. Baltimore Orioles (12-11)
The Orioles temporary home field in Tampa Bay (Tropicana Field) is not quite as nice as Camden Yards…
May 3, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Matt Kemp (27) celebrates with teammates after scoring in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
9. San Diego Padres (14-12)
Yay, Philip Rivers is staying … for now.
May 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) prior to a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
8. New York Yankees (16-9)
Even if you hate Boston sports, at least they boo A-Rod the loudest.
Apr 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Fans take photos with their cell phones and cameras as Chicago Cubs infielder Kris Bryant comes up to bat during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
7. Chicago Cubs (13-10)
And props to Chicago for booing Rodger Goodell basically ever time he came out from behind the curtain.
May 3, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Members of the Washington Nationals look on as Washington Nationals pitcher Drew Storen (22) (not pictured) pitches the 9th inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Nationals won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
6. Washington Nationals (12-14)
Wizards and Capitals keep winning… join the club Nationals.
May 3, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets manager Terry Collins (10) makes a pitching change taking out New York Mets pitcher Erik Goeddel (62) and replacing him with New York Mets pitcher Sean Gilmartin (36) (not pictured) during the 8th inning at Citi Field. The Nationals won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
5. New York Mets (16-10)
The Mets had trouble scoring too, getting just four runs over the weekend. Well, the games may be boring, but at least they are short.
May 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal (9) rounds the bases as he is congratulated by third base coach Lorenzo Bundy (49) after hitting a solo home run in the thirteenth inning to win the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (16-8)
If you ask me, the fight this weekend was in Los Angeles at the Staples Center on Saturday night … not in Las Vegas.
May 3, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals first basemen Eric Hosmer (35) argues with home plate umpire Dale Scott (R) after being called out on strikes to end the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
3. Kansas City Royals (16-9)
But that’s not saying much because the Royals’ fights are more entertaining than Mayweather versus Pacquiao was.
May 3, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers first basemen Miguel Cabrera (24) celebrates with Ina Kensler (3) after hitting a two-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
2. Detroit Tigers (17-9)
It was nice offense showed up on Sunday.
Apr 26, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jason Heyward (22) is checked by manager Mike Matheny after an injury causing him to leave the game in the third inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. At left is center fielder Peter Bourjos (8). Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
1. St. Louis Cardinals (18-6)
No Wainwright? No problem.
Next: Detroit Tigers bats come alive, hold on for, 6-4, win over KC