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Detroit Tigers Rank at the Top in Divisional Power Rankings After First Week

By Ben Rosener

Apr 10, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann (34) receives congratulations from left fielder Justin Upton (8) after he hits a two run home run in the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann (34) receives congratulations from left fielder Justin Upton (8) after he hits a two run home run in the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Peter Moylan (47) delivers a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Athletics won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Peter Moylan (47) delivers a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Athletics won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

#5 Kansas City Royals
Record: 2-5
Run Differential: -11
Who They’ve Beat: Houston Astros (Twice)
Who Beat Them: Minnesota Twins (Three-Game Sweep), Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics (Each Once)

It is still incredibly early in the season, so who these teams have won and lost against doesn’t carry as much weight.

However, Kansas City didn’t get off to the best start as they suffered a three-game sweep to the Minnesota Twins on the road to begin the season.

The Twins may have a better record at the moment, but Kansas City has a significantly more talented roster on paper.

For reference, Minnesota checked in at 28th on MCB’s early-season power rankings. By comparison, Kansas City ranked 19th.

The Royals rebounded with a series win in Houston, as the team took the first two games against a quality Astros team.

However, Kansas City dropped the team’s home opener to the Oakland Athletics.

Most Valuable Player So Far: Salvador Perez

The veteran catcher has so far mashed four home runs, while hitting .286 with a 1.025 OPS entering Monday.

While the catcher only has four RBI, he’s also scored five runs.

Least Valuable Player So Far: Brandon Moss

At this point, a player struggling isn’t as significant of a concern as if the same player was on a continued cold streak through mid-July.

That being said, Brandon Moss hasn’t gotten off to the best start in Kansas City. The former St. Louis Cardinals slugger has hit just one home run in 21 plate appearances this season.

So far, that’s been his only hit.

He does have five walks, which somewhat offsets his struggles at the plate.

However, the Royals will certainly expect better power numbers as the season progresses.

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