Carter’s MLB Team Power Rankings:
NOTE: team W-L records and player statistics updated through Sunday morning, 11:00 AM
1. Tampa Bay Rays (34-16)
Despite being swept by the Red Sox, I still don’t think there’s much to worry about with this team. They still have great hitting, pitching, and continue to play well on the road.
2. New York Yankees (29-20)
As I’ve said before, I like teams with offense. That’s exactly what the Yankees have. A good offense.
3. Minnesota Twins (29-20)
A strong pitching staff has anchored their success. They’ve given up just 188 runs this year, good for sixth in the majors.
4. Philadelphia Phillies (28-20)
The Phillies rely on their pitching to guide the club through the season. Their staff allows just 3.87 runs per game.
5. Toronto Blue Jays (29-22)
Jose Bautista gets my vote for most surprising player of the year. I didn’t expect 44 hits, 15 HRS, and 40 RBIS from him at this point. Job well done, Mr. Bautista.
6. San Diego Padres (29-20)
I picked San Diego to finish last before the season began. And because of that, I look like an idiot. The Pads have given up a major league best 3.26 runs per game.
7. Colorado Rockies (26-23)
Ubaldo Jimenez will win the NL Cy Young award this season. Bank on it!
8. San Francisco Giants (26-22)
I wouldn’t worry about Tim Lincecum’s last few rough outings. He’s still a great pitcher.
9. Atlanta Braves (27-22)
The Braves hold an MLB best 15-6 home record. But they are only 12-18 on the road.
10. Cincinnati Reds (30-20)
The Reds have scored an NL-best 264 runs this season.
11. St. Louis Cardinals (28-22)
Everybody picked the Cardinals to win the NL Central by a land slide. I can officially say, for now, that the Reds have a better team than St. Louis. But my opinion changes every week.
12. New York Mets (25-25)
The Mets pitching staff has remained consistent. They’ve allowed just 197 runs to this point, fifth in the NL.
13. Florida Marlins (24-26)
Josh Johnson and Anibal Sanchez continue to have very nice seasons on the mound. They’ve given up just 40 earned runs combined.
14. Boston Red Sox (28-23)
The Red Sox needed that sweep over Tampa Bay to build their confidence, and make Boston believe they are still in this race.
15. Texas Rangers (26-23)
If the Rangers can play on the road (where they are only 8-14) like they do at home (18-9), Texas’ AL West lead would be more than just a half of a game.
Teams 16-30:
16. Los Angeles Dodgers (27-22)
17. Oakland Athletics (27-23)
18. Detroit Tigers (25-23)
19. Chicago Cubs (21-28)
20. Washington Nationals (25-25)
21. Milwaukee Brewers (21-28)
22. Kansas City Royals (21-29)
23. Seattle Mariners (19-29)
24. Chicago White Sox (21-28)
25. Los Angeles Angels (24-27)
26. Cleveland Indians (18-29)
27. Arizona Diamondbacks (20-30)
28. Baltimore Orioles (15-35)
29. Houston Astros (16-33)
30. Pittsburgh Pirates (20-30)
Carter’s American League MVP Award Race
1. Miguel Cabrera (DET): .339 avg., 60 hits, 13 HRS, 44 RBIS
2. Vladimir Guerrero (TEX): .335 avg., 63 hits, 12 HRS, 43 RBIS
3. Justin Morneau (MIN): .371 avg., 62 hits, 11 HRS, 36 RBIS
4. Robinson Cano (NYY): .359 avg., 69 hits, 10 HRS, 37 RBIS
5. Vernon Wells (TOR): .302 avg., 58 hits, 13 HRS, 35 RBIS
6. Jose Bautista (TOR): .249 avg., 44 hits, 15 HRS, 40 RBIS
7. Kendry Morales (LAA): .290 avg., 56 hits, 11 HRS, 39 RBIS
8. Paul Konerko (CHW): .256 avg., 41 hits, 14 HRS, 33 RBIS
9. Ty Wigginton (BAL): .287 avg., 48 hits, 13 HRS, 32 RBIS
10. Jose Guillen (KC): .255 avg., 48 hits, 11 HRS, 33 RBIS
Carter’s National League MVP Award Race
1. Andre Ethier (LAD): .392 avg., 49 hits, 11 HRS, 38 RBIS
2. Joey Votto (CIN): .312 avg., 53 hits, 10 HRS, 33 RBIS
3. Dan Uggla (FLA): .267 avg., 48 hits, 12 HRS, 31 RBIS
4. Matt Kemp (LAD): .275 avg., 55 hits, 10 HRS, 29 RBIS
5. Scott Rolen (CIN): .277 avg., 44 hits, 11 HRS, 32 RBIS
6. Jason Heyward (ATL): .298 avg., 45 hits, 10 HRS, 36 RBIS
7. Mark Reynolds (ARZ): .230 avg., 40 hits, 12 HRS, 39 RBIS
8. Kelly Johnson (ARZ): .253 avg., 43 hits, 12 HRS, 25 RBIS
9. Corey Hart (MIL): .267 avg., 39 hits, 12 HRS, 31 RBIS
10. Chase Utley (PHI): .276 avg., 47 hits, 10 HRS, 24 RBIS
Carter’s AL Cy Young Award Race:
1. Jeff Niemann (TB): 5-0, 2.37 ERA, 41 strikeouts
2. Shaun Marcum (TOR): 5-1, 2.59 ERA, 60 strikeouts
3. Phil Hughes (NYY): 6-1, 2.70 ERA, 57 strikeouts
4. David Price (TB): 7-2, 2.57 ERA, 50 strikeouts
5. Andy Pettitte (NYY): 6-1, 2.62 ERA, 36 strikeouts
6. James Shields (TB): 5-2, 2.99 ERA, 71 strikeouts
7. Jered Weaver (LAA): 4-2, 3.01 ERA, 74 strikeouts
8. Doug Fister (SEA): 3-2, 2.03 ERA, 26 strikeouts
9. Clay Buchholz (BOS): 7-3, 2.73 ERA, 47 strikeouts
10. Matt Garza (TB): 5-3, 2.97 ERA, 57 strikeouts
Carter’s NL Cy Young Award Race:
1. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL): 9-1, 0.88 ERA, 61 strikeouts
2. Roy Halladay (PHI): 7-3, 1.99 ERA, 70 strikeouts
3. Josh Johnson (FLA): 5-2, 2.19 ERA, 69 strikeouts
4. Jaime Garcia (STL): 4-2, 1.14 ERA, 45 strikeouts
5. Jon Garland (SD): 6-2, 2.10 ERA, 38 strikeouts
6. Tim Hudson (ATL): 5-1, 2.24 ERA, 27 strikeouts
7. Adam Wainwright (STL): 6-3, 2.38 ERA, 69 strikeouts
8. Roy Oswalt (HOU): 3-6, 2.35 ERA, 69 strikeouts
9. Livan Hernandez (WSH): 4-3, 2.08 ERA, 23 strikeouts
10. Matt Cain (SF): 3-4, 2.50 ERA, 51 strikeouts
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