2019 Opening Day Power Rankings!

[D Backs GM (Tyler)]

5 rankers, 2.5 write-up-ers, a shocking amount of contribution from Swo proudly present to you... the power rankings! We will go division by division, then end with the overall things. Should be up by the end of the hour, but if it takes a bit, don't worry. Also, eyes out for the 8th annual Wrestlemania Write up. I can't believe I've done this 8 times for 29 half interested guys to read. Anyway... enjoy:

The numbers next to the team names are where rankers had them finishing within the division.

AL East

Red Sox (11111)
Tough team to judge this year. The offensive lineup is solid everywhere but question marks exist. Guys like Matt Carpenter, Eddie Rosario and Franmil Reyes need to keep up their pace or breakout for continued success. The bench will hurt as well this year as there currently isn't much. A couple injuries or poor performances will leave a hole in this lineup that will be tough to fill in its current state. Pitching has an ace in Mad-Bum and a potential ace in Eovaldi but both have injury concerns. Things will change I'm sure but there are currently only 4 starting pitchers on the team that are healthy and 3 of them have extensive, recent injury history. A ton of relievers will prop up the pitching stats but the starters will be the Achilles heel unless some moves are made. The Red Sox should still win the AL East but they will struggle to finish in the top 10 of the league without making some moves in the starting pitcher area.
- Cork

Blue Jays (22233)
It's rare for a team to have two legit .300+ hitters in its lineup these days, but thats where we are with this Toronto team. Unfortunately, that pair of Yelich and Segura is paired with a relatively thin lineup and no real pitching staff of note. The pieces are there for a top half finish if things break right, but the playoffs may be a stretch. It looks like a year in no mans land is on the horizon with the top tier of the league being out of reach for most teams.... including Toronto.
- Tyler

Orioles (23445)
Not very deep and not very good. Only bright spot is a decent stable of SP. And of course Nick Senzel. I think the best course of action would be committing to the rebuild and getting that high draft pick, but I do appreciate that the season is young and plenty of teams will be in need of some pieces. Needless to say, this isn't the year.
- Tyler

Yankees (23455)
Even after an opening Japan series sees the Yanks atop the standings, there is still a lot of work to do to catch up to Boston atop the AL East. There are some decent pieces like Mouse and Swanson, but definitely far too many holes to fill to be a real contender this year. Worth noting that with the league flattening out the cap/tag structure a bit the Yanks will have to shop in thee same shlf as th rest of us next year as well. Lets hope they are up to the task and can challenge Ty eventually.
- Tyler

Rays (34455)
Can a brother get a corner infielder who will play 100 games please? On second thought, maybe just get as close to that #1 pick as possible. The Rays are terrible this year. Even though this would be an awesome year to compete since the Red Sox are less dominant looking than usual, it won't be the Rays who rise up. An active owner can be commended for giving it a go. Hopefully they'll bounce back in a year or two and build a contender.
- Tyler

[D Backs GM (Tyler)]

AL Central

White Sox (11111)
Last year's luckiest team has improved and is poised to actually deserve its playoff position this year. This team is one healthy MI short of a great lineup and while they only have one source of saves, it should be enough to win the AL Central, which is not quite as dire as last year. They'll have to have a look over their shoulder at the Twins and Indians a lot more than last year, but it definitely should be enough to get into the post season, from there, he is an underdog to the big timers in the league.
- Tyler

Twins (22222)
The difference between the Twins and a true contender is about a dozen warm bodies at the major league level. The Twinkies definitely have enough high-end talent to make some noise, but injuries happen, and you need more than 9 big league arms to accumulate enough stats to stay relevant. A commitment to adding depth in short order could result in a division title as soon as this year, as the defending champ White Sox are vulnerable. The team as constructed, though, doesn't quite have enough to get it done.
- Ty

Indians (33333)
I had a hard time assessing the Indians this year. They are depending on less proven guys but they aren't totally unknown. Devers, Schwarber, and whatever Andrew Miller is now. The risk reward is real with this team and I've got them coming somewhere in the middle. Likely not a playoff contender even in the abysmal AL Central. While the Twins and White Sox are teams I have above them, they aren't THAT much better if things break right for Cleveland. Still, it feels like this division is wasting the Royals rebuilding years by not selling out and truly going for it.
- Tyler

Royals (44455)
The Royals will be keeping a close eye on any MLB rule changes regarding fantasy owners manipulating the service time of prospects. He is in full rebuild mode and the only way his draft pick isnt a very very high one is Vlad Jr winning him the hitting averages by himself (not unreasonable with no other real hitters). He would do well to find some bad players to effectively get worse. Sam Hinkie was ahead of his time. Lets see how well Black Kevin has learned from walking that line of rebuilding and tanking. He will be intentionally bad this year, but it will not last very long with that incredible cache of prospects and high draft picks.
- Tyler

Tigers (44555)
Dingo is still recovering from that post 2017 offseason's crazy spending spree. Contracts line Wacha, Nova, and Hosmer coupled with the trades he had to make to recover from other crazy deals handed out have really hurt his ability to build a roster through FA. With limited power, no speed, and a half complete lineup; his few overpaid stars won't be able to drag him out of the basement. It is time for a complete rebuild/buyout year and a more sensible bidding policy.
- Tyler

[D Backs GM (Tyler)]

AL West

Rangers (11222)
What can you say about the AL West? The third top 10 team for me is the Rangers with two 40HR potential guys in Judge and Davis, a team with a very solid batting average (more rare than you think these days), and a staff that is a little thin but anchored by Corbin, (an injured) Carlos Martinez, LeClerc, Hader, and Hicks. I think their destiny will be determined by how they make any in season moves to distinguish themselves for Seattle for the AL Wild Card... but thats just me. A lot depends on when and how well Martinez returns and at what point we see Kyle Tucker in the bigs.
- Tyler

Astros (11122)
This team has takes significant steps forward. I've got them with a very very close to the top of the standings. That power on offense is one of the top groups in the league, and the pitching staff is phenominal with 5 guys who have the potential to rack up 10-15 wins each, 2.5 closers (I'll give Robertson the .5) and a few top set up men to boot. Their hitting averages leave a little to be desired, but I really think this team is very well rounded and poised to be as close to a playoff lock as you can be in the difficult AL West these days.
- Tyler

Mariners (33333)
Seattle is a perennial contender but if I do see one fatal flaw in their team, its the speed. Depending on Tim Anderson and Chris Taylor to provide all your steals is no way to win a chip, and the team batting average leaves a bit to be desired, but those are all still just projections. That said, there is plenty on this team and it is so tight at the top this year that it could easily break right for Seattle to have another deep playoff run. Another closer and a little pitching depth couldn't hurt, but I've learned not to doubt Seattle in the past. Lets see if he can beat out the Astros or Rangers and get in this year.
- Tyler

Angels (44445)
This is John's best team in years, but it's still not designed to be good now. He's still got way too much Todd Frazier, but there's plenty to be excited about in the near future. A core of Ohtani, Hampson, Robles and a plethora of highly regarded minor leaguers should be keeping the AL West up at night in the coming years. It's been a long haul, but things appear to be going to plan in Anaheim. Look for the Angels near the top of the standings in 20-21.
- Ty

As (45555)
Bird begins another season with the tall task of a complete re-build ahead. Minter is an interesting piece, but there are presently way too many unemployed players cashing checks in Oakland for much progress to be made quickly. He's still got tons of cap space available to bail out a contender and add prospects and draft capital, so hopefully an opportunity presents itself. Much respect for sticking it out through the lean years, and I think I speak for the entire league, save for maybe his AL West compatriots in wishing him a swift return to relevance.
- Ty

[D Backs GM (Tyler)]

NL East

Braves (11111)
Speed, Power, and 3 top 20 hitters. At least five double digit wins SPs. 2 Closers. Does this sound like a contender to you? Good because he has been such an absentee LEO member that he is getting nothing in his write up. Good day sir.
- Tyler

Mets (22333)
Best player in the league in Trout and a solid top MI in Merrifield but a lot of post-hype veterans, if that is a thing. Pujols, Tulo, Longo, Chris Davis, Alex Gordon, Sabathia...2010-14 All-star specials. Offensively, there's nothing else that stands out and not much waiting in the wings. Starting pitching is comprised of Greinke and a probably not real rejuvenated Matt Harvey. The bullpen has some solid arms but not a lot of saves potential. It is tough to make it to the playoffs being near the bottom of a category. Two studs, no closers, and below average pitching lands you in the middle of the pack this year. There's a lot of money tied up in mediocrity for the next couple of years. Is this the next team to try a total rebuild?
- Cork

Phillies (23344)
The Phils were at the top of my list last year. Since then they've dropped significantly in my estimation. Even with an offense bolstered by Manny Machado (in a worse park, but also a worse division) and Trea Turner. Price, Sale, and Quinny anchor a really well equipped staff even if it is a little light in the saves department. In fact... I still like this team. Screw the rankings, Take Swo down in that NL East thie year. Come on Phils!
- Tyler

Marlins (22444)
The Marlins are a little light on power but a little heavy on speed. But they also have a deep staff and lineup even though they probably lack that front line talent to get them into a playoff spot this year. This team is balanced, and if it consolidated assets and managed to hit on a few upside gambles they could be in a really good position. Unfortumately, they just aren't quite there yet.
- Tyler

Nationals (55555)
There is not a ton to say here. Last rankings they were third, since their devistating and somewhat unfair eexclusion from the playoffs they have gone full rebuild mode. Stockpiling picks and trading away most of their MLB assets has seen this rebuilder (along with Black Kevin) as the most asset-heavy team with an eye towards 2020 and beyond. Hopefully they stick to it, be patient, and get their window around 2022 when those assets hit their prime.
- Tyler

[D Backs GM (Tyler)]

NL Central

Reds (11112)
I'm still a little bitter that 1) I had to beat the second best team in the league just to make it to the NL Championship Series; 2) that the Reds had to lose that series. Back alas that is in the past and in this league we look forward, or something. If anyone in the NL Central was hoping for a break from dealing with the Reds, they have to wait at least another year, this team will probably be in the playoffs and in the hunt for a Championship.
- Swo

Cubs (12222)
The defending champs have an incredibly deep lineup, which will be tested early on this season with ambiguous timelines for injured stars Lindor and Hicks. The offense can withstand some injuries, but the Cubbies should probably add an arm or two at some point if they're serious about going back-to-back. The NL should be a slugfest this year, especially the Central with a loaded squad in Cincy and a solid collection of talent in Pittsburgh. That said, I expect Scott to punch another ticket to the postseason, where anything is possible.
- Ty

Pirates (33333)
They hit ball well. They have too little pitching. RED MEN and Bears ahead in division, pray for famine amongst those teams for chance to make extra season.
- Swo

Sorry this one is so short.
- Tyler

That's what she said.
- Ty

Cards (44444)
The Cards are a vastly improved team from last year. Unfortunately they had a LONG way to go and are maybe only 40% of the way there. The pieces are improving, but there is still a long way to go before they are contending. I'm quite happy with the new ownerships direction and committment to building. Stay strong fella.
- Tyler

Brewers (55555)
Layton has fully embraced the tear down, and has amassed an enviable collection of young talent in short order. They still have a few semi-valuable major leaguers left to convert to draft currency or lottery ticket prospects, and an ungodly amount of cash to finance other people's poor financial decisions. Tough to say how soon the elite of the Central should be concerned, as prospect attrition has brought heartbreak to many a prospector, but the Brew Crew appear to be in good hands.
- Ty

[D Backs GM (Tyler)]

NL West

Dodgers (11111)
Not quite sure how we got here. It seems like just the other day, we went an entire season without a Dodgers owner, and somehow that team almost made the playoffs, with 6 players (all numbers and memories are subject to distortion). Regardless, young Matt has done a remarkable job utilize his assets, a large payroll and a blank slate to work with, to put together a team who real championship aspirations. This team is going steal a ton of bases, hit enough HRs, checks all the offensive categories. The pitching is also very good, although could use more options out of the bullpen, where injuries inevitably occur. This will be a team to watch all year, and could easily walk away with a title.
- Swo

Diamondbacks (22233)
You may have notice some superficial animosity between tall Tyler and myself. I conjecture that this is because despite the fact that I spend approximately five minutes a month thinking about my team, I will for the third straight year finish ahead of tall Tyler. I thought about not actually looking at his roster when I did this, but I ultimately decided it would be more fun to ridicule his personnel decisions. He has Miguel Cabrera which would be great if this was 2012. Same for Denard Span, if it were ever true. He apparently has big expectations for Dallas Keuchel, currently unowned, and Bartolo Colon, who he thievishly commandeered from poor Black Kevin. In fact tall Tyler may lead the league in owning players not deemed worthy of being owned in MLB. In all seriousness if the Dodgers weren't suddenly good and the NL Central wasn't so great, and I was better at fantasy baseball than him, maybe he'd make the playoffs. But alas he will not.
- Swo

Giants (22333)
Adkins appears to be kind of caught in between contention and a rebuild. I love the depth on offense, and the pair of elite closers- assuming Kimbrel finds work soon. There's at least 2 foundational pieces on offense in Goldy and Shaw, but the Giants may be better off tearing it down, rather than attempting to keep pace with the Dodgers and DBacks. Either way, there are enough assets on the roster to be hopeful for the future.
- Ty

Rockies (44444)
Most teams deficiencies in this league is lack of depth. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the Rockies, at least offensively, are all depth. They lack the elite talent offensively, to make the necessary moves up the division ladder. They also lack the necessary talent pitching wise. This is a tough spot to be, because he'll probably finish in the middle of the pack and lacks a clear path forward. He's close enough to make a playoff push, but also far enough away to blow it all up and start anew. There's a ton of assets, which would be useful to a contender, and maybe he can flip for long term assets, or maybe he can muster up some assets to turn this team into a contender. It's a tough spot, but at least, as they say, he has options.
- Swo

Padres (55555)
The Padres have two of the 10-15 best players in baseball, then a bunch of hopes. There's some very solid prospecting going one, but nothing surrounding DeGrom and Martinez. Maybe they are still on the team when the prospects come around, but Martinez is getting older. How long the Padres think the Dodgers will last at the top, will govern some of these decisions. As will the unpredictable development of the prospects.
- Swo

[D Backs GM (Tyler)]

The Full League Rankings

1) Cincinnati Reds
2) Texas Rangers
3) Houston Astros
3) Chicago Cubs
5) Atlanta Braves
6) Los Angeles Dodgers
7) Boston Red Sox
8) Seattle Mariners
9) Chicago White Sox
10) Arizona Diamondbacks
11) New York Mets
12) San Francisco Giants
13) Pittsburgh Pirates
14) Minnesota Twins
15) Philadelphia Phillies
16) Miami Marlins
17) Toronto Blue Jays
18) Colorado Rockies
19) Cleveland Indians
20) Baltimore Orioles
21) San Diego Padres
22) New York Yankees
22) St. Louis Cardinals
24) Tampa Bay Rays
25) Los Angeles Angels
26) Washington Nationals
27) Kansas City Royals
28) Detroit Tigers
29) Oakland Athletics
30) Milwaukee Brewers


Divisional Power Ranks:
NL East - 522 pts
AL West - 406 pts
NL West - 380 pts
AL Central - 370 pts
NL Central - 333 pts
AL East - 323 pts


Closest division: AL West (between Rangers and Astros)
Most clear cut division: AL East (Red Sox - shocker)
Most predictable team: Rockies and Brewers (each with a standard deviation under .71)
Least predictable team: San Diego Padres, they were ranked 18th and 30th by two separate rankers.

Playoff Predictions:
AL - Rangers, Red Sox, White Sox, Astros (WC)
NL - Reds, Cubs, Dodgers, Braves (WC)

Best team out: Mariners (8th place)
Worst team in: White Sox (9th place)

Weird things:
Ties - Yankees and Cards are tied for 22nd, but the Cards were more consistently ranked, while Yankee predictions had the second highest variance of all teams.

Ties - Cubs and Astros are tied for 3rd and both were similarly predictable finishing that high. Going to be a crazy battle in the NL Central and AL West this year at the top of the standings.

Padres - Predicted to be the best division loser at 21st overall but 5th in the very competitive NL West

Tiers - There is a big gap between the 6th place Dodgers and 7th place Red Sox. Then another between the Red Sox and the 8th place Mariners. Those are the biggest caps in the ranking points. Contenders and pretenders.

Other Assorted oddness - The Reds were the top ranking point getter, but they did not get a single 1st place vote. The Rangers for two 1st place votes but it still wasn’t enough to edge out the Reds constant high rankings. Other teams receiving 1st place votes were the Braves, Dodgers, and Astros.


Hope you all enjoyed it. Leave comments and discussion below!

[D Backs GM (Tyler)]

Somehow I hadn't read Swo's write up for my team until just now. What a hit job. I wish I did worse to him.

[Deleted]

Great job by all who contributed. This is one of my favorite features of this league!

[Mets GM (barnstormers)]

Well done Gentlemen. Swo included. Always fun to read and much appreciated.

As for the Mets, every year I exceed predictions & expectations. This year will be no different.

To comment on Cork's inquire of a rebuild. "That shit ain't happening".

[D Backs GM (Tyler)]

Mar 29, 2019 9:01:35 GMT -5 Mets GM (barnstormers) said:

Well done Gentlemen. Swo included. Always fun to read and much appreciated.

As for the Mets, every year I exceed predictions & expectations. This year will be no different.

To comment on Cork's inquire of a rebuild. "That shit ain't happening".

Please do not include swo

[The Ghost of Swo]

I just looked at this, because its my first time on the proboards site since before the season started. How am I winning the WC? Did you move the Cubs to the NL East? Geez can you do anything right without me around?