MLB Power Rankings: Week 12

1. Red Sox (47-30): The Red Sox take over the Power Rankings despite giving up a nine run lead to the Orioles tonight. They're on top for now thanks to one of the most balanced lineups in all of baseball. Last week: 2

2. Dodgers (49-29): Even though they still cling onto the best record in baseball, this past week has been horrible. They had series losses against the White Sox and the Mariners this past week and the Rockies and Giants are slowly picking up ground on them in the NL West. Last week: 1


3. Yankees (44-32): What a difference one week can make in baseball. The Yankees are now on a six-game winning streak that includes a sweep of the Mets, which may not be all that impressive. They're pitching is getting better by the day to the point that even Chien-Ming Wang had a good start. Last week: NR

4. Tigers (43-34): For once the Tigers decide to stay in the Top 5 for two straight weeks. Their bats are finally starting to come alive as a unit and their division lead over the average AL Central is gradually starting to grow. Last week: 4

5. Giants (42-34): The Giants haven't been eight games above .500 this late in the season since Barry Bonds was suiting up for them. One player that has really helped fire up the bats in San Fran is Pablo Sandoval who is hitting .338, 11 HR, and 40 RBI. Last week: 5

Almost In

Rays (44-35): The Rays couldn't have made it any closer at cracking the Top 5. They're definitely making things even more interesting in that crowded AL East.

Brewers (42-35): Don't count the Brewers out just yet. They're in a very winnable division and also still have a great shot at getting the NL wild card if worse comes to worse. The pitching obviously has to get more consistent, but when you have hitters like Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, anything is possible.

Dropped from the rankings: Cardinals (41-38)