The AL Central is one of the most interesting divisions this year. There are legitimately three teams that not only could win this division, but that could win the whole enchilada as well. Check out how the AL Central odds stack up this year!

It’s going to be really interesting in this division this year, especially if Adam Dunn can really help out the Chicago White Sox (1.75 to 1 @ Sportbet Sportsbook). This is the man that is really supposed to help out this lineup this year, as there really needs to be some big time pop in the fold. Jake Peavy should help out the rotation as well now that he is once again healthy, and he and Mark Buehrle should make a great 1 and 1A in the Windy City. Manager Ozzie Guillen is certainly out if he can’t get the Palehose in the postseason this year.

The team that is always forgotten about in this division is the Minnesota Twins (1.80 to 1 @ Hollywood Sportsbook). The Twinkies once again have Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau to rely on, but there really aren’t a heck of a lot of other stars that are out there on this club. Still, Manager Rod Gardenhire gets more out of his team every single year than any other manager in the bigs, and that’s what makes this team, a very good home team, a very dangerous one again this year.

General Manager Dave Dombrowski did everything he could to try to help out the Detroit Tigers (2.30 to 1 @ Sportbet Sportsbook) in the offseason. He brought in Victor Martinez to shore up the catcher position, though we’re not so sure how well that’s going to translate when push comes to shove defensively. Justin Verlander has 37 wins over the course of the last two seasons, and he is once again going to have to pitch like a Cy Young Award winner to pitch this team into the second season.

Neither the Kansas City Royals (50 to 1 @ Hollywood Sportsbook) nor the Cleveland Indians (25 to 1 @ Sportbet Sportsbook) are going to contend for anything but the gutter in this division this year. KC made a bad team worse by getting rid of both David DeJesus and Zack Greinke in the offseason. Now, we’re not so sure who any of these pitchers are that are taking the mound at Kauffman Stadium this year. The Tribe at least have some great looking youngsters, but they are definitely at least a couple of years away.

Odds to Win AL Central @ BetUS Sportsbook (as of 3/27/11):
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Chicago White Sox 1.60 to 1
Cleveland Indians 20 to 1
Detroit Tigers 2 to 1
Kansas City Royals 40 to 1
Minnesota Twins 1.50 to 1

Betting Lines to Win AL Central @ Sportbet Sportsbook (as of 3/27/11):
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Chicago White Sox 1.75 to 1
Minnesota Twins 1.80 to 1
Detroit Tigers 2.30 to 1
Cleveland Indians 25 to 1
Kansas City Royals 40 to 1

2011 AL Central Odds @ Hollywood Sportsbook (as of 3/27/11):
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Chicago White Sox 1.75 to 1
Cleveland Indians 25 to 1
Detroit Tigers 1.75 to 1
Kansas City Royals 50 to 1
Minnesota Twins 1.60 to 1

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The AL East is going to be one of the toughest divisions in baseball this year, and the favorites on the odds to win the World Series are clearly in this division. Check out how we stack up the five squads for our AL East preview.

Of course, the bona fide favorite to win this division is the Boston Red Sox (1 to 1.65@ Sportbet Sportsbook). This offseason was a particularly amazing one for the Sox, as they landed Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez to help out a lineup that was beaten up via injuries all season long last year. The starting rotation wasn’t really helped out any, but when you’ve got Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, John Lackey, and a slew of pitchers in the minors that are ready to shine, you don’t need much help there. The bullpen didn’t look great in Spring Training, but Jonathan Papelbon is still a great closer. If he fails, Bobby Jenks and Dan Wheeler were added to really help out.

We’re not really all that thrilled about the New York Yankees (2 to 1@ Hollywood Sportsbook) this season. The Yanks really didn’t do a heck of a lot in the offseason, and they were beaten up by the Philadelphia Phillies in the offseason in the battle to get Cliff Lee. Still, Derek Jeter will end up with his 3,000th hit at some point this season, while Alex Rodriguez will end up inching closer to the all time home run lead this year as well. The rest of this team just doesn’t excite us all that much. Rafael Soriano was a nice addition in the bullpen, but Mariano Rivera probably doesn’t need much in the way of help.

The team that is really falling off this year will be the Tampa Bay Rays (10.25 to 1@ Sportbet Sportsbook). The Rays just lost too much in the offseason to really compete. Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford, Matt Garza, and basically the entire bullpen are all gone now, and a lot of the pieces ended up in other venues in the division. There are a lot of youngsters that are coming up to the majors here, but the team is just short of what it was in these recent years.

The other two teams in this division, the Toronto Blue Jays (25 to 1@ Sportbet Sportsbook) and the Baltimore Orioles (26 to 1@ Sportbet Sportsbook) are both trying to become the next version of the Rays. Baltimore is probably closer to getting the job done, as there are a ton of veterans on this team to help out all of the youngsters as well. Manager Buck Showalter did a great job with the O’s after taking over in the middle of last year. Toronto is likely to pull up the rear here, though it could be a bust out year for Ricky Romero on the mound.

Odds to Win AL East @ BetUS Sportsbook (as of 3/27/11):
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Baltimore Orioles 20 to 1
Boston Red Sox 1 to 1.70
New York Yankees 1.90 to 1
Tampa Bay Rays 8 to 1
Toronto Blue Jays 14 to 1

Betting Lines to Win AL East @ Sportbet Sportsbook (as of 3/27/11):
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Boston Red Sox 1 to 1.65
New York Yankees 1.90 to 1
Tampa Bay Rays 10.25 to 1
Toronto Blue Jays 25 to 1
Baltimore Orioles 26 to 1

2011 AL East Odds @ Hollywood Sportsbook (as of 3/27/11):
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Baltimore Orioles 15 to 1
Boston Red Sox 1 to 1.75
New York Yankees 2 to 1
Tampa Bay Rays 10 to 1
Toronto Blue Jays 20 to 1

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The World Series comes down to the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers! Here at Bankroll Sports, we’ll be updating the World Series odds from a ton of sportsbooks, and we’ll keep updating our World Series schedule.

The Rangers are the slight favorite to cash in on the Fall Classic, and the reason for that is because LHP Cliff Lee is likely to be able to pitch in Game 1, Game 5, and in relief in Game 7 if necessary. Texas has also had a fantastic offense in this postseason and has had a ton of batters hit at least .300. Speed has also killed both the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays so far in the playoffs. The Rangers have been making a ton of deer antlers in the dugout, especially for the 15 stolen bases in 11 games.

The Giants have a fantastic pitching staff though, and should not be messed with. RHP Matt Cain has yet to give up a run in the playoffs, and RHP Tim Lincecum already has a shutout, a win over Philadelphia Phillies’ RHP Roy Halladay, and a hold to his credit in this postseason. The only problem is that the offense has been iffy at best, as there are only two men, C Buster Posey and OF Cody Ross, that are hitting at least .300 for the playoffs.

Pitching Probables for the World Series

Game 1: Wednesday, October 27th, 2010, 7:57 ET: Cliff Lee (L) @ Tim Lincecum (R)
Game 2: Thursday, October 28th, 2010, 7:57 ET: CJ Wilson (L) @ Matt Cain (R)
Game 3: Saturday, October 30th, 2010, 6:57 ET: Jonathan Sanchez (L) @ Colby Lewis (R)
Game 4: Sunday, October 31st, 2010, 8:20 ET: Madison Bumgarner (L) @ Tommy Hunter (R)
Game 5 (if necessary): Monday, November 1st, 2010, 7:57 ET: Tim Lincecum (R) @ Cliff Lee (L)
Game 6 (if necessary): Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010, 7:57 ET: CJ Wilson (L) @ Matt Cain (R)
Game 7 (if necessary): Thursday, November 4th, 2010, 7:57 ET: Colby Lewis (R) @ Jonathan Sanchez (L)

Current 2010 World Series Odds @ Bodog Sportsbook (as of 10/26/10):
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Texas Rangers (-145) vs. San Francisco Giants

Latest Odds To Win The 2010 World Series @ 5 Dimes Sportsbook (as of 10/26/10):
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Texas Rangers (-136) vs. San Francisco Giants

Latest Odds To Win The 2010 World Series @ Oddsmaker Sportsbook (as of 10/26/10):
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Texas Rangers (-150) vs. San Francisco Giants

Current 2010 World Series Odds @ BetUS Sportsbook (as of 10/26/10):
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Texas Rangers (-145) @ San Francisco Giants

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*Baseball Records & Team Rankings are as of 7/26/2009
(Our Next Major League Baseball Power Ratings Update: 8/10/2009)

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (62-35) – The Dodgers continue to play red-hot baseball, leading their division by a full week of games. Los Angeles has used the right arm of Chad Billingsley to lead the way. Billingsley is 10-5 with a 3.72 earned run average for Los Angeles. Offensively Andre Either, Matt Kemp, Orlando Hudson and Juan Pierre are aiding Manny Ramirez in the middle of the lineup. The Dodgers had won seven of ten games, before Sunday’s affair with Florida. The Dodgers will head west, and play a ESPN game Monday evening in St. Louis, in part of a four game set with the Cardinals, and then travel to Atlanta for three games over the weekend with the Braves. The Dodgers could really put a damper on both Colorado and San Francisco in August, as they travel to both cities for three game sets during the month.

2. New York Yankees (60-38) – The Yankees defeated the Athletics on Sunday and finished a 3-1 set, and have now won 9 of their last 10 games overall. Derek Jeter has led the way offensively, upping his team leading batting average to .319.  Mark Teixeria is making a run for the AL MVP with his 25 homeruns and 71 runs batted in. Off-season acquisition C.C. Sabathia leads the team in wins, with 10, and also earned run average with a 3.67. New York currently leads second place Boston by 2.5 games, while the Rays lurk at 6.5 back. New York is an AL best 35-17 at the new Yankee Stadium. The Yankees will start a road trip on Monday, at Tampa Bay, and then head to Chicago for three games, starting Friday with the White Sox.

3. Anaheim Angels (58-38) – Sunday’s blowout loss to the Minnesota Twins snapped Anaheim’s eight game winning streak. After sweeping a road series at Kansas City, the Angels had won the first two against Minnesota. Hard throwing Jered Weaver has led the pitching staff with 10 wins, to just 3 losses, also compiling a 3.57 earned run average. Chone Figgins has been a spark plug for the offense, leading the team in runs scored (78) and stolen bases (31). Anaheim will continue their home stand on Monday, as the Cleveland Indians visit. After the series with Cleveland, the Angels will fly to Minnesota to play a three game series with the Twins.

4. Philadelphia Phillies (56-40) – After the red hot streak, the Phillies were stopped Friday night by the new look St. Louis Cardinals. Philadelphia rebounded well, picking up 23 runs in two games, to beat the Cardinals in both games. J.A. Happ took his first loss of the season, but the rookie sits at 7-1 on the season. Shane Victorino leads the high powered Phily offense with a .318 batting average, as slugger Ryan Howard has pounded in 72 runs. The Phillies lead the second place Atlanta Braves by 6.5 games in the National League East. The Phillies will now take the road, starting Monday with a three game series at the Arizona Diamondbacks. Following the trip to Arizona, Philadelphia will play four with the Giants, in San Francisco. The Phillies are still in talks with the Blue Jays for their ace Roy Halladay.

5. Boston Red Sox (57-40) – The Red Sox could not finish a three game sweep on Sunday over Baltimore, and fell to 2.5 games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East standings. Boston has got 11 wins from ace Josh Beckett, as he has also compiled a 3.42 earned run average. Dustin Pedroia the 2008 AL MVP is batting .304 for Boston, which leads the team. New comer Jason Bay leads the team in both homeruns and runs batted in, with 20 and 72 respectively. Boston traded disgruntled former shortstop Julio Lugo to St. Louis earlier in the week, also picking up Adam LaRoche from Pittsburgh.  Boston will continue their seven game home stand on Monday, when the Oakland Athletics visit Fenway. After the series with Oakland, Boston will make the trip to Baltimore for a three game weekend set with the Baltimore Orioles.

6. Tampa Bay Rays (54-45) – Toronto used a Scott Rolen three run homerun to avoid the sweep of the Rays on Sunday. Tampa Bay has climbed to within 6.5 games of the front running Yankees. It was an adventurous week for the Rays, who were held to no base runners in the Mark Buerhle perfect game, they next night they turned around and beat Roy Halladay, and then down eight runs to Toronto, Tampa bounced back and beat the Jays 10-9. Jason Bartlett leads the team in batting with a .341 mark, while Carlos Pena leads in homeruns (25) and runs scored (65). Tampa Bay will begin a very important three game set with the first place Yankees on Monday at home. Following the Yankees, the Kansas City Royals will visit Tampa for a three game set over the weekend.

7. Texas Rangers (54-42) – Texas took advantage of a weak Kansas City bullpen on Sunday to gain a little ground on first place Anaheim. The Rangers picked up the 7-2 win, which led to a 2-1 series win. The Rangers got bad news when starting pitcher Kevin Millwood left the game with tightness in his left gluteus.  This came a few days after right hander Vicente Padilla was scratched with flu like symptoms, which was later diagnosed as the Swine Flu. Texas has got great offense from Michael Young, with a .313 batting average, and also Ian Kinsler, who leads the team with 23 homeruns, 59 runs batted in, and 68 runs scored. The Rangers start a seven game home stand on Monday with Detroit and Seattle coming to town for three and four respectively.

8. Colorado Rockies (54-44) – The Rockies got seven sharp innings from Aaron Cook to win the final game of a three game series over the Giants. The win for Colorado pushed their wildcard lead to two games over San Francisco. Colorado is getting excellent production from Brad Hawpe (.322 batting average, and 61 runs batted in), Troy Tulowitzki (18 homeruns, and 56 runs scored) and Dexter Fowler, who has stolen 23 bases. Staff ace Jason Marquis leads the National League with 12 wins. The Rockies start a seven game series on Monday with the New York Mets, for four and then Colorado will travel to Cincinnati for a three game set over the weekend.

9. San Francisco Giants (52-46) – The Giants have struggled of late, losing seven of their last ten, falling to third in the NL West, and two games behind second place, and wildcard leading Colorado. Colorado, after falling in the first game of the series, came back with two straight wins, allowing the Giants just two runs in both games. Pablo Sandoval leads the team in most offensive categories including batting average (.324), homeruns (15) and runs batted in (58). Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain have been an excellent 1-2 punch at the start of the rotation, Lincecum with a 10-3, and 2.45 earned run average, and Cain leading the team with 12 wins. The Giants will start a home stand on Monday when the Pittsburgh Pirates come in for three. Following Pittsburgh, the Giants will then face the NL East leading Philadelphia Phillies for a four game set.

10. Seattle Mariners (51-46) – Seattle fell to 7.5 games behind Anaheim after being swept on Sunday by the Cleveland Indians. Seattle was outscored 31-6 in the three games at home. Ichiro Suzuki is the leading hitter for the Mariners with a .358 batting average, while the resurging Russell Branyan has hit 24 homeruns and knocked in 55 runs. Seattle will play a three game home series starting on Monday with the Toronto Blue Jays, before heading to Texas for a four game series with the Rangers.

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11. Detroit Tigers (52-44) – The Detroit Tigers came into Sunday Nights game winners of three straight over second place Chicago. The Tigers won both games of a doubleheader on Friday 5-1 and 4-3, and repeated the 4-3 game on Saturday to move to three games ahead. Miguel Cabrera is making a strong case for AL MVP with a .328 batting average, while Brandon Inge has hit 21 homeruns and knocked in 58 runs. Justin Verlander leads the team with 11 wins, while Fernando Rodney has converted 21 saves on the year. Detroit will start a three game series at Texas on Monday, take Thursday off, and battle the Cleveland Indians on the road on Friday.

12. St. Louis Cardinals (53-48) – After acquiring Julio Lugo and Matt Holliday, the Cardinals picked up a 8-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The win was the first time Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ lost a game. After that, the Cardinals pitching could not get anyone out, allowing 23 runs in two games. The losses for St. Louis dropped them to second place, ½ game behind divisional rival Chicago. Albert Pujols continues to lead the team in all offensive categories, including a .325 batting average, 34 homeruns, 91 runs batted in, 79 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. Adam Wainwright leads the staff in wins with 10. St. Louis will start a four game series Monday night at home with the West leading Dodgers. Following Los Angeles, the Cardinals will host the Houston Astros, who just swept the Cardinals in Houston last week.

13. Chicago Cubs (51-45) – The Cubs picked up their fourth straight win to place them into first place in the NL Central for the first time since April 21^st. Ryan Theriot leads the team in batting, despite hitting just under .300 for the season. Derrick Lee leads the team in homeruns and runs batted in, with 19 and 63 respectively. Ted Lilly leads the starting staff with 9 wins, but was placed on the disabled list recently with left shoulder inflammation. Ryan Dempster is also on the disabled list with a fractured big toe. The Cubs and Astros will start a four game set at Wrigley on Monday, before Chicago heads to Miami for a weekend set with the Marlins.

14. Chicago White Sox (50-48) – After the historic win for the White Sox and left hander Mark Buerhle, the White Sox fell in three straight games to the Tigers. Chicago will look to snap the losing streak, and salvage a game Sunday night on ESPN. The White Sox are three games behind the Tigers, in the division. Chicago is 27-23 when playing at home, and 23-25 on the road. After finishing Sunday’s game at Detroit, the White Sox will head north to Minneapolis to take on the third place Twins. On Thursday, the White Sox and the Yankees will begin a four game set at US Cellular Field.

15. Houston Astros (50-48) – After sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals at the start of the week, and knocking Johan Santana off on Friday, the Astros were not able to complete the huge week, by dropping two straight against the Mets. The Astros are in the running in the NL Central, just two games behind the Cubs at the top. Houston has won 28 of 53 at home this season, and 22 of 45 on the road.  The Astros placed outfielder Lance Berkman on the disabled list on July 24^th with a strained left calf muscle. Miguel Tejada continues to hit well, batting .326 to lead the team. Carlos Lee continues to make a move towards 100 runs batted in, as he leads the team with 59. Wandy Rodriguez leads the team in wins with 10, and also has a solid earned run average of 2.72. The Astros will face a huge week ahead of them, as they start a four game series at Chicago against the Cubs on Monday, and in St. Louis against the Cardinals over the weekend.

16. Florida Marlins (51-48) – The Marlins continue to remain within striking distance in both the NL East (6.5 games back) and the NL Wildcard (3.5 games back). Florida is 25-24 at home this season, and 26-24 when playing on the road. Hanley Ramirez leads the team, and the entire National League in batting, with a .346 mark, and also runs batted in (62) and runs scored (58). The Marlins are confident following two out of three wins over the NL leading Los Angeles Dodgers on the road. Florida’s closer Matt Lindstrom has been on the disabled list since June 24^th with a right elbow strain, but that has not seemed to dimmer the Marlins hopes’. Florida will host the Atlanta Braves, starting on Tuesday, and then host the Chicago Cubs over the weekend.

17. Atlanta Braves (51-48) – Atlanta is another team that continues to remain within striking distance. Atlanta, at 51-48, remains in a second place tie with the Florida Marlins, 6.5 games behind Philadelphia. The Braves just completed a two of three weekend at Milwaukee in which they were blanked in the middle game, but scored 19 in the other two. Yunel Escobar leads the Braves in batting average, with a .309 batting average, and also runs batted in, with 57, while Chipper Jones leads in homeruns (12) and runs scored (52). Atlanta and Florida will start a three game series in Miami on Tuesday, and then the Braves will host the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

18. Milwaukee Brewers (49-49) – The Brewers fell back to .500 on Sunday with a loss to the Atlanta Braves. Milwaukee is continuing to attempt to find ways to become a more consistent team, as they continue to hang around. Milwaukee is just three games behind the front running Chicago Cubs. Ryan Braun leads the team with a .310 batting average, and 67 runs scored, while homerun derby winner Prince Fielder leads in homeruns (24) and runs batted in (86). Seth McClung was the latest Brewer to find the disabled list with a right elbow strain. Milwaukee will hope to get back on track on Monday, as they start a four game series with the Washington Nationals. After the series with Washington, Milwaukee will head west and take on the San Diego Padres for a weekend series.

19. Minnesota Twins (49-50) – The Twins have moved to within one game of .500, despite winning just four of their last ten games. Minnesota sits just 4.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers at the top of the American League Central. Minnesota has won 28 of 48 at home, while losing 30 of 51 on the road. Joe Mauer leads the entire American League in batting with a .366 mark, while Justin Morneau is providing the power, with 24 homeruns, 79 runs batted in, and 67 runs scored. Kevin Slowey, the Twins leader in wins with 10, continues to be sidelined with  a strained right wrist. Minnesota will host second place Chicago on Monday for a three game set, followed by three at home over the weekend with Anaheim.

20. Toronto Blue Jays (48-51) – Have the Blue Jays seen the last of Roy Halladay in their uniform? Halladay pitched Friday against Tampa Bay, and have been rumored as being traded for some time now. As the trade deadline approaches, Philadelphia has made the most noise, in an effort to grab one of the best pitchers in the game. Toronto is in fourth place in the AL East, 12.5  games behind the front running New York Yankees. Scott Rolen leads the team in batting with a .316 batting average, while Aaron Hill is putting up excellent numbers, with 24 homeruns and 67 runs batted in. Toronto will start a road trip on Monday at Seattle, take Thursday off, and play three at Oakland, starting on Friday.

21. New York Mets (46-51) – The Mets are at a break point, with just over 60 games to play, they trail the Phillies by 10.5 games, and the wildcard leading Rockies by 7.5 games. New York bounced back from losing the opener to Houston, by winning the final two games at Minute Maid Park. David Wright has been the lone bright spot offensively for the Mets, leading the team in batting average (.317), runs batted in (46), runs scored (60), and stolen bases (21). Gary Sheffield leads the team in homeruns, with just 10. Johan Santana is 11-8 with a 3.12 earned run average to lead the Mets starting pitching staff. The Mets will look  to keep their winning streak going, and make up some ground on Colorado on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at home. After Colorado leaves town, the Mets will host the Arizona Diamondbacks for a three game set.

22. Cincinnati Reds (44-53) – The Reds lost their sixth straight game on Sunday, and fell to 7.5 games behind the Chicago Cubs. Cincinnati scored just 10 runs in the three games, allowing 18. Brandon Phillips leads the anemic Reds offense, with just a .271 batting average, along with 63 runs batted in and 47 runs scored. Bronson Arroyo leads the pitching staff in wins, with 10. The Reds and San Diego Padres will hook up on Monday to start a four game series. On Friday, Cincinnati will host the wildcard leading Colorado Rockies for a three game series.

23. Pittsburgh Pirates (43-55) – The Pirates were blanked for the second straight day by the Arizona Diamondbacks. This came after chasing Arizona ace Dan Haren on Friday evening. Pittsburgh with the loss, dropped to nine games behind the NL Central leading Chicago Cubs. The Pirates are 26-19 at home, but just 17-36 on the road. Pittsburgh traded their top power hitter Andy LaRoche this week to the Boston Red Sox. LaRoche had led the team in homeruns (12), runs batted in (40), and runs scored (46). The Pirates will continue their west coast road trip on Monday at San Francisco, before taking Thursday off, and then coming back home to host the Washington Nationals.

24. Baltimore Orioles (42-55) – The Orioles avoided a three game sweep, and snapped their losing streak with a 6-2 win over the Red Sox on Sunday. Baltimore used three runs batted in from Nick Markakis, and an excellent start from pitcher David Hernandez. The win for the Orioles broke an 11 game losing streak at Fenway Park. Adam Jones leads Baltimore in batting with a .302 mark, while Markakis leads in runs batted in, with 63. Baltimore will head home, starting on Monday and host the Kansas City Royals for four games. After that series, the Orioles will seek revenge against the Boston Red Sox Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

25. Cleveland Indians (40-58) – The Indians have won four straight games, to move ahead of the Kansas City Royals. Cleveland is 12.5 games behind the division leading Detroit Tigers. After finishing the final game of the series with a win over Toronto, the Indians swept the Seattle Mariners in a road series, in which saw them out score the Mariners 31-6. Victor Martinez, who is subject to recent trade rumors leads the team in homeruns, with 14, runs batted in, with 64, and runs scored (55). Cliff Lee, the Indians top starting pitcher is also being discussed in trades, he leads the team in earned run average (3.17) and innings pitched (145). The Indians start a three game series in Anaheim on Monday, and then come home and take on the Detroit Tigers Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

26. Oakland Athletics (41-56) – The Athletics made the move that had been discussed for months, by dealing outfielder Matt Holliday. Holliday was sent to St. Louis for three prospects, including Brett Wallace. The Athletics are in fourth place in the AL West, and trail the Angels by 17 games. Oakland just finished half of their eight game road trip, winning just one of four at the new Yankee Stadium. The second half of their road trip is at historic Fenway Park, where the Athletics and the Red Sox will play four games. Following the trip to Boston, Oakland will fly back home and host the Toronto Blue Jays starting on Friday.

27. Arizona Diamondbacks (42-56) – Arizona just completed a three out of four series win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. In the final two games, Arizona shut out the Pirates, 7-0 and 9-0. Dan Haren leads the team with 10 wins, and also in earned run average, with a 2.14. Mark Reynolds has been the Diamondbacks top offensive star, with 25 homeruns, 63 runs batted in, and 63 runs scored. The Diamondbacks are in fourth place in the NL West, 20.5 games behind the Dodgers. Arizona will start a three game series with the Phillies on Monday, then take Thursday off, before traveling to New York for a weekend series with the Mets.

28. San Diego Padres (38-61) – The Padres have fallen in eight of their last ten games, and slid below the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West. San Diego trails the front running Dodgers by 25 games, which ranks second worst in all of baseball, just ahead of Washington. The Padres have struggled on the road, winning just 14 of 49 games. San Diego’s leading homerun hitter and run producer Adrian Gonzalez has been rumored in trade requests, but it appears no team will give up what San Diego wants for his services. Gonzalez has hit 25 homeruns and drove in 55 runs. The Padres will continue their eight game road trip on Monday at Cincinnati, and then come home on Friday, and start a weekend series with the Milwaukee Brewers.

29. Kansas City Royals (38-59) – The Royals snapped their nine game losing streak on Saturday with a 6-3 win over the Texas Rangers. Kansas City was not able to win two in a row, as the Rangers downed Kansas City 7-2. The Royals have fallen to last place in the American League Central, and now trail Detroit by 14.5 games. While struggling as of late, Zack Greinke is still a bright spot for Kansas City with a 10-6 record and a 2.04 earned run average. The Royals will head out to the East and take on the Baltimore Orioles for a four game series starting Monday. After the trip to Baltimore, Kansas City will travel to Tampa Bay for a three game weekend set.

30. Washington Nationals (30-68) – Despite having the worst record in all of baseball, the Nationals are beginning to at least make head way towards Kansas City and San Diego. Washington just completed a two of out three series win over the Padres. Despite their recent wins, the Nationals find themselves 27 games out of first place, the largest margin in of all baseball. Adam Dunn has led the Nationals in power numbers with 25 homeruns and 70 runs batted in, while Nick Johnson leads in batting, with a 3.02 mark. John Lannan has been the best thing towards a staff ace, with just a 7-7 mark on the season. Washington will start a four game series in Milwaukee on Monday, and then travel to Pittsburgh over the weekend.

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*Baseball Records & Team Rankings are as of 7/6/2009
(Our Next Major League Baseball Power Ratings Update: 7/13/2009)

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (51-30) – Midway through the 2009 season, the Dodgers look to be head and shoulders ahead of everyone else in the National League. Manny Ramirez came back on Friday, going 0-fer in his first game, but hitting a homerun in his second game back. The Dodgers lead the Giants by 6.5 games in the National League West. Andre Either leads the team in homeruns and runs batted in with 15 and 53, and also leads in walk-off hits (4). The Dodgers will finish up their weekend series at San Diego on Sunday, and then head east, taking on the Mets, Tuesday through Thursday and then visit Milwaukee over the weekend before the All Star Break.

2. Boston Red Sox (48-32) – Losers of two straight games, the Boston Red Sox sit just one full game ahead of the Yankees for first place in the American League East. The Mariners have beat the Red Sox late in the game for both the wins. Kevin Youkilis leads the team with a .306 batting average, while Jason Bay leads in homeruns (19) and runs batted in (70). Boston will finish their series with the Mariners at home on Sunday, and then welcome to Athletics and Royals into town before the All Star break.

3. New York Yankees (47-33) – The Yankees have won two straight games and nine of their last ten to sneak within one game of the Red Sox for first place in the American League East. The Yankees are 25-15 at home and 22-18 on the road this season, while feasting on teams not in the Central Division; 23-9. Derek Jeter leads the team in batting with his .308 batting average, while Mark Teixeira leads in homeruns and runs batted in with 20 and 61. Left hander Andy Pettitte leads the pitching staff with eight wins, while closer Mariano Rivera continues to shine, with 21 saves. The Yankees and Blue Jays will finish their series up on Monday, before heading to Minneapolis to take on the Twins – Tuesday, Wednesday and  Thursday. After leaving Minnesota, the Yankees will head west and finish the first half of the season in Anaheim, taking on the Angels.

4. Los Angeles Angels (44-35) – The American League West has developed into an extremely tight race, as the Angels and Rangers are deadlocked at nine games over .500, and the Mariners sit just 2.5 games back. The Angels have won two of three over the weekend over the Baltimore Orioles. Saturday’s game saw Vladimir Guerrero hit just his third homerun of the season to lead the Angels to a 11-4 win. Chone Figgins leads the Angels in batting with a .316 mark, while Torii Hunter continues to provide the power numbers (17 homeruns), (62 runs batted in). Brian Fuentes, the teams first year closer, has saved 23 of 26 saves on the season. The Angels and Orioles will close their four game series on Sunday, and then the Angels will welcome the Rangers and Yankees to town before taking the All Star break.

5. Texas Rangers (44-35) – The Rangers got a homerun and three runs batted in from Andruw Jones Saturday night to assist in a 12-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rangers are tied in first place with the Angels, both with records at nine games over .500. Centerfielder Josh Hamilton is on his way back from an injury. He is scheduled to start his rehab back, but his return to Arlington is not known at this time. Nelson Cruz continues to have a great breakout season, leading the team in homeruns with 20. Texas and Tampa Bay will play their Sunday Night game, before the Rangers head on the road to Anaheim for three games, and Seattle for four to finish the first half of the season.

6. San Francisco Giants (44-36) – The Giants have emerged into one of the hottest teams in baseball, and have jumped to within 6.5 games of the Dodgers, and more importantly are the current leaders for the National League Wildcard. The Giants are a sizzling 26-12 when playing at home. Tim Lincecum picked up another win Saturday evening, throwing seven more scoreless innings. Lincecum, along with Matt Cain, Randy Johnson and Barry Zito are the majors best starting rotation. Lincecum on the season is 9-2 with a 2.23 earned run average. Young offensive stud Pablo Sandoval leads the team in batting average with a .333 mark. Sandoval also leads in homeruns with 12. The Giants will look to finish a three game sweep over the Astros on Sunday, and then welcome the Florida Marlins for three and the San Diego Padres for four leading up to the All Star break.

7. Detroit Tigers (44-36) – The Tigers sit 2.5 games ahead of the Chicago White Sox for first place in the American League Central. Detroit fell on Saturday to divisional rival Minnesota 4-3, but picked up an 11-9 win on Friday. Miguel Cabrera leads the Tigers with a .324 batting average, while Brandon Inge has popped 18 homeruns and drove in 52 runs. Justin Verlander leads the starting rotation with a 8-4 record, and a 3.54 earned run average. Verlander has struck out 130 batters, while just walking 35 on the season. Detroit and Minnesota will finish up their three game series on Sunday, and then the Tigers will host the Royals and Indians for three game sets.

8. Tampa Bay Rays (44-38) – The Tampa Bay Rays, after winning seven straight games, have lost three straight. Tampa could not finish the three game sweep of Toronto, and have now fallen in the first two to the Texas Rangers. Carl Crawford leads the team in batting with a .318 mark, while Carlos Pena has knocked out 23 homeruns. Evan Longoria leads the team in runs batted in with 63. Jeff Niemann leads the starting pitching staff with a 7-4 record, and 4.14 earned run average. The Rays and Rangers will finish their series on Sunday, before Tampa takes Monday off and then host the Toronto Blue Jays for three games, starting on  Tuesday, and then welcoming the Oakland Athletics over the weekend.

9. Milwaukee Brewers (43-38) – The Brewers, tied with St. Louis, are currently on top of a division with no clear cut favorite. Milwaukee failed to sweep the three game series with the Mets on Wednesday, falling 1-0, and then dropped the first two to divisional rival Chicago. The Brewers snapped the three game losing streak on Saturday, blasting the Cubs 11-2. Prince Fielder is having a MVP type season for the Brewers, hitting .310 with 21 homeruns and 75 runs batted in. Yovani Gallardo leads the starting pitching rotation in wins with 8, also with a 2.75 earned run average. The Brewers and Cubs will conclude their four game set on Sunday, and then the Brewers will take Monday off. St. Louis and Los Angeles will come to Miller Park this week to finish the  first half of the season.

10. St. Louis Cardinals (44-39) – On Saturday, the Cardinals modest three game winning streak was snapped by Micah Owings and the Cincinnati Reds. The Cardinals, at 44-39 are tied with Milwaukee at the top of the competitive National League Central. The Cardinals are 24-20 at home and 20-19 when playing on the road this season. On Friday, Albert Pujols hit his fourth grand slam of the 2009 season, and tenth in his career. Pujols is 6-7 with 20 runs batted in, when hitting with the bases loaded this season. Pujols’ .336 batting average is .010 from keeping him from leading all three triple crown categories. His 31 homeruns and 82 runs batted in lead the NL. The Cardinals and Reds will play the rubber match of the three game series on Sunday, and then St. Louis will take Monday off. A three game series with Milwaukee will start on  Tuesday, and then the Cardinals and Cubs will play four games in three days over the weekend.

11. Philadelphia Phillies (41-37) – The Phillies, one year after winning the World Series have not found any consistency within their offense, or their starting pitching. Despite their woes, Philadelphia still sits in first place in the National League East, as the halfway mark looms. The Phillies are seven games under .500 on the road at 15-22, while they are 26-15 when playing away from Philadelphia. The Phillies have won two straight, both over the Mets. Raul Ibanez continues to lead the team in batting, and homeruns, but is on the disabled list still with a strained left groin. The Phillies will look to sweep the Mets on Sunday, and then host the Cincinnati Reds for four straight games, followed by hosting the Pirates for three over the weekend.

12. Colorado Rockies (42-38) – After coming off possibly the best month of June in franchise history, the Rockies find themselves in contention for 2009 postseason. Colorado, at 42-38, is just 8.5 games out of first place in the NL West, but more importantly just two games behind NL Wildcard leader- San Francisco. The Rockies have slowed down their pace as of late, winning just five of their last ten games. On Saturday, Colorado fell 11-7 to the Diamondbacks. The Rockies are led in hitting by right-hander Brad Hawpe, who is hitting .331. Ian Stewart leads the team in homeruns with 15. Colorado, after finishing the three game home series with Arizona, will welcome both the Nationals and Braves into town this week to finish the first half of the season.

13. Seattle Mariners (42-38) – The Mariners felt the most recent road trip could be a make/break time for the ball club, and after going 5-3 against the Dodgers, Yankees and Red Sox, the Mariners find themselves in contention in the American League West. The Mariners have a chance to sweep the Red Sox, on the road, on Sunday. Seattle, in third place, is just 2.5 games behind both Texas and Los Angeles in the AL West. The Mariners are 21-15 at home, and 21-23 on the road. Ichiro Suzuki is making a case for AL MVP, with his .365 batting average. Power hitting Russell Branyan has done his job hitting 20 homeruns in the first 80 games of the season. Felix Hernandez has been the staff ace thus far, winning eight games, and compiling an earned run average of 2.62 on the season. Seattle, after finishing the series at Boston on Sunday, will head back home, and host the Baltimore Orioles for three and Texas Rangers for four.

14. Chicago White Sox (42-39) – The White Sox seven game winning streak was snapped on Saturday night by the Kansas City Royals. Chicago’s seven game winning streak sparked them into second place in the American League Central Division, just 2.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers. Chicago has won 20 of 40 games at home, and 22 of 41 when playing on the road. The White Sox are led in batting by outfielder Scott Podsednik, with his .312 batting average. Mark Buehrle has been the staff ace thus far in 2009 with a 8-2 record, and a 3.09 earned run average. The White Sox and Royals will play the final game of the three game series on Sunday. After taking on the Royals, the White Sox will take Monday off, host Cleveland for a three game series, and then head to Minnesota for a weekend series.

15. Toronto Blue Jays (42-40) – The Blue Jays have fallen to fourth place in the American League East, despite being two games above .500. Toronto has lost two straight games and seven of their last ten games overall. Toronto has been led in hitting by a resurging third base men Scott Rolen. Rolen leads the team in batting with a .331 batting average. Aaron Hill leads in power numbers, popping 19 homeruns, and driving in 56 runs batted in. Roy Halladay, despite missing a few starts with an injury continues to be a front runner for AL Cy Young, with a 10-2 mark, and a 2.79 earned run average. Toronto and New York will play both Sunday and Monday, before the Blue Jays head to Tampa Bay, for a Tuesday-Thursday series. The final games before the All Star Break for Toronto will be on the road at Baltimore, over the weekend.

16. Minnesota Twins (42-40) – The Twins, at 42-40, are in third place, three games behind the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central. Minnesota, has won six of their last ten games coming into Sunday’s game. The Twins are 25-16 at home, and just 17-24 when playing on the road. Saturday’s win was a comeback win, in which Justin Morneau led the comeback. Francisco Liriano did not pick up the win, but pitched well again, in his third straight start. The Twins and Tigers will finish their three game series on Sunday, and then the Twins will host the New York Yankees (Tuesday-Thursday) and the Chicago White Sox over the weekend.

17. Florida Marlins (42-40) – The Florida Marlins are taking full advantage of the struggles of the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. As half the season has come to an end, the Marlins find themselves at 42-40, two games above .500. Florida is also just one game behind first place Philadelphia. Hanley Ramirez is making a case for runner up in the MVP voting (behind Albert Pujols) with his .346 batting average, and 60 runs batted in. Dan Uggla leads Florida in homeruns with 15. Josh Johnson leads the starting rotation in wins (7) and earned run average (2.76).  The Marlins and Pirates have split the first two games of a four game series, and will play the final game on Sunday, before Florida heads west to take on the Giants and Diamondbacks.

18. Cincinnati Reds (40-39) – The Reds, are another team that sits just above .500, and still in contention in the divisional race. Cincinnati is just two games out, behind Milwaukee and St. Louis in the NL Central. The Reds picked up a 5-2 win behind Micah Owings on Saturday, a day after blowing a 3-0 lead to the Cardinals on Friday. The Reds starting pitching staff has been excellent, with Johnny Cueto, Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Edison Volquez, and Micah Owings, as of late. Jay Bruce leads the team in homeruns with 18, while Brandon Phillips is the leading RBI guy, with 53. The Reds and Cardinals will play the rubber game of the three game series on Sunday, before Cincinnati heads to Philadelphia for four and New York for three to conclude the first half of the season.

19. Chicago Cubs (39-39) – The Chicago Cubs, at .500, are still alive in the NL Central. Chicago sits just 2.5 games behind the Brewers and Cardinals, in fourth place in the NL Central. The Cubs have not found any consistency from their offense, but have seen a surge from first basemen Derrick Lee as of late. Lee leads the team in homeruns (14) and runs batted in (48). Ryan Theriot leads the team in batting with a .287 batting average. The Cubs’ three game winning streak came to an end on Saturday, as the Milwaukee Brewers blasted them 11-2. The Brewers and Cubs will finish their four game series on Sunday, before the Cubs host the Braves for three and then the Cardinals for four, including a Sunday doubleheader to end the first half of the season.

20. Atlanta Braves (39-41) – The Braves, despite being two games under .500 are just three games out of first place in the National League East. The Braves have not had excellent offensive numbers, but have had solid pitching from Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, and Javier Vazquez at the top of their rotation. The Braves and Nationals will play the rubber match of their three game series on Sunday, and then Atlanta will head to Chicago for a three game series and then to Colorado for four to end the first half of the season.

21. New York Mets (39-41) – The Mets, with all their injuries have continued to plummet in the National League East standings. New York has dropped to two games below .500, but are just three games out of first place. The Mets have lost two straight games, and seven of their last ten games. Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes, John Maine and J.J. Putz lead a long list of injuries for New York. The Mets are led in homeruns by aging veteran Gary Sheffield, with 10, while third basemen David Wright leads in runs batted in (42) and runs scored (51). The Mets will look to avoid a three game sweep at Philadelphia on Sunday, and then head back to Citi Field and take on the Los Angeles Dodgers for three, starting on Tuesday. Over the weekend, the Cincinnati Reds will come to town.

22. Houston Astros (38-41) – After creeping to just one game under .500, the Houston Astros have suddenly lost their bats. Houston has been outscored 22-0 in their first two games in a series in San Francisco. Miguel Tejada leads the team in batting with a .325 batting average, while Lance Berkman has hit 17 homeruns and drove in 48 runs. Wandy Rodriguez has been the staff ace, with a 7-6 record, and a 3.21 earned run average. After Houston finishes in San Francisco on Sunday, they will come back home, four seven straight against Pittsburgh(3) and Washington(4).

23. Baltimore Orioles (36-45) – The Baltimore Orioles are the lone American League East team that is out of contention. The Orioles are in fifth place, and 12.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox. Baltimore is 24-20 when playing at home, but a dismal 12-25 on the road. The Orioles are pleased with their production from outfielder Adam Jones, who leads the team in batting average, at .307. Luke Scott leads the team in homeruns with 16, while Aubrey Huff has drove in 55 runs, and Brian Roberts has scored 60 runs. The Orioles will look to split the four game series with the Angels on Sunday, and then head to Seattle to take on the Mariners in a three game set. Over the weekend, the Orioles will host the Toronto Blue Jays to finish the 2009 first half of the season.

24. Pittsburgh Pirates (37-44) – The Pirates, are seven games below .500, but are just six games out of first place in the National League Central. Pittsburgh are 22-17 at home this season, while they have struggled on the road, winning just 15 of 42 games. Zach Duke or Freddy Sanchez look to be the choices for the National League All Star team, Pittsburgh representative. Duke is 8-6 on the season with a 3.13 earned run average, while Sanchez is batting .316 on the season. The Pirates will look to win the rubber match of a three game set in Miami on Sunday, and then continue the road trip Monday-Wednesday at Houston, before playing three at Philadelphia over the weekend.

25. San Diego Padres (35-45) – The Padres picked up their fourth win in twelve tries over the first place Los Angeles Dodgers. San Diego has got to find a way to win more games on the road, as they are just 12-26 on the season. The win for the Padres snapped a three game losing streak for San Diego. The Padres are led in homeruns and runs batted in by Adrian Gonzalez with 24 and 51. San Diego and Los Angeles will finish their three game series on Sunday, before the Padres will finish the first half of the season on the road, at Arizona and San Francisco (for four).

26. Kansas City Royals (34-46) – After the hot start, the Royals have fallen to twelve games below .500, but are just 10 games out of first in the American League Central. Kansas City is 21-24 at home, while 13-22 on the road. The bright spot for the Royals has been staff ace Zack Greinke, and his 10 wins. Greinke is 10-4 with a 2.00 earned run average on the season. Kansas City and the White Sox will finish their four game series on Sunday, with the Royals looking to split the series. After the Royals finish up the series, they will head to Detroit and Boston, finishing up their first half season with series against first place squads.

27. Oakland Athletics (33-46) – The Athletics are marred in the middle of a two game losing streak, and have won just two of their last ten games. Oakland is in last place in the American League West, sitting 11 games behind the Angels and Rangers. Kurt Suzuki leads the team in batting, but is only hitting .282 on the year. Jack Cust leads in power numbers with 14 homeruns and 42 runs batted in, also adding 42 runs scored. Oakland will look to avoid the sweep in Cleveland on Sunday, and then head east and take on the Red Sox for three, and the Rays for four games.

28. Cleveland Indians (33-49) – The Indians cannot seem to find consistency, and are 33-49 barring down on the end of the first half. Cleveland sits 12 games back of the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central Division. The Indians are 19-24 at home, and 14-25 on the road. The Indians snapped a five game losing streak on Friday, led  by Shin-Soo Choo’s four hits and seven runs batted in.  Victor Martinez leads the tribe in power numbers of (14 homeruns) and (57 runs batted in). Carl Pavano has led the starting pitching staff, with seven wins, but also seven losses and an earned run average of over 5.30. The Indians look to sweep the Athletics on Sunday, and then head on the road to face fellow divisional foes Chicago and Detroit.

29. Arizona Diamondbacks (32-49) – At 32-49, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been the most disappointing team in 2009. Arizona is a MLB worst 19 games out of first place in the National League West, and have won just 15 of 33 games at home. Arizona is 2-8 in their last ten games, but did pick up a Saturday win over the Rockies. Felipe Lopez is the lone Arizona hitter batting over .300, with a .301 mark. Mark Reynolds may be on the trading block, despite leading the team in homeruns (23), runs batted in (58), runs scored (52) and stolen bases (13). Dan Haren leads the team in wins (7), innings pitched (115), and earned run average (2.19). Arizona and Colorado will finish their series on Sunday in Denver, before Arizona comes home and hosts the Padres and Marlins to conclude the first half of the season.

30. Washington Nationals (23-55) – The Washington Nationals are 18 games out of first place in the National League East. Washington will be one of the very few sellers as the trade deadline looms. Washington has won just 9 games on the road this season, losing 29. The Nationals have struggled against divisional foes winning just 7 of 38 games this season. Christian Guzman leads the team in batting with a .316 batting average, while Adam Dunn has hit 22 homeruns and drove in 59 runs. The Nationals will look to win the series on Sunday against the Atlanta Braves, before heading out west to Colorado and Houston to finish the first half of the season.

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*Baseball Records & Team Rankings are as of 6/14/2009
(Our Next Major League Baseball Power Ratings Update: 6/21/2009)

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (41-22) – The Dodgers avoided their first three game losing streak of the season with a 3-1 win over Texas on Sunday. Los Angeles continues to lead the National League West, by seven games over second place San Francisco. The Dodgers remain at the # 1 position, a spot they have held the entire season. Chad Billingsley continues to shine, coming through at the front of the starting rotation, with a 8-3 record, and a 2.73 earned run average. Juan Pierre leads the team in batting, getting starts every day since Manny Ramirez has been out. Pierre is batting .348 on the season. After Los Angeles finishes their three game series with Texas on Sunday, they will head home for a brief three game series with the Oakland Athletics, before heading across town to take on the Los Angeles(Anaheim) Angels.

2. Boston Red Sox (38-24) – The Red Sox have surged to three games ahead of their rivals, the New York Yankees, at the delight of a five game winning streak. Boston moves up four spots from # 6 to # 2 with their recent surge. The Red Sox have won 21 of 29 games at Fenway Park, and have also beaten the Yankees all eight times they have met this season. Jason Bay is continuing to power the Boston offense with his 17 homeruns and 60 runs batted in. Tim Wakefield, the knuckleball leads the team in wins with 8 on the season, but has a high earned run average of 4.50. After finishing the series with the Phillies on Sunday, the Red Sox head back home to host six straight games. The Florida Marlines start a series on Tuesday, followed by a weekend set with the Atlanta Braves.

 3. Philadelphia Phillies (35-25) – The Phillies stick at ten games over .500, and continue to falter to make a move at separating themselves from the rest of the Eastern Division of the National League. Philadelphia drops one position from # 2 to # 3 within the power rankings.  The Red Sox have gotten the best of the defending champions winning the first two games of a three game series. The teams will finish the series on Sunday. The Phillies are a little banged up with injuries to bullpens guys Scott Eyre, and Brad Lidge, along with starting pitcher Brett Myers. Raul Ibanez continues to carry the load offensive, batting .322, with 22 homeruns, 59 runs batted in, and 51 runs scored. After Boston leaves town the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles will come to town for consecutive three game series’.

4. Texas Rangers (35-26) – The Rangers have used a 13-3 mark against divisional foes to move to a 3.5 game lead in the American League West. Texas remains # 4 overall in the power ranking, after splitting the first two with the Dodgers. Kevin Millwood continues to provide excellent starting pitching for the Rangers. On the season, Millwood is 6-4 with a low 2.72 earned run average. Millwood has struck out 49 batters, walking just 27 on the year. Offensively Michael Young and Ian Kinsler are making up for the absence of Josh Hamilton. Young leads the team in batting with a .315 mark, while Kinsler leads in runs batted in(44), runs scored (42) and stolen bases (11). Texas will finish their home series with the Dodgers on Sunday, before welcoming their state rival Houston Astros into town on Tuesday. Over the weekend, the Rangers will travel to San Francisco for a three game set with the Giants.

5. New York Yankees (35-27) – The Yankees picked up a gift win on Friday, as Mets second baseman Jose Castillo dropped a fly ball to allow two runners to score for the win in the bottom of the ninth inning. The win for the Yankees came at a great time, as they just came off a three game sweep at the hands of the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees have dropped all eight games they have played against the Red Sox in 2009. The Yankees drop two spots from # 3  to # 5 after their struggles during the week. New York is 19-12 at home, and above .500 on the road as well, but still three games behind Boston. If the postseason started today, the Yankees would advance as the American League’s representative for the Wild Card. New York holds a two game lead over Toronto for that spot. Derek Jeter continues to be the Yankees top batter, but holding a batting average of under .300, at .299. After the Yankees complete the Subway Series with the Mets, they will remain in New York to host the Washington Nationals for three, before heading to Miami over the weekend.

6. Detroit Tigers (34-28) – The Tigers make a two team jump, sliding from the # 8 spot, up to # 6. The Tigers have split the weekend series with Pittsburgh, with the third game coming on Sunday. Detroit leads Minnesota by three games in the AL Central with their 34-28 record. Miguel Cabrera leads Detroit in batting with a .326 batting average, while Curtis Granderson powers the team with 14 homeruns, and Brandon Inge leads with 41 runs batted in. Youngster Rick Porcello leads the Tigers in wins, with 7 on the season, with a 3.71 earned run average. The Tigers, after finishing the series with Pittsburgh will head to St. Louis for a three game set, followed by a three game home series with the Brewers.

7. Milwaukee Brewers (34-28) – The Brewers were swept at home over the week by the red hot Colorado Rockies. Currently, the Brewers have split with the Chicago White Sox in a home series. The Brewers drop from # 5 to # 7. Coming into Sunday’s action, the Brewers lead the St. Louis Cardinals by a ½ game in the National League Central. Ryan Braun leads the team with a .314 batting average, Prince Fielder is providing the power in the middle of the lineup with 15 homeruns and 55 runs batted in. Trevor Hoffman is a perfect 15-15 converting save opportunities on the season, at the age of 41. After the Brewers finish the series with the White Sox on Sunday, they will take  to the road for two straight series against AL Central foes. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Milwaukee will play at Cleveland, and then over the weekend, the Brewers and  Tigers will get together.

8. St. Louis Cardinals (34-29) –  Albert Pujols is absolutely ripping the baseball right now for the Cardinals. Homering in his third straight game, Pujols hit a second homerun, followed by a double in Saturday’s game. Pujols leads the team in batting average (.329), homeruns (22), runs batted in (57), runs scored (50) and stolen bases (9). Adam Wainwright leads the pitching staff with six wins,  to just four losses, and a 3.49 earned run average. Wainwright has struck out 71 batters, walking just 34 on the year. The Cardinals made a two team jump from # 10 to # 8. St. Louis will finish their series at Cleveland on Sunday Night, and then come home to host the Detroit Tigers for a three game set, followed by a trip to Kansas City over the weekend.

9. Toronto Blue Jays (34-30) – The Blue Jays will look to avoid a three game sweep on Sunday to the Florida Marlins. Toronto fell in the final game of a three game series with the Texas Rangers, followed by the first two with Florida. Toronto is five games back of the Boston Red Sox in the AL East. Scott Rolen leads the team with a .311 batting average, while Aaron Hill has 14 homeruns. The Blue Jays remain at # 9, after their recent struggles. The Blue Jays will now start a road trip with a mid-week series at Philadelphia, and then a weekend trip at Washington.

10. New York Mets (32-28) – After the devastating loss on Friday night to the Yankees, the Mets picked it up with a Saturday win. Now, New York will look to take the rubber match of a three game set with rivals, the Yankees on Sunday. The Mets drop from # 7 to # 10, after their struggles with the Phillies earlier in the week. The Mets come into Sunday’s action three games back of the Phillies in the National League East. The Mets have been riddled with injuries, including shortstop Jose Reyes, set-up man J.J. Putz, first basemen Carlos Delgado, and starting pitcher John Maine. The Mets will look to get things going on the road on Tuesday when they travel to Baltimore to take on the Orioles in a three game set. Over the weekend the Mets will take on the Tampa Bay Rays in a three game home set.

11. Tampa Bay Rays (33-31) – The Tampa Bay Rays have won four straight games coming into Sunday’s finale against Washington. With the current win streak, the Rays move up four spots from # 15 to just on the outside looking in of top ten, at # 11. Carl Crawford leads the team in batting with a .316 batting average, while Carlos Pena leads the squad in homeruns with 20. Tampa Bay comes into Sunday’s affair with the Nationals just five games out of first place, one game back of Toronto for third place. The Rays will head out on the road after the Nationals leave town. Tampa Bay and Colorado will square off on Tuesday, in a battle of the two hottest teams in the league. The Rockies have won 11 straight games. On Friday, Tampa Bay will start a three game set at the new Citi Field against the Mets.  

12. San Francisco Giants (33-28) – The Giants continue to play quality baseball, as they creep up in the National League Wildcard race. The Giants are five games over .500, at 33-28, seven games back of the Dodgers in the NL West. San Francisco remains # 12 in the power rankings, coming in just ahead of the Angels and the Reds. Matt Cain will look to win his seventh straight game on Sunday, when the  Giants attempt to sweep the Oakland Athletics. The  Giants will continue playing at home this week, as the Angels come to town on Monday for a three game set. Over the weekend, the Giants and Rangers will tangle for a three game series.

13. Los Angeles Angels (31-29) – The Angels will look to complete a three game sweep over San Diego on Sunday. In the first two games against the Padres, the Angels have outscored them 20-7. Los Angeles moves up one position from # 14 to # 13. The Angels sit in second place, still within shouting distance of the first place Texas Rangers. Torri Hunter hit three homeruns for the Angels on Saturday, and continues to be red hot with 16 homeruns and 49 runs batted in; both team leading. The Angels and Giants will hook up in San Francisco on Monday, followed by a home series with the Dodgers Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

14. Minnesota Twins (32-33) – The Twins continue to hang around Detroit at the top of the American League Central Division. Coming into Sunday’s game, the Twins 32-33 record put them at three games back. The Twins have won the first two games of a three game set with the Chicago Cubs, moving up four spots from # 18 to # 14. Kevin Slowey leads the team with a 9-2 record, and a 4.23 earned run average. Closer Joe Nathan has saved 15 of 17 games on the year. Offensively, Justin Morneau is putting up numbers that resemble another MVP type season. Morneau is leading the team with a .336 batting average, 16 homeruns, 54 runs batted in and 48 runs scored. The Twins head home after their final game at Wrigley and host the Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros in back to back series’

15. Cincinnati Reds (31-30) – The Reds are looking to pick up one win on Sunday, and avoid being swept at the hands of the Kansas City Royals. Losers of six of their last ten games, Cincinnati falls two spots from # 13 to # 15. The Reds, despite their poor play as of late have stayed in the National League Central race, just 2.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Brandon Phillips is leading the team in batting with his .273 batting average, but got into some hot water recently with manager Dusty Baker after ignoring Baker’s sign to take on a 3-0 pitch. The Reds continue to play without Joey Votto, who is on the disabled list with stress related issues. Edison Volquez is still on the disabled list as well with right elbow tendonitis. The Reds will begin a three game series at home with the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, and then welcome the AL Central’s Chicago White Sox to town on Friday.

16. Chicago Cubs (29-30) – Hitting coach Gerald Perry took the grunt of the blame for the Cubs lack of hitting recently. He was fired and AAA hitting coach Von Joshua being promoted. The Cubs have struggled to score in the last four games, all losses, to the Astros and Twins. The Cubs will look to salvage one game in the four game set with the Twins on Sunday. Chicago drops five spots from # 11 to # 16. Despite the disappointing play thus far in 2009, the Cubs still remain just 3.5 games behind the Central leading Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs will remain at home and host the White Sox in the cross town rivalry between two struggling Windy City squads. Over the weekend, the Cubs and Indians will square off in a three game set at Wrigley Field.

17. Colorado Rockies (30-32) – The Rockies make a six team jump, from # 23 to # 17 and have crawled closer to the .500 mark. Colorado has won 10 in a row, the highest streak in MLB this season. The Rockies will look to add to the streak on Sunday, and finish off a three game sweep of the Seattle Mariners. Colorado is still just 11 games back, but have moved to third place in the NL West, and more importantly, snuck up within the wild card race in the NL. Colorado is led by a hot hitting Brad Hawpe, along with eight game winner Jason Marquis. The Rockies will have to continue playing well on Tuesday when the Tampa Bay Rays, winners of five straight games come to town for a three game series. Over the weekend, the Rockies will host the Pittsburgh Pirates.

18. Seattle Mariners (30-32) – The Mariners, like many other MLB teams have not been able to figure out the Colorado Rockies. Seattle has been the victim of two straight defeats at the hands of the Rockies. Seattle drops just one spot, as the Rockies over take them, at # 17. Ichiro Suzuki continues to get on base at a torrid pace, leading the team with a .357 batting average. Russell Branyan has carried the offensive power load for the Mariners, belting 15 homeruns thus far in 2009. Seattle is in third place in the AL West, five games back of the Texas Rangers. The Mariners will play a three game series at San Diego, starting on Tuesday, before the Arizona Diamondbacks come to Seattle for a three game set on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

19. Atlanta Braves (30-31) – After getting back to the .500 mark with a Friday win over the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta fell on Saturday to fall one game under. The Braves and Orioles will play the rubber match of the three game series on Sunday. Atlanta makes a three team drop from # 19 to # 16 after their series with Pittsburgh earlier in the week. The Braves come into Sunday’s action in third place in the NL East, 5.5 games behind the Phillies, but just ½ game ahead of Florida. The Braves will head to Ohio on Tuesday to take on the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds are coming off a three game sweep at the hands of the Kansas City Royals. After leaving Cincinnati, Atlanta will travel out east and visit the big monster, as the Braves and Red Sox will square off in Fenway Park.

20. Florida Marlins (31-33) – Florida got a big day from outfielder Cody Ross, where he homered and doubled twice to lead them to a win on Saturday. The Marlins have won the first two games of a weekend series North of the border against the Blue Jays. Florida is just 5.5 games out of first place in the National League East, trying to find their way back to .500. Florida comes in at # 20, just below divisional foe Atlanta. The Marlins star Hanley Ramirez leads the team in batting with a .328 batting average, while Dan Uggla has provided 11 homeruns for the Fish. Josh Johnson leads the starting pitching staff with 5 wins and a 2.73 earned run average. Closer Matt Lindstrom has saved 12 of 14 games for Florida this season. The Marlins will continue their road trip on Tuesday when they take on the Boston Red Sox. After the three game series, the Marlins schedule does not get any easier as they come back to Miami and take on the New York Yankees.

21. San Diego Padres (28-33) – The Padres will look to avoid a three game sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. San Diego slides on spot from # 20 to # 21 over the week. The Padres are 13 games behind the Dodgers in the National League West, fourth place. San Diego is getting little or no offense behind slugger Adrian  Gonzalez, who leads the team in batting average (.268), homeruns (22), runs batted in (43) and runs scored (43). The Padres found out this past week that staff ace Jake Peavy would be sidelined until at least the All Star Break with a strained tendon in his right ankle. San Diego will come home to start two consecutive series against AL West foes. The Seattle Mariners come to town for games Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, followed by the Oakland Athletics on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

22. Pittsburgh Pirates (29-32) – After losing 3-1 on Friday night, the young Pittsburgh Pirates were able to pick up a win over Detroit to even the series. Sunday will be the final game of the three game series against the AL Central leading Tigers. Pittsburgh remains # 22 in the power rankings. The Pirates are just  five games behind division leading Milwaukee coming into Sunday’s action. Pittsburgh is led in hitting by Freddie Sanchez and his .311 batting average. The Pirates traded their top power hitting, Nate McLouth, who led the team with 9 homeruns and 34 runs batted in. Zach Duke has done an excellent job becoming a staff ace for the Pirates with his 7-4 record and 3.14 earned run average. The Pirates will head out on the road, starting Tuesday in Minnesota, and then head west to take on the Colorado Rockies over the weekend.

23. Chicago White Sox (29-34) – The White Sox picked up a big 7-1 win on Saturday, after falling in the series opener to Milwaukee. Chicago is still playing without Carlos Quentin, who is on the disabled list with a left foot injury. Chicago moves down two spots from # 21 to # 23 to make room for Colorado and Pittsburgh.  The White Sox will continue their long road trip on Tuesday, playing in the Windy City Classic, against the Chicago Cubs. Over the weekend, the White Sox will head to Ohio to play the Reds in a three game series.

24. Houston Astros (28-32) – The Astros will look to take two of three against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, after winning two of three at home from the Chicago Cubs. The Astros, with their recent stretch of hot play have moved to 28-32 overall, and just 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central. Houston slides up one spot from # 25 to # 24. The Astros got two milestones on Saturday as Lance Berkman picked up his 300^th career homerun and Miguel Tejada garnered his 2,000^th career hit. The Astros will face a stiff test on Tuesday when they play in Arlington against the Texas Rangers, for a three game series. Over the weekend, Houston will play a three game series at Minnesota.

25. Oakland Athletics (27-34) – The Athletics are looking to avoid a three game sweep at the hands of Bay Area rival San Francisco on Sunday. Oakland falls one spot from last weeks’ # 24 to this weeks’ # 25. Oakland has fallen to eight games back of the Texas Rangers in the American League West. Oakland’s schedule will not get easier this week as they head to Los Angeles on Tuesday to face the Dodgers, who have the best record in all of baseball. Over the weekend, the Athletics will play at San Diego.

26. Cleveland Indians (28-36) – As winners of six of their last ten games, the Cleveland Indians made a one team jump from # 27 to # 26. Cleveland, at 28-36 comes into Sunday’s action just 7 games back of the divisional leading Detroit Tigers. The Indians will look to get better production from staff ace Cliff Lee. Lee is 3-6 with a 3.17 earned run average on the season. Lee will get an opportunity to improve on those numbers Sunday night when he takes on Chris Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals. Cleveland and St. Louis have both won one of the first two games in the series. After the Cardinals leave town the Indians will welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to town for games Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. After taking Thursday off, the Indians will play a weekend series at Wrigley Field against the Cubs.

27. Arizona Diamondbacks (27-36) – After losing two of three to the San Francisco Giants, the Diamondbacks will look to win two of three with Houston on Sunday. Arizona slides in at # 27, after coming in at # 29 last week. The Diamondbacks are 14 games behind the front running Los Angeles Dodgers, with San Francisco, Colorado and San Diego in between. The Diamondbacks have gotten five wins out of the bullpen from Tony Pena, along with 2 losses, and a 2.86 earned run average. Justin Upton leads the team in batting average with a .310 clip, while Mark Reynolds leads in homeruns (16), runs batted in (44), runs scored (41) and stolen bases (13). The Diamondbacks will head on the road Monday, during their off day with stops in Kansas City on Tuesday, and Seattle on Friday.

28. Kansas City Royals (27-34) – The Royals will look to complete a three game sweep over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Before the Reds came to town, the Royals had lost seven of their last night games. With that play, Kansas City drops two spots from # 26 to # 28. The Royals lost centerfielder Coco Crisp to the disabled list recently with a sore right shoulder. Crisp was leading the team in runs scored and stolen bases. After playing the final game with the Reds on Sunday, Kansas City will stay at home and play consecutive series’ with Arizona and St. Louis, after taking Monday off.

29. Baltimore Orioles (26-36) – Baltimore, trying to stay afloat in the rugged American League East will look to take two of three from Atlanta on Sunday. The Orioles fall one spot from # 28 to # 29, as the Arizona Diamonbacks jump ahead. Baltimore is 11 games back in the AL East, trailing the Red Sox. New York is just eight games ahead of the Orioles, while Toronto and Tampa Bay are six games ahead. Brian Bass leads the pitching staff in wins with 4, and has a nice 3.51 earned run average. Bass, pitching out of the bullpen picked up Saturday’s win, pitching 3 scoreless innings. The Orioles, after finishing the series with Atlanta will welcome the Mets to town on Tuesday, and then travel to Philadelphia over the weekend.

30. Washington Nationals (16-44) – The Nationals made the front pages by selecting Stephen Strasburg as the first pick in the 2009 MLB draft. Now the Nationals are looking to sign Strasburg, which may not be an easy feat. Now the reports are that the Nationals will fire manager Manny Acta, and go with long time MLB man Jim Riggleman. Washington continues to remain at the bottom of the 30 team power rankings, with their 16-44 record. That record puts the Nationals in fifth place in the National League East, 19 games behind front running Philadelphia. Washington will finish their three game series at Tampa Bay on Sunday, before heading to New York to take on the Yankees Tuesday, Wednesday and  Thursday. Over the weekend, Washington will host the Toronto Blue Jays for a three game series.