It was a fantastic first week for the American League! How did the teams fare? A few met expectations while others exceeded them. Here are my power rankings for week 1 of the American League. Like I said for the National League, it is hard to do them after the first week. You have to go with stats and the eye test.
1. Detroit Tigers (previously 2)
They are off to a slow start, but the stats do not lie. I have two players for you: Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder. The back-to-back intensity of these two will have opposing pitchers shaking on the mound. The starting pitchers have to go longer. Impressions from the first week: since the bullpen is shaky they have to get as much as they can out of their starters.
2. Oakland Athletics (previously 5)
While the rest of the baseball world concentrates on the Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers, the A’s are blowing it up in the AL West. They picked up Jed Lowrie from the Astros and so far so good! He has 13 hits, three home runs, six RBIs and is batting .500.
3. Boston Red Sox (previously unranked)
It usually takes a few years for a new team to click, but the Red Sox made it happen overnight. They are 4-2, which is their best start since 2006. Jon Lester is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA. They had a scare the other day when John Lackey left with his right arm just hanging at his side. Tests revealed it is a bruised bicep and there are no tears.
4. Baltimore Orioles (previously unranked)
It is hard to ignore their offense. Chris Davis has ten hits, four home runs, and 17 RBIs. Nick Markakis has ten hits and six runs and Adam Jones has 14 hits, seven RBIs, and nine runs. Their starting rotation would be the only thing to hold them back. If they can get that straightened out and others in the lineup step up they could be a legitimate contender for the AL East.
5. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (previously 1)
They are off to a slow start, but there are signs of life. Mike Trout has seven hits, including three doubles. Albert Pujols is not repeating his horrible April 2012. He has two home runs and eight RBIs. Josh Hamilton needs to stop striking out. Jared Weaver did have a scare against the Rangers Sunday night, but his strain was on his non-throwing arm and he is expected to only miss one start.
Teams to watch:
Texas Rangers
Tampa Bay Rays
Seattle Mariners
Series to watch this week:
Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Detroit Tigers
Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox
Agree? Disagree? Let me know on Twitter!
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