It was a traumatic week for Boston, but they managed to pull through and maintain the top spot in the rankings. The Kansas City Royals show up and continue to impress. Right when we count out the Los Angeles Angels they dismantle the Detroit Tigers. Can the Tigers climb back?
1. Boston Red Sox (previously #3)
It was almost impossible to not cheer for the Red Sox last week. The Boston bombing happened on Monday after their traditional early game on Patriot’s Day. Despite the heavy hearts, they came out fighting against the Cleveland Indians and beat the Kansas City Royals in their first home game since the bombing.
2. Kansas City Royals (previously unranked)
They beat out the Rangers because they put an end to the Atlanta Braves’ winning streak and beat the Red Sox in a double header on Sunday. They are very solid all around, but need to amp-up their bats if they want to stay ahead. Their OPS is not very impressive.
3. Texas Rangers (previously #5)
They had a great week, except that one loss against the Chicago Cubs. They did sweep the Seattle Mariners 7-0, 5-0, and 11-2. The sweep probably says more about the Mariners pitching and defense because the Rangers bats are not that hot. Lance Berkman, AJ Pierzynski, and Ian Kinsler have great OPS stats, but everyone else is mediocre.
4. New York Yankees (previously #4)
The Yankees continue to impress and are exciting to watch. C.C. Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda and Andy Pettitte are pitching solid games and Robinson Cano and Vernon Wells are posting impressive OPS. Only Ichiro Suzuki has a less than impressive batting average.
5. Oakland Athletics (previously #2)
This was a tossup between the A’s and Baltimore Orioles. It came down to the record. The A’s are still explosive. OPS numbers for Jed Lowrie and Coco Crisp (over 1.000) are impressive–others have OPS averages have an OPSs over 1.000 and others on the team have OPS numbers that are close to .800. Their starters are still a tad shaky, but Lowrie and Crisp are having no problems carrying the team.
Teams To Watch
Baltimore Orioles
Detroit Tigers
Minnesota Twins
Series To Watch
Oakland A’s vs. Boston Red Sox
Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers
Baltimore Orioles vs. Oakland A’s
Atlanta Braves vs. Detroit Tigers
Texas Rangers vs. Minnesota Twins
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