MLB Power Rankings: Week 22 – Part 3
The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees are assured of a spot in the postseason but one of them would have to take the Wild Card position and both teams would vie to avoid the slightly unfavourable route. The team making it through via Wild Card would
have lesser games at home and the Yankees might find that a difficult proposition.
Although the Yankees have been dominant on the road, their track record is not as strong Boston. Boston would want a good September so that they hold an advantage when the season progresses to the next stage.
The Red Sox, like the Yankees are a formidable batting side but pitching has been a question this season. Although they have the required arsenal in their ranks, firing at the right time has been the main issue for a side who has leaked 537 runs in the season
to date.
The Red Sox and the Yankees are expected to clash in the American League Championship Series, given that both of them prevail in the Divisional Series which, given their form, is a certain conclusion. The Red Sox have been cautious with playing key players
in recent games citing injury scares and it seems that finishing as leaders of their division is secondary for them. It will be vital for them to unleash their full force in the postseason.
No one expected the Milwaukee Brewers to be ranked among the top-five teams in Major League Baseball, not this season at least. However, with a late resurgence of form, they have shunned all their critics and have forced their way to the fourth spot this
week. Their spike in form and confidence can be weighed from the fact that the Brewers have dropped just three games in their previous 25 encounters which is the finest streak by any team this season.
Their success has seen them topple the Atlanta Braves in the rankings and has given them a fair chance of vying for a finish in the top-two. The Yankees and the Red Sox are in a constant struggle for the second place but if the Brewers continue with their
showing, they might coup the second spot permanently.
The key behind their success has been their All-Star slugger Prince Fielder. Fielder, the home-run derby captain this year, has been a sensation at the plate this season and has produced home-runs from even the most scintillating pitches. The hitting-wonder
and Rickie Weeks hold the key if the Brewers are to make it through to the Championship Series at least. Ryan Braun has shown his character on the plate this season and an improvement in his already-impressive tally of runs would do no harm to Milwaukee.
The Brewers have a decent pitching rotation to support a formidable batting line-up. Shaun Marcum and Yovani Gallardo will have a major role to play when the playoffs begin. Form and fitness should be the priority as the regular season ends.
The top-four positions in the power rankings are evenly poised between the American League and the National League. The Philadelphia Phillies deserve their top ranking while the intense fight between the Red Sox and the Yankees in the AL East is evident
in the rankings as well.
Note: Stats included are as of August 25, 2011.
Continued in Part 4
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