MLB Power Rankings: Week 22 – Part 5
The Tampa Bay Rays have made a strong statement by jumping four positions to the seventh spot in week 22 of the power rankings. However, this would not be more than just personal satisfaction for the Rays who are already out of contention for the postseason
this year.
The Rays have a decent 70-59 record thus far but their chances of progression to the playoffs have been marred by quality-performances from the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, both placed in the same division as the Rays. The winning percentage
of Rays would have earned them a postseason spot or at least a Wild Card entry in any other division but in the American League East, they do not have the slightest of chances.
A change in strategy by manager Joe Maddon ignited the required fire in the batting line-up. Maddon dumped a batting practice after a series of dull performances in the games and the Rays were quick to learn their lesson. Evan Longoria has rejuvenated his
hitting form and has become only the second player at third base in the history of MLB to record more than 20 home-runs in each of his first four seasons.
On the contrary, the Rays have a strong pitching rotation led by James Shields and supported mainly by Kyle Farnsworth. Shields is on his way to bag more than 200 strike-outs this season and his earned-run average has remained decent too. Farnsworth has
been their best closer this season with 22 saves to his credit thus far. The remaining games would be a good ground for the management to devise a strategy which would reduce the gulf between victories and the Rays.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have held on to their eighth position from last week but have gone a step ahead in toppling the San Francisco Giants for the top notch in the National League West division. Although they are not the best team in MLB, a hammering
of the reigning World Champions makes a strong case for their progression and success in the playoffs.
The Giants were geared up for a title defence this year but a sudden dip in form after the All-Star break has halted their progress and the gulf between the D-backs and the Giants is gradually increasing. San Francisco cannot aim for the Wild Card entry
either as the Atlanta Braves are already strong candidates for that transit.
Known for their strong pitching rotation, the Giants are facing all sorts of trouble in injecting new blood to the rotation. Dan Runzler was handed his first career start on August 21 but the left-handed pitcher could last just 1.2 innings before his earned-run
average of 7.77 forced him to be replaced.
In an attempt to upgrade their existing rotation, the Giants can use the remaining games in the regular season to test Eric Surkamp, a Double-A prospect, in the Majors. Surkamp has pitched 142.1 innings this season for 165 strike-outs and threw eight perfect
innings in his last start to lower his earned-run average to 2.02.
The Giants are still just 2.5 games behind the Diamondbacks and if they manage to get their act together, a comeback is perhaps on the cards. It will be vital to see how Bruce Bochy manages the Giants this time around.
Note: Stats included are as of August 25, 2011
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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