MLB Week 15 Power Rankings: An overview of the teams – Part 4
12. The Milwaukee Brewers have dropped three positions to Number 12 this week. Their performance has been inconsistent, to say the least, in the first-half and they need to get their act right in the second-half of the season if they want to make it to the
play-offs.
They are currently placed second in the National League Central Division even though they have been much less than impressive in this season.
The Brewers have one of the worst records on the road this season with a win-loss record of 16-30. With 47 more games to play on the road, it is going to be a tough call!
13. Detroit Tigers are going neck-to-neck with American League Central Division leaders Cleveland Indians. The only thing which the Tigers need to correct is their run-scoring ability.
With three-time All-Star infielder Carlos Guillen making his way back to the Detroit Tigers after almost a year of injury, they will be hopeful of a possible solution to this problem. However, Justin Verlander needs help in pitching rotation and they need
depth at the mound if success is their aim.
Jim Leyland’s chances for a seventh season at the managerial position are congruent with the way the Tigers perform this season.
14. The Pittsburgh Pirates are showing a rapid improvement and Andrew McCutchen has been their spearhead. With a 6-4 win-loss record over the previous ten games, they have a superior record than the top two teams in the National League Central Division and
that would be motivation enough to push the bull-pen for sustained success.
McCutchen is the second-best player in the National League and his performance has been enough to keep the Pirates at bay till now. Going on, he alone may not be able to handle the pressure. Their offence needs to be upgraded sooner than later and even if
it does not help this year, as it will be fruitful next year.
15. The New York Mets are in one of the toughest divisions. The top two teams in the division, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves are ranked first and fourth respectively. This, however, does not justify the 15th rank of the Mets.
Their runs have come at a good rate but they have leaked runs almost at the same rate. Jose Reyes and Johan Santana can help the Mets to winning ways but it depends if they want to fire now or keep their horses safe for the next season. Whatever be the scenario,
they will want to keep Santana with them so that they can build a formidable pitching’ staff around him.
16. The Cincinnati Reds are struggling as the second-half of the season gets underway. They currently have a win-loss record of 45-47 and would ideally want it to be above .500, especially when the intensity of challenge is severe.
The Reds have the best run-difference in the National League Central Division but that alone will not be enough for them to achieve the top spot. They need to convert more of these run-scoring sprees into wins for at least a chance to improve their position.
Their last ten games are a proof of their ordinary demonstration this season, losing seven times.
Dontrelle Willis pitched an impressive first start at the Majors for the Reds on Sunday, July 10 and it may act as a much-needed confidence booster for the boys from Cincinnati.
Continued in Part 5
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: