Power Rankings in the MLB:
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/page/powerrankings_2017week5/ranking-mlb-teams-week-5-season
What's your prediction for which team will top the list by the end of the season?
Who's your favorite power hitter in the MLB?
Do you think the rookie Aaron Judge, Yankee's star outfielder with 13 HR's this season, will win rookie of the year?
ReplyDeleteI think that either the nationals, orioles, red sox, or dodgers will top the list for the best record in the mlb. My favorite power hitter is mike trout because ever since he entered the league he has been one of the most consistent and exciting players. On top of being exciting he is on track to be one of the best players of all time. Mike trout will be compared to players that have revolutionized the game, and that is very crazy to think about. I think that aaron judge is extroadinarily talented, being that he was just called up from the minors this year, and he is contributing at this high level. That being said, I believe that he will take home the rookie of the year trophy, and lead the Yankees to a possible playoff run.
By the end of the season, I can expect the same teams that progress every year that might not start off well but always state their dominance in the league: the Yankees, Red Sox, LA Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, and possible the Mets. All of these teams have either took a new strategy of playing more rookies and rebuild the franchise or sticking with the baseball greats on their team. Overall, I think that the best team will be the Oriels will be on top at the end of the year with Jonathan Schoop leading the league in hitting. My favorite power hitter in the league currently is Aaron Judge, he is a massive player who loves to hit home-runs out of the park. Also, Robinson Cano who used to play for the Yankees who is currently on the Seattle Mariners had 39 home runs last season and continues to amaze and keep the sport interesting. I think that Aaron Judge not only becoming a star on the Yankees but also a star in the whole league gives hope for rookie athletes that they can be as good or even better than the MLB veterans. Aaron Judge is a giant among the players and will continue to prove that he belongs at the professional level, even thought he is twenty-five years old, he is hitting an average of 210 feet per at bat (30 feet more than the average MLB distance) and is only starting his road to the championship rings.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with both opinions above regarding the likely powerhouse MLB teams at the end of the season. The Orioles have a very small run differential, as they are very reliant on home runs and their bullpen. Eventually, this formula can not sustain, as home run hitters hit slumps and bullpens get hurt (as we have already seen with the O's). Additionally, I do not think the Tigers can be a long-term player in the AL Central due to their abysmal bullpen, old team, and lack of players that play "scrappy" baseball. Detroit struggles to produce offense through small ball, and always blow tight games late. Although they have had a good start, the Indians will certainly creep up very quickly once they get their chemistry going again, and other young teams that play small ball, such as the Twins and White Sox, are bound to give the Tigers a massive headache. I look at the Red Sox, Orioles, and Astros as being the major contenders out of the AL, with the Yankees trailing behind with other teams like the Tigers or Orioles behind them. In the NL, I see the Nationals, Cardinals, and Dodgers pulling away, with Wild Card contenders being the Cardinals, Mets, and Rockies.
ReplyDeleteI do think Aaron Judge can win Rookie of the Year on his current pace, because the Yankees garner more attention than any other MLB team and he's becoming the face of that team. Although Andrew Benintendi can make a run at the award, he does not have the flash that Judge has, and plays a smaller role on a team that plays in a smaller market (albeit still a large one). Judge's size concerns me long term, as many players (besides Dave Winfield) with his stature break down early in MLB, especially considering how hard he runs and his ability to steal bases. I think he will eventually convert to first base a few years down the line, similar to how Mickey Mantle did in his later years, but he has a very bright future ahead of him at the plate. His attitude is perfect and he's more than willing to make adjustments, along with his ability to hit for average with power. He is my favorite power hitter in baseball because he can do it all; although he strikes out frequently still, he works counts deep and forces pitchers to throw at him. He's a monster on the base paths and has a lethal arm, and he's clutch with the ability to hit in any direction of the ballpark (rather than just being a pull hitter or fly ball hitter).
Honestly, I do not think that the power rankings mean that much at all. At the end of the day, there are only a few teams that have what it takes to win a championship and at the top of that list is the Chicago Cubs. They may not have the best record at the moment but their lineup is one of the best in baseball, they have without a doubt the best manager in baseball, and they have the experience coming of a world series win. The Cubs are my prediction again. My favorite power hitter in the MLB is Kris Bryant. Kris Bryant is simply an amazing player to watch. His effortless power is unbelievable. Sometimes when he swings, it looks like he is barely trying but then the ball goes 400 feet. Aaron Judge is another power hitter that has been exceptional this season. With 13 homers already, I think that he has already locked the rookie of the year award away barring an injury or significant drop off in level of play.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think the MLB can be unpredictable in the sense that there are multiple teams who have a real shot at winning it all. I think right now the Yankees are on fire and will keep that going but I doubt it will last long enough into the World Series. My favorite power hitter has to be Mike Trout because he is truly just a lot of fun to watch and every time he is up at bat, you know he's going to make a play. He's on track to be one of the greats and just being how young he is and witnessing his power hitting, it is like when someone has a huge dunk in basketball, its thrilling and very fun to watch. I think Aaron Judge will get Rookie Of The Year because he has proven time and time again all season what a truly out standing young player he is. His massive build, often compared to Gronk, turned a lot of heads when he was drafted and started playing this year, but it's his 13 HR's this year that have made jaws drop and forced people to respect him. He'll continue to hit dingers and get ROY.
ReplyDeleteI am not a baseball fan myself. So I don't have any prior knowledge for this season but after looking at the power rankings its hard not to say the Yankees. Looking above at the post before Jack makes a good claim for the Orioles being a top spot team and the strategy they play with. The Yankess haven't been at the number one spot in the power rankings in a very long time. They claimed the number one sport thanks to their rookie Aaron Judge. I have heard from many people about the skills that Aaron Judge posses. I do think that if he stays on track with how he is playing he will win rookie of the year.
ReplyDeleteI think that the teams that will most likely make it to the top of the power rankings by the end of the season this year would be the regular teams including the Yankees, Red Sox, Nationals, Angels, and Cardinals. I think that these teams always find a way to have their teams reach the top of the standings.There is always one team that is a surprise team that will sneak as a wildcard. My favorite power hitter has to be Bryce Harper. Ever since he was a rookie, he has always been impressive. He has been able to turn around the Nationals franchise from a mediocre team to a powerhouse ball club. I think that Aaron Judge is the best hitter is baseball right now. If he continues to hit home runs and is consistent with his fielding and hitting, I don't see why he wouldn't be rookie of the year this season.
ReplyDeleteBy the end of the season, I believe the Nationals, Astros, or Yankees will top the list for the best power ranked team in baseball. While I'd like to say the Yankees will unquestionably be the best, I don't know if they'll be able to keep up this kind of success. Aaron Judge's batting average of .316, 14 HR's, 29 RBI's, and an OBP of .420 is truly remarkable and sets records, but keeping that up won't come easily. But if he does, he'll certainly win rookie of the year. Yankees do have massive potential considering their current power ranking of #4 and a league ranking of #4. Their starting rotation and bats from Gardner, Ellsbury, Sanchez, Carter, Castro, DD, Headley will also determine their fate. With that being said, the Astros, Nationals, Cubs, Red Sox, Rockies and even the Dodgers, all have a chance to claim that 1 spot by the end of the season. My favorite power hitter, right now, would have to be Judge. He leads the MLB with 14 homers and is on track to win rookie of the year. Lastly, I think power ranking are a better representation of every teams' success. It captures all important elements such as strength of record, hitting/ERA statistics, applied math to predict outcomes and much more. This is much better than a simple record which can often times be a misrepresentation of a team.
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