MLB Power Rankings - March 24

1. St Louis Cardinals

Persistent trouble in Oscar Taveras' surgically-repaired ankle compelled the Cardinals to option their top prospect to minor-league camp, but little else has changed for the reigning National League champions. While much was made over Adam Wainwright's unprecedented workload in 2013, the two-time All-Star has been predictably masterful this spring, twirling a 2.04 ERA across four starts while managing an unsurprising 12:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

It took the Dodgers a mere two games in the Outback to illustrate precisely why they could be considered the best team in baseball. Despite the absence of both Matt Kemp and Carl Crawford, the Dodgers swept the hapless Diamondbacks while fielding a lineup punctuated by names like Justin Turner and Scott Van Slyke. The club's remarkably talented pitching staff, anchored by presumptive 2014 National League Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw, will keep them competitive even as injuries befall their stars, Yasiel Puig struggles, and second base remains a black hole.

3. Washington Nationals

Though elbow inflammation plagued right-hander Doug Fister during the nascent stages of Spring Training, the Nationals newcomer threw 3 2/3 solid innings in a minor-league game Saturday, and could make his regular season debut as early as April 6. With Ross Detwiler officially consigned to the bullpen, the fifth spot in Washington's rotation could to go Taylor Jordan, who's notched 18 strikeouts while issuing just one walk this spring, possibly affording the Nationals the best rotation in the league.

4. Boston Red Sox

It's tough to fixate on the spring struggles of David Ortiz -- and, to an extent, top prospect Xander Bogaerts -- when you're busy salivating over Grady Sizemore, Boston's newest reclamation project who's hitting .360/.385/.400 through eight Grapefruit League games. The 31-year-old outfielder hasn't appeared on a major-league diamond since 2011, but he's unequivocally outperforming Jackie Bradley Jr. for the vacant center field job, and the club is increasing Sizemore's workload as spring winds down to gauge his durability.

5. Tampa Bay Rays

Rays manager Joe Maddon announced Saturday that 23-year-old right-hander Jake Odorizzi, the club's second-best prospect, will get the fifth spot in the rotation this season, consequently ending Erik Bedard's brief tenure with the club. Rather than go with the safe choice, the Rays smartly opted for the talented youngster  -- the author of a 3.33 ERA with a 3.10:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in Triple-A last season -- to round out their superb rotation. Another savvy decision by a smart organization. Shocker.

6. Detroit Tigers

The Tigers' infield defense was dealt a considerable blow last week when shortstop Jose Iglesias, one of the game's foremost defenders, was diagnosed with stress fractures in his wonky shins, effectively sidelining him for the majority of the 2014 campaign. Reliever Bruce Rondon, meanwhile, who was hampered by elbow soreness towards the end of the last season, is now scheduled for Tommy John surgery, further diminishing an already weak bullpen.

7. Pittsburgh Pirates

It's a little unnerving to consider that the performance of Edinson Volquez and the health of backup catcher Chris Stewart constitute the Pirates' two biggest problems at the moment. Though Jose Tabata doesn't inspire a ton of confidence in right field -- Gaby Sanchez at first base is hardly the most appealing notion, either -- it's likely just a matter of time before Gregory Polanco is summoned from the minors and gives the Pirates one of the game's best collection of outfielders alongside Starling Marte and Andrew McCutchen. The same goes for pitching prospect Jameson Taillon, the second overall pick in 2010, who's sure to relieve either Volquez or Jeff Locke of duty a few weeks after the season begins.

8. Texas Rangers

There's probably no team more thrilled about Oakland's recent injures woes than the Rangers, who now boast a reasonable chance at their first division title since 2011. However, they'll have to overcome some serious liabilities in their pitching staff to return to prominence in the West, as the Rangers currently have Robbie Ross, Colby Lewis, Joe Saunders and Tommy Hanson competing for the final two spots in their rotation. Things have gotten so bleak, in fact, that the club has already guaranteed a starting job to Tanner Scheppers, a 27-year-old who's made precisely zero starts at the big-league level. If the Rangers can indeed restore their former glory, it'll be the offense that gets them there. Or maybe Joakim Soria can just record a seven-inning save every other night.

9. Cincinnati Reds

The loss of Aroldis Chapman is devastating -- Royals catcher Salvador Perez was reduced to tears after ripping a line drive off the left-hander's head on Wednesday -- and throws the Reds' bullpen into serious disarray. Manager Bryan Price doesn't exactly boast a wealth of attractive options to fill the void at the back of his bullpen, as he'll have to rely on some combination of J.J. Hoover, Jonathan Broxton, and Sean Marshall to close out games. Get well, Missile.

10. Kansas City Royals

With the exception of perhaps Cubs shortstop Javier Baez, no prospect has been more impressive this spring than Yordano Ventura, the 22-year-old right-hander who guaranteed his spot in the Royals' rotation after twirling a 1.76 ERA with a 15:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio this spring. Third baseman Mike Moustakas, meanwhile, is hitting .452/.556/.881 with four home runs over 19 contests, and could be primed for the breakout that's sorely overdue -- he even earned some lofty praise last week from franchise icon George Brett. Regression remains a lurking possibility for guys like Eric Hosmer and Jeremy Guthrie, but offseason additions of Norichika Aoki and Omar Infante have really solidified Kansas City's lineup. It's increasingly challenging to restrain the optimism.

11. Baltimore Orioles

Manny Machado's imminent return is a legitimate reason to celebrate in Baltimore, as the young third baseman's presence affords the Orioles once of the league's stronger lineups. The starting rotation remains suspect, but young right-hander Kevin Gausman is still vying for a starting job, and Johan Santana is only a couple months away from returning to a big-league mound. If the the 23-year-old is able to win a spot in the rotation -- and maybe even relegate Bud Norris to the bullpen where he belongs, because he can't get left-handed hitters out -- and Santana can even approximate his past success, the Orioles could transform from a solid team into a very solid team.

12. New York Yankees

Masahiro Tanaka's seamless transition to the North American game has evoked lots of praise, as the Japanese import has crafted a 3.00 ERA with a 5.33:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio over four Grapefruit League outings. Tanaka's burgeoning stardom, however, hasn't managed to deflect attention away from a deteriorating Derek Jeter, who's managed a .122 batting average this spring.

13. Toronto Blue Jays

A widely-reported deal with Ervin Santana fell through at the last minute -- the 31-year-old opted for the less hostile confines of the National League East -- and top prospect Marcus Stroman, who managed an ugly 14.46 ERA over four spring outings, was optioned to minor-league game shortly thereafter. So, yeah, it's probably not too late for you to head on down to Dunedin to audition for the final spot in Toronto's rotation.

14. San Francisco Giants

Eager to put last year's gruesome ankle injury in the past, veteran right-hander Tim Hudson has worked tirelessly this spring, posting a 3.72 ERA over 19 1/3 innings, a team-high. Tim Lincecum, meanwhile, who signed a two-year, $35-million extension in October, has issued just four walks over 14 2/3 innings this spring (2.45 per nine), and though his strikeout numbers leave much to be desired thus far, improved ability to throw strikes is never a bad thing.

15. Oakland Athletics

Despite all his savvy moves this offseason, general manager Billy Beane couldn't find a way to strengthen Jarrod Parker's faulty ulnar collateral ligament, and the 25-year-old right-hander is now slated to miss the entire year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. A bout of elbow tendinitis, meanwhile, has sidelined A.J. Griffin for at least a month, casting a foreboding pall over the Athletics' chances of claiming a third consecutive American League West title. Oh yeah, and Scott Kazmir has his last start skip with tightness in his triceps. Consequently, names like Jesse Sanchez and Tommy Milone have gained prominence on the club's official website, and that can't feel good at night.

16. Cleveland Indians

The magic that colored Cleveland's 2013 campaign appears to have worn off. Contract talks with Justin Masterson dissolved last week, and the right-hander seems destined to hit the open market at the conclusion of the season. Michael Bourn's wonky hamstring is acting up again, throwing his status for Opening Day in doubt. Danny Salazar, who's expected to play a prominent role Cleveland's rotation, has curiously made just two appearances this spring. Maybe Cleveland isn't actually the magical place we all thought it was.

17. Atlanta Braves

Tragedy befell the Braves this month, as both Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy were victimized by the Exploding Elbow Epidemic, an increasingly pervasive condition that'll sideline them for the entire 2014 campaign, effectively undermining Atlanta's chances this season. The Braves are now poised to entrust starting jobs to Alex Wood, a sophomore southpaw who may be better suited to the bullpen, and Freddy Garcia, who made his last All-Star appearance when Mike Trout was 11 years old. Despite the acquisition of Ervin Santana, the Braves' rotation remains decidedly suspect -- Mike Minor likely won't debut until mid-to-late April, by the way -- and they may no longer have the arms to compete with the Nationals.

18. Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have done just about everything this spring to inspire ambivalence about their chances for the upcoming season. In other words, Mike Trout has been sensational, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton have been adequate, and their pitching staff has looked equal parts competent and atrocious.

19. Seattle Mariners

With both Hisashi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker expected to miss the beginning of the regular season -- the former is recovering from a strained finger tendon, while the latter is working his way back from shoulder bursitis -- the "improved" Seattle Mariners could be in for an uninspired start to their campaign. In fact, they may even have to wait until May or June to realize their busy offseason and inflated payroll still makes them about the fourth-best team in their division.

20. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks' pitching woes were made abundantly clear during their disappointing two-game series in Australia, as a mediocre start from Wade Miley and ugly outing from Trevor Cahill -- arguably the club's top two starters, though Bronson Arroyo may beg to differ -- portend a frustrating season on the mound for Arizona. With left-hander Patrick Corbin sidelined for the entire campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery, even top prospect Archie Bradley may not be able to salvage this lacklustre rotation.

21. Colorado Rockies

In anticipation of the forthcoming migration to Coors Field, literally everyone in the Rockies lineup is hitting right now. The club boasts a combined .300 batting average this spring, the second-best mark in the majors, while Wilin Rosario, Drew Stubbs, Nolan Arenado, Corey Dickerson, Brandon Barnes, and Carlos Gonzalez all boast averages north of .320. With the exception of Jorge De La Rosa, the club's pitching staff has been surprisingly effective, and, perhaps most importantly, newcomer Brett Anderson hasn't broken down despite logging a team-high 22 innings this spring.

22. Milwaukee Brewers

I know you're concerned about Matt Garza's 19.06 ERA this spring, but he's going to be fine. I know you're concerned that Garza has given up 19 hits over 5 2/3 innings this spring, but he's going to be fine. I know you're concerned that Doug Melvin guaranteed four years to a pitcher whose velocity is already declining, but he's going to be fine. I know you're concerned that Melvin gave $50 million to a 30-year-old who's made just 42 starts over the last two years, but he's going to be fine. Right?

23. New York Mets

The performances of Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard, the latter of whom was optioned to minor-league camp this week, were two of scant few positives for the Mets this spring, as Jon Niese continues to battle arm problems and Ruben Tejada remains unimpressive at shortstop. Wilmer Flores, meanwhile, still doesn't have a position, and both Lucas Duda and Ike Davis have battled injuries this spring, with neither one staking a reasonable claim to the everyday job at first base. Also, Dillon Gee is going to start on Opening Day. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2014 New York Mets!

24. Philadelphia Phillies

It's probably tough for the Phillies to even feign (pheign?) optimism at this point, as Cole Hamels is poised to miss the beginning of the season, Jimmy Rollins is feuding with his manager, Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez is battling shoulder soreness, Maikel Franco is hitting .184, and Ruben Amaro Jr. is still employed.

25. San Diego Padres

Say what you will about Josh Johnson's volatile career, the 30-year-old has really matured in recent years. At least now the veteran right-hander has the courtesy to get hurt before the season starts, instead of forcing the Blue Jays, his former employer, to make excuses for him after he posted a 6.86 ERA over his first four starts last season, at which point he conceded inflammation in his triceps. Don't worry, though, at least Cameron Maybin will be back in May or June, right? Seriously, calling the Padres a "sleeper" is the baseball equivalent of attending a Kevin Hart movie; some people do it, but I really have no idea why.

26. Chicago White Sox

In a season with no designs on postseason contention, the White Sox can either opt to focus on the positives or needlessly dwell on the negative. At this juncture, for instance, the club can either lament the fact that Jose Quintana surrendered nine runs on Tuesday without recording an out, or celebrate the fact that Cuban defector Jose Dariel Abreu is hitting .317 with two home runs and an .846 OPS.

27. Miami Marlins

There are many encouraging signs for the Marlins this spring, but their 15-9 record, the second-best among National League clubs, is probably the least significant. Despite the additions of Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Rafael Furcal, the Marlins are almost certainly destined for a last-place finish in the National League East, but it's nice to see Jake Marisnick hitting .436; it's nice to see uniformly impressive performances from Nate Eovaldi, Jacob Turner, and Henderson Alvarez; and it's nice to see the things Giancarlo Stanton is doing to baseball these days.

28. Minnesota Twins

The Twins' slow crawl to the regular season has been pretty much exactly what you'd expect from the American League's least exciting club: only one position player has more than one homer, only one position player has more than one stolen base, Joe Mauer has a .400 on-base percentage and one extra-base hit, and their pitching has been mediocre. 

29. Chicago Cubs

Javier Baez probably can't revive the moribund Cubs singlehandedly, but the shortstop prospect has certainly done a commendable job this spring vindicating the myriad scouts who rave about him. The 21-year-old's power has been downright garish this spring, as he's blasted five homers while managing a .310 batting average over 14 Cactus League games, many of which spent trying to acclimate himself to second base, a position he could soon get acquainted with at Wrigley Field.

30. Houston Astros

Per the city of Houston's official website:

Fun in the Bayou City is easy to find. Houston's downtown has been revitalized with numerous clubs, professional sports facilities and musical entertainment that has helped bring nightlife back to downtown. And that's in addition to the rest of the City's attractions, shopping and restaurants to fit all budgets.

So, there's that, I guess?

***

Statistics accurate as of Sunday, March 23 at 12:00 P.M. EST

PYTHAG RECORD: The Pythagorean Theorem of Baseball is a creation of Bill James which relates the number of runs a team has scored and surrendered to its actual winning percentage, based on the idea that runs scored compared to runs allowed is a better indicator of a team's (future) performance than a team's actual winning percentage. 

The rationale behind Pythagorean Winning Percentage is that, while winning as many games as possible is still the ultimate goal of a baseball team, a team's run differential (once a sufficient number of games have been played) provides a better idea of how well a team is actually playing. Therefore, barring personnel issues (injuries, trades), a team's actual W-L record will approach the Pythagorean Expected W-L record over time, not the other way around.

[Courtesy: Baseball-Reference]