Griff's Power Rankings, Week 12

(Last week’s ranking in parentheses)

1-Red Sox (2)

Hold down No. 1 because they’re consistently relentless

2-Dodgers (1)

Manny’s on the horizon, but it seems an annoying distraction

3-Rays (11)

After a slow start as defending AL champs, Rays on the rise

4-Angels (9)

Stunning 14-4 in inter-league gives leg up in AL West

5-Tigers (4)

Continue to lead AL Central and refuse to give an Inge

6-Yankees (6)

Congrats to Mariano on 500th save and first ML RBI

7-Giants (8)

Impressive starting rotation gives them a chance

8-Cardinals (3)

DeRosa batting cleanup as protection for Pujols? Trouble

9-Rockies (10)

Rox clubhouse has upbeat attitude under players’ manager Tracy

10-Rangers (7)

Middle relievers have Rangers fortunes on steady decline

11-Brewers (12)

Enter week on top of decidedly mediocre NL Central

12-Blue Jays (14)

Hill comeback would be complete with all-star nod from players

13-Phillies (5)

How to explain as many home wins as Nationals, worst in AL

14-Mariners (15)

Take a bow Ichiro for 1,900 career hits; Junior for franchise HR 5,000

15-Cubs (13)

The more you see of Zambrano the more Michael Barrett was self-defence

16-Marlins (16)

Any young, talented, still-developing team has a chance in NL East

17-Twins (20)

Any team that plays sound fundamental ball has a chance in AL Central

18-Reds (19)

Nice to see Joey Votto battling back and able to contribute

19-White Sox (21)

Chisox; as volatile and erratic as their manager, but plenty of talent

20-Mets (17)

K-Rod sacks-loaded walk to Mariano proves he’s not in same class

21-Astros (18)

‘Stros have not yet launched; countdown still on hold

22-Orioles (23)

Jays enter week as close to the O’s as they are to the Bosox

23-Pirates (25)

McLouth trade right move opening spot for McCutcheon

24-Braves (22)

At some point Bobby Cox will retire; this team may do it

25-A’s (24)

Young starters don’t have a Doc Halladay to take pressure off them

26-Padres (28)

Pads seem happy just to compete and strive for .500

27-Royals (27)

Zach Greinke has 10 of the Royals 32 wins heading into week

28-Indians (29)

In the words of John Wayne in the circled wagons, “It’s too quiet out there.”

29-Diamondbacks (26)

A.J. Hinch as manager is not working out; GM must be responsible

30-Nationals (30)

Last time this franchise was this bad was ’76 Expos