September 8th Power Rankings: Now the Atlanta Braves lose Fried
By James Kunkle
20. Cincinnati Reds
The Reds still have life, mostly due to the NL Central being so mediocre this year. I still contend if they get in, they will be a dangerous team in the NL because they have a strong top of the rotation.
19. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners have not lost since last month, yes Covid delayed games has a little to do with that, but they are still hot and actually right back in the playoff race despite long odds just a few weeks ago.
18. Colorado Rockies
As the Colorado pitching goes, so goes the Rockies. It’s the same story as it is every year. Allowing 23 runs in a game against the Giants last week is a bad look though. That will definitely raise the team ERA.
17. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers need a couple starting pitchers to get hot. It probably also would not hurt if Christian Yelich decided to go on a tear. If those two things happen, this team can still make some noise all the way into October.
16. Miami Marlins
Old friend Jose Urena showed back up against the Atlanta Braves on Monday as he plunked Ronald Acuna again. I do not think it was intentional though. Anyways, the Marlins might be a legit wild card contender this season.
15. San Francisco Giants
I know I always kind of hate on the Giants here for walking the proverbial middle ground, but I have to give a little credit now. The bats on the Giants are on fire and they have the team on the verge of being in a playoff spot with just a few weeks to go.
14. St. Louis Cardinals
The baseball world took a couple hits over the past weekend as we lost a couple legends of the game. Both Tom Seaver and Lou Brock were two of the best to ever play the game. May they rest in peace.
13. New York Yankees
What in the world has happened to the New York Yankees? They have fell off a cliff and whether its due to injuries or players not playing great, they are very close to being in serious jeopardy of watching postseason ball from home despite being the favorites in an expanded playoff season.
12. Houston Astros
Much of the same that we just said about the Yankees can be said about the Astros as well. Injuries are a big factor though for Houston. Alex Bregman is coming back but Jose Altuve is on the IL just when he was starting to hit.
11. Philadelphia Phillies
The bullpen is still shaky but it is clear that the Phillies are the biggest threat to the division crown for the Atlanta Braves this year. One thing that could be helpful though is the Phillies close out with a little tougher schedule.