Sep 28, 2008

Power Rankings @ 105 games

1. San Antonio fighters (73-32, Run Differential: +196, Prev Rnk: 1)
The fighters were the top dog in the last power rankings, and San Antonio has spent the last 50 games cementing their status. Darren Charlton (41 HR) and Alex Langston (32 HR) have powered the fighters to a team total of 225 HR, good for second –highest team total in Griffey. Opponents have also had difficulty scoring against the fighters – San Antonio has relinquished only 412 runs, the lowest total in the NL.

2. Monterrey Rancheros (69-36, RD: +118, PR: NR)
The Rancheros acquired SP Ed Miller from Montreal, and Miller has responded with a 2.70 ERA in 56 innings in Ranchero green. As a result, the previously unranked Rancheros have vaulted to the #2 spot in the power rankings and Griffey’s second best record thanks to NL’s top ranked pitching staff (WHIP: 1.25).


3. Cheyenne Duck Snorts (67-37, RD: +159, PR: 5)
Cheyenne’s heavy hitting and improved pitching have propelled the Duck Snorts to the top ranking in the AL. Led by Lou Young (1.011 OPS, 29 HR) the Duck Snorts boast the AL’s highest home run total (218) and rookie Norm Rapp (10-5 record, 1.13 WHIP) has bolstered a flagging rotation. Cheyenne recently lost starter Orlando Romero from the rotation for the season due to a strained groin, so it remains to be seen whether they can maintain pace.


4. Pittsburgh Ponies (64-40, RD: +131, PR: 2)
Like the Duck Snorts, the Ponies have also battled injuries to their vaunted rotation, losing Marlon Cummings for the season. Still the Ponies have maintained what is undoubtedly Griffey’s best rotation – Pony stalwarts Matt Ross and Dean Bukvich have already claimed Pitcher of the Week hardware in S9. Thus far, Pittsburgh’s success has been tempered by a middling offense, which has posted a .799 OPS to date.


5. Atlanta Ripettoes (64-41, RD: +100, PR: 6)
The Ripettoes' second-year SP Max Guillen has impressed thus far in S9, posting a 13-4 record, 2.83 and garnering Pitcher of the Week honors. The Ripettoes certainly consider themselves capable of cutting down the fighters, but a trade to strengthen the offense, which ranks in the middle of the pack of most categories, may be necessary. Look for Atlanta to be players in a big trade before the transaction deadline.


6. Fargo Fuzznuts (68-37, Run Differential: +59, PR: 7)


7. New York Cyclones (62-43, RD: +109, PR: NR)


8. Cincinnati centipedes (59-45, RD: +89, PR: 3)


9. Chicago Cubs (55-50, RD: +91, PR: 8)


10. Tampa Bay Lazer Beams (59-46, RD: +32, NR)

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