IBC Power Rankings!!!
Well Well Well! The Rankings are back and better than
ever! Some interesting developments as
we countdown to the IBC Playoffs. Who’s
in the big picture? Who’s out of
it? Keep your eyes on the standings as we
approach a glorious 1st seasons end. Taking top honors yet again is the N.Y. Mets. Can anyone dethrone the king of the power
rankings? Been on top most of the
year. The 1 through 10 are most of our
playoff contenders, with a few teams still on the fence. Time is winding down and more and more teams
face mathematical elimination. Moving
up the most spots this rankings were the Atlanta Braves. GM Jmac is working hard to transform his
team into a contender. Why did they
move up so much? Well, mostly because
some other teams tanked. Taking top
honors for the farthest drop in the rankings this week goes to Seattle. Seattle dropped from the 20th
spot to the 27th. Why did
they drop so far? A 4 game losing
streak and 1-9 in your last 10 games will do that too you. GM needs to make some managerial moves to
right this ship.
And with that, we’ll move
on to a brand new section of the rankings.
For the first time all season, finally, the hosts of the IBC Power
Rankings are proud to present, some comments sent into us by our faithful Power
Rankings readers. Enjoy their comments,
and best of all, enjoy our responses!
OK, so the Texas Longhorns won the college world series. I think that They should be ranked higher than I am. Hmm.. Maybe you’re right. Bren, anyway we can get the Longhorns added as an expansion franchise?
Just commenting, but as I have looked at the last few
power rankings, I have noticed comments in for teams like, "Filling in a
hole at CF could help,” "Or some bullpen help..." And with the
<team name withheld> comments, no helpful suggestions are given. You two
(Nate and Ropers) are way more intelligent than me when it comes to baseball,
so when I read your opinions of my team, I'm always hoping for pointers or
suggestions like I have seen on other teams, so maybe next time the two of you
could hook me up with some advice. LOL
As for bitching -- Expos ahead of the Astros?! The Brewers ahead of them both?!
What's that about?
Hold on a minute there friend, you are
way to kind. Trying to score points
with some tactful power-ranking ass kissing?
Sorry buddy, not here! J We will not compromise the
integrity of our rankings. We call ‘em
like we see ‘em buddy. However, since
you were so professional, we’ll try to give you a pointer or two. Best of luck!
Oh and as far as the Brew Crew ahead of the Astros and Expos? Uhm.. We forget. :P
You guys are funny, ranking me behind a
team that I am 5 games better than.
Check out the MLB Cubs record against the Braves over the last 3 years; ever see them ahead of
<Team name withheld> is farther
under .500 since I left and they move up a spot? Funny.
.500 ball is still only .500 ball, and under .500 ball is still
under .500 ball. What does that
mean? It means perhaps we think you got
lucky, and/or the trends wont continue.
I’d have to say we were right, as of this rankings, your 3-7 in your
last 10. Sorry buddy, but you got to
EARN those spots. You got to prove it
over the long haul. A good stretch yes,
but does that warrant you moving up a few spots? Maybe, maybe not. Feel
good though, you did move up a spot this week.
Questions?
Comments? Disputes over where
you are ranked? Tell us what you think
and why you’re team should be ranked higher – email [email protected] – if we like
what you have to say – we’ll throw in your comments in our next update.
|
Prior Weeks Ranking |
Current Ranking |
Team |
Record |
|
|
1 |
1 |
Mets |
99-51 |
Just plain domination of the regular season. Has got to be the post-season favorite to represent the NL in the October classic. |
|
2 |
2 |
Pirates |
97-53 |
Needs a strong finish to keep the NL Central title out of the hands of the North Siders. Is counting on a balanced offensive attack and its veteran pitching to succeed in the postseason. |
|
4 |
3 |
Boston |
96-54 |
Has won 4 of his last 5 and is gaining momentum as we near the regular season finish. Defensively, this has to be the top club in the AL…add to that Pedro, Lowe and Pineiro and this team is as dangerous as it gets. |
|
3 |
4 |
Cubs |
95-55 |
This team hasn’t given the Pirates an inch of room to breath at the top of the NL Central. I don’t think there is a more dangerous 1-2 punch in the middle of a batting order than Vlad and Helton. Power Rankings pick for the most talented young starting rotation in the IBC. |
|
6 |
5 |
ChiSox |
92-58 |
This team is Caliente! Has taken control of the AL Central, however the Power Rankings staff is still waiting to see an updated team web site after all those trades. This team is peaking at the right time… |
|
8 |
6 |
Athletics |
90-60 |
Four games at home against the division rival Halos. A strong showing here could wrap up the division title for the A’s and give them a chance to get ready for the post season. This remains one of the hottest teams in the IBC during the second half, which could be scary for NL Central opponents in 2003 given the young talent waiting in the wings. |
|
7 |
7 |
D’Backs |
91-58 |
Is there anyone home? No team web site…no communication with the outside world. It’s just our luck that they will end up winning the first ever IBC World Series and there won’t be anyone there to celebrate. |
|
5 |
8 |
Blue Jays |
87-63 |
Big trade deadline moves appear to be working out well….has taken control of the AL Wild Card leading the Halo’s and Tiger’s by 3 games. A tough trio of Maddux, Johnson and Moyer could pose problems for a first round opponent. |
|
9 |
9 |
Halos |
84-66 |
Looking at a season deciding 4 game series in Oaktown….This could be a make or break it series. Its money time and the Halos’ need to rise to the challenge if they want to make some noise in the playoffs. This team definitely has the talent, now its time for the rubber to hit the road. |
|
10 |
10 |
Tigers |
84-66 |
Injury to IBC Stud 1b Nick Johnson has turned this into a .500 ballclub. They need to get him back in the lineup fast! |
|
12 |
11 |
Reds |
79-71 |
Definitely the “Murder’s Row” of the IBC. Looking for a couple of the youngsters to step into the rotation in 2003 and this franchise just might break the GAB in with an IBC post season appearance in 2003. |
|
11 |
12 |
D’Rays |
80-69 |
Picked up a nice young “Ace” in Miller to build his rotation around and has a nice young middle infield with lots of potential. Furcal and Hudson will probably be mainstays at the top of the D-Ray’s batting order setting the table for Sweet Swinging Lance Berkman and perennial slugger / Viagra PitchMan Rafael Palmeiro. Prescription for 2003 success? Find a solid #2 starter that can be paired with Miller. |
|
13 |
13 |
KC |
78-72 |
Should have a solid top three in the rotation, with the resurgence of the El Duque. An updated web site would help identify who’s still on the roster and what holes need to be filled but this team could sneak up on the AL Central in 2003. |
|
15 |
14 |
St. Louis |
77-72 |
The middle of this batting order will get a huge boost in 2003 from Uber-prospect Austin Kearns after his MLB coming out party in 2002. With a rotation anchored by two young #1’s in Garcia and Oswalt…this team is eager to make a statement in 2003. |
|
14 |
15 |
Phillies |
78-72 |
Will take a big hit to its starting rotation in 2003 with the loss of veteran staff “Ace” Darryl Kile. Prescription for 2003 success: Get Sammy the respect he deserves from the IBC and fill in the rotation. |
|
16 |
16 |
Rockies |
71-79 |
Looking for “Juan Gone” to be “Juan Healthy” in 2003. The addition of young slugging OF Joe Borchard should make for some nice balance to offset the aging Gonzalez and Ventura. Get this team a real starting rotation and it could be the team to beat next season in the NL West. |
|
18 |
17 |
Florida |
68-82 |
This team is built to make a run at the 2004 IBC WS. Young slugger Josh Phelps should provide some much needed POP to the middle of this batting order. Solidify that bullpen and this team could surprise a lot of people in 2003. |
|
21 |
18 |
Giants |
66-85 |
General Lee needs to make a web site for his team so we can figure out who’s on it. Has David Segui even played a full season in the MLB? Good thing that doesn’t apply to the IBC. ;o) |
|
19 |
19 |
Dodgers |
66-84
|
Solid young rotation with young “Ace” Tim Hudson leading the charge. Not much power in the lineup. Number 1 off-season priority should be a slugger that can drive in some runs. Eventually, Zuleta might be that player. |
|
17 |
20 |
Baltimore |
66-83 |
That offense is looking pretty tough with the addition of Gary Sheffield, but what the heck is he doing batting in the #2 hole? All this team needs is a better record. |
|
28 |
21 |
Braves |
64-86 |
Has made some nice moves to improve the offense…. Kent and Green should be mainstays in the middle of the batting order. Has some decent options for next season to improve the rotation, which could make this a team to contend with. |
|
22 |
22 |
Brewers |
64-85 |
This team has some potential…. but it would use some attention from the GM. Prescription for success…. a good leadoff hitter…. and get out of the NL Central. |
|
25 |
23 |
Texas |
63-87 |
Has matched the division leading A’s with a 7-3 record in last ten games and is threatening to climb out of the AL West cellar. Looks like a team on the rise and a solid off-season of work by the GM could make this team a contender in 2003. Prescription for success: Fill out the back end of that rotation. |
|
24 |
24 |
Astros |
64-86 |
Should have a solid offense anchored with Arod and Thome in the middle. A little work on the pitching staff could make this a competitive team in 2003. |
|
26 |
25 |
Padres |
62-88 |
A talented minor league system should help fill some holes in 2003. Prescription for success: Focus on that bullpen. |
|
27 |
26 |
Yankees |
62-87 |
Needs some of that self-proclaimed pitching talent to come through in 2003 to beat some strong contenders in the division. Also needs “Ace” Kevin Brown to stay healthy for a year. Benson needs to rebound from injuries, and Estes needs to rebound from a poor 2002 MLB campaign. Lohse and Jensen should be good additions for the backend of the rotation. |
|
20 |
27 |
Seattle |
63-87 |
Some tough opponents have resulted in a 1-9 streak. A bit of work in the off-season could get this team back in contention in 2003. |
|
23 |
28 |
Montreal |
60-90 |
Has fallen on some tough times since the trade deadline. Nice top 4 in the batting order. Looking for Benoit and Stark to provide some much needed help in the rotation in 2003 and is looking for a #1 starter to lead his staff. Offensive success in 2003 will depend on the development of youngins’ Burroughs, Cintron and Inge. |
|
29 |
29 |
Cleveland |
56-95 |
Not going to get the first pick in the IBC New Player Draft…. but he’s got a solid starting rotation and some skill players that will make for a decent offense. Prescription for success: get another solid bat or two in the lineup and upgrade that bullpen: |
|
30 |
30 |
Twins |
46-104 |
This team is loaded with young prospects and will be fun to watch as they develop together in 2003. |
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