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End
of Season 3 League C Power Rankings
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With the playoffs just around the
corner, it's time for the first and final, end of season power
rankings. Now, a couple of changes are in order for this power
rankings. the "PVS" column is the teams actual finish this season
with the # in bracket being if they exceeded their potential
or if they had an unlucky year. I've found that with certain
exceptions (note: Atlanta) the #'s are just about right and
reflective of a team's finish. I believe the drastic discrepancies
from before have been solved with the elimination of "useless"
categories such as stolen bases and saves. Furthermore, Chris'
post-season predictions aren't that far off what the numbers
pick as well, with Los Angeles being the favourite, followed
closely behind by Toronto and Oakland. Keeping with the "end
of school for the year" theme for me, I've also given each team
a final grade. So without any more preamble, let's take a look
at who's on top...
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Team |
PVS
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PI
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REC. |
JP's Breakdown and Final Season Grade
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|
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3(-2)
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215
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101-61
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"I can't believe it! It's Snowing it Los Angeles in the middle
of July!" Well, believe it as the late season acquisition
of Snow to an already potent Los Angeles lineup puts the Dodgers
as the team to beat in the post-season, and it says here that
the Dodgers come out on top.
Final Grade: A+. Most deadly offence in the league, with
stellar pitching from Hajek and Mallory to boot. Go L.A. go!
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2.
Toronto
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2
|
210
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102-60
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Jimmy Mejias succeeded expectations in his rookie year and silenced
many critics. If Lefty Smith can produce in the post-season,
the Jays may have enough to capture their 2nd World Series title
in 3 years. The pitching staff must also keep up their stellar
work to ensure this.
Final Grade: A+. An excellent pitching staff, 2nd only to the
A's, with a solid offence as well.
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|
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1(+2)
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207
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108-54
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The best team record-wise in the Majors. The acquisition of
Bert Kilhullen could be the final ingredient in the quest
for the A's to repeat as champions this year. If pitching
wins ball games, I wouldn't rule out a repeat from the A's
Final Grade: A+. Absolutely amazing pitching staff, best in
the league, with an offence that's very powerful.
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5(-1)
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204
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99-63
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The
Tront-led Tigers played some great baseball this season, largely
riding the back of MVP candidate, Stump House.
Final Grade: A. The team is solid offensively as well as with
Bell and Iorg, pitching-wise as well. But in the powerhouse
AL, they'll be toast.
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7(-3)
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204
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95-67
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The
Pirates jumped aboard the Ferris wheel, and it's paying off
dividents as Ron Ferris appears to be the Pirates new-found
ace.
Final Grade A. Disappointing end to the season, slipping into
a post-season battle with LA instead of Atlanta.
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|
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6
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180
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97-65
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The
streak is now at 19 games and the Reds will have to keep it
up to quiet the doubters in the post-season.
Final Grade: A. The "streak" helped alleviate a great season
and turned it into an amazing one. Can they continue?
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|
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10(-3)
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180
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87-75
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Although
the Mariners floundered down the stretch, they still had an
excellent season and should have high expectations for season
4.
Final Grade: A-. With Baldwin anchoring the staff, the Mariners
are just one piece away from a post-season puzzle.
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|
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7(+1)
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179
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95-67
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Minnesota now boasts a star-studded trio of Young, Schilling
and now Tobin, that's as good as any threesome in the league.
Final Grade: A. Don't rule out a first-round upset from Minnesota,
but it's a stretch to say they have a shot at it.
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11(-2)
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178
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85-77
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Despite
the heroics of Tiefenauer, the St. Louis bats were cold throughout
the year and cost the Cards a shot at the playoffs.
Final Grade: B+. If Josh can retool his offensive for next
season, they'll be back up there contending for the post-season.
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4(+6)
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177
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100-62
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Ignoring the numbers, Atlanta had a sensational season, and
exceeded their wildest expectations, finishing just one game
short of the #1 seed in the playoffs.
Final Grade: A+. Excellent rotation, and a World Series berth
isn't out of the question if they get a few breaks here and
there.
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9(+2)
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171
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90-72
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Can't
help but to feel for the Rockies, as injuries coupled with
fatigue saw them fade out of the lead in the NL West.
Final Grade: A-. A youth movement next season could get the
Rockies back into being a strong contender again.
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14(-2)
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165
|
83-79
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A couple eyebrow raising trades this season turned out to
be busts as Ludwick, Scanlon + Monroe struggled in da Big
Apple this year.
Final Grade: B. The damage done by trading Branom away could
be irreversable, but the Yanks offense is still a major plus.
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|
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11(+2)
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147
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85-77
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The
Rangers under the guidance of PEK should be filled with renewed
optimism after their best finish ever this season.
Final Grade: B-. Next season looks to be even brighter, as
the Rangers are only getting better as the years go by.
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|
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15(-1)
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125
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82-80
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After pushing the panic button after being 8 games under .500.
The Expos turned their fortunes around to get back to the .500
mark.
Final Grade: C+. The offense looks solidified for next year,
but the pitching staff is in shambles right now.
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11(+4)
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107
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85-77
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If the bash brothers of Mancuso and Lewis can only learn how
to pitch for the Marlins, then maybe Florida has a shot at
the playoffs.
Final Grade: B-. The pitching staff is really woeful and if
it can get to a respectable level, the Marlins can contend
with the Braves.
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16
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106
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81-81
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The
Mighty "Ed" could not bring the White Sox into the playoffs
this season, although he still looks like the AL Cy.
Final Grade: C+. Swamaar cant be pleased with his team's performance
this year, but the still improving Socks may change that in
'04.
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19(-2)
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105
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78-84
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Jose
Iott had a somewhat off-year, coming off the heels of his
MVP performance last season.
Final Grade: C. Mr. Blonde's temper tantrum caused his Phillies
to lose their edge this year and destroyed any chemistry.
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|
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20(-2)
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103
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78-84
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Hi
Johnson and the Buccaneers, er Devil Rays are optimistic that
they can get to .500 if they play their best baseball.
Final Grade: C. A step in the right direction for Tampa this
year. Another solid year from Hill but another mediocre season
nonetheless.
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17(+2)
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92
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79-83
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The
big trade with Seattle saw stalwart catcher, Mordecai Pose
come over and shine in Enron Field, hitting .330 for the Astros.
Final Grade: C-. Houston is continuing to blossom, and have
their eyes set on an 85 win season next year.
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|
20.
Anaheim
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17(+3)
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91
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79-83
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After
trading Wysong away for some prospects, Anaheim looks as if
they'll be ready to contend in a season or two.
Final Grade: C-. With Qualters anchoring the bullpen for years
to come, Anaheim's going to be a force next season and in the
years to come.
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|
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23(-2)
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89
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72-90
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The
Red Rocket has been impressived himself with the play of Frank
Sullivan that he's already locked him up for 5 more seasons.
Final Grade: D+. The Red Sox have gone from H2 Contenders
to C pretenders overnight it seems. Latman may be the next
Boston hero!
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25(-3)
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88
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71-91
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Aleck
Reis is the Manhatten Superstar to say the least. His rookie
season has the Mets expecting a better showing in '04.
Final Grade: D+. The pitching, or lack thereof from the Mets
is a major problem in New York, and can't be solved by Tony
Morrison.
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23
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81
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72-90
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Richard-gate
continues as GSB authorities are trying to piece together
whatever happened to the bright GM from Green Bay.
Final Grade: D. Maybe it's the collusion suspected in the
infamous Tobin for nothing deal to Minnesota? Who's going
to take over here?
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22(+2)
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79
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73-89
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Will
Westenholme return for one last hurrah? Pundits predict him
hanging up the boots after this year, but who really knows?
Final Grade: D. Camp out with Campau in '04, cause he's going
to be the local cult hero in San Diego next year.
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26(-1)
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78
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68-94
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Bobo Dreesen was the lone bright spot in a poor hitting Brew
Crew this year, but with him entering a contract year, it
could be all over.
Final Grade: D. Nothing to be proud of this year, but with
a few more draft picks, they can play better ball in the future.
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21(+5)
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77
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74-88
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The Giants played somewhat great baseball and really overachieved
this season, and a .500 year is not out of the question in
'04.
Final Grade: D+. If Gerald Jones can have another big year
and some promising rookies come through, they can get even
better.
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27
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56
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63-99
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Bo
Morse again leads the charge, and Beckendorf had a helluva
season, but the rest of the Orioles did not show up to play.
Final Grade: D-. Another couple seasons of mediocre baseball
before those prospects develop.
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28
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35
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56-106
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A strong bullpen is the one bright spot for the Cubs on another
poor season. Cooper, Fanning and Erickson did their job to
say the least.
Final Grade: E. Need to trade their bullpen performers away
for some starting pitching or more offence.
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30(-1)
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22
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44-118
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With
mega-multi-millionaire German owner Jimmy at the helm, you
can be sure to see some improvement next year. Gazundheit!
Final Grade: F. Woeful and anemic to say the least, their
two game winning streak to end the season is something to
be proud of.
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29(+1)
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15
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48-114
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The
Royals really need to sign a few free agents in the off-season
or make some deals, as their team is just downright putrid!
Final Grade: F. Three cellar-dwelling seasons in a row, warrants
Pete Rose to think it's now or never.
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KEY: PVS= Previous ranking
PI = Power Index Total REC= Record (Through Season's
End)
Note: Power Index Total is determined, by examining 8 categories:
4 hitting categories; AVG, R, HR, and OPS (On base percentage
+ slugging percentage) as well as 4 pitching categories; Wins,
ERA, K's and WHIP. The worst team in each category gets 30 points
and the best team in each gets awarded 1 point, with the totals
going up in 1 point increments. The total is subtracted from
248 and the cumulative totals are the Power Index and the criteria
for the Power Rankings.
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