Kuzul

So the first 10 days of baseball season have come and gone. Many teams have been very impressive to watch and hear about (Rangers, Phillies, Reds). Others have had unexpected disappointing starts (Red Sox, Rays, Twins, Tigers) while others have been surprises (Indians, Royals, Orioles).

Without putting my preseason rankings and thoughts of every team into the equation, I wrote down the first of my power rankings based solely who the most impressive to least impressive. And I give my top 10 starting candidates in the Cy Young Award races as well as the MVP races. Enjoy reading and enjoy disagreeing.

1. Texas Rangers (8-1)
The most impressive team in the majors throughout the first nine games. Matt Harrison (1.29), Derek Holland (2.25) and C.J. Wilson (2.84) are the only three pitchers on the same AL team with an ERA of 2.84 or lower. The Rangers are the only team in the majors in the top four in runs scored and runs against throughout the first 10 days of baseball. They are also the only team that is undefeated at home (6-0).

2. Philadelphia Phillies (7-2)
Another team that is getting it done with their bats. Only the Reds and White have scored more runs than the Phillies throughout the first ten days. They have also started with a strong 5-1 home record.

3. Cincinnati Reds (6-3)
The National League’s best offense is at it again. The Reds lead the NL in runs scored with 61 through their first nine games. They are also one of only four teams with at least five home wins already.

4. Cleveland Indians (7-2)
Who knew that Indians would start off the season with strong bats? Fifty-two runs scored through their first nine games ranks fifth in the majors to this point. They are also one of only two teams that haven’t lost a road game (3-0).

5. Chicago White Sox (6-3)
Like the four teams in front of them, the White Sox have gotten it done with their bats. Nine games in and they’ve already scored 62 runs, which leads the majors.

6. Colorado Rockies (6-2)
Unlike most of the teams ahead of them in these rankings, the Rockies are getting it done with their pitching. The Rockies are giving up an impressive 3.37 runs per game through the first eight games. This is mostly because of the strong starts from Huston Street and Esmil Rogers.

7. Toronto Blue Jays (5-4)
The Blue Jays are also getting it done with their pitching staff, giving up only 30 runs through their first nine games. Ricky Romero and Kyle Drabek have each started the year with an ERA under 1.40 and 12 strikeouts.

8. Los Angeles Angels (5-4)
Even you listen closely you could hear Jered Weaver strikeout another batter. He has been nothing short of fantastic this year (3-0, 0.87 ERA, 27 strikeouts).

9. San Diego Padres (4-4)
The Padres are starting this season like their normal selves: a great pitching staff with a lineup that hasn’t shown much through their first eight games. Once their bats come to life a little bit more, they could be moving up the rankings.

10. Arizona Diamondbacks (4-4)
He may not be an MVP candidate in many minds, but Miguel Montero (2 HR, 13 hits) could be developing into one of the game’s better catchers this season.

11. San Francisco Giants (4-5)
Tim Lincecum (2 starts, 1-1 record, 0.64 ERA, 18 strikeouts) is off to a fast start this season.

12. Kansas City Royals (6-3)
Through the first nine games, the Royals have scored a respectable 49 runs, which helps them get to a 6-3 record. It’s funny how they have already drawn 39 walks this season.

13. Baltimore Orioles (6-3)
Something tells me the Orioles are going to be sticking around for a while. Their lineup seems to have better names on it than past years. And these guys named Jeremy Guthrie and Zach Britton have kicked some butt so far (combined 3-1 record, 0.65 ERA, and 15 combined strikeouts).

14. New York Yankees (5-4)
What happened to this new swing Derek Jeter was suppose to have? Not helping him much (.233 average, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1 extra-base hit this season).

15. Oakland Athletics (4-5)
A strong start from the A’s pitching staff, giving up only 30 runs through the first nine games. Their offense is what’s messing them up, only averaging 3.2 runs per game so far.

16. Atlanta Braves (4-6)
Derek Lowe becomes one of the early favorites for the NL Cy Young award with a 1.45 ERA and 12 strikeouts.

17. Pittsburgh Pirates (5-5)
Jose Tabata and Neil Walker have been impressive to start the season with a combined 4 homers and 25 RBI.

18. Chicago Cubs (4-5)
Not the most exciting nine-game start to a season for the Cubs. But their offense and pitching staff ranks in the bottom half of the majors, their team is under .500, their starters only have two wins and have recorded a 4.89 ERA. Alfonso Soriano seems to be starting the year well, though (3 HR, 9 hits).

19. Milwaukee Brewers (5-5)
One of only two teams in the majors that haven’t won a road game yet (0-3). Since the 3-for-17 start, Prince Fielder has gone 11-for-18, and hit two homers and 11 RBIS.

20. Florida Marlins (5-4)
The Marlins are going to get a good chance to see a clearer picture of what their identity is when they play the Braves and Phillies this week. The return of Hanley Ramirez will help them see this picture better.

21. Washington Nationals (4-5)
In their first nine games, no Nationals starting pitcher has played fewer than five runs in a game this year.

22. New York Mets (4-5)
This team would be making more noise and would be talked about a little more if they actually had a pitching staff. Other than Chris Young, this team hasn’t shown much, giving up 51 runs through their first nine games.

23. St. Louis Cardinals (3-6)
If the Cardinals’ bats would wake up, they would have more than three wins to this point. They birds have only scored an MLB-third-worst 27 runs through their first nine games. Their pitching staff seems to be doing alright though, giving up an average of 3.77 runs per game.

24. Los Angeles Dodgers (5-4)
Another team that seems to be struggling offensively. The Dodgers have only scored 28 runs through their first nine games.

25. Detroit Tigers (3-6)
Apparently the Tigers’ pitchers forgot that the season has started. They are pretty much the reason why they have lost six games already and are luck they are three games under .500 to this point. The Tigers have given up an AL-worst 54 runs through the first nine games. Not what Tigers fans are wanting to see.

26. Minnesota Twins (3-6)
I’m a little surprised that the Twins are under .500 through the first nine games. With a lineup that has decent names like Denard Span, Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel and Joe Mauer, you would think that their offense would be producing more than it has so far. Only scoring 24 runs through their first nine games isn’t exactly helping the Twins at the start of the season.

27. Seattle Mariners (2-7)
Here’s something Mariners fans don’t like knowing: the Mariners are the only MLB team that is in the bottom five in runs scored (29) and most runs given up (47). I think their pitching staff could get better as the season goes on, but it looks like the same ol’ lineup for the M’s. Can’t put runs on the board and not they can’t stop guys from crossing the plate either.

28. Boston Red Sox (2-7)
Aside from Josh Beckett and his performance last night, the Red Sox pitching hasn’t exactly been living up to their expectations for a second year in a row. With guys like Jon Lester, John Lackey and Clay Buchholz, you would think that the Red Sox wouldn’t be giving up 53 runs through their first nine games already.

29. Houston Astros (2-7)
Can’t say that I didn’t see the poor start coming out of Houston. The pitching staff is arguably the worst in the entire majors (giving up 55 runs through nine games). Their offense hasn’t helped them either, which is also in the bottom ten in the majors.

30. Tampa Bay Rays (1-8)
I know it’s only nine games into the season, but I’m going to predict that the Rays strong run at the AL East over these past few years is pretty much over. I’m not seeing any sort of spark coming out of this team. They are dead last in runs scored in the entire majors and their pitching staff isn’t starting off very strong either.

Manny Ramirez’ retirement isn’t going to help matters, and it’s not going to hurt them that much either. Tropicana Field is a stadium that use to be tough for opponents to play in. But now it seems like the Rays are having trouble playing there too (0-5 home record).

Carter’s Top 10 American League Cy Young Award Candidates:

1. Jered Weaver (Angels): 3-0, 0.87 ERA, 27 strikeouts
2. Zach Britton (Orioles): 2-0, 0.66 ERA, 8 strikeouts
3. Dan Haren (Angels): 2-0, 1.15 ERA, 13 strikeouts
4. Gio Gonzalez (Athletics): 2-0, 0.69 ERA, 8 strikeouts
5. Jeremy Guthrie (Orioles): 1-1, 0.64 ERA, 7 strikeouts
6. Matt Harrison (Rangers): 2-0, 1.29 ERA, 11 strikeouts
8. Ricky Romero (Blue Jays): 1-0, 1.32 ERA, 12 strikeouts
9. Justin Masterson (Indians): 2-0, 1.35 ERA, 9 strikeouts
10. Nick Blackburn (Twins): 1-1, 0.77 ERA, 4 strikeouts
11. Kyle Drabek (Blue Jays): 1-0, 1.38 ERA, 12 strikeouts

Carter’s Top 10 National League Cy Young Award Candidates:

1. Jaime Garcia (Cardinals): 1-0, 0.60 ERA, 18 strikeouts
2. Chris Narveson (Brewers): 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 14 strikeouts
3. Roy Halladay (Phillies): 1-0, 0.69 ERA, 13 strikeouts
4. Tim Lincecum (Giants): 1-1, 0.64 ERA, 18 strikeouts
5. Kevin Correia (Pirates): 2-0, 1.29 ERA, 6 strikeouts
6. Esmil Rogers (Rockies): 1-0, 1.23 ERA, 7 strikeouts
7. Huston Street (Rockies): 0-0, 1.13 ERA, 9 strikeouts
8. Derek Lowe (Braves): 1-2, 1.45 ERA, 15 strikeouts
9. Matt Cain (Giants): 1-0, 1.38 ERA, 7 strikeouts
10. Chris Young (Mets): 1-0, 1.45 ERA, 12 strikeouts

Carter’s Top 10 American League MVP Candidates

1. Howie Kendrick (Angels): .389 average, 4 HR, 4 RBI
2. Nelson Cruz (Rangers): .310 average, 5 HR, 10 RBI
3. Miguel Cabrera (Tigers): .355 average, 4 HR, 9 RBI
4. Paul Konerko (White Sox): .400 average, 3 HR, 11 RBI
5. Asdrubal Cabrera (Indians): .316 average, 3 HR, 9 RBI
6. Ian Kinsler (Rangers): .250 average, 4 HR, 7 RBI
7. Alex Rodriguez (Yankees): .321 average, 3 HR, 5 RBI
8. Russell Martin (Yankees): .300 average, 3 HR, 8 RBI
9. Mark Teixeira (Yankees): .182 average, 4 HR, 10 RBI
10. Josh Willingham (Athletics): .242 average, 3 HR, 6 RBI

Carter’s Top 10 National League MVP Candidates

1. Ryan Braun (Brewers): .353 average, 4 HR, 8 RBI
2. Prince Fielder (Brewers): .400 average, 2 HR, 11 RBI
3. Rickie Weeks (Brewers): .268 average, 3 HR, 5 RBI
4. Ryan Howard (Phillies): .361 average, 2 HR, 11 RBI
5. Alfonso Soriano (Cubs): .281 average, 3 HR, 5 RBI
6. Jose Tabata (Pirates): .342 average, 2 HR, 3 RBI
7. Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies): .314 average, 3 HR, 6 RBI
8. Miguel Montero (Diamondbacks): .500 average, 2 HR, 4 RBI
9. Pat Burrell (Giants): .160 average, 3 HR, 3 RBI
10. Neil Walker (Pirates): .300 average, 2 HR, 9 RBI

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

NOTE: team and player statistics updated through Monday morning, August 23 11:00 AM CT
 
1. New York Yankees (77-47)
As every week goes by, I’m believing more and more that the Yankees are going to be the ones to take the AL East once again. And with C.C. Sabathia holding a strong 17-5 record with a 3.02 ERA and 151 strikeouts to this point, I say we have a new favorite for the AL Cy Young Award.

2. Tampa Bay Rays (76-48)
The Rays continue to hold the MLB’s top road record at 37-24.

3. San Diego Padres (74-49) Mat Latos continues to lead the Padres’ pitching staff as they continue to hold the title of “most surprising team in 2010.”

4. Atlanta Braves (73-51)
Jair Jurrjens has pitched six or more innings in each of his eight second-half starts and has compiled a 2.96 ERA during that span.

5. Minnesota Twins (72-52)
The Twins haven’t lost a series since the All-Star break, but they’ll face a legitimate test in Texas this week. But they should have a little bit of confidence heading into the series considering they swept the Rangers in their only series they’ve played this season.

6. St. Louis Cardinals (67-54)
Jake Westbrook has allowed three or fewer runs in each of his four starts since joining the Cardinals.

7. Cincinnati Reds (72-52)
The mightily-impressive Reds are 8-2 in their last ten games and 15-5 over their last 20 games.

8. Texas Rangers (69-54)
The Rangers pretty much have the AL West wrapped up, but I’d be surprised if they get past the ALDS. They are only 9-15 against the Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, and Twins combined. Not very impressive.

9. Philadelphia Phillies (70-53)
Cole Hamels is winless in seven starts since the All-Star Break but has complied a nice 2.87 ERA during that time.

10. Boston Red Sox (71-54)
The Red Sox have a great opportunity later this week at shrinking the Rays’ lead over them in the AL East, which currently stands at 5 ½ games.

11. Chicago White Sox (67-57)
Out of the top 12 teams in the majors (going by winning percentage), the White Sox are the only team with a losing record against teams in their division (24-29 vs. AL Central teams).

12. San Francisco Giants (69-56)
Tim Lincecum continues to look for answers and consistency. The Giants’ ace has gone 2-4 with a 5.06 ERA since the All-Star Break.

13. Toronto Blue Jays (64-59)
Shaun Marcum has allowed a combined seven home runs in his past four starts after giving up a combined 12 home runs in his first 20 starts this season.

14. Colorado Rockies (63-60)
The Rockies have scored exactly one fewer run per game in the second half than the first half (3.88 versus 4.88), while the pitching has held steady.

15. Florida Marlins (62-61)
The Marlins are one of only three NL teams to have a +.500 road record (Marlins are 31-30 on the road). The Reds (36-26) and Padres (38-27) are the other two teams. 

16. New York Mets (62-62)
Johan Santana has thrown three straight complete games but has just one win in that time.

17. Oakland Athletics (61-62)
Dallas Braden is 4-2 with a 2.81 ERA and .225 batting average against in seven starts since the All-Star break.

18. Los Angeles Dodgers (63-62)
Ted Lilly has allowed four runs in four starts (4-0 with a 1.29 ERA) since joining the Dodgers.

19. Los Angeles Angels (62-63)
Dan Haren has gone from 9.02 K/9 with the Diamondbacks to 5.9 with the Angels. This is not the Dan Haren the Angels thought they were getting.

20. Detroit Tigers (61-63)
It’s pretty nice to see the Tigers have not one, but two of their players making a push for the AL Rookie of the Year award (Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch). Both are having rather nice years, and Austin Jackson finally hit another home run the other day.

21. Milwaukee Brewers (59-65)
The Brewers are 36-31 since cutting Jeff Suppan loose on June 7, including a 4-1 record against the Cardinals and Padres last week.

22. Washington Nationals (53-71)
Jason Marquis is winless in six stars with the Nationals this season after winning 15 games in 33 starts for the Rockies last year.

23. Chicago Cubs (51-74)
It would be ridiculous to think that Lou Piniella doesn’t deserve to go to the Hall of Fame as a manager.

24. Cleveland Indians (50-74)
The Indians have dropped five of their past six games, including three straight to Detroit while managing to score three runs total. However, they win every game in which they make five errors.

25. Houston Astros (54-69)
Despite them only having 54 wins to this point, the Astros are the only NL team with a sub-.500 record to have a winning record against teams in their division (33-24).

26. Arizona Diamondbacks (49-76)
The D-Backs play the top two teams in the NL West (the Padres and Giants) in 12 of their next 15 games.

27. Kansas City Royals (53-71)
The Royals played 31 innings in less than 24 hours to take two of three from the White Sox. Highlights included a five-RBI tour de force from none other than Yuniesky Betancourt and a game-ending single from Jason Kendall.

28. Seattle Mariners (49-75)
Felix Hernandez continues to dominate, as he’s now second in the AL in ERA (2.51) and third in XFIP (3.29)

29. Baltimore Orioles (44-81)
Powered by Josh Bell’s first two major league home runs, the Orioles split four games with the first-place Rangers over the weekend.

30. Pittsburgh Pirates (41-83)
Jeff Karstens is winless in each of his past 11 starts, but he has given up three earned runs or fewer in seven of those outings.

Carter’s MLB Award Races:
National League MVP Award Race:
1. Albert Pujols (STL): .316 avg., 143 hits, 32 HR, 89 RBI
2. Joey Votto (CIN): .323 avg., 137 hits, 29 HR, 86 RBI
3. Carlos Gonzalez (COL): .315 avg., 141 hits, 25 HR, 79 RBI
4. Dan Uggla (FLA): .288 avg., 130 hits, 28 HR, 79 RBI
5. Adrian Gonzalez (SD): .297 avg., 136 hits, 25 HR, 79 RBI
6. Adam Dunn (WSH): .297 avg., 136 hits, 31 HR, 78 RBI
7. Rickie Weeks (MIL): .274 avg., 139 hits, 23 HR, 73 RBI
8. Ryan Zimmerman (WSH): .301 avg., 125 hits, 24 HR, 70 RBI
9. Mark Reynolds (ARZ): .214 avg., 87 hits, 27 HR, 71 RBI
10. Prince Fielder (MIL): .268 avg., 120 hits, 25 HR, 63 RBI

American League MVP Award Race:
1. Miguel Cabrera (DET): .341 avg., 149 hits, 31 HR, 102 RBI
2. Josh Hamilton (TEX): .357 avg., 168 hits, 28 HR, 88 RBI
3. Robinson Cano (NYY): .325 avg., 155 hits, 25 86 RBI
4. Paul Konerko (CHW): .310 avg., 134 hits, 31 HR, 86 RBI
5. Jose Bautista (TOR): .255 avg., 111 hits, 38 HR, 92 RBI
6. Mark Teixeira (NYY): .256 avg., 120 hits, 27 HR, 89 RBI
7. David Ortiz (BOS): .267 avg., 105 hits, 27 HR, 79 RBI
8. Luke Scott (BAL): .296 avg., 103 hits, 24 HR, 58 RBI
9. Carlos Quentin (CHW): .237 avg., 86 hits, 24 HR, 77 RBI
10. Carlos Pena (TB): .212 avg., 80 hits, 24 HR, 72 RBI

National League Cy Young Award Race:
1. Adam Wainwright (STL): 17-7, 2.06 ERA, 165 strikeouts
2. Roy Halladay (PHI): 16-8, 2.16 ERA, 180 strikeouts
3. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL): 17-4, 2.66 ERA, 156 strikeouts
4. Josh Johnson (FLA): 11-5, 2.27 ERA, 162 strikeouts
5. Tim Hudson (ATL): 14-5, 2.15 ERA, 91 strikeouts
6. Mat Latos (SD): 13-5, 2.33 ERA, 144 strikeouts
7. Chris Carpenter (STL): 14-4, 2.88 ERA, 143 strikeouts
8. Jaime Garcia (STL): 11-6, 2.42 ERA, 111 strikeouts
9. Johan Santana (NYM): 10-8, 2.94 ERA, 137 strikeouts
10. Livan Hernandez (WSH): 8-8, 3.06 ERA, 84 strikeouts

American League Cy Young Award Race:
1. C.C. Sabathia (NYY): 17-5, 3.02 ERA, 151 strikeouts
2. Clay Buchholz (BOS): 15-5, 2.26 ERA, 96 strikeouts
3. David Price (TB): 15-5, 2.97 ERA, 146 strikeouts
4. Felix Hernandez (SEA): 9-10, 2.51 ERA, 183 strikeouts
5. Trevor Cahill (OAK): 13-5, 2.54 ERA, 86 strikeouts
6. Jered Weaver (LAA): 11-9, ERA, 189 strikeouts
7. C.J. Wilson (TEX): 12-5, 3.02 ERA, 128 strikeouts
8. Jon Lester (BOS): 13-8, 3.26 ERA, 166 strikeouts
9. Cliff Lee (TEX): 10-7, 3.09 ERA, 151 strikeouts
10. Jeff Niemann (TB): 10-3, 3.12 ERA, 102 strikeouts
 
National League Rookie of the Year Race:
1. Jaime Garcia (STL): 11-6, 2.42 ERA, 111 strikeouts
2. Gaby Sanchez (FLA): .289 avg., 129 hits, 14 HR, 62 RBI
3. Starlin Castro (CHC): .316 avg., 109 hits, 3 HR, 37 RBI
4. Ian Desmond (WSH): .276 avg., 107 hits, 9 HR, 50 RBI
5. Jason Heyward (ATL): .265 avg., 100 hits, 14 HR, 57 RBI

American League Rookie of the Year Race:
1. Austin Jackson (DET): .308 avg., 144 hits, 2 HR, 28 RBI
2. Neftali Feliz (TEX): 3-3, 3.57 ERA, 56 strikeouts, 31 saves
3. Brennan Boesch (DET): .275 avg., 102 hits, 14 HR, 59 RBI
4. John Jaso (TB): .271 avg., 68 hits, 3 HR, 37 RBI
5. Reid Brignac (TB): .252 avg., 64 hits, 6 HR, 36 RBI

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

NOTE: team and player statistics updated through Monday morning, August 16, 11:00 AM CT
 
1. New York Yankees (72-45)
37-20 home record and 617 total runs scored both top the American League.

2. Tampa Bay Rays (71-46)
35-22 road record (best in the majors). Also they have the AL’s best pitching staff, giving up only 449 runs this year.

3. San Diego Padres (69-47)
33-25 road record (best in the National League). They are also the only team in the majors to give up less than less than 400 runs.

4. Minnesota Twins (68-50)
Hottest team in the majors. No other team has won at least eight of their last ten.

5. Texas Rangers (67-49)
Seven of the Rangers’ next 11 games are against teams with a .575 winning percentage or higher. The other four are against the Orioles, who swept the Rangers in Arlington last time the two teams met.

6. Atlanta Braves (67-49)
41-16 home record (best in the majors).

7. St. Louis Cardinals (65-51)
The Cards are having an interesting time with their division rivals these days. They gained the division lead against the Reds but then lost it again while playing the Cubs.

8. Cincinnati Reds (67-51)
576 total runs scored this season (best in the National League).

9. San Francisco Giants (67-52)
By trading for Jose Guillen, the Giants probably did more harm than good. Guillen’s past three years on offense have been bad (.256/.307/.419), and he’s a liability on defense

10. Boston Red Sox (67-52)
The Red Sox continue to hang around the AL Wild Card race, but the loss of Jacoby Ellsbury makes the climb a slippery one on the Wild Card mountain.

11. Philadelphia Phillies (66-51)
The Phillies starters have a 1.53 ERA and 27-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in their last five games. No surprise they are tied for the NL wild-card lead.

12. Chicago White Sox (65-53)
Since stringing together 27 scoreless appearances, J.J. Putz has allowed eight runs over his last 6 1/3 innings, including back-to-back blown saves. Regression is a harsh mistress.

13. Colorado Rockies (61-56)
My surprise MVP candidate of the year is no doubt Carlos Gonzalez (.321 average, 140 hits, 25 home runs, 79 RBIs).

14. Toronto Blue Jays (62-55)
The Blue Jays have faced the fewest left-handed starters in the majors—going 9-15—but will face three straight against the A’s beginning Monday.

15. Oakland Athletics (57-59)
The A’s scored 11 runs and hit .209 with 41 strikeouts during their recent 1-5 road trip.

16. New York Mets (58-59)
The Mets go back on the road after going 3-3 in Flushing, scoring nine runs and hitting .088 with RISP on their six-game homestand.

17. Florida Marlins (57-59)
Rookie Mike Stanton, now hitting fifth in the Marlins’ lineup, is batting .583 (14-for-24) with five doubles, four homers and eight RBIs on Florida’s current road trip

18. Los Angeles Dodgers (60-58)
Since holding the best record in the NL on June 9, the Dodgers are 24-34 and have lost 11 games in the standings to the Padres (35-23).

19. Los Angeles Angels (60-59)
Dan Haren, who has made five starts for the Angels, is now 1-7 in his last 12 outings overall.

20. Detroit Tigers (57-60)
Miguel Cabrera leads the majors in on-base percentage (.433) and OPS (1.063); the way AL clubs have been pitching him lately, he might lead both leagues in intentional walks before long. There’s no way that he shouldn’t be the AL MVP to this point (.341 average, 141 hits, 27 home runs, 95 RBIs).

21. Washington Nationals (51-67)
It’s been a tale of two halves for Josh Willingham, who had a .913 OPS before the break and has a .640 OPS since.

22. Milwaukee Brewers (55-64)
Led by Ryan Braun (.458 BA, 1.051 OPS), the Brewers are tied with Houston for the most runs scored in August (78).

23. Chicago Cubs (50-68)
27-32 home record (worst in the National League).

24. Cleveland Indians (49-69)
As the Indians go into extended audition mode, Michael Brantley is hitting .333 in August as the new leadoff man.

25. Houston Astros (51-65)
Rookie of the year rumblings in Houston. Chris Johnson leads the NL in batting average (.420) and RBIs (26) since the All-Star break and is second in OPS (1.125).

26. Arizona Diamondbacks (47-72)
648 total runs given up this season (worst in the majors).

27. Seattle Mariners (46-72)
The only team in the majors that has yet to score 400 runs (383 to be exact).

28. Kansas City Royals (49-69)
The Royals scored just 17 runs on the week, but still managed to split a four-game set with the Yankees thanks to Bryan Bullington, who picked up his first career win by throwing eight shutout innings Sunday.

29. Baltimore Orioles (41-77)
A 24-34 home record and a 13-43 road record both rank in the bottom two in the majors.

30. Pittsburgh Pirates (39-78)
13-48 road record and 401 total runs scored are both in the bottom two in the majors.

Carter’s MLB Award Races:
National League MVP Award Race:
1. Albert Pujols (STL): .315 avg., 137 hits, 30 HR, 86 RBI
2. Carlos Gonzalez (COL): .321 avg., 140 hits, 25 HR, 79 RBI
3. Joey Votto (CIN): .322 avg., 130 hits, 28 HR, 79 RBI
4. Dan Uggla (FLA): .286 avg., 122 hits, 27 HR, 74 RBI
5. Adam Dunn (WSH): .271 avg., 115 hits, 31 HR, 78 RBI
6. Ryan Howard (PHI): .292 avg., 119 hits, 23 HR, 81 RBI
7. Rickie Weeks (MIL): .278 avg., 135 hits, 23 HR, 72 RBI
8. Ryan Zimmerman (WSH): .303 avg., 119 hits, 24 HR, 68 RBI
9. Mark Reynolds (ARZ): .214 avg., 83 hits, 26 HR, 70 RBI
10. Prince Fielder (MIL): .268 avg., 115 hits, 25 HR, 61 RBI

American League MVP Award Race:
1. Miguel Cabrera (DET): .341 avg., 141 hits, 27 HR, 95 RBI
2. Josh Hamilton (TEX): .362 avg., 160 hits, 26 HR, 80 RBI
3. Jose Bautista (TOR): .258 avg., 106 hits, 36 HR, 88 RBI
4. Paul Konerko (CHW): .302 avg., 123 hits, 29 HR, 80 RBI
5. Adrian Beltre (BOS): .328 avg., 146 hits, 22 HR, 80 RBI
6. Mark Teixeira (NYY): .256 avg., 114 hits, 26 HR, 86 RBI
7. David Ortiz (BOS): .261 avg., 97 hits, 26 HR, 77 RBI
8. Nick Swisher (NYY): .294 avg., 126 hits, 22 HR, 67 RBI
9. Carlos Quentin (CHW): .233 avg., 81 hits, 24 HR, 77 RBI
10. Carlos Pena (TB): .212 avg., 75 hits, 23 HR, 68 RBI

National League Cy Young Award Race:
1. Adam Wainwright (STL): 17-6, 1.99 ERA, 158 strikeouts
2. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL): 17-3, 2.59 ERA, 153 strikeouts
3. Josh Johnson (FLA): 10-5, 2.27 ERA, 156 strikeouts
4. Roy Halladay (PHI): 15-8, 2.24 ERA, 175 strikeouts
5. Tim Hudson (ATL): 14-5, 2.13 ERA, 89 strikeouts
6. Mat Latos (SD): 12-5, 2.32 ERA, 134 strikeouts
7. Chris Carpenter (STL): 13-4, 2.95 ERA, 139 strikeouts
8. Yovani Gallardo (MIL): 11-5, 2.97 ERA, 154 strikeouts
9. Jaime Garcia (STL): 10-5, 2.71 ERA, 99 strikeouts
10. Johan Santana (WSH): 10-6, 2.89 ERA, 121 strikeouts

American League Cy Young Award Race:
1. Cliff Lee (TEX): 10-5, 2.57 ERA, 137 strikeouts
2. Clay Buchholz (BOS): 13-5, 2.49 ERA, 86 strikeouts
3. Felix Hernandez (SEA): 8-10, 2.62 ERA, 172 strikeouts
4. Jon Lester (BOS): 13-7, 2.80 ERA, 165 strikeouts
5. Jeff Niemann (TB): 10-3, 3.12 ERA 102 strikeouts
6. Trevor Cahill (OAK): 12-5, 2.50 ERA, 81 strikeouts
7. Jered Weaver (LAA): 11-7, 2.87 ERA, 182 strikeouts
8. C.C. Sabathia (NYY): 15-5, 3.14 ERA, 134 strikeouts
9. David Price (TB): 15-5, 2.84 ERA, 133 strikeouts
10. Jason Vargas (SEA): 9-5, 3.15 ERA, 92 strikeouts
 
National League Rookie of the Year Race:
1. Jaime Garcia (STL): 10-5, 2.71 ERA, 99 strikeouts
2. Gaby Sanchez (FLA): .289 avg., 121 hits, 12 HR, 53 RBI
3. Starlin Castro (CHC): .314 avg., 101 hits, 3 HR, 37 RBI
4. Ian Desmond (WSH): .266 avg., 97 hits, 9 HR, 49 RBI
5. Alcides Escobar (MIL): .251 avg., 97 hits, 3 HR, 33 RBI

American League Rookie of the Year Race:
1. Austin Jackson (DET): .303 avg., 132 hits, 1 HR, 25 RBI
2. Neftali Feliz (TEX): 3-3, 3.48 ERA, 53 strikeouts, 29 saves
3. Brennan Boesch (DET): .274 avg., 96 hits, 14 HR, 55 RBI
4. John Jaso (TB): .270 avg., 65 hits, 3 HR, 36 RBI
5. Reid Brignac (TB): .259 avg., 64 hits, 6 HR, 36 RBI

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

NOTE: Team and player statistics are updated through Monday morning, August 2 11:00 AM CT

1. New York Yankees (66-38)
After a not-so-great first three months to the season, Mark Teixeira has hit .344, with 8 homeruns and 26 RBIs in July, which moves him up to number seven in my AL MVP rankings. The Yankees also own the AL’s best home record at 34-16.

2. Tampa Bay Rays (65-39)
While the Rays’ starters have a 2.73 ERA in the past nine games, the Rays are hitting only .237 and averaging 4.3 runs over the same span. What impresses me about this team is that they still own the MLB’s top road record (33-18).

3. Minnesota Twins (59-46)
No other team has won at least nine of their last ten games.

4. San Diego Padres (61-42)
The Padres haven’t lost more than three straight games since August of last year. Very impressive and very consistent. They own the NL’s top road record at 28-20.

5. Texas Rangers (61-44)
With the addition of Jorge Cantu, the Rangers fans can finally look for better offense from the first base position.

6. St. Louis Cardinals (59-46)
The Cardinals remain my favorite to win the NL Central because of their three-head pitching monster in Carpenter, Wainwright, and Garcia.

7. San Francisco Giants (61-45)
I’d be shocked if the Giants finished lower than second in the NL West at the end of the season.

8. Atlanta Braves (59-45)
Another bad week for the Braves, whose once-substantial division lead is now down to 2.5 games. They still own the MLB’s best home record (34-13).

9. Cincinnati Reds (59-47)
The Reds have won four of five, led by Brandon Phillips, who is 8-for-23 (.348) with seven RBIs.

10. Boston Red Sox (60-45)
BOLD Prediction: If the Red Sox are more than four games back of the division leader by the start of September, they won’t make the postseason.

11. Chicago White Sox (59-45)
Habitual slow starter Gavin Floyd has a 1.02 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP over his past 10 starts.

12. Philadelphia Phillies (57-48)
I think the Phillies are starting to develop a strong “never say die” attitude once again. They are getting decimated with injuries and they are only 2.5 games behind in the NL East.

13. Colorado Rockies (55-50)
Since the All-Star break, Carlos Gonzalez has hit .355 with four home runs and a 1.045 OPS, which puts him in the top ten in my NL MVP race.

14. Toronto Blue Jays (54-51)
Jose Bautista, the major league home run leader with 32, is 15-for-30 (.500) with six homers and 14 RBIs in his past eight games.

15. New York Mets (53-52)
Since the All-Star break, the Mets are averaging 2.9 runs scored per game and are 5-12, with seven of the losses decided by two runs or less.

16. Florida Marlins (53-52)
After 13 straight starts of allowing no more than two earned runs, Josh Johnson has now allowed three earned runs or more in consecutive starts.

17. Oakland Athletics (52-52)
Over his past seven games, Rajai Davis is batting .393 with five RBIs.

18. Los Angeles Dodgers (54-51)
The Dodgers have scored an MLB-worst 36 runs in 17 games since the All-Star break.

19. Los Angeles Angels (54-53)
Torii Hunter has struggled at the plate since the All-Star break, hitting .220 with a .558 OPS.

20. Detroit Tigers (52-52)
Looking for a reason, beyond the obvious injuries, to explain the Tigers’ freefall? Exhibit A: Their minus 20 run differential

21. Washington Nationals (46-59)
The Nationals are still looking for their first winning August in Washington (62-80 in the month since 2005).

22. Chicago Cubs (46-59)
The Cubs have more 1-run losses (24) than any other team in the majors.

23. Milwaukee Brewers (48-58)
The Brewers were back in it for a while, thanks to a five-game winning streak. Now, thanks to a five-game losing streak, they are once again completely out of contention.

24. Cleveland Indians (44-61)
The stripped-down Tribe boast two 2-0 rookies with sub-2.00 ERAs and a 10-7 post-All-Star record, but the offense remains conceptual at best.

25. Kansas City Royals (45-60)
The trade deadline opened an everyday spot for Alex Gordon in left field. Since his recall from Triple-A on July 23, he’s hit .229/.270/.429 with two HRs. Sink or swim.

26. Arizona Diamondbacks (39-66)
The D-backs outscored the Mets 27-12 over the weekend after scoring only 18 runs during a seven-game losing streak. It’s also interesting how they own the NL’s worst home record but they are only five games under .500 (24-29) at home.

27. Houston Astros (45-59)
Its about time the Astros get out of that dreaded number 28 spot. They’ve been there pretty much the entire year (if you’ve been following my rankings at all…)

28. Seattle Mariners (39-67)
The Mariners are on pace to score 526 runs over the entire season, which would be the least amount any team has scored(in an 162-game season) since 1971. Ouch.

29. Baltimore Orioles (32-73)
Let the Buck Showalter era begin! (Not that it really matters.)

30. Pittsburgh Pirates (36-68)
Rookies Pedro Alvarez, Neil Walker and Jose Tabata each finished July with a plus-.800 OPS (.855, .825 and .813, respectively).

Carter’s MLB Award Races:
National League MVP Award Race:
1. Joey Votto (CIN): .322 avg., 119 avg., 27 HR, 72 RBI
2. Albert Pujols (STL): .298 avg., 116 avg., 25 HR, 74 RBI
3. Ryan Howard (PHI): .292 avg., 119 hits, 23 HR, 81 RBI
4. Carlos Gonzalez (COL): .320 avg., 124 hits, 21 HR, 69 RBI
5. Adam Dunn (WSH): .276 avg., 103 hits, 25 HR, 66 RBI
6. Corey Hart (MIL): .288 avg., 100 hits, 23 HR, 72 RBI
7. Rickie Weeks (MIL): .276 avg., 118 hits, 22 HR, 67 RBI
8. Dan Uggla (FLA): .275 avg., 106 hits, 23 HR, 65 RBI
9. Prince Fielder (MIL): .259 avg., 99 hits, 24 HR, 46 RBI
10. Mark Reynolds (ARZ): .220 avg., 77 hits, 24 HR, 66 RBI

American League MVP Award Race:
1. Miguel Cabrera (DET): .351 avg., 132 hits, 26 HR, 93 RBI
2. Josh Hamilton (TEX): .362 avg., 144 hits, 23 HR, 75 RBI
3. Vladimir Guerrero (TEX): .305 avg., 118 hits, 21 HR, 85 RBI
4. Jose Bautista (TOR): .260 avg., 96 hits, 32 HR, 80 RBI
5. Robinson Cano (NYY): .331 avg., 134 hits, 21 HR, 71 RBI
6. Paul Konerko (CHW): .297 avg., 106 hits, 25 HR, 72 RBI
7. Mark Teixeira (NYY): .256 avg., 102 hits, 21 HR, 74 RBI
8. Nick Swisher (NYY): .300 avg., 113 hits, 20 HR, 55 RBI
9. David Ortiz (BOS): .258 avg., 82 hits, 22 HR, 71 RBI
10. Carlos Pena (TB): 212 avg., 75 hits, 23 HR, 68 RBI

National League Cy Young Award Race :
1. Josh Johnson (FLA): 10-4, 1.96 ERA, 151 strikeouts
2. Adam Wainwright (STL): 15-6, 2.19 ERA, 147 strikeouts
3. Roy Halladay (PHI): 12-8, 2.21 ERA, 149 strikeouts
4. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL): 16-2, 2.67 ERA, 126 strikeouts
5. Mat Latos (SD): 11-4, 2.45 ERA, 113 strikeouts
6. Chris Carpenter (STL): 11-3, 2.93 ERA, 128 strikeouts
7. Jaime Garcia (STL): 9-4, 2.33 ERA, 94 strikeouts
8. Yovani Gallardo (MIL): 9-5, 2.77 ERA, 130 strikeouts
9. Tim Hudson (ATL): 11-5, 2.40 ERA, 74 strikeouts
10. Clayton Kershaw (LAD): 10-6, 2.94 ERA, 144 strikeouts

American League Cy Young Award Race:
1. Cliff Lee (TEX): 9-5, 2.51 ERA, 118 strikeouts
2. Andy Pettitte (NYY): 11-2, 2.88 ERA, 90 strikeouts
3. David Price (TB): 14-5, 2.90 ERA, 117 strikeouts
4. Clay Buchholz (BOS): 11-5, 2.68 ERA, 78 strikeouts
5. Jered Weaver (LAA): 10-7, 3.04 ERA, 162 strikeouts
6. Felix Hernandez (SEA): 7-8, 2.90 ERA, 149 strikeouts
7. Jon Lester (BOS): 11-6, 3.05 ERA, 150 strikeouts
8. Jeff Niemann (TB): 9-3, 3.08 ERA, 98 strikeouts
9. Trevor Cahill (OAK): 10-4, 2.93 ERA, 70 strikeouts
10. C.J. Wilson (TEX): 10-5, 3.11 ERA, 100 strikeouts
 
National League Rookie of the Year Race:
1. Jaime Garcia (STL): 9-4, 2.33 ERA, 94 strikeouts
2. Gaby Sanchez (FLA): .288 avg., 110 hits, 12 HR, 49 RBI
3. Jason Heyward (ATL): .270 avg., 86 hits, 11 HR, 50 RBI
4. Ike Davis (NYM): .248 avg., 84 hits, 15 HR, 53 RBI
5. Alcides Escobar (MIL): .245 avg., 84 hits, 2 HR, 27 RBI

American League Rookie of the Year Race:
1. Austin Jackson (DET): .306 avg., 118 hits, 1 HR, 23 RBI
2. Neftali Feliz (TEX): 2-2, 3.57 ERA, 48 strikeouts, 29 saves
3. Brennan Boesch (DET): .291 avg., 89 hits, 12 HR, 51 RBI
4. Reid Brignac (TB): .270 avg., 62 hits, 6 HR, 35 RBI
5. Justin Smoak (SEA): .198 avg., 59 hits, 10 HR, 39 RBI

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

NOTE: team and player statistics updated through Sunday morning, July 4 11:00 AM CT

1. New York Yankees (62-35)
Two pitchers who deserve to be in the AL Cy Young Award conversation (Andy Pettitte and C.C. Sabathia) and arguably the league’s best offense. Things are looking pretty good in the Bronx.

2. Tampa Bay Rays (59-38)
The Rays should start getting comfortable in the second-place seat in the AL East. They could be in that seat for a while.

3. San Diego Padres (58-41)
The pitching staff continues to keep the Padres’ ship afloat. Mat Latos has been very impressive (11-4 record, 2.48 ERA, 106 strikeouts).

4. Texas Rangers (58-41)
With the recent addition of Cliff Lee, it’s safe to say that the AL West Championship is theirs to lose.

5. San Francisco Giants (56-43)
Buster Posey’s 18-game hitting streak is the second longest by a rookie. There’s that one guy named Willie McCovey who hit safely in 22 straight in 1959.

6. St. Louis Cardinals (55-44)
With Joey Votto and Ryan Howard staying strong and consistent, looks like Albert Pujols might have some competition for that NL MVP Award after all.

7. Atlanta Braves (57-41)
Brian McCann, Martin Prado, and Matt Diaz have all hit three homeruns since the All-Star Break. Very nice!

8. Boston Red Sox (55-44)
The injuries are finally starting to catch up to the Red Sox. But let’s see how big of an impact Victor Martinez’ return will be.

9. Cincinnati Reds (55-45)
At this point, it would be hard to argue Joey Votto for the National League’s MVP Award. .315 batting average, 108 hits, 25 homeruns, and 67 RBIs are very nice to see from the slugger.

10. Minnesota Twins (53-46)
Justin Morneau’s continued absence from the lineup after sustaining a concussion earlier this month is an ominous sign.

11. Philadelphia Phillies (53-46)
Ryan Howard continues to stay consistent. If it weren’t for Joey Votto, he would get my vote for the NL MVP Award to this point.

12. New York Mets (50-49)
The Mets are 6-15 in July and were just shut out for the fourth time in the past ten days.

13. Chicago White Sox (53-44)
The once streaking White Sox go from winning nine in a row earlier this month to losing six of their last ten games.

14. Colorado Rockies (51-48)
The Rockies have gone 2-8 in their past 10 games. No other team has lost more than seven in their last ten games.

15. Oakland Athletics (50-48)
Trevor Cahill continues to impress. He’s sturning into a top-ten AL pitcher in my book with his 9-4 record, 3.15 ERA, and 66 strikeouts.

16. Toronto Blue Jays (50-49)
Jose Bautista and Vernon Wells have combined for a total of 183 hits, 120 RBIS, 99 extra-base hits, and 47 homeruns.

17. Los Angeles Dodgers (53-46)
The Dodgers starting pitchers have a 1.20 ERA over the past nine games.

18. Florida Marlins (49-49)
The Marlins won six times by one run during a 7-3 homestand that featured four walk-off hits.

19. Detroit Tigers (51-46)
With Brandon Inge, Magglio Ordonez, and Carlos Guillen all on the shelf, it’s officially safe to say that the Tigers will not be going to the playoffs.

20. Los Angeles Angels (52-49)
Even though they just added Dan Haren (which was a very good move), the Angels still have a slim chance of winning the division. They trail by seven games in the West and have a chance of falling behind the red-hot A’s into third place.

21. Chicago Cubs (45-54)
Could this be the last week in Ted Lilly’s Cubs career?

22. Milwaukee Brewers (47-53)
Corey Hart, Rickie Weeks, and Prince Fielder have combined for 304 hits, 66 homeruns, and 180 RBIs.

23. Washington Nationals (42-57)
Ian Desmond has recorded 23 errors this season while the entire Nationals team has recorded 80 total errors. Both rank worst in the majors.

24. Cleveland Indians (41-57)
Despite winning seven of their last ten games, I don’t believe the Indians have any chance of even seeing third place in the Central Division. Their 403 total runs scored ranks 12th in the American League.

25. Kansas City Royals (42-56)
The Royals have given up 509 total runs this season. The Orioles are the only other AL team to give up more runs.

26. Seattle Mariners (39-60)
It’s pretty sad to see that the Mariners only have 15 road wins to this point. They also score only an average of 3.33 runs per game, which ranks dead least in the majors.

27. Arizona Diamondbacks (37-62)
The Diamondbacks have given up an average of 5.65 runs per game this season, which is worst in the majors. With Dan Haren recently getting traded to the Angels, expect that number to increase a little bit.

28. Houston Astros (40-58)
Wandy Rodriguez’s 7-inning, 1-hit performance Sunday saved the Astros from a sweep. In his past six starts, he’s 5-1 with a 2.31 ERA.

29. Baltimore Orioles (31-67)
The Orioles own the American League’s worst road record (13-34) and are the only team in the majors to not reach the 20-home-win mark. They have a terrible 18-33 home record.

30. Pittsburgh Pirates (34-64)
The Pirates’ starting pitchers are 18-53 with a 5.46 ERA and a league-worst .299 batting average against.

Carter’s MLB Award Races:
National League MVP Award Race:
1. Joey Votto (CIN): .315 avg., 108 avg., 25 HR, 67 RBI
2. Ryan Howard (PHI): .302 avg., 117 hits, 22 HR, 78 RBI
3. Albert Pujols (STL): .300 avg., 108 avg., 23 HR, 70 RBI
4. Corey Hart (MIL): .292 avg., 98 hits, 22 HR, 70 RBI
5. Adrian Gonzalez (SD): .295 avg., 104 avg., 21 HR, 64 RBI
6. Rickie Weeks (MIL): .274 avg., 111 hits, 20 HR, 64 RBI
7. Adam Dunn (WSH): .281 avg., 99 hits, 23 HR, 63 RBI
8. Aubrey Huff (SF): .309 avg., 107 hits, 19 HR, 60 RBI
9. Prince Fielder (MIL): .262 avg., 95 hits, 24 HR, 46 RBI
10. Mark Reynolds (ARZ): .214 avg., 70 hits, 23 HR, 62 RBI

American League MVP Award Race:
1. Miguel Cabrera (DET): .350 avg., 124 hits, 24 HR, 88 RBI
2. Josh Hamilton (TEX): .357 avg., 137 hits, 23 HR, 74 RBI
3. Vladimir Guerrero (TEX): .309 avg., 112 hits, 20 HR, 76 RBI
4. Paul Konerko (CHW): .298 hits, 99 hits, 21 HR, 67 RBI
5. Jose Bautista (TOR): .242 avg., 84 hits, 27 HR, 67 RBI
6. Mark Teixeira (NYY): .264 avg., 99 hits, 20 HR, 70 RBI
7. Vernon Wells (TOR): .271 avg., 99 hits, 20 HR, 53 RBI
8. Carlos Pena (TB): .207 avg., 69 hits, 21 HR, 61 RBI
9. David Ortiz (BOS): .253 avg., 74 hits, 19 HR, 61 RBI
10. Carlos Quentin (CHW): .236 avg., 66 hits, 19 HR, 66 RBI

National League Cy Young Award Race:
1. Josh Johnson (FLA): 10-3, 1.61 ERA, 141 strikeouts
2. Adam Wainwright (STL): 14-5, 1.94 ERA, 136 strikeouts
3. Yovani Gallardo (MIL): 9-4, 2.45 ERA, 127 strikeouts
4. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL): 15-2, 2.75 ERA, 120 strikeouts
5. Roy Halladay (PHI): 11-8, 2.28 ERA, 140 strikeouts
6. Jaime Garcia (STL): 9-4, 2.21 ERA, 90 strikeouts
7. Mat Latos (SD): 11-4, 2.48 ERA, 106 strikeouts
8. Clayton Kershaw (LAD): 10-5, 2.96 ERA, 138 strikeouts
9. Tim Hudson (ATL): 10-5, 2.47 ERA, 67 strikeouts
10. Johan Santana (NYM): 8-5, 2.79 ERA, 92 strikeouts

American League Cy Young Award Race:
1. Cliff Lee (TEX): 9-4, 2.56 ERA, 101 strikeouts
2. Andy Pettitte (NYY): 11-2, 2.88 ERA, 90 strikeouts
3. Jon Lester (BOS): 11-5, 2.92 ERA, 143 strikeouts
4. Felix Hernandez (SEA): 7-6, 2.75 ERA, 142 strikeouts
5. David Price (TB): 13-5, 2.90 ERA, 108 strikeouts
6. C.C. Sabathia (NYY): 13-3, 3.18 ERA, 119 strikeouts
7. Jeff Niemann (TB): 8-3, 2.95 ERA, 94 strikeouts
8. C.J. Wilson (TEX): 9-5, 3.03 ERA, 95 strikeouts
9. Jason Vargas (SEA): 6-5, 2.94 ERA, 80 strikeouts
10. Trevor Cahill (OAK): 9-4, 3.15 ERA, 66 strikeouts

National League Rookie of the Year Race:
1. Jaime Garcia (STL): 9-4, 2.21 ERA, 90 strikeouts
2. Gaby Sanchez (FLA): .304 avg., 107 hits, 11 HR, 45 RBI
3. Alcides Escobar (MIL): .252 avg., 81 hits, 2 HR, 27 RBI
4. Jason Heyward (ATL): .276 avg., 81 hits, 11 HR, 48 RBI
5. Ike Davis (NYM): .249 avg., 80 hits, 14 HR, 46 RBI

American League Rookie of the Year Race:
1. Austin Jackson (DET): .318 avg., 114 hits, 1 HR, 21 RBI
2. Neftali Feliz (TEX): 1-2, 3.47 ERA, 47 strikeouts, 28 saves
2. Brennan Boesch (DET): .312 avg., 87 hits, 12 HR, 51 RBI
3. Reid Brignac (TB): .282 avg., 59 hits, 6 HR, 35 RBI
4. Justin Smoak (SEA): .203 avg., 58 hits, 10 HR, 38 RBI

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

For those of you  familiar with my MLB Power Rankings, you usually see the top 10 players at the bottom of the page. Those who most deserve the four major individual awards. These awards are the National and American Leagues Most Valuable Player Awards and Cy Young Awards—given to the Leagues’ best pitcher of that year.

As we head into the All-Star break, I’m going to do something a little different. I’m going to expand this a lot and give you my 25 guys for all four awards. I did some research, I typed in a few numbers and here’s what I came up with:

National League MVP Award Race

1. David Wright (NYM): .314 avg., 14 HR, 65 RBI, 15 stolen bases
2. Joey Votto (CIN): .314 avg., 22 HR, 60 RBI
3. Albert Pujols (STL): .307 avg., 21 HR, 64 RBI, 9 stolen bases
4. Carlos Gonzalez (COL): .312 avg., 17 HR, 58 RBI, 12 stolen bases
5. Hanley Ramirez (FLA): .289 avg., 13 HR, 53 RBI, 17 stolen bases
6. Chris Young (ARZ): .262 avg., 15 HR, 61 RBI, 16 stolen bases
7. Matt Kemp (LAD): .263 avg, 16 HR, 50 RBI, 15 stolen bases
8. Ryan Braun (MIL): .289 avg., 12 HR, 53 RBI, 12 stolen bases
9. Martin Prado (ATL): .329 avg., 10 HR, 39 RBI
10. Corey Hart (MIL): .289 avg., 20 HR, 63 RBI
11. Angel Pagan (NYM): .311 avg., 6 HR, 40 RBI, 11 stolen bases
12. Ryan Howard (PHI): .295 avg, 17 HR, 65 RBI
13. Brandon Phillips (CIN): .298 avg., 12 HR, 30 RBI, 10 stolen bases
14. Matt Holliday (STL): .300 avg., 15 HR, 48 RBI
15. Shane Victorino (PHI): .253 avg., 14 HR, 48 RBI, 17 stolen bases
16. Aubrey Huff (SF): .295 avg., 17 HR, 54 RBI
17. Adam Dunn (WSH): .283 avg., 22 HR, 58 RBI
18. Rafael Furcal (LAD): .333 avg., 6 HR, 35 RBI, 14 stolen bases
19. Andrew McCutcheon (PIT): .290 avg., 8 HR, 27 RBI, 20 stolen bases
20. Adrian Gonzalez (SD): .298 avg., 18 HR, 56 RBI
21. Colby Rasmus (STL): .281 avg., 16 HR, 41 RBI, 9 stolen bases
22. Andre Ethier (LAD): .324 avg., 14 HR, 54 RBI
23. James Loney (LAD): .305 avg., 5 HR, 59 RBI, 9 stolen bases
24. Dan Uggla (FLA): .281 avg. 16 HR, 51 RBI
25. Rickie Weeks (MIL): .266 avg., 15 HR, 52 RBI

American League MVP Award Race

1. Carl Crawford (TB): .320 avg., 10 HR, 48 RBI, 30 stolen bases
2. Josh Hamilton (TEX): .345 avg., 22 HR, 64 RBI
3. Miguel Cabrera (DET): .346 avg., 22 HR, 76 RBI
4. Alex Rios (CHW): .305 avg., 14 HR, 47 RBI, 23 stolen bases
5. Vladimir Gurerrero (TEX): .323 avg., 20 HR, 75 RBI
6. Robinson Cano (NYY): .337 avg., 16 HR, 57 RBI
7. Justin Morneau (MIN): .345 avg., 18 HR, 56 RBI
8. Evan Longoria (TB): .294 avg., 13 HR, 61 RBI, 13 stolen bases
9. Brett Gardner (NYY): .310 avg., 5 HR, 29 RBI, 25 stolen bases
10. Kevin Youkilis (BOS): .293 avg., 18 HR, 57 RBI
11. Torii Hunter (LAA): .300 avg., 15 HR, 62 RBI
12. Paul Konerko (CHW): .299 avg., 20 HR, 63 RBI
13. Adrian Beltre (BOS): .332 avg., 13 HR, 55 RBI
14. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): .327 avg., 3 HR, 24 RBI, 22 stolen bases
15. Michael Young (TEX): .304 avg., 12 HR, 54 RBI
16. Scott Podsednik (KC): .297 avg., 3 HR, 34 RBI, 25 stolen bases
17. Shin-Soo Choo (CLE): .286 avg., 13 HR, 43 RBI, 12 stolen bases
18. Nick Swisher (NYY): .303 avg., 15 HR, 49 RBI
19. Magglio Ordonez (DET): .314 avg., 11 HR, 56 RBI
20. Jose Bautista (TOR): .240 avg., 24 HR, 56 RBI
21. Dustin Pedroia (BOS): .292 avg., 12 HR, 41 RBI, 8 stolen bases
22. Brennan Boesch (DET): .343 avg., 12 HR, 48 RBI
23. Ben Zobrist (TB): .284 avg., 5 HR, 41 RBI, 17 stolen bases
24. Alex Rodriguez (NYY): .274 avg., 14 HR, 70 RBI
25. Vernon Wells (TOR): .269 avg., 19 HR, 49 RBI

National League Cy Young Award Race

1. Josh Johnson (FLA): 9-3, 1.70 ERA, 123 strikeouts
2. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL): 15-1, 2.20 ERA, 113 strikeouts
3. Adam Wainwright (STL): 13-5, 2.11 ERA, 127 strikeouts
4. Roy Halladay (PHI): 10-7, 2.19 ERA, 128 strikeouts
5. Clayton Kershaw (LAD): 9-4, 2.96 ERA, 128 strikeouts
6. Jaime Garcia (STL): 8-4, 2.17 ERA, 80 strikeouts
7. Mat Latos (SD): 10-4, 2.45 ERA, 99 strikeouts
8. Tim Hudson (ATL): 9-4, 2.30 ERA, 61 strikeouts
9. Yovani Gallardo (MIL): 8-4, 2.58 ERA, 122 strikeouts
10. Carlos Silva (CHC): 9-2, 2.96 ERA, 70 strikeouts
11. Tim Lincecum (SF): 9-4, 3.16 ERA, 131 strikeouts
12. Clayton Richard (SD): 6-4, 3.00 ERA, 87 strikeouts
13. Chris Carpenter (STL): 9-3, 3.29 ERA, 108 strikeouts
14. Roy Oswalt (HOU): 6-10, 3.08 ERA, 112 strikeouts
15. Kris Medlan (ATL): 6-1, 3.19 ERA, 64 strikeouts
16. Johan Santana (NYM): 6-5, 3.15 ERA, 78 strikeouts
17. Livan Hernandez (WSH): 6-4, 3.12 ERA, 55 strikeouts
18. Brett Myers (HOU): 6-6, 3.41 ERA, 89 strikeouts
19. Matt Cain (SF): 6-8, 3.34 ERA, 88 strikeouts
20. Wade LeBlanc (SD): 4-7, 3.30 ERA, 63 strikeouts
21. Johnny Cueto (CIN): 8-2, 3.42 ERA, 79 strikeouts
22. Mike Leake (CIN): 6-1, 3.53 ERA, 70 strikeouts
23. Jonathan Sanchez (SF): 7-6, 3.47 ERA, 104 strikeouts
24. Jon Garland (SD): 8-6, 3.56 ERA, 69 strikeouts
25. Mike Pelfrey (NYM): 10-4, 3.58 ERA, 69 strikeouts

American League Cy Young Award Race

1. David Price (TB): 12-4, 2.42 ERA, 100 strikeouts
2. Andy Pettitte (NYY): 11-2, 2.70 ERA, 87 strikeouts
3. Jon Lester (BOS): 11-3, 2.78 ERA, 124 strikeouts
4. Jeff Niemann (TB): 7-2, 2.65 ERA, 80 strikeouts
5. Cliff Lee (TEX): 8-4, 2.64 ERA, 91 strikeouts
6. Clay Buchholz (BOS): 10-4, 2.45 ERA, 64 strikeouts
7. Felix Hernandez (SEA): 7-5, 2.88 ERA, 131 strikeouts
8. Jered Weaver (LAA): 8-4, 2.97 ERA, 130 strikeouts
9. Trevor Cahill (OAK): 8-3, 3.17 ERA, 60 strikeouts
10. Jason Vargas (SEA): 6-4, 3.09 ERA, 68 strikeouts
11. C.C. Sabathia (NYY): 11-3, 3.19 ERA, 103 strikeouts
12. Colby Lewis (TEX): 8-5, 3.33 ERA, 105 strikeouts
13. C.J. Wilson (TEX): 7-4, 3.24 ERA, 77 strikeouts
14. Shaun Marcum (TOR): 7-4, 3.44 ERA, 88 strikeouts
15. Phil Hughes (NYY): 11-2, 3.65 ERA, 91 strikeouts
16. Ricky Romero (TOR): 6-6, 3.71 ERA, 108 strikeouts
17. Carl Pavano (MIN): 9-6, 3.58 ERA, 65 strikeouts
18. John Danks (CHW): 8-7, 3.29 ERA, 86 strikeouts
19. Zack Greinke (KC): 5-8, 3.71 ERA, 101 strikeouts
20. Fausto Carmona (CLE): 8-7, 3.64 ERA, 61 strikeouts
21. Justin Verlander (DET): 11-5, 3.82 ERA, 110 strikeouts
22. Ervin Santana (LAA): 8-7, 3.76 ERA, 100 strikeouts
23. Gio Gonzalez (OAK): 7-6, 3.79 ERA, 89 strikeouts
24. Francisco Liriano (MIN): 6-7, 3.86 ERA, 117 strikeouts
25. Dallas Braden (OAK): 4-7, 3.83 ERA, 58 strikeouts

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

NOTE: team and player statistics updated through Saturday, July 3.

1. Tampa Bay Rays (47-33)—Last Week: Second

Offense Rank: Fourth
Pitching Rank: Fourth
Last 10 Games: 5-5

2. New York Yankees (49-31)—Last Week: First

Offense Rank: Second
Pitching Rank: Ninth
Last 10 Games: 6-4

3. Texas Rangers (48-32)—Last Week: Sixth

Offense Rank: Third
Pitching Rank: 10th
Last 10 Games: 6-4

4. Boston Red Sox (49-32)—Last Week: Fourth

Offense Rank: First
Pitching Rank: 21st
Last 10 Games: 6-4

5. San Diego Padres (48-33)—Last Week: Seventh

Offense Rank: 22nd
Pitching Rank: First
Last 10 Games: 6-4

6. Atlanta Braves (38-33)—Last Week: Third

Offense Rank: Ninth
Pitching Rank: Fifth
Last 10 Games: 6-4

7. St. Louis Cardinals (44-37)—Last Week: Fifth

Offense Rank: 19th
Pitching Rank: Second
Last 10 Games: 4-6

8. Minnesota Twins (44-37)—Last Week: Eighth

Offense Rank: 12th
Pitching Rank: Seventh
Last 10 Games: 4-6

9. New York Mets (45-36)—Last Week: 11th
Offense Rank: 15th
Pitching Rank: Sixth
Last 10 Games: 4-6

10. Philadelphia Phillies (42-37)—Last Week: 13th

Offense Rank: 11th
Pitching Rank: Eighth
Last 10 Games: 5-5

11. Cincinnati Reds (46-36)—Last Week: 16th

Offense Rank: Fifth
Pitching Rank: 19th
Last 10 Games: 7-3

12. Colorado Rockies (43-38)—Last Week: 10th

Offense Rank: 10th
Pitching Rank: 13th
Last 10 Games: 5-5

13. San Francisco Giants (41-39)—Last Week: Ninth

Offense Rank: 23rd
Pitching Rank: Third
Last 10 Games: 2-8

14. Los Angeles Dodgers (44-36)—Last Week: 17th

Offense Rank: Eighth
Pitching Rank: 18th
Last 10 Games: 5-5

15. Florida Marlins (37-43)—Last Week: 14th

Offense Rank: 13th
Pitching Rank: 16th
Last 10 Games: 3-7

16. Detroit Tigers (43-36)—Last Week: 15th

Offense Rank: 18th
Pitching Rank: 15th
Last 10 Games: 5-5

17. Toronto Blue Jays (41-41)—Last Week: 12th

Offense Rank: 16th
Pitching Rank: 20th
Last 10 Games: 3-7

18. Oakland Athletics (40-42)—Last Week: 20th

Offense Rank: 21st
Pitching Rank: 11th
Last 10 Games: 6-4

19. Los Angeles Angels (45-38)—Last Week: 18th

Offense Rank: Seventh
Pitching Rank: 24th
Last 10 Games: 5-5

20. Chicago White Sox (41-38)—Last Week: 19th

Offense Rank: 20th
Pitching Rank: 14th
Last 10 Games: 6-4

21. Milwaukee Brewers (37-44)—Last Week: 24th

Offense Rank: Sixth
Pitching Rank: 27th
Last 10 Games: 6-4

22. Kansas City Royals (36-45)—Last Week: 23rd

Offense Rank: 17th
Pitching Rank: 23rd
Last 10 Games: 7-3

23. Chicago Cubs (35-46)—Last Week: 21st

Offense Rank: 26th
Pitching Rank: 17th
Last 10 Games: 4-6

24. Washington Nationals (36-46)—Last Week: 22nd

Offense Rank: 24th
Pitching Rank: 22nd
Last 10 Games: 3-7

25. Seattle Mariners (33-37)—Last Week: 26th

Offense Rank: 29th
Pitching Rank: 12th
Last 10 Games: 4-6

26. Cleveland Indians (32-48)—Last Week: 25th

Offense Rank: 25th
Pitching Rank: 25th
Last 10 Games: 6-4

27. Arizona Diamondbacks (32-49)—Last Week: 27th

Offense Rank: 14th
Pitching Rank: 30th
Last 10 Games: 5-5

28. Houston Astros (32-50)—Last Week: 28th

Offense Rank: 27th
Pitching Rank: 26th
Last 10 Games: 5-5

29. Baltimore Orioles (24-56)—Last Week: 29th

Offense Rank: 28th
Pitching Rank: 28th
Last 10 Games: 5-5

30. Pittsburgh Pirates (29-52)—Last Week: 30th

Offense Rank: 30th
Pitching Rank: 29th
Last 10 Games: 4-6

Carter’s MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year Award Races

American League MVP Award:

1. Josh Hamilton (Rangers): .340 avg., 105 hits, 19 HR, 59 RBI
2. Miguel Cabrera (Tigers): .338 avg., 97 hits, 20 HR, 68 RBI
3. Robinson Cano (Yankees): .346 avg., 109 hits, 16 HR, 55 RBI
4. Vladimir Guerrero (Rangers): .331 avg., 97 hits, 18 HR, 70 RBI
5. Justin Morneau (Twins): .342 avg., 97 hits, 17 HR, 54 RBI
6. Paul Konerko (White Sox): .297 avg., 79 hits, 20 HR, 57 RBI
7. Vernon Wells (Blue Jays): .274 avg., 84 hits, 19 HR, 48 RBI
8. Jose Bautista (Blue Jays): .229 avg., 64 hits, 21 HR, 52 RBI
9. Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox): .263 avg., 60 hits, 17 HR, 54 RBI
10. David Ortiz (Red Sox): .299 avg., 81 hits, 16 HR, 53 RBI

National League MVP Award:

1. Albert Pujols (Cardinals): .306 avg., 90 hits, 20 HR, 60 RBI
2. Joey Votto (Reds): .313 avg., 89 hits, 19 hits, 19 HR, 57 RBI
3. Ryan Howard (Phillies): .296 avg., 93 hits, 15 HR, 58 RBI
4. Scott Rolen (Reds): .302 avg., 80 hits, 17 HR, 56 RBI
5. Corey Hart (Brewers): .287 avg., 78 hits, 18 HR, 60 RBI
6. Adrian Gonzalez (Padres): .295 avg., 86 hits, 16 HR, 51 RBI
7. Adam Dunn (Nationals): .276 avg., 81 hits, 17 HR, 49 RBI
8. Mark Reynolds (Diamondbacks): .221 avg., 59 hits, 19 HR, 53 RBI
9. Prince Fielder (Brewers): .266 avg., 80 avg., 18 hits, 18 HR, 36 RBI
10. Colby Rasmus (Cardinals): .296 avg., 93 hits, 15 HR, 58 RBI

American League Cy Young Award:

1. Jon Lester (Red Sox): 10-3, 2.76 ERA, 118 strikeouts
2. David Price (Rays): 11-4, 2.42 ERA, 90 strikeouts
3. Jered Weaver (Angels): 8-3, 2.82 ERA, 124 strikeouts
4. Cliff Lee (Mariners): 7-3, 2.45 ERA, 78 strikeouts
5. Andy Pettitte (Yankees): 10-2, 2.82 ERA, 78 strikeouts
6. Trevor Cahill (Athletics): 8-2, 2.74 ERA, 56 strikeouts
7. Jeff Niemann (Rays): 6-2, 2.80 ERA, 75 strikeouts
8. Clay Buchholz (Red Sox): 10-4, 2.45 ERA, 64 strikeouts
9. Felix Hernandez (Mariners): 6-5, 3.03 ERA, 116 strikeouts
10. Jason Vargas (Mariners): 6-4, 3.22 ERA, 65 strikeouts

National League Cy Young Award:

1. Josh Johnson (Marlins): 8-3, 1.82 ERA, 115 strikeouts
2. Ubaldo Jimenez (Rockies): 14-1, 2.27 ERA, 107 strikeouts
3. Yovani Gallardo (Brewers): 8-3, 2.56 ERA, 120 strikeouts
4. Adam Wainwright (Cardinals): 11-5, 2.34 ERA, 114 strikeouts
5. Jaime Garcia (Cardinals): 8-4, 2.10 ERA, 77 strikeouts
6. Tim Hudson (Braves): 8-3, 2.37 ERA, 51 strikeouts
7. Roy Halladay (Phillies): 9-7, 2.42 ERA, 112 strikeouts
8. Mat Latos (Padres): 9-4, 2-62 ERA, 91 strikeouts
9. Clayton Richard (Padres): 6-4, 2.74 ERA, 81 strikeouts
10. Matt Cain (Giants): 6-7, 2.93 ERA, 76 strikeouts

American League Rookie of the Year:

1. Austin Jackson (Tigers): .305 avg., 89 hits, 1 HR, 19 RBI
2. Brennan Boesch (Tigers): .345 avg., 77 hits, 12 HR, 46 RBI
3. Reid Brignac (Rays): .277 avg., 49 hits, 2 HR, 24 RBI
4. Justin Smoak (Rangers): .205 avg., 45 hits, 8 HR, 34 RBI
5. John Jaso (Rays): .274 avg., 43 hits, 3 HR, 26 RBI

National League Rookie of the Year:

1. Gaby Sanchez (Marlins): .308 avg., 89 hits, 9 HR, 38 RBI
2. David Freese (Cardinals): .296 avg., 71 hits, 4 HR, 36 RBI
3. Ike Davis (Mets): .261 avg., 66 hits, 10 HR, 38 RBI
4. Ian Desmond (Nationals): .255 avg., 65 hits, 4 HR, 34 RBI
5. Alcides Escobar (Brewers): .244 avg., 65 hits, 2 HR, 24 RBI

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Team Power Rankings:
NOTE: Team W-L records and player statistics accurate as of Sunday June 20, at 11:00 AM CT.
TEAM OF THE WEEK: Team with the largest jump in the rankings.
BUST OF THE WEEK: Team with the furthest drop in the rankings.

1. New York Yankees (42-26) Last Week: 1st
Offense Rank: 2nd
Pitching Rank: 9th
Last Ten Games: 6-4

2. Tampa Bay Rays (42-26) Last Week: 2nd
Offense Rank: 3rd
Pitching Rank: 5th
Last Ten Games: 4-6

3. Atlanta Braves (41-28) Last Week: 3rd
Offense Rank: 7th
Pitching Rank: 7th
Last Ten Games: 7-3

4. Boston Red Sox (42-28) Last Week: 6th (+2)
Offense Rank: 1st
Pitching Rank: 21st
Last Ten Games: 7-3

5. St. Louis Cardinals (38-30) Last Week: 7th (+2)
Offense Rank: 19th
Pitching Rank: 3rd
Last Ten Games: 5-5

6. Texas Rangers (40-28) Last Week: 10th (+4)
*TEAM OF THE WEEK*
Offense Rank: 4th
Pitching Rank: 12th
Last Ten Games: 9-1

7. San Diego Padres (39-29) Last Week: 4th (-3)
Offense Rank: 26th
Pitching Rank: 1st
Last Ten Games: 5-5

8. Minnesota Twins (39-29) Last Week: 5th (-3)
Offense Rank: 11th
Pitching Rank: 8th
Last Ten Games: 5-5

9. San Francisco Giants (37-30) Last Week: 9th
Offense Rank: 22nd
Pitching Rank: 2nd
Last Ten Games: 5-5

10. Colorado Rockies (36-32) Last Week: 8th (-2)
Offense Rank: 16th
Pitching Rank: 4th
Last Ten Games: 6-4

11. New York Mets (39-29) Last Week: 11th
Offense Rank: 15th
Pitching Rank: 6th
Last Ten Games: 8-2

12. Toronto Blue Jays (38-31) Last Week: 14th (+2)
Offense Rank: 10th
Pitching Rank: 13th
Last Ten Games: 5-5

13. Philadelphia Phillies (35-31) Last Week: 15th (+2)
Offense Rank: 17th
Pitching Rank: 10th
Last Ten Games: 5-5

14. Florida Marlins (32-36) Last Week: 13th (-1)
Offense Rank: 13th
Pitching Rank: 14th
Last Ten Games: 4-6

15. Detroit Tigers (37-30) Last Week: 18th (+3)
Offense Rank: 18th
Pitching Rank: 11th
Last Ten Games: 7-3

16. Cincinnati Reds (37-32) Last Week: 12th (-4)
*BUST OF THE WEEK*
Offense Rank: 6th
Pitching Rank: 22nd
Last Ten Games: 4-6

17. Los Angeles Dodgers (38-30) Last Week: 16th (-1)
Offense Rank: 12th
Pitching Rank: 19th
Last Ten Games: 4-6

18. Los Angeles Angels (39-32) Last Week: 17th (-1)
Offense Rank: 5th
Pitching Rank: 24th
Last Ten Games: 7-3

19. Chicago White Sox (33-34) Last Week: 22nd (+3)
Offense Rank: 21st
Pitching Rank: 17th
Last Ten Games: 9-1

20. Oakland Athletics (33-37) Last Week: 20th
Offense Rank: 25th
Pitching Rank: 15th
Last Ten Games: 2-8

21. Chicago Cubs (30-38) Last Week: 19th (-2)
Offense Rank: 24th
Pitching Rank: 18th
Last Ten Games: 4-6

22. Washington Nationals (31-38) Last Week: 21st (-1)
Offense Rank: 20th
Pitching Rank: 20th
Last Ten Games: 3-7

23. Kansas City Royals (29-40) Last Week: 23rd
Offense Rank: 14th
Pitching Rank: 25th
Last Ten Games: 5-5

24. Milwaukee Brewers (28-40) Last Week: 25th (+1)
Offense Rank: 8th 
Pitching Rank: 28th
Last Ten Games: 4-6

25. Cleveland Indians (26-41) Last Week: 24th (-1)
Offense Rank: 23rd
Pitching Rank: 24th
Last Ten Games: 5-5

26. Seattle Mariners (27-41) Last Week: 27th (+1)
Offense Rank: 27th
Pitching Rank: 16th
Last Ten Games: 4-6

27. Arizona Diamondbacks (27-42) Last Week: 26th (-1)
Offense Rank: 9th
Pitching Rank: 30th
Last Ten Games: 4-6

28. Houston Astros (26-43) Last Week: 28th
Offense Rank: 28th
Pitching Rank: 26th
Last Ten Games: 3-7

29. Baltimore Orioles (19-49) Last Week: 29th
Offense Rank: 30th
Pitching Rank: 27th
Last Ten Games: 3-7

30. Pittsburgh Pirates (24-44) Last Week: 30th
Offense Rank: 29th
Pitching Rank: 29th
Last Ten Games: 1-9

Carter’s 2010 Season Award Races:
American League MVP:
1. Miguel Cabrera (DET): .329 avg., 81 hits, 19 HR, 60 RBI
2. Josh Hamilton (TEX): .326 avg., 86 hits, 16 HR, 50 RBI
3. Vladimir Guerrero (TEX): .333 avg., 82 hits, 15 HR, 57 RBI
4. Robinson Cano (NYY): .371 avg., 99 hits, 14 HR, 49 RBI
5. Paul Konerko (CHW): .294 avg., 64 hits, 17 HR, 48 RBI
6. Justin Morneau (MIN): .313 avg., 73 hits, 14 HR, 46 RBI
7. Jose Bautista (TOR): .222 avg., 52 hits, 18 HR, 45 RBI
8. Vernon Wells (TOR): .278 avg., 72 hits, 16 HR, 42 RBI
9. David Ortiz (BOS): .263 avg., 52 hits, 15 HR, 45 RBI
10. Carlos Pena (TB): .199 avg., 47 hits, 15 HR, 46 RBI

National League MVP:
1. Albert Pujols (STL): .307 avg., 75 hits, 15 HR, 50 RBI
2. Ryan Howard (PHI): .291 avg., 77 hits, 14 HR, 51 RBI
3. Adrian Gonzalez (SD): .302 avg., 75 hits, 15 HR, 46 RBI
4. Joey Votto (CIN): .315 avg., 74 hits, 14 HR, 43 RBI
5. Adam Dunn (WSH): .284 avg., 69 hits, 16 HR, 39 RBI
6. Troy Glaus (ATL): .281 avg., 68 hits, 14 HR, 55 RBI
7. Corey Hart (MIL): .266 avg., 58 hits, 18 HR, 50 RBI
8. Scott Rolen (CIN): .296 avg., 67 hits, 14 HR, 45 RBI
9. Mark Reynolds (ARZ): .217 avg., 50 hits, 16 HR, 47 RBI
10. Dan Uggla (FLA): .262 avg., 67 hits, 14 HR, 38 RBI

American League Cy Young Award:
1. David Price (TB): 10-2, 2.31 ERA, 64 strikeouts
2. Andy Pettitte (NYY): 8-2, 2.47 ERA, 62 strikeouts
3. Cliff Lee (SEA): 5-3, 2.55 ERA, 67 strikeouts
4. Jeff Niemann (TB): 6-1, 2.84 ERA, 62 strikeouts
5. Jered Weaver (LAA): 7-3, 3.04 ERA, 107 strikeouts
6. Doug Fister (SEA): 3-3, 2.45 ERA, 32 strikeouts
7. Jason Vargas (SEA): 5-2, 2.88 ERA, 53 strikeouts
8. Francisco Liriano (MIN): 6-4, 2.98 ERA, 93 strikeouts
9. Clay Buchholz (BOS): 9-4, 2.67 ERA, 58 strikeouts
10. Colby Lewis (TEX): 7-4, 3.07 ERA, 90 strikeouts

National League Cy Young Award:
1. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL): 13-1, 1.15 ERA, 88 strikeouts
2. Josh Johnson (FLA): 7-2, 1.86 ERA, 89 strikeouts
3. Adam Wainwright (STL): 10-4, 2.23 ERA, 101 strikeouts
4. Jaime Garcia (STL): 6-3, 1.59 ERA, 66 strikeouts
5. Yovani Gallardo (MIL): 6-3, 2.59 ERA, 103 strikeouts
6. Roy Halladay (PHI): 8-5, 2.36 ERA, 90 strikeouts
8. Matt Cain (SF): 6-5, 2.16 ERA, 68 strikeouts
10. Tim Hudson (ATL): 7-2, 2.34 ERA, 41 strikeouts
7. Mike Pelfrey (NYM): 9-2, 2.69 ERA, 61 strikeouts
9. Jonathan Sanchez (SF): 5-5, 2.78 ERA, 77 strikeouts

American League Rookie of the Year:
1. Austin Jackson (DET): .308 avg., 77 hits, 1 HR, 14 RBI
2. Brennan Boesch (DET): .337 avg., 59 hits, 10 HR, 36 RBI
3. Reid Brignac (TB): .281 avg., 45 hits, 2 HR, 24 RBI
4. Justin Smoak (TEX): .229 avg., 41 hits, 8 HR, 32 RBI
5. John Jaso (TB): .290 avg., 38 hits, 3 HR, 24 RBI

National League Rookie of the Year:
1. Gaby Sanchez (FLA): .290 avg., 70 hits, 7 HR, 30 RBI
2. David Freese (STL): .306 avg., 67 hits, 4 HR, 33 RBI
3. Jason Heyward (ATL): .264 avg., 63 hits, 11 HR, 44 RBI
4. Ian Desmond (WSH): .259 avg., 58 hits, 4 HR, 33 RBI
5. Alcides Escobar (MIL): .250 avg., 57 hits, 2 HR, 20 RBI

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Team Power Rankings:
NOTE: Team W-L records and player statistics accurate as of Monday June 14, at 11:00 AM CT.
TEAM OF THE WEEK: Team with the largest jump in the rankings over the week.
BUST OF THE WEEK: Team with the furthest drop in the rankings over the week.

1. New York Yankees (40-23)
The Yankees went 5-2 this week and have won seven of their last 10 games. Because they outscored their opponents in their last six games by a combined 17 runs, they are at the top of my MLB Power Rankings.

2. Tampa Bay Rays (40-23)
The Rays have won five of their last ten games and only outscored opponents by a combined eight runs this week. As a result their seven-week streak as the team in my top spot comes to a close.

3. Atlanta Braves (37-27)
Even though the Braves are at my no. three spot, I still see a huge gap between them and the Rays for the second spot. They’ve only won four of their last seven games, and only five of their last 10.

4. San Diego Padres (37-26)
The Padres’ pitching staff continues to dominate the MLB, giving up an average of 3.22 runs per game, which ranks at the top of the majors.

5. Minnesota Twins (36-27)
The Twins look like the clear favorite to win the AL Central to this point. They have the best offense and pitching staff in the division by far.

6. Boston Red Sox (37-28)
Despite the injuries piling up on the Red Sox, they continue to hang around in the AL East. They are only four games behind the Yankees and Rays.

7. St. Louis Cardinals (34-29)
Despite the Reds great offense, I still think the Cardinals pitching staff can carry them through the season and to the NL Central Championship if they remain healthy.

8. Colorado Rockies (33-30)
Considering that he only hit 13 homeruns in 89 games last season, Carlos Gonzalez and his 10 long balls to this point are impressive.

9. San Francisco Giants (35-27)
Aubrey Huff and Andres Torres both are in the top ten in the NL in OBP with .395 and .391 averages respectively.

10. Texas Rangers (35-28) *TEAM OF THE WEEK*
The Rangers have won five of their last seven, and seven of their last 10. over their last seven games, they have outscored opponents by a combined 25 runs. As a result, I name the Rangers my TEAM OF THE WEEK!

11. New York Mets (35-28)
The Mets are one of only two teams that have won at least eight of their last 10 games. They outscored opponents by 15 runs this week, which is very good.

12. Cincinnati Reds (36-28)
The Reds offense (5.10 runs per game) continues to keep them at the top of the NL Central.

13. Florida Marlins (31-32)
His career is only five games old, yet Mike Stanton already has three multi-hit games.

14. Toronto Blue Jays (34-30) *BUST OF THE WEEK*
The Blue Jays have officially come back down to earth and are right where they belong in the standings. They have won only one game over the past week and were outscored by a combined 27 runs over that span. Because of this, I drop them eight spots and name them the BUST OF THE WEEK.

15. Philadelphia Phillies (32-29)
The Phillies should start getting nervous. They have won only four of their last 10 games. The other four teams in the NL East have all scored more total runs than the Phillies so far this year. I’m starting to believe they are the 4th-best team in the NL East.

16. Los Angeles Dodgers (36-27)
Even though the Dodgers hold the NL West’s second-best record, I still believe the Dodgers are only the division’s fourth-best team. The Padres, Giants, and Rockies all have better pitching staffs and the Dodgers have only won five of their last 10 games. And they just got swept by the Angels.

17. Los Angeles Angels (36-30)
The Angels are the only team in the American League that has won at least eight of their last 10 games.

18. Detroit Tigers (33-29)
The Tigers need to play a little better on the road if they want to make some noise in the AL Central. They own a 13-19 record away from home, which ranks only 10th in the AL.

19. Chicago Cubs (28-34)
I’m kind of disappointed that the Cubbies only hold a .500 record (15-15) at home to this point. I mean, c’mon, it’s Wrigley Field! Obviously, it’s not too intimidating to other teams anymore.

20. Oakland Athletics (32-33)
It’s funny that the As’ 11-20 road record, and 3-7 record over their last 10 games are both not the worst marks in the AL West.

21. Washington Nationals (31-33)
One guy who is very underrated is Adam Dunn. He’s got a solid 65 hits to this point along with 14 homeruns and 35 RBIs. His spotlight is being overtaken by Stephen Strasburg, which makes sense.

22. Chicago White Sox (28-34)
Who gets your vote for team MVP to this point? Alex Rios (team-leading 65 hits) or Paul Konerko (17 HRS, 46 RBIs)?

23. Kansas City Royals (26-38)
In the 10 games since moving to second in the batting order, Jason Kendall is hitting .195/.244/.220 with three runs scored.

24. Cleveland Indians (25-37)
The Indians continue to struggle offensively. They have only scored 262 runs through 62 games (11th in the AL).

25. Milwaukee Brewers (26-37)
The Brewers pitching staff continues to be a thorn in their side. They’ve given up an average of 5.58 runs per game (2nd-worst in the National League).

26. Arizona Diamondbacks (26-38)
Still not a very exciting team, but they have had a very nice past week and a half, going 6-4 over their past 10 games. They also continue to have one of the best offensive lineups in the National League (307 runs through 64 games).

27. Seattle Mariners (24-39)
Could it get any worse for the Mariners? They are 15 games below .500, have won only two of their last 10 games, and have been outscored by a combined 28 runs this past week alone. That AL West last place seat needs a heating pad in it, because the Mariners are going to be sitting there for a while.

28. Houston Astros (25-39)
I thought the Astros were looking pretty good this week until they played the Yankees. They could be in the number 28 spot for a while. They aren’t as good as the Mariners and are not nearly as bad as the Orioles.

29. Baltimore Orioles (17-46)
Typical week for the Orioles: six games played…only one win.

30. Pittsburgh Pirates (23-40)
The Pirates are the only team that has won less than two of their last 10 games. They also went 0-7 this week alone.

Carter’s 2010 Season Award Races:
American League MVP:
1. Robinson Cano (NYY): .371 avg., 92 hits, 13 HR, 47 RBI
2. Vladimir Guerrero (TEX): .338 avg., 79 hits, 14 HR, 54 RBI
3. Miguel Cabrera (DET): .330 avg., 56 hits, 19 HR, 56 RBI
4. Josh Hamilton (TEX): .309 avg., 75 hits, 15 HR, 46 RBI
5. Paul Konerko (CHW): .291 avg., 59 hits, 17 HR, 46 RBI
6. Justin Morneau (MIN): .350 avg., 75 hits, 13 HR, 43 RBI
7. Vernon Wells (TOR): .292 avg., 70 hits, 15 HR, 41 RBI
8. Jose Bautista (TOR): .232 avg., 51 hits, 18 HR, 45 RBI
9. Alex Rios (CHW): .317 avg., 69 hits, 13 HR, 31 RBI
10. Carlos Pena (TB): .193 avg., 42 hits, 15 HR, 43 RBI

National League MVP:
1. Albert Pujols (STL): .300 avg., 69 hits, 14 HR, 47 RBI
2. Scott Rolen (CIN): .313 avg., 65 hits, 14 HR, 45 RBI
3. Adrian Gonzalez (SD): .296 avg., 68 hits, 14 HR, 43 RBI
4. Troy Glaus (ATL): .290 avg., 65 hits, 13 HR, 49 RBI
5. Joey Votto (CIN):  .306 avg., 66 hits, 13 HR, 41 RBI
6. Corey Hart (MIL): .256 avg., 50 hits, 17 HR, 48 RBI
7. Mark Reynolds (ARZ): .222 avg., 48 hits, 15 HR, 45 RBI
8. Adam Dunn (WSH): .289 avg., 65 hits, 14 HR, 35 RBI
9. Dan Uggla (FLA): .262 avg., 60 hits, 14 HR, 37 RBI
10. Kelly Johnson (ARZ): .282 avg., 64 hits, 13 HR, 33 RBI

American League Cy Young Award:
1. David Price (TB): 9-2, 2.23 ERA, 57 strikeouts
2. Andy Pettitte (NYY): 8-1, 2.46 ERA, 55 strikeouts
3. Phil Hughes (NYY): 9-1, 3.11 ERA, 74 strikeouts
4. Jeff Niemann (TB): 6-1, 2.83 ERA, 55 strikeouts
5. Francisco Liriano (MIN): 6-3, 2.90 ERA, 87 strikeouts
6. Jon Lester (BOS): 7-2, 3.18 ERA, 89 strikeouts
7. Cliff Lee (SEA): 4-3, 2.88 ERA, 60 strikeouts
8. Doug Fister (SEA): 3-3, 2.45 ERA, 32 strikeouts
9. Clay Buchholz (BOS): 8-4, 2.52 ERA, 50 strikeouts
10. Jason Vargas (SEA): 4-2, 3.05 ERA, 49 strikeouts

National League Cy Young Award:
1. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL): 12-1, 1.16 ERA, 84 strikeouts
2. Josh Johnson (FLA): 7-2, 1.91 ERA, 82 strikeouts
3. Jaime Garcia (STL): 6-2, 1.49 ERA, 59 strikeouts
4. Roy Halladay (PHI): 8-4, 1.96 ERA, 85 strikeouts
5. Yovani Gallardo (MIL): 6-3, 2.66 ERA, 94 strikeouts
6. Adam Wainwright (STL): 8-4, 2.30 ERA, 91 strikeouts
7. Mike Pelfrey (NYM): 9-1, 2.39 ERA, 59 strikeouts
8. Matt Cain (SF): 6-4, 2.05 ERA, 65 strikeouts
9. Livan Hernandez (WSH): 5-3, 2.28 ERA, 33 strikeouts
10. Tim Hudson (ATL): 6-2, 2.43 ERA, 36 strikeouts

American League Rookie of the Year:
1. Austin Jackson (DET): .308 avg., 77 hits, 1 HR, 14 RBI
2. Brennan Boesch (DET): .342 avg., 52 hits, 8 HR, 30 RBI
3. Reid Brignac (TB): .303 avg., 44 hits, 2 HR, 23 RBI
4. Justin Smoak (TEX): .213 avg., 33 hits, 6 HR, 24 RBI
5. John Jaso (TB): .281 avg., 32 hits, 3 HR, 24 RBI

National League Rookie of the Year:
1. Gaby Sanchez (FLA): .281 avg., 61 hits, 7 HR, 28 RBI
2. David Freese (STL): .308 avg., 61 hits, 4 HR, 32 RBI
3. Jason Heyward (ATL): .265 avg., 57 hits, 10 HR, 43 RBI
4. Ian Desmond (WSH): .276 avg., 56 hits, 4 HR, 33 RBI
5. Alcides Escobar (MIL): .243 avg., 50 hits, 2 HR, 16 RBI

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Carter’s MLB Team Power Rankings:
NOTE: team W-L records and player statistics updated through Sunday morning, 11:00 AM

1. Tampa Bay Rays (34-16)
Despite being swept by the Red Sox, I still don’t think there’s much to worry about with this team. They still have great hitting, pitching, and continue to play well on the road.

2. New York Yankees (29-20)
As I’ve said before, I like teams with offense. That’s exactly what the Yankees have. A good offense.

3. Minnesota Twins (29-20)
A strong pitching staff has anchored their success. They’ve given up just 188 runs this year, good for sixth in the majors.

4. Philadelphia Phillies (28-20)
The Phillies rely on their pitching to guide the club through the season. Their staff allows just 3.87 runs per game.

5. Toronto Blue Jays (29-22)
Jose Bautista gets my vote for most surprising player of the year. I didn’t expect 44 hits, 15 HRS, and 40 RBIS from him at this point. Job well done, Mr. Bautista.

6. San Diego Padres (29-20)
I picked San Diego to finish last before the season began. And because of that, I look like an idiot. The Pads have given up a major league best 3.26 runs per game.

7. Colorado Rockies (26-23)
Ubaldo Jimenez will win the NL Cy Young award this season. Bank on it!

8. San Francisco Giants (26-22)
I wouldn’t worry about Tim Lincecum’s last few rough outings. He’s still a great pitcher.

9. Atlanta Braves (27-22)
The Braves hold an MLB best 15-6 home record. But they are only 12-18 on the road.

10. Cincinnati Reds (30-20)
The Reds have scored an NL-best 264 runs this season.

11. St. Louis Cardinals (28-22)
Everybody picked the Cardinals to win the NL Central by a land slide. I can officially say, for now, that the Reds have a better team than St. Louis. But my opinion changes every week.

12. New York Mets (25-25)
The Mets pitching staff has remained consistent. They’ve allowed just 197 runs to this point, fifth in the NL.

13. Florida Marlins (24-26)
Josh Johnson and Anibal Sanchez continue to have very nice seasons on the mound. They’ve given up just 40 earned runs combined.

14. Boston Red Sox (28-23)
The Red Sox needed that sweep over Tampa Bay to build their confidence, and make Boston believe they are still in this race.

15. Texas Rangers (26-23)
If the Rangers can play on the road (where they are only 8-14) like they do at home (18-9), Texas’ AL West lead would be more than just a half of a game.

Teams 16-30:

16. Los Angeles Dodgers (27-22)
17. Oakland Athletics (27-23)
18. Detroit Tigers (25-23)
19. Chicago Cubs (21-28)
20. Washington Nationals (25-25)
21. Milwaukee Brewers (21-28)
22. Kansas City Royals (21-29)
23. Seattle Mariners (19-29)
24. Chicago White Sox (21-28)
25. Los Angeles Angels (24-27)
26. Cleveland Indians (18-29)
27. Arizona Diamondbacks (20-30)
28. Baltimore Orioles (15-35)
29. Houston Astros (16-33)
30. Pittsburgh Pirates (20-30)

Carter’s American League MVP Award Race
1. Miguel Cabrera (DET): .339 avg., 60 hits, 13 HRS, 44 RBIS
2. Vladimir Guerrero (TEX): .335 avg., 63 hits, 12 HRS, 43 RBIS
3. Justin Morneau (MIN): .371 avg., 62 hits, 11 HRS, 36 RBIS
4. Robinson Cano (NYY): .359 avg., 69 hits, 10 HRS, 37 RBIS
5. Vernon Wells (TOR): .302 avg., 58 hits, 13 HRS, 35 RBIS
6. Jose Bautista (TOR): .249 avg., 44 hits, 15 HRS, 40 RBIS
7. Kendry Morales (LAA): .290 avg., 56 hits, 11 HRS, 39 RBIS
8. Paul Konerko (CHW): .256 avg., 41 hits, 14 HRS, 33 RBIS
9. Ty Wigginton (BAL): .287 avg., 48 hits, 13 HRS, 32 RBIS
10. Jose Guillen (KC): .255 avg., 48 hits, 11 HRS, 33 RBIS

Carter’s National League MVP Award Race
1. Andre Ethier (LAD): .392 avg., 49 hits, 11 HRS, 38 RBIS
2. Joey Votto (CIN): .312 avg., 53 hits, 10 HRS, 33 RBIS
3. Dan Uggla (FLA): .267 avg., 48 hits, 12 HRS, 31 RBIS
4. Matt Kemp (LAD): .275 avg., 55 hits, 10 HRS, 29 RBIS
5. Scott Rolen (CIN): .277 avg., 44 hits, 11 HRS, 32 RBIS
6. Jason Heyward (ATL): .298 avg., 45 hits, 10 HRS, 36 RBIS
7. Mark Reynolds (ARZ): .230 avg., 40 hits, 12 HRS, 39 RBIS
8. Kelly Johnson (ARZ): .253 avg., 43 hits, 12 HRS, 25 RBIS
9. Corey Hart (MIL): .267 avg., 39 hits, 12 HRS, 31 RBIS
10. Chase Utley (PHI): .276 avg., 47 hits, 10 HRS, 24 RBIS

Carter’s AL Cy Young Award Race:
1. Jeff Niemann (TB): 5-0, 2.37 ERA, 41 strikeouts
2. Shaun Marcum (TOR): 5-1, 2.59 ERA, 60 strikeouts
3. Phil Hughes (NYY): 6-1, 2.70 ERA, 57 strikeouts
4. David Price (TB): 7-2, 2.57 ERA, 50 strikeouts
5. Andy Pettitte (NYY): 6-1, 2.62 ERA, 36 strikeouts
6. James Shields (TB): 5-2, 2.99 ERA, 71 strikeouts
7. Jered Weaver (LAA): 4-2, 3.01 ERA, 74 strikeouts
8. Doug Fister (SEA): 3-2, 2.03 ERA, 26 strikeouts
9. Clay Buchholz (BOS): 7-3, 2.73 ERA, 47 strikeouts
10. Matt Garza (TB): 5-3, 2.97 ERA, 57 strikeouts

Carter’s NL Cy Young Award Race:
1. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL): 9-1, 0.88 ERA, 61 strikeouts
2. Roy Halladay (PHI): 7-3, 1.99 ERA, 70 strikeouts
3. Josh Johnson (FLA): 5-2, 2.19 ERA, 69 strikeouts
4. Jaime Garcia (STL): 4-2, 1.14 ERA, 45 strikeouts
5. Jon Garland (SD): 6-2, 2.10 ERA, 38 strikeouts
6. Tim Hudson (ATL): 5-1, 2.24 ERA, 27 strikeouts
7. Adam Wainwright (STL): 6-3, 2.38 ERA, 69 strikeouts
8. Roy Oswalt (HOU): 3-6, 2.35 ERA, 69 strikeouts
9. Livan Hernandez (WSH): 4-3, 2.08 ERA, 23 strikeouts
10. Matt Cain (SF): 3-4, 2.50 ERA, 51 strikeouts

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