10. St. Louis Cardinals: 35-35 record; 4.8 runs scored, 4.1 runs allowed—The Cardinals’ .500 record is still hard to believe given that they have the biggest run-scoring differential (plus-51) in the National League. Their record, which has been marred by an unlucky 10-18 record in close games (decided by two runs or less) should soon catch up though. Previous: 10
9. Baltimore Orioles: 39-30 record; 4.4 runs scored, 4.3 runs allowed—Words can’t describe the shock of continually seeing the Orioles, who haven’t finished better than third-place since 1997, in the running for first place in the AL East. While the Orioles have several capable hitters in Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, and Chris Davis, Baltimore has just two starting pitchers with an ERA under 5.00. Previous: 9
8. Chicago White Sox: 36-33 record; 4.7 runs scored, 4.2 runs allowed—The Sox have dropped out of first place for the moment following a stretch where they’ve lost six of their last eight games. They get the benefit of the doubt here though as they’ve been a little unlucky during that stretch: five of those six losses were by two runs or less. White Sox First-baseman Paul Konerko leads the AL in average (.354) while teammate Adam Dunn leads in home runs (23). Previous: 6
7. Los Angeles Angels: 38-32 record; 4.1 runs scored, 3.7 runs allowed—It’s been a long time since the once-struggling Angels have been mentioned here. Mike Scioscia’s club, which made all kinds of noise in the offseason, has finally started playing to their capabilities, winning 12 of their 18 June games. The slow-starting Albert Pujols is hitting .291 with a .545 slugging percentage since Scioscia gave him a day off in early May. Previous: NR
6. Tampa Bay Rays: 38-30 record; 4.3 runs scored, 4.0 runs allowed*—The Rays, who are still waiting for the return of Evan Longoria to boost their struggling offense continue to get great starting pitching. Of the six starters they’ve used this season only rookie Matt Moore (4-5 record) has an ERA above 4.00, though he’s coming off a seven-inning, one-hit performance against Miami for his third straight win. Previous: 7
5. Cincinnati Reds: 38-30 record; 4.4 runs scored, 3.9 runs allowed—The Reds have lost four of their last five overall, but Joey Votto continues to impress. The Reds first-baseman leads the league with a .367 batting average, .486 on-base percentage, and a .658 slugging percentage. With 30 doubles on the season already, Votto is on pace (projection of 71 doubles) to break Earl Webb’s record of 67 set in 1931. Starter Mat Latos continues to struggle as his ERA is back up to 5.20. Previous: 5
4. Washington Nationals: 39-27 record; 3.8 runs scored, 3.3 runs allowed*—After getting swept by the Yankees over the weekend Davey Johnson’s club has still maintained their first-place status in the NL East. Twenty-three year-old starter Stephen Strasburg (9-1 record, 2.46 ERA) has accounted for their last two wins, totaling 18 strikeouts in those two starts. What little offense they’ve mustered has been due to the presence of Bryce Harper (.291 batting average, .514 slugging percentage). Previous: 4
3. Los Angeles Dodgers: 42-28 record; 4.2 runs scored, 3.5 runs allowed—The Dodgers fall out of last week’s top spot after spending two weeks at the top. Why the drop? After getting swept by Oakland, it’s not as if the Dodgers are completely struggling, it’s that the Yankees and Rangers are thriving. This shouldn’t be a total surprise though as the Dodgers have had Matt Kemp in their lineup just twice in the past month, and the MVP-candidate isn’t expected to return until the All-Star break. Previous: 1
2. New York Yankees: 41-27 record; 4.8 runs scored, 4.0 runs allowed—Following their 10-game winning streak (and 19 wins in 23 games overall), the Yankees have come back to earth a bit with consecutive losses to Atlanta. Their starting pitching has been tremendous since the return of veteran Andy Pettitte (3-2 record, 2.77 ERA). Meanwhile their offense boasts six players with 10 or more home runs already as the team leads the majors with 105. Previous: 3
1. Texas Rangers: 43-27 record; 5.3 runs scored, 4.0 runs allowed—The Rangers, after starting the month with losses in six of their first nine games, have quietly won six in a row now and 10 of their last 11 to hold off the Yankees and reclaim the top spot. Yu Darvish (9-4) has picked up a pair of wins during their latest 11-game run and the pitching overall has been tremendous, sporting a 2.36 ERA during that time. Closer Joe Nathan, who now has 15 saves on the year, has allowed exactly one earned run in 25 appearances since giving up three to Seattle on April 11. Previous: 2
*—designates statistics not including Thursday night’s games.
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