MLB Power Rankings 4/29/08

by Mordecai on Apr 29, 2008 6:58 PM CDT

Current MLB Power Rankings. As usual, included is the Cubs ranking and the writers' comments about the Cubs.

The Cubs' depth keeps shining, whether it be in the bullpen or the field. Scary thought: Chicago is in first place without the services of Alfonso Soriano. Guess who's currently vying with the D-backs for the NL lead in runs scored? The Cubs. Inconsistency in the rotation is all that holds this team back from putting some distance on the Central.

CBS Sportsline.com: Cubs #3

Alfonso Soriano's return should bolster a team that sure did fine in his absence. The Cubs have gone 9-4 since he left a game with the calf issue. Few teams could lose their biggest offensive star and still reel off a stretch like that.

ESPN.com: Cubs #2

Geovany Soto leads all major league catchers in batting (.352), on-base percentage (.447) and slugging (.606).

SI.com: Cubs #3

If Young is miscast as a leadoff hitter in Arizona, what about Alfonso Soriano? Since he's been down with his hopping injury, the Cubs are 8-2, hitting .327 with a .415 OBP. Before then, with Soriano mostly at leadoff: 7-5, .249, .328. Look, I'm not saying that Reed Johnson or Mike Fontenot are better players than the free-swinging Soriano. I'm just saying they're a better choice to be leadoff men. That's all.

TSN.ca: Cubs #3

Alfonso Soriano's injury is significant enough but, with a .175 batting average, he's nearly 100 points lower than any other regular in the Cubs lineup.
Key Injuries: LF Alfonso Soriano (calf).

Baseballprospectus.com: Cubs #2

At 6.14 runs per game, the Cubs lead the majors in scoring, and they've got the league's highest slugging and on-base percentages to thank for it. Having the top OBP is very un-Cub-like; Wrigley's residents haven't led the league in the category since 1945, the last time they won a pennant. Seven regulars had OBPs above .380, topped by Kosuke Fukudome (.463), Geovany Soto (.437), Derrek Lee (.413). The latter is slugging .670 as well and is fifth in the league in VORP.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Comments

The CBS Sportsline comment of Soriano being the Cubs'

“biggest offensive star.” Hmmm…. Don’t know about that one. I think the Cubs would be in a much more dire state without Le than without Soriano, as the record would indicate.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Apr 29, 2008 7:43 PM CDT reply actions

Agreed.

However, Soriano CAN carry a team when he gets hot, as he did last September. Let’s hope May 1 is the day he turns the switch on again.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 30, 2008 4:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Cant wait to have him back

Know why? Well yesterday when Reed Johnson (no complaints) came up I was thinking how nice it would have been to have a hitter that could hit the ball out of the park up.

On another note. I LOVE LOU PINIELLA, when he came busting out of the dugout because the umpire showed up his pitcher it was great. I believe the may have been annoyed at having to be behind the plate.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Apr 30, 2008 8:39 AM CDT reply actions