RDB's MLB Rankings: 21 July - 27 July

Just after the all-star break and the world is starting to return to normal. The Cards have slowed, the Brewers and Cubs have taken claim of the division. The Rays are still kicking, but the Sox and Yanks are back to their old ways. The Angels are all alone and the Pirates are getting plundered by the Yankees.

1 - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim W-L: 64 - 40 ExpW-L: 56 - 48
Running away and hiding with the division might prevent this team from being in top form in October.

2 - Boston Red Sox W-L: 60 - 45 ExpW-L: 61 - 44
Even with the Yankees knocking on their door this is still the most complete team in baseball.

3 - New York Yankees W-L: 58 - 45 ExpW-L: 57 - 46
Adding Nady and Marte for next to nothing gives the Yanks the best bullpen in the game and a more balanced offense.

4 - Milwaukee Brewers W-L: 60 - 45 ExpW-L: 55 - 50
They've cooled a bit, but if they can get the bullpen in order they might be unstoppable in the NL.

5 - Chicago White Sox W-L: 59 - 44 ExpW-L: 60 - 43
Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye have given the ChiSox an unexpectedly solid offensive attack.

6 - Chicago Cubs W-L: 61 - 44 ExpW-L: 63 - 42
With Soriano back the Cubs are ready to stake their claim on the division.

7 - New York Mets W-L: 57 - 48 ExpW-L: 57 - 48
The Mets could have used the robbery that the Yankees made of the Pirates, still a corner outfielder and a reliever away from top contenders.

8 - Tampa Bay Rays W-L: 61 - 43 ExpW-L: 56 - 48
Must find a way to win on the road if they are to hang on in the dog days.

9 - Minnesota Twins W-L: 57 - 47 ExpW-L: 54 - 50
Joe Mauer is the best hitting catcher since Piazza's heyday, but with solid defense.

10 - Philadelphia Phillies W-L: 55 - 49 ExpW-L: 59 - 45
Finding ways to come back after their starters put them in a hole.

11 - Florida Marlins W-L: 55 -50 ExpW-L: 49 - 56
Must find a way to improve the bullpen and steady the rotation.

12 - St. Louis Cardinals W-L: 58 - 49 ExpW-L: 55 - 52
The surprising ride looks like it may be coming to an end.

13 - Los Angeles Dodgers W-L: 51 - 52 ExpW-L: 53 - 50
The Blake deal helps, but the Dodgers still rely mostly upon pitching.

14 - Detroit Tigers W-L: 53 - 51 ExpW-L: 55 - 49
It may be too late, losing two of three to the Sox was a major setback.

15 - Arizona Diamondbacks W-L: 52 - 51 ExpW-L: 53 - 50
If they could find a way to add Teixeira they'd be among the top 3 or 4 clubs in the NL.

16 - Toronto Blue Jays W-L: 53 - 52 ExpW-L: 56 - 50
They'll need to get creative if they ever want to compete in the mightiest of divisions.

17 - Texas Rangers W-L: 54 -50 ExpW-L: 50 -54
Two MVP candidates doesn't make up for a lack of pitching.

18 - Oakland Athletics W-L: 52 - 51 ExpW-L: 57 - 46
Throwing in the towel was actually the right move. Look out in 2010.

19 - Colorado Rockies W-L: 48 - 58 ExpW-L: 49 - 57
Must be careful not to let last year's incredible run convince them they're competitors this year.

20 - Baltimore Orioles W-L: 49 - 55 ExpW-L: 50 - 54
Time to make some moves to help the team down the line.

21 - Cincinnati Reds W-L: 50 - 56 ExpW-L: 47 - 59
Should be doing all they can to find suitors for Griffey and Dunn.

22 - Atlanta Braves W-L: 49 - 54 ExpW-L: 55 -48
Management seems to always make the right decisions, throwing in the towel is the right decision this year.

23 - Houston Astros W-L: 48 - 56 ExpW-L: 46 - 58
Decisions on the pieces to keep are always tough in Texas.

24 - Kansas City Royals W-L: 47 - 59 ExpW-L: 45 - 61
Can they move some pieces while making improvements for next year?

25 - Cleveland Indians W-L: 45 - 58 ExpW-L: 52 - 51
Absolutely brilliant sells thus far. The Tribe doesn't get the management fan fair of the Twins and A's, but have proven to be just as versatile.

26 - Pittsburgh Pirates W-L: 48 - 57 ExpW-L: 46 - 59
Giving away pieces is why the Bucs are always in the bottom third of any power rankings.

27 - San Francisco Giants W-L: 43 - 60 ExpW-L: 44 - 59
Good move to dump Durham, now to get rid of Winn and Vizquel if possible.

28 - San Diego Padres W-L: 41 - 65 ExpW-L: 42 - 64
Moving Maddux would be a great move, even if it's within the division. The upside of young talent would make the Dodgers regret it in a couple of years.

29 - Seattle Mariners W-L: 39 - 65 ExpW-L: 44 - 60
Dumping Washburn, Ibanez and Beltre would be smart; but moving Suzuki would be a mistake.

30 - Washington Nationals W-L: 38 - 66 ExpW-L: 40 - 64
They're not even stockpiling talent, what is their goal?