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MLB 15 The Show Power Rankings: Pitchers and Catchers Report Edition

It seems like baseball, more than any other professional sport, only needs an offseason to have its world rattled. Moves like Jimmy Rollins to the Dodgers, Jon Lester to the Cubs, and the Atlanta Braves practically getting rid of their entire offense are things you would almost never see in another sport. Yet, in the MLB, it feels almost common. So for those of you who haven't stayed up with the most up-to-date roster transactions and acquisitions (or for those of you who just want a refresher), here is our official power ranking of all 30 Major League teams and how they should stack up in-game in preparation for MLB 15 The Show.

30. Arizona Diamondbacks: Outside of Goldschmidt and the recent acquisition of the power hitting Cuban Yasmany Tomas, there is very little to have fun with.

29. Cincinnati Reds: Billy Hamilton and Joey Votto are the extent of what's exciting about the Reds.

28. Philadelphia Phillies: One of the oldest and least talented rosters in baseball, the Phillies are still a few trades away from having the necessary talent for a rebuild.

27. Atlanta Braves: It's hard to imagine what the Braves were thinking this offseason, letting most of their best hitters go to other teams, but they still have a sturdy staff that could be fun to play with.

26. Colorado Rockies: Their ballpark is more exciting than the players that it fields, even if Tulo can stay healthy.

25. New York Mets: Good young pitchers, but maybe the worst offense in baseball. How bad is the N.L. East this year?

24. Houston Astros: They still have a fun stadium and that guy named Springer is pretty good. Otherwise, the Astros can't seem to emerge from the rebuilding identity that they've carried for years.

23. Minnesota Twins: Tons of exciting young players, but when will we see them?

22. Chicago White Sox: This could be the year they make a push, especially with Abreu emerging as one of the leagues best power bats.

21. Milwaukee Brewers: The Brew Crew still has some bashers on their team, but with little to no pitching, how good can they actually be?

20. San Diego Padres: Look for them to make a big deal and surge up the power rankings before Spring Training. They are still one more ace away from being able to compete with the Dodgers.

19. Miami Marlins: They made a few strong moves this offseason, but they still don't have the depth of your usual playoff contender.

18. Tampa Bay Rays: Whether you love or hate Tropicana Field, you can't ignore the small, intelligent moves the Rays continue to make to stay relevant.

17. Baltimore Orioles: They had a bit of a fluky year with pitching last year, and Chris Davis' hitting ability seems to have fallen off of a cliff.

16. Kansas City Royals: The Cinderella story of 2014 is going to have to prove themselves again in 2015, because on paper, their roster still isn't that eye-catching.

15. Texas Rangers: Surely they can't be as bad as last year, right?

14. Pittsburgh Pirates: They still have the most beautiful ballpark in baseball, and have one of the most exciting players to match it.

13. Cleveland Indians: After making a huge second half swing in 2014, it's hard to imagine that they won't be players in 2015. Especially after the addition of underrated Brandon Moss.

12. Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout, Mike Trout, Mike Trout.

11. Toronto Blue Jays: They remain one of the most exciting lineups in baseball, and with one of the best pitching prospects in baseball (Aaron Sanchez) they may finally have enough to get over the hump.

10. New York Yankees: They made all the right moves in 2014 to get them ready for this year, so it will be interesting to see if a more balanced lineup prevails over the Yankee's usually star-studded roster.

9. Detroit Tigers: They're quickly reaching Phillies territory of of the last few years, but their window should stretch for at least another couple of years.

8. Seattle Mariners: A surprisingly tame offseason may not draw a ton of interest, but the Mariner's still have one of the most diverse and youthful rosters in baseball.

7. Oakland Athletics: If you're not a fan of Moneyball, then you're behind the times. One of the most active off-seasons in recent memory makes them highly playable.

6. San Fransisco Giants: All they do is win, but how appealing is their roster to play with? Bumgarner remains one of the most dynamic pitchers in baseball.

5. St. Louis Cardinals: Along with the Giants, you would be hard pressed to find a better run organization in all of sports. Consistently a threat and always loaded with cheap, young talent. How do they do it?

4. Boston Red Sox: They have loaded up this offseason with a ton of outfielders and pitching depth, not to mention that Fenway is only going to be more fun to play with as MLB: The Show gets better looking.

3. Washington Nationals: There's so much power here that it's hard to believe that the Nationals were bottom dwellers in the N.L. East just a couple of years ago.

2. Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein is considered the best young mind in baseball, and for good reason. The Cubs are absolutely overflowing with talent at every position, and acquired Lester in hopes that he could guide the Cubs to their first World Series in over 100 years.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers: Even without Kemp, Gordon or Hanley, the Dodgers have to be considered the favorite to win it all in 2015. Kershaw, Greinke and Ryu lead what should be the best rotation in baseball.


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Member Comments
# 61 redsox4evur @ 02/20/15 11:15 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by HustlinOwl
no where in the original post did he/they state in "our" power rankings was this list based off teams that he/they want to use/play with in MLBTS15
Yea he didn't say anything in the OP but he did say it here.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BenGerman
First, I'll reiterate that this isn't a traditional power ranking. This is teams that people are going to want to play with in The Show based off of numerous things (ie why I mentioned stadiums in the article). So when people laugh at the Cubs ranking, I'm not actually saying the Cubs are the second best team in baseball. That's absurd.

Second, I actually love the Brew-Crew moving forward. I love teams that rely on power for offense. I'm a big fan of Gomez and I think Segura bounces back this year. I also really like the Pirates. But neither team made a huge splash this offseason, and I think that makes them less inviting to play with in MLB: The Show.
 
# 62 HustlinOwl @ 02/20/15 11:18 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by redsox4evur
Yea he didn't say anything in the OP but he did say it here.
yea saw that, but OS does not read through threads lol see the OP and comment
 
# 63 BenGerman @ 02/20/15 01:25 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by HustlinOwl
yea saw that, but OS does not read through threads lol see the OP and comment
This is unfortunately true. I honestly didn't mean to confuse anyone, I just assumed that when I'm mentioning things like "fun to play with", "an exciting team", and "they've got a great stadium" that people would kind of understand where my rankings were coming from.

Obviously, that was not the case haha. I'll make sure to be more precise on the next list I do!
 
# 64 Knight165 @ 02/20/15 01:52 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by BenGerman
This is unfortunately true. I honestly didn't mean to confuse anyone, I just assumed that when I'm mentioning things like "fun to play with", "an exciting team", and "they've got a great stadium" that people would kind of understand where my rankings were coming from.

Obviously, that was not the case haha. I'll make sure to be more precise on the next list I do!
Ben....better that your article prompted much discussion than one that had just a few ho-hum replies!

M.K.
Knight165
 
# 65 N51_rob @ 02/20/15 02:20 PM
So disappointed with the Orioles front office this off-season. Their failure to address pitching and replace Markakis & Cruz is going to make this a long season.
 
# 66 BenGerman @ 02/20/15 02:56 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knight165
Ben....better that your article prompted much discussion than one that had just a few ho-hum replies!

M.K.
Knight165
This is also true! I love the discussion. Like I said earlier, it's nice to have something to hold me over until Spring Training/The Show comes out.
 
# 67 JoeCoolMan24 @ 02/20/15 03:27 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by BenGerman
This is unfortunately true. I honestly didn't mean to confuse anyone, I just assumed that when I'm mentioning things like "fun to play with", "an exciting team", and "they've got a great stadium" that people would kind of understand where my rankings were coming from.
.................
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeCoolMan24
If these are ranked by "exciting factor" then fine, I get the Cubs being near the top, that makes sense. But that still doesn't explain how the White Sox and Padres are so low. They each had arguably the best offseasons this winter. If we are going "exciting factor" that people will want to have fun with, I'd rank the White Sox, Cubs, Padres, Dodgers, Marlins, Red Sox as the top 6 teams. They did the most exciting things this offseason, in my opinion.

And just by signing Yasmany Tomas, I'd move the Diamondbacks off of the #30 ranking. Tomas and Kang as the most exciting INT'L talent this year, IMO.
 
# 68 BenGerman @ 02/20/15 03:30 PM
That's a good point, Cool. And the more I look at the list, the more I think I should have flipped the Phillies with the 'Backs, who at least have Tomas and Goldy.
 
# 69 jcmreds @ 02/20/15 08:38 PM
"Billy Hamilton and Joey Votto are the extent of what's exciting about the Reds."

You ever head of Aroldis Chapman and Johny Cueto?
 
# 70 catswithbats @ 02/20/15 08:42 PM
The Tigers have one advantage the Phillies don't: their GM isn't RAJ.
 
# 71 ped3328 @ 02/20/15 08:44 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by BenGerman
That's a good point, Cool. And the more I look at the list, the more I think I should have flipped the Phillies with the 'Backs, who at least have Tomas and Goldy.

The OS forum at his best,meaning arguing... often for the sake or arguing. Wait till the game comes outon the 31st. The mob will invade this forum like mad wolves and start bitchingabout the game. PLAY BALL ! fficeffice" />>>

By the way, Ben, your listhas some merit. 'Cause it sure stirred the pot !>>
 
# 72 JoeCoolMan24 @ 02/20/15 09:34 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by BenGerman
That's a good point, Cool. And the more I look at the list, the more I think I should have flipped the Phillies with the 'Backs, who at least have Tomas and Goldy.
I think the Phillies, Braves, and Twins are by far the least exciting teams this upcoming seasons.
 
# 73 ajblithe20 @ 02/20/15 09:45 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by N51_rob
So disappointed with the Orioles front office this off-season. Their failure to address pitching and replace Markakis & Cruz is going to make this a long season.
Address pitching? One of the most solid rotations in baseball and one of the better bullpens. What do you want addressed? Want a $100 ace? It's a waste of money. De Aza, Lough, Snider, Pearce, and Young will fill in fine for Markakis. All Cruz did was hit bombs, so if the injured (and suspended) guys can get some bigger power numbers this year, his numbers are replaced as well.

I'm not saying they did everything perfect, but spending all their money on adding depth (decent, average players with some upside) instead of one or two older guys is fine by me.

The O's are going to be right in the playoff race in september, which sounds like a fun season to me.
 
# 74 ajblithe20 @ 02/21/15 02:53 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by takemejoehome
the problem is nobody is respecting the Os. the last 3 years they have been really good, but everyone constantly calls it luck o flukey! that 2012 year with Jim Johnson getting all the 1-0 saves, last year they did it with power and the rotation playing above themselves.


I think their a solid team too and it's good that people keep doubting your team they use it for motivation
I know Buck and Jones were both smiling when most of the projections put them in last place again. They do love being the underdogs. They don't have any flashy pitching, but they're solid and play great defense
 
# 75 mlblover15 @ 02/22/15 11:37 PM
for those of us that are carrying our franchises over from 14 to 15 how if in any way will this affect us... ?
 
# 76 redsox4evur @ 02/23/15 01:20 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by mlblover15
for those of us that are carrying our franchises over from 14 to 15 how if in any way will this affect us... ?
It wouldn't (confused) this is just what the author thinks are the funnest teams to use this year.
 
# 77 mrdannymartinez @ 02/23/15 12:46 PM
Miami being that low is a bit of a joke. Where are the holes in that lineup? When Jose Fernandez gets back, that rotation can compete with anyone. And how is the reason for the low ranking that "they do they not have depth?" Bullpen is solid, rotation is again, solid and the lineup is extremely balanced with ridiculous speed, ridiculous power and youth. Just don't see them being that low. And yes, in agreement with everyone else, the Cubs at 2 is the funniest thing I've read all offseason.
 
# 78 mrdannymartinez @ 02/23/15 01:15 PM
Just read your "non-traditional rankings" comment and now it makes sense. I agree completely now and commend you on a good list. I personally think Miami is still going to be a bit more fun to play with than the credit given but I can see them sitting at the current spot. Either way, good read.
 
# 79 brewersfan84 @ 02/24/15 09:24 AM
Is the rankings list from the actual video game, or where did they come up with this?
 
# 80 nemesis04 @ 02/24/15 09:26 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by brewersfan84
Is the rankings list from the actual video game, or where did they come up with this?
It is from the writers point of view not from the game.
 


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