Power Rankings, Week 2

Week 2 of the Power Rankings sees a lot of shuffling, as expected. We have a new #1 and 5 teams making their debut in the rankings.

1. Vancouver Renegades (24-7)
Previous: 6 Change: +5 Last Week: 18-4
It's been an amazing week for the Renegades. After a somewhat slow start, they enjoyed an 8-game win streak and have an active 6-game win streak.


2. Montgomery Biscuits (21-9)
Previous: 1 Change: -1 Last Week: 14-7
Dethroned mainly because of Vancouver's surge, the Biscuits can still enjoy a position of power. The top of the rotation has been very impressive with SP Julio Batista and SP Russ Nelson both off to 5-1 starts.

3. Tucson Pilots (20-10)
Previous: 2 Change: -1 Last Week: 14-7
Though the AL West looks tougher than it's ever been, the Pilots remain the early pacers. Their 205 runs scored is tops in all of baseball, and SP Colby Cunningham (5-0) and SP Sam Swann (4-0) are loving the run support.

4. Baltimore Wild Rumpus (19-11)
Previous: NR Change: N/A Last Week: 14-7
Their stingy pitching staff has allowed a paltry 88 runs in 30 games, which is 26 better than any other team. If it weren't for SP Rex Price, who is 0-3 with a 6.55 ERA, that number could be even lower--which is just scary.

5. Helena Caribou Barbies (18-12)
Previous: NR Change: N/A Last Week: 13-7
Kudos to SP Bret Young, who threw 8 innings of a no-hitter against the New York Monarchs. Young is by far the early favorite for AL Cy Young, as he is 6-0 with 2 CG shutouts, a 0.73 WHIP and a 0.49 ERA. Those are not typos.


6. Minnesota Antichrists (19-12)
Previous: 3 Change: -3 Last Week: 12-9
Even with SP Dale Howe not quite his usual self (3-3, 4.06), the Antichrists have been able to stay afloat atop the NL North. Last year's Rookie of the Year, LF Matthew Payton, has not suffered any sort of sophomore slump, with numbers nearly identical to what he had a year ago.

7. Huntington Guyandottes (19-12)
Previous: 4 Change: -3 Last Week: 13-8
1B Ivan DeSoto is trying to end the AL MVP race as fast as possible. He's hitting .379 with 16 HRs and 46 RBI. It's early, but those kind of numbers have started some Triple Crown buzz about the slugger.


8. Ottawa Filibusters (18-12)
Previous: NR Change: N/A Last Week: 13-8
The offense is nothing flashy, but the pitching has been strong enough to bring the Filibusters within a half game of the Antichrists. RP Bill Witte has pitched 20.1 brilliant innings resulting in a 0.87 ERA and a 0.77 WHIP.

9. Buffalo Bulldozers (16-14)
Previous: NR Change: N/A Last Week: 12-9
With a team ERA of 5.09, it's anybody's guess as to how they sustained a winning record over the last week. Perhaps the secret is LF Esteban Merced, who is hitting .350 and has driven in 24 this season.

10. Chicago Gangsta' Chimps (16-15)
Previous: NR Change: N/A Last Week: 13-8
The Gangsta' Chimps seem to have recovered from a rocky start, and their trademark offense is in full swing. They've scored 202 runs, which is just 3 behind Tucson. LF Clarence Pratt (.374, 11 HR, 36 RBI) and 2B James Martin (.397, 11 HR, 34 RBI) are the reasons for the offensive success.