After ranking several areas of a team for his New Year's rankings, ESPN baseball analyst Buster Olney finally released his MLB power rankings with the knowledge that there are still a lot of moving parts out there that still have to fit into place — most notably Prince Fielder, who would certainly bolster whichever team he signs with.
Atop the rankings were the Tampa Bay Rays, a bit surprising when you look at their lineup, but not surprising at all when you look at their starting rotation, which will include 2011 phenom Matt Moore, who pitched less than 20 innings but was damn near unhittable most of the time and shut down the Rangers in Game 1 of the ALDS.
Behind them are the Philadelphia Phillies, who will be without slugger Ryan Howard until sometime this summer after he ruptured his Achilles on the final out of the ALDS when the Cardinals shocked the world by beating the greatest pitching rotation ever assembled.
The Rangers check in at No. 3 ahead of the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks, who round out the top 5.
Here's what Olney had to say about the Rangers:
The Rangers probably have more depth than any other organization, and they will be needed this year as they sort through new rotation and bullpen alignments.
Yu Darvish is not yet signed, but rival executives don't believe he has much leverage and will eventually work out a deal.
