MLB Power Rankings: Pirates Surge
By Blake Benard
Jun 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt looks on in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
All-Star starters were announced on Sunday and with it came the dominance of the Kansas City Royals. The American League will have four starters from the Royals including catcher Salvador Perez, shortstop Alcides Escobar, and outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon. Rounding out the rest of the AL lineup are first baseman Miguel Cabrera, second baseman Jose Altuve, third baseman Josh Donaldson, outfielder Mike Trout and designated hitting Nelson Cruz.
Haling from the Blue Jays, Donaldson’s vote total of 12,090, 188 is the highest total in MLB history, beating out Josh Hamilton’s 11, 073,744 in 2012.
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Jun 27, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) waits for a pitch during the sixth inning in a game against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre. The Texas Rangers won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Over in the National League, there was a lot of change from 2013, besides one: first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. The Arizona Diamondback’s star will lead a potent lineup of Dee Gordon (2b), Johnny Peralta (ss), Todd Frazier (3b), Buster Posey (c), Bryce Harper, Giancarlo Stanton and Matt Holiday.
Harper also tallied a NL voting record with 13,864, 950 fan tallies. Goldschmidt is also the only returning starter from last year’s NL All-Star squad.
Now let’s get into the team’s who made the biggest moves this past week.
Biggest Jump: Pittsburgh Pirates (4 spots)
Biggest Drop: Giants & Reds (3 spots)
Without further ado, here are your weekly MLB Power Rankings.