That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies Highlight First TBOH MLB Power Rankings

By Matt Veasey

Apr 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) is mobbed by his team after hitting a game winning home run during the eleventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) is mobbed by his team after hitting a game winning home run during the eleventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 11
Next

7. TEXAS RANGERS

Apr 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Fielder (84) is congratulated by second baseman Odor (12) after making a throw to home plate for an out in the second inning against the New York Yankees at Globe Life Park in Arlington. (Photo Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)
Apr 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Fielder (84) is congratulated by second baseman Odor (12) after making a throw to home plate for an out in the second inning against the New York Yankees at Globe Life Park in Arlington. (Photo Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports) /

The defending AL West champions are again on top of the division with a 13-10 record, but have three teams right on their tails at this early stage of the season. They have now won three straight, and are looking forward to getting ace

Yu Darvish

back in about three to four more weeks. The Japanese righty missed all of last season after undergoing

Tommy John

surgery.

When he returns, Darvish will find a co-ace has joined the rotation. Lefty Cole Hamels came over from the Phillies in a big deal at last season’s trade deadline. Hamels was a major factor in winning the division a year ago, and is once again the leader of the staff. Problem on the mound has been that the Texas bullpen has pretty much been a disaster. That must change in a big way for the team to reach its full potential.

At the plate the Rangers attack has been led by future Hall of Fame 3rd baseman Adrian Beltre, while 22-year old 2nd baseman Rougned Odor has been a breakout player. The new left fielder, Ian Desmond, has produced while converting from shortstop. The club has called up 21-year old outfielder Nomar Mazara, and he has produced immediate dividends. They need to get more out of DH Prince Fielder, who has hit for just a .193/.255/.289 slash line thus far. 

Next: TBOH MLB POWER RANKING: #6

Home/Phillies News