MLB UPDATE WITH K STELT

The National League is in a strange situation where a wide gap between the good teams and not-so-good teams is relevant. There are 3 very Good teams in the League and 12 “eh” teams in the NL. The AL has more teams that are equivalent in overall talent and ability to beat up on each other. The AL also has more talented players than the NL at the moment. 

I will be speaking to the teams and the fans themselves about what I think of their recent performance and what I believe will happen. Let me be clear this is where I think they are right now based on their overall feel for these past 60 games. Teams can get hot or cold in an instant, which is why we love baseball. I also have my top 10 overall teams and the two Leagues Accolades at the 60-game mark. Read it all, trust me you’ll enjoy it.

NL Team Power Rankings

15. Colorado Rockies (21-38)

Although you guys won some big series against fantastic teams recently, let's not get twisted about the direction your team is headed. You are sellers at the deadline. And you don’t have much to sell without damaging your future. The only thing keeping your team going is if your offense stays hot through the season. They also have the worst team ERA in the sport!

x-w/l: 21-38    DIFF: -89

14. NY Mets (25-35)

It just never seems to work out for the Mets. It would be foolish if the Mets didn’t sell at the deadline. You lead the MLB in losses after leading in the 8th inning by a wide margin. They had some hot starts early in the year, but morale seems to be at an all-time low and the starting pitching just can’t handle the bullpen's inability to hold a lead in the last inning.

x-w/l: 26-34    DIFF: -40

13. Miami Marlins (21-39)

Despite having a worse record than the Mets, the Marlins put together a winning month in May. Their pitching has figured out how to pitch well again. But the organization has already let all of us know that they are selling, which means a couple of their good pitchers will be in a new uniform at the end of the season.

x-w/l: 22-38    DIFF: -82

12. Pittsburgh Pirates (27-32)

I know a lot of you may get upset because they have some studs on the mound. But nothing can blind me from their .658 OPS which is tied for 3rd worst in the MLB. They don’t have much on the offensive side and their batters can't find a way to make a strong case for being elite. That is why they are so low on the NL Power ranking list. They may sell but we’ve seen this front office make worse decisions before.

x-w/l: 27-32    DIFF: -25

11. Cincinnati Reds (27-33)

It's pretty simple for the Reds. They’re bottom 5 for team OPS and 2nd worst in team avg. at .220 (WOOF). Their pitching is league avg. (Literally 15th overall in team ERA) and they don’t have much help in the farm system. They were hot last year but yet again they don’t have a balance of pitching and hitting to take them far into the summer. Selling seems like a white flag, but it may be the best decision for the future.

x-w/l: 30-30    DIFF: +3

10. St. Louis Cardinals (28-30)

I know How6rd is going to get upset with me, but a -41 Run Differential is not a very promising sign for this team. They have won some big series, but their batting stats scare me. They have been insanely cold and could find a way to mount back some wins. But again, at x-W/L of -4 games. I know the 2021 Royals when I see them, it does not look good. Maybe I will be the jinx but the outlook scares me.

x-w/l: 24-34  DIFF: -40

9. Washington Nationals (27-32)

Do NOT get excited Nationals fans, this does not mean you are way better than the Cardinals I won't be surprised if you fall to the bottom 3 in the National League. YOU are selling at the deadline. Relievers, hitters, you name it, they are gone. No matter how well your stats are, those stud players will be on a different team come September.

x-w/l: 28-31   DIFF: -14

8. SF Giants (29-32)

Again, Giants fans need to calm down. You have talent, it’s just too bad that whatever move you make is going to add ZERO contribution to your overall performance.  The Diamondbacks are better, the Padres are better and the Dodgers are in another league. Head-to-head matchups are not that big of a deal in the long run. Bottom 5 team in ERA and a -31 Run differential. You do not fool me, you Fraudsters! 

x-w/l: 27-34   DIFF: -31

7. Cubs (29-31) 

Your team is pathetic, and your fan base is pathetic. It’s all pathetic. The only good thing you have is Shota Imanaga. You may get hot but I know your curse. Ben Zobrist isn’t here to save you. The Cardinals may catch you if you aren’t paying attention. You won't sell, you may even try to buy some suck-up reliever who’s performing well, which-in turn-will become HORRIBLE for your team. I cannot wait for the downfall!

x-w/l: 29-31    DIFF: -12

6. Arizona D-Backs (28-32)

For a team that has everyone injured, they have done a masterful job. The issue is you will probably die at the hands of it. You should be 30-30, but we know what God does to the serpent. Stats won't help you here, just pure grit and toughness got you to this spot. You will fall to other teams, and I will cry. But your fan base does not care, they only care about their year-round golf and vegan deli shops… and the Dodgers. 

x-w/l: 30-30     DIFF: +2

5. San Diego Padres (32-31)

Now, I don't know exactly how to put this. But I think I like your team! The only issue is the injury bug is arriving and your bullpen will die out like a flame under a glass bottle. Contact-hitting will not win you games against the big boys. Your bullpen is good, but it’s not that good. You have the pieces, do you have the depth? We shall find out come August.

x-w/l: 33-30   DIFF: +10

4. Milwaukee (36-24)

Do not ask me how the hell the Brewers are doing well. They do it every damn regular season. Top 10 in team ERA and top 5 in AVG and OPS and they are not 5. I hate the spunk they play with because they will lose in a wild card game AGAIN. They won't buy, but if they do it'll be Brent Rooker and he will most likely poop his pants. Enjoy the Regular season, I know your flaws and they won’t help you. 

x-w/l: 36-24    DIFF: +61

3. Atlanta Braves (33-24)

Don’t be sad Braves Country, this is called reality. You know, when the record seasons from good players decide to not be the “record season” players the next season and good players get hurt. It must really stink. Well, luckily you are still a decent team thanks to your pitching and hitting. It looks like that “WS or bust” season may be looking like a “hope we win a wild card” season. The Phillies still have your number and they probably won't give it back to you. I dare you to buy at the deadline, I DARE YOU!

x-w/l: 33-24    DIFF: +40

2. LA Dodgers (38-23)

Finally a good team. A little birdie told me you need some pitching and bats at the deadline. I told the bird that couldn't be possible and I asked the bird if he was a recent escapee from the funny farm. He told me “no” and showed me the video evidence from your GM on X (Twitter). Now, Idk if you guys have noticed but you're top 5 in EVERY category in important stats in the entire MLB. “Help” may not be the right term, I would put it as trying to get Thanos to join the Avengers. Do what you will, you run the league anyways because you have Shohei.

x-w/l: 40-21    DIFF: +80

1. Philly Phillies (41-19)

Not much to say, you guys have been on a tear. Buy whoever you want, it seems like you have money growing on trees in your front office. Pitching is great and your hitting is great. You also run the bases well and play great defense. I hate the city of Philly but just win the WS already and burn your garbage city to the ground. 

x-w/l: 41-20    DIFF: +107

NL ACCOLADES

NL MVP:  Mookie Betts

He sucks at defense because nobody can play Shortstop on your team. But he does enough on offense to get him to where he needs to be. Your only competitor is Shohei and he isn't even pitching. NL players suck this year just give everything to the Dodgers.

CY Young: (still Zach Wheeler)

Ranger Suarez is out for about a month or two so the automatic bid goes to Zach. He becomes better in the later half of the season too, it's too obvious at this point. 

ROTY: Paul Skeens

No regression is noticeable. He throws gas. He might be a robot. Congrats on the title and out-rizzing Baby Gronk.

Batting Title: Luis Arraez 

No explanation, he’s too good. He’s hurt now but he may be better than Tony Gwynn. I SAID IT, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

AL Team Power Rankings:

15. Chicago White Sox: (15-45)

No explanation. None at all. They are last in almost everything. You are selling everyone. I wish you luck with Andrew Benintendi. Fun fact their run differential is -138! The second worst in the MLB is -82. 

x-w/l: 15-45    DIFF: -138

14. LA Angels (22-38) 

You better thank the White Sox for sucking so badly because you guys don’t get any free passes. You’ve had some unlucky breaks, but we all knew this was going to happen. You better take all that you can from Jo Adell because he will be across the pond in about a month (Dodgers). Your starting pitching is ok, and don’t ask about the bullpen. Does Gabriella from HS musical have a song for you to sing to your team, Cole Tucker?

x-w/l: 25-38    DIFF: -54

13. Oakland A’s (24-37)

You had some good stints but the away play-by-play broadcaster may be your downfall to another horrible season. It must be nice playing for a team that has a money-grabbing owner who cares about nothing but heading to Vegas. BTW, all of your good players are going to be on good teams by July. I pray for all of you. At this point, you’re just here to play ball.

x-w/l: 24-37     DIFF: -64

12. Tampa Bay Rays (29-31)

Are you mad? Well, all five of you can get mad all you want but the -53 run differential does not fool me. Yes, I did use the Run Differential AGAIN, it's a good stat to use. It tells me who your team is.  Below Avg in every major category is a promising sign of stink as well. Your organization is lame and it will never win a WS. 

x-w/l: 24-36      DIFF: -53

11. Toronto Blue Jays (28-31)

Hello Toronto. You may not be surprised by this, but things are not looking so good. It feels like the window is closing by the minute. I heard you may be selling at the deadline! I think that's a great idea. I don’t think you have a chance in my opinion, but your fan base will be very upset. The obvious answer is there, don’t be fools. Bite the bullet. Sell them ALL.

x-w/l: 26-33     DIFF: -38

10.  Houston Astros (27-34)

You may be higher than expected, but I think positive regression is in your future. But don’t get your hopes up. A 7th place spot is all you got at this point. The M’s have your number and pitching will not save you. I know you won't sell. You’re too afraid. It would be wise because you have nothing going on down on the farm, but hey what do I know?

x-w/l: 30-31   DIFF: -4

9. Detroit Tigers (30-30)

Don’t say you’re out of it yet. Your hitting may come alive. Don’t sell either. Just live with what you have. Yes, the division is better than expected but you can only dream. Sucks about Torkleson. Your pitching is good though, I Love Skubal. Do not be idiots. PLEASE.

x-w/l:  30-30    DIFF: +3

7. Boston (30-30)

Something tells me you guys are going to sell. It seems like a thing your owner would do with this out-of-nowhere starting pitching rotation. It must stink but you're in a tough division and the teams ahead of you are, how do I put this, Juggernauts. I think you should buy but my resources are telling me that may not be true.

x-w/l: 32-28     DIFF: +22

7. Texas Rangers (29-31)

Yes, two number 7s it’s called being even. The Rangers have more firepower and depth, their rookies are being rookies but I trust their lineup more. Seager will come alive and Garcia MAY explode. It will be a tough race but it will be good for you guys to get that wild card race in you again.

x-w/l: 31-29     DIFF: +7

6. Minnesota (33-26)

See what I don’t like from all this mayhem is your +6 run differential. Hitting is an issue and all of us have known this. Correa is good and Jeffers is becoming eh. You better pray for the Royals regression, if not you better buy at the deadline.

x-w/l: 30-29    DIFF: +6

5. Seattle Mariners (34-27)

Again a +7 run differential is scaring me. I understand your pitching staff is top 3 in the league. But you got to hit the ball AND pitch to really scare me. Will you buy before the deadline? No, you will not and you'll either lose the top spot to a division rival or barely scrap a 7th seed. It's your choice but I know how your team is run. Start doing your devil magic for J Rod now because he needs it.

x-w/l: 31-30    DIFF: +7

4. KC Royals (36-25) 

Don’t be surprised. Here's why they are playing well. Elite Starting pitching, elite defense, and Elite team speed. And they have the 10th-best OPS in baseball AND the 5th-best team AVG in baseball with MJ Melendez and Hunter Renfroe getting everyday at-bats. They also have two MVP candidates and two CY Young candidates. Not hard to understand. Is their bullpen garbage? 1000% yes. 

x-w/l: 38-23    DIFF: +74

3. Cleveland Guardians (39-20)

Lucky team? Yes. But they have some dawgs going absolutely nuts. David Fry, Gimenez, and J Ram. Not to mention their bullpen is the best in baseball and it’s NOT close. Will they regress? Maybe. All of the Royals and Twins fans think so. It's a pretty toxic group of fan bases but we will see how it pans out. Good AL central ball is a lot of fun!

x-w/l: 37-22    DIFF: +78

1. Orioles (38-20)

Pretty easy to understand this one. Great lineup, Great pitching, a good bullpen, great defense, and good team speed. Did I mention Gunnar Henderson is going nuclear? Nothing to say but this team is WS or bust. I think they have a shot to win it all but we will see how the Cal Ripken curse holds up.

x-w/l: 37-21   DIFF: +79

1. Yankees (42-19)

Other than the Phillies they lead every category. Aaron Judge shouldn’t even be playing in the MLB. He’s too good. Juan Soto is on the team too. Volpe, yeah a top 5 SS right now. Not to mention their Rotation is the best even WITHOUT GARRET COLE. Bullpen is elite and they run the bases well. I hate the Yankees anyways I hope they all get injured.

x-w/l: 42-19    DIFF: +107

AL ACCOLADES:

AL MVP: Gunnar Henderson

They’ll probably give it to Judge bc the MLB loves the Yankees but Gunnar is playing good enough defense and runs the bases well enough to get him to the top. He's got too many HRs. That's how you win it. 4.1 WAR. Yeah, no shot he shouldn’t win it if he keeps this up. If not Gunnar it should be Bobby. Bring back Primire position MVPs!

CY Young: Tarik Skubal

ERA in the 1s. It’ll probably be around 2 by the end of the season and he will be top 3 in strikeouts. If it's not Tarik it's Cole Ragans. 

ROTY: Mason Miller 

The dude is nails. He’ll be an Oriole by September and he throws 500 mph. Not even close and don’t say Colton Cowser.

Batting Title: Salvador Perez

Don’t call me a homer, Salvy has 4 other bats in the lineup that keep him level-headed, he’s also walking now and not swinging at sliders down and away. I’m Right. You’re Wrong. Get out of my league you Yankee WAR NERDS. And if I hear one Mariners fan bring up Cal Raleigh I’ll blow a gasket. 

OVERALL TOP 10 Teams

10: Brewers:

I do not care what their record is. I know a fraud when I see a fraud. They get points because they’re record and run differential is elite.

9. Twins: 

We have to understand how bad their hitting is against teams not named the Royals. I simply do not think this team has what it's worth against some big-boy opponents.

8.  Braves:

Injuries hurt. It lowers morale sometimes: Chris Sale is your only hope. They could be better but I smell a stink in the air.

7. Royals:

DO NOT look at their record against over .500 teams. A stinky bullpen and their worst fear is a “TBD” pitcher for next days game .

7. Mariners:

Again two number 7s. I think the Royals Bullpen and the Mariners Hitting are evenly balanced to make them tied at number 7. They struck out 14 times in one game I heard.

5. Guardians:

A fraud alert is on most teams in the AL central. But you’re going to look at me in the eyes and tell me David Fry is going to keep this up? Yeah right, pal.

4. Orioles:

Gunnar is on a tear and it scares me. If Gunnar stops playing well it could be a straight-up disaster. Also is Adley ok defensively?

3. Dodgers:

“WE NEED HELP” screams the GM who built an effing super team. I can’t wait for the playoffs! When Shohei realizes how bad Freeman and Betts are at the plate he may find a way to convict them of gambling on baseball. 

1. Yankees:

“bUt wE leAd in majOr cAtegories”. Like the Dallas Cowboys, I know what your destiny is. You better pray to the Lord Christ Almighty (and I’m not joking on that one) that the Astros don’t end up in the playoffs.

1. Phillies:

I hope that the Orioles beat you in the WS. That’s it. It would be a very happy day when your fans realize that buying players won't win you squat diddly.