New York Yankees; Power Ranking: 1st (last week: 2nd); World Series Odds: +600
In the Power Rankings, the Dodgers are no longer ranked number one. It's no surprise that the Yankees are tops on DraftKings Sportsbook, yet they still have second-best odds. Additionally, you can also bet on the winning league, with the American League currently at +100 and the National League at -120
The Yankees have had an amazing month in May. As of May 15, they had gone 10-3 with an average score of 5.1 runs per game and allowed just 2.8. Also impressive is the pitching, with starters combining for a 3.50 ERA, 3.28 FIP, 10.1 K/9, and just 2.6 BB/9.
The bullpen has shut the door at nearly every opportunity presented to it. Although they have only thrown 42 innings this month, they have a 2.14 ERA, a 2.62 FIP, an 8.5 K/9, and a 2.1 BB/9.
Houston Astros; Power Ranking: 4th (last week 9th); World Series Odds: +800
Astros make the biggest jump on this week's list. As of last week, they were ranked 9th, making them the second American League West team among the top five. A week in which you go 5-1, you're bound to move up the rankings. However, I am not thrilled about the 8-1 odds for this team.
Astros are playing very well right now, but does it have more to do with their recent schedule? Sure, the Twins are the top team in the American League Central, but we're talking about a division where four of the teams are below .500.
The Twins are 20-15 on the season but have a run differential of only +12. The margin is the lowest among all first-place teams in baseball. Rather than being a win/loss, the expected win/loss for this team is a game difference, as they are 19-16.
The Nationals follow. Their 12-24 record has a run differential of -36. A wRC+ of 134 with a slash line of .292/.352/.444, they've been hitting quite well this month. Washington's pitching staff, which posted a 5.06 FIP in May, is holding the team back.
Tampa Bay Rays; Power Ranking: 9th (last week 5th); World Series Odds: +1900
At 19-1, the Rays appear to be one of the better values available. Though it wasn't a great week, it wasn't all bad, either. A 19-1 record is good for a team that is currently in second place in the American League East.
Taking their -1 run differential into account, this team has an expected win-loss record of 17-18. Rays fans are about to embark on a very appealing schedule with three games against the Tigers, three games against the Orioles, two games against the Marlins, and four games against the Yankees.
In runs scored this month, the Tigers and Orioles are near the bottom of the league. With a .208/.259/.304 slash line and a 66 wRC+, the Tigers rank dead last. These odds will shift if the Rays win several games this week. I would get the Rays now.
Toronto Blue Jays; Power Ranking: 11th (last week 7th); World Series Odds: +900
After going 1-4, the Blue Jays have fallen in the Rankings this week. A 5-1 win over the Rays on Saturday was the only win. They are now 7 1/2 games back of the Yankees and third in the American League East.
It is fortunate for them that both the Orioles and Red Sox are double-digits behind the Yankees. Despite the slide, do they still own the fifth-best odds of winning the championship? Definitely not my favorite bet on the board.
Philadelphia Phillies; Power Ranking: 16th (last week 19th); World Series Odds: +3000
Phillies move up the list after a stellar week against the Mariners and Dodgers. Anyone who wins a series against the current World Series favorite should take notice.
The Phillies scored 33 runs during the four-game set at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers' run differential is the best in the league at +70, but it was much higher before this series.
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