Baseball / Week 8 NYCMBL Power Rankings

Week 8 NYCMBL Power Rankings

Date:  Source: New York City Metro Baseball League

Below is a quick ranking of where NYCMBL teams from both divisions fall at this point of the season. The list was compiled using the stats and standings on the website (current as of May 28, 8:30 p.m.) and other information passed along through the Metro League-grapevine. The rankings do NOT take division (A, AA) into consideration, and should be considered akin to a pound-for-pound list.

 

1) Bronx TItans (AA) (9-0)

Clearly, the last unbeaten team in either division was going to take the top spot. The TItans came into the season with high expectations, and so far, those lofty goals seem to be right on the money. The lineup, of course, has been impressive, with seven everyday players boasting averages of at least .300, but few players in the league have been as formidable in the middle of an order as George Collazo, who is currently hitting .500 with 2 HRs and 16 RBIs.Righty hurler Jonathan Quinones is experiencing one of his best seasons in recent years and is currently pacing the Cy Young race with a 1.10 ERA and a 4-0 record.

2) Bronx Orioles (AA) (10-2)

Outside of their conference rivals, it's hard to argue that any team in the league as been as hot as the O's. After dropping two games to the Titans to start the season, Glenn Mulero's club has been on a tear, winning 10 straight games to find themselves in second place in the AA division. You want to talk about offense? Few teams bring the lumber like the Orioles, who have already amassed 12 HRs as a team. Of those 12 dingers, 3 belong to Luis Rosario, who is atop the league leaderboard.

3) WingBar Warriors (A) (6-1)

The Nationals might have more wins, but based on strength of schedule thus far, it's hard to argue that the Warriors haven't established themselves as the team to beat in the Single A division. The Warriors have victories over a couple of championship hopefuls in the Titans (A) and the Gotham City Bats. Jeff Lagares has emerged as a true talent in this league and already has 3 HRs under his belt. On the mound, Carl Weber has been eating innings and keeping his team in games, posting a 2.85 ERA and 35ks in 27 innings.

4) Whitestone Nationals (A) (8-1)

Undefeated until Sunday, the Nationals are in the midst of one of the most dramatic turnarounds in league history. A few key pickups on both sides of the ball have last season's cellar-dwellers vying for a spot atop the Single-A rankings through the first half of the season. It's tough to get a read on just who has been leading the way for the Nats, but its safe to say that all eyes are on them as they take a step up in competition. The Nationals will square off against the Warriors on June 7 at Randall's Island which should be a good test for both clubs.

5) Gotham City Bats (A) (5-2-1)

Though inconsistent this year, the Bats have shown that they have the ability to play with anyone in their division. To date, the Bats' biggest accomplishment was a two-game sweep of the Astoria Mets, a double-header that showcased Gotham's aptitude for playing in tight contests. Gotham City's pitching is probably the deepest in the division, with three players who have logged significant innings (Nik Tripp, Michael Allyn, and Zach Durr) and have ERAs around or below 1.00.

6) Brooklyn Bandits (AA) (5-4-1)

Record-wise, there is a signficant dropoff between the top two teams in AA and the rest of the contenders, but so far, the Bandits have acquitted themselves nicely. Aside from a sweep at the hands of the Railsplitters, the Bandits have been able to hang at least one loss on every team they've played this year. They play solid defense, and that translates to wins come August. The Bandits are also enjoying a nice bounceback year from Winallan Columbano, who is hitting at a .429 clip and is second on the team with 10 RBIs.

7) Astoria Mets (A) (7-4)

The Mets might not have multiple flamethrowers like the Bats or a number of home run threats like the Bronx Titans (A), but they are a deep, fundamentally sound team with few holes. Last season's MVP Jon Simkins hasn't started a ton of games, but still seems to be the Mets' guy in a big spot. In 15 innings of work this year, he is 2-1 with a 0.91 ERA. Catcher Matt Accetta is enjoying a breakout year at the plate, hitting .571 thus far. 

8) Nassau Yankees (AA) (5-4)

The new-look Yankees won their first four games in the AA division, but have had a tougher road as of late, going 2-4 since the beginning of May. Their schedule gets no easier, as they're currently preparing to take on the red hot Orioles on May 30. The biggest question mark for the Yankees right now is Mike Pena's presence. If he can serve as the anchor of this rotation, expect big things from Nassau.

9) NYC Mud Hens (5-5) and Yonkers Railsplitters (5-5) 

This one was just too close to call. Both the Hens and Railsplitters sit at .500 on the season, though both teams have taken different routes to the same place. The Hens stumbled out of the gate, splitting a few double-headers and getting dinged by the Orioles in a three-game set, but seem to have found their footing as of late, thanks to a return to form by the pitching staff. Sebastian Colon has been a bright spot for the Railsplitters, boasting a .435 average as the club's primary table-setter.

10) Bronx Titans (A) (3-4)

Their win percentage might not be the highest in the A division, but its tough to argue that the Titans aren't one of the most talented squads in their league. They walked off against the formerly undefeated Nats on May 24, possibly signalling that they are ready to make their run. The Titans feature the most potent middle of the lineup in the A divison, with Miguel Ferreras and Joey Gerena batting back-to-back, although opposing pitchers have opted to stay away from Gerena when given the chance.