August Power Rankings

The season is nearly 3/4 complete. Here are how the teams stand heading into the final month of the regular season:

1.  Red Sox (8-2)

It isn't very much of a surprise that the Red Sox are the top team in the league. They have the youngest average age of any team in the league (14.8). 4 of their team members are juniors in high school and all 5 have played baseball for at least half of their life. They are a talented group of teens who show little mercy when leading in games. Heading down the stretch they will rely on their pitching rotation of Sam Essen/Seth Nilsen/David Johnson. The Red Sox have the lowest team ERA in the league (2.45). Offensively, they have no trouble scoring runs unless they are facing John Cronin. In 3 games vs. John, they have only scored 3 runs. In their other 7 games they have scored 65 runs. The Red Sox will likely head into the playoffs as the #1 overall seed. Watch for Erik Essen to explode in the playoffs, he started the year hot and will find his power again before the season ends. Every player on each team will get mentioned in this article. Andy Lehman is also on this team, he is 'aight.

2.  Padres (5-5)

Let's be real, if John Cronin is pitching for the Padres, they are the best team in the league. He is the most dominant pitcher in the league with a staggering 1.55 ERA (9 runs over 29 IP) and 41 K's. He is averaging 7.07 strikeouts per game (5 innings/2 outs per inning= 10 total outs). The Padres have struggled to find a #2 pitcher who can consistently sit down batters. Andrew Cronin was off to a hot start with a 1.88 ERA before missing 5 games. Shehan Perera has shown flashes of being the #2 guy, but hasn't quite been able to put it all together yet. The Padres don't have trouble scoring runs either. Derek Dust and John combine for 20 HR and 36 RBI, the top 1-2 punch in the league. The Padres need to find a #2 starter for the playoffs, as a pitcher-rotation rule will be in effect. Rose Cronin is still the best teammate and cheerleader in the game. Cameron Dust was the only bright spot in the series loss to the Twins. It's important that he can learn from the mistakes of the rest of the team.

3.  Twins (5-3)

When the whole team is present, the Twins are the #1 team in the league. That was a very bold statement, but true. Pitching has been their struggle. Tony Thompson was off to a very impressive rookie season, but missed a triple-header vs the Padres. Speaking of that triple-header, the Twins did sweep all 3 games in that series. The addition of Thomas Randolph proved to be the difference. Thomas is hitting .611 with 7 HR after 3 games. A strong finish could lead to an MVP season. Joe Cronin found his groove after a disappointing opening day. He now is among the league leaders in every major offensive category. His MVP stock is steady, but not rising.  Sarah Cronin also has found her groove at the plate. If she can hit a homer or two in the playoffs, it will spark the Twins to victory.  October legend Joe Hubly could also be a difference maker down the stretch, he is batting .308. Kasey Thompson and Rachel Hubly have also contributed to the Twins success this season.

4.  Blue Jays (0-8)

Howard Cronin and crew have had some struggles at the plate and on the mound and in the field. They nearly upset the Red Sox, but that was their only good game of the season. They simply need to hit and pitch better. They have been without Pat Cronin for 6 games, that is a big deal. He will play in the playoffs, which could make the Blue Jays a big sleeper pick. Big shoutout to veterans Leonard and Yvonne Cronin. They have attended every game this season. It is important for them to have a big locker room presence for young prospects Matthew, Katie, and Rebecca Cronin. Also missing for half the season for the Blue Jays has been Sarah Cronin and Paul Cronin. Paul will likely be in the Blue Jays rotation down the stretch, he has 6 K's in 4 IP. Sarah is efficient at getting on base with a .444 OBP. Karen Cronin is the gel that holds the Blue Jays together with her competitive spirit.