1. Rangers (3):
While the focus has been on Yu Darvish, Matt Harrison has developed a killer sinker and Colby Lewis and Derek Holland have become maybe the best 1-2 combination in the American League. With Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler the biggest bats, they are hitting 1.5 homers per game.
2. Dodgers (7):
Aaron Harang’s nine consecutive strikeouts against the Padres was a stunning feat for a No. 4 starter. He was throwing 91- and 92-mph fastballs past guys. He and Chris Capuano are looking like excellent additions by GM Ned Colletti.
3. Tigers (1):
Held to eight runs in three games by the White Sox.
4. Cardinals (6):
Through Sunday, nobody had scored more runs than the team that lost Albert Pujols. Didn’t see that coming.
5. Yankees (9):
Robinson Cano started slowly, and the back end of the rotation has been disappointing (Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia, 0-2 with a combined 8.53 ERA in three starts). Big deal.
6. Diamondbacks (4):
Grind ’em out, fellows. They’ve played only one game where they didn’t have a save situation, with six of the first eight one-run games and only one of the first nine decided by as many as three runs.
7. Rays (2):
Tough early schedule (vs. Yankees, Tigers and Red Sox) is being felt. Through Sunday, the run differential of minus-20 equaled the worst in the majors.
8. Blue Jays (7):
Kyle Drabek is showing his huge upside.
9. Angels (5):
Stumbling start for Albert Pujols, who was homer-free in 37 at-bats heading into homestand againstA’s andO’s.
10. Phillies (12):
Barely averaging three runs per game as Charlie Manuel tinkers with a lineup lacking the usual thump.
11. Red Sox (13):
Bobby Valentine figured to clash with the most popular Red Sox, and it has happened. No cows are sacred on his watch.
12. Nationals (15):
Edwin Jackson’s 2-hitter on Saturday marked the sixth time in nine games that Washington pitching held the opponent to two runs or less.
13. Braves (19):
Winning streak took the heat off manager Fredi Gonzalez.
14. Reds (10):
One Cincinnati guy who hasn’t gotten a contract extension: Dusty Baker. He serves on a need-to-win-now basis.
15. Mets (14):
Middle-of-the-pack start represents significant progress. Long-term success depends on lineup scoring more runs.
16. Giants (20):
They’ve largely recovered from 1-4 opening but the Brian Wilson injury is a huge blow to a team that succeeded in 2010 because of its ability to close out one-run games.
17. White Sox (24):
More Cubans, please! Dayan Viciedo and Alexei Ramirez join Paul Konerko andA.J. Pierzynski as keys to an encouraging start.
18. Marlins (18):
Ozzie Guillen appears to have survived the storm. He returns from his suspension Tuesday, and is grateful to Joey Cora for two 11-inning wins over Houston.
19. Mariners (16):
Third baseman Kyle Seager looks like he could have a 10-year run at Safeco.
20. Royals (11):
Scored 19 runs in three weekend games against Cleveland, and lost all three. The pitching staff isn’t establishing itself.
21. Brewers (20):
Atlanta fans aren’t known for their nastiness, but they let Ryan Braun have it over the weekend.
22. Rockies (23):
Jamie Moyer, 49, has the table set to get his landmark win on Tuesday night, facing the Padres and right-hander Anthony Bass at Coors Field. Set the DVR.
23. Orioles (17):
Probably should be ranked higher after playing the Blue Jays and Yankees tough. The most encouraging thing for O’s is balanced hitting throughout lineup.
24. Indians (25):
Bats came alive against the Royals. Pitching allowed opponents to score seven-plus runs in five of first eight games, however.
25. Pirates (22):
A 1-for-19 start by Pedro Alvarez might be the worst thing you could have drawn up for a Pittsburgh lineup looking to him for help.
26. Athletics (27):
Yoenis Cespedes has three HRs, seven RBIs, but strikeouts (15 in first 33 at-bats) are a serious concern. He’s on a 243-strikeout pace.
27. Astros (28):
Brad Mills, another manager under pressure to deliver tangible results, has to be encouraged by the 4.6 runs per game from a stripped down lineup. Left fielderJ.D. Martinez has been a bright spot.
28. Cubs (26):
Paul Maholm has been ineffective since he put on a Cubs uniform. He could be a test case for the patience of the Cubs’ new management team. Marlon Byrd, who is 2-for-31, also bears watching given the depth of the outfield inventory, including center fielder-in-waiting Brett Jackson.
29. Twins (30):
Joe Mauer’s home run Friday gives him two in 419 career at-bats at Target Field. He probably doesn’t mind road trips like this one to New York and Tampa Bay.
30. Padres (29):
Fingers crossed for Dennis Gilbert’s potential ownership group. The former agent and longtime Jerry Reinsdorf agent explored purchases of the Rangers and Dodgers and would be a terrific addition for a team in need of stable direction.
Twitter @ChiTribRogers
