SPT NFL Power Ranking

The third week in the NFL might have started clearing up the NFL power picture. But it also brought a few more questions to the table.

Are the Cincinnati Bengals for real?

Will the Steelers win the AFC North?

Can the Denver Broncos compete for the AFC West title?

Can the Jets make a Super Bowl run?

The week 3 NFL Power Teams:

1. (1) New York Giants (3-0) - Talk about dominating defense. Tampa only had 86 yards of total offense. And the Giants offense keeps looking better and better (even thought it was against the struggling Tampa defense).

2. (3) Baltimore (3-0) - The complete and utter destruction of any NFL team like the Ravens put on Cleveland Sunday is impressive. Joe Flacco doesn't seem like he will have a sophomore slump and the Ravens defense and running game keep dominating everyone in their path.

3. (2) New Orleans (3-0) - Maybe it's a little unfair to drop the Saints after their impressive close win against a pretty good Buffalo team in Buffalo, but I did. Drew Brees looked very pedestrian Sunday but he didn't make any mistakes. But if the Saints D can play like that all year and Brees can return to form look out NFC.

4. (4) Minnesota (3-0) - The Vikings would not have won that game if they had Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels at quarterback. I think its now obvious why the Vikings picked up Favre. All Favre has to do is win two or three games this year and let AP and the play makers do the rest of the work. All this Super Bowl hype might be real.

5. (6) Indianapolis (3-0) - Peyton Manning is well on his way to his fourth NFL MVP if he keeps playing this way. He has the least amount of talent around him that he has had in his career and he's still producing absurd Peyton numbers. His only competition is Drew Brees right now but if Manning keeps winning with this team he will win the MVP.

6. (8) New York Jets (3-0) - Mark Sanchez and the defense just keep winning games. Their running game did nothing and they still beat a good Titans team. The defense forced four turnovers and gave Sanchez short fields to work with and Wonder Boy threw TD passes and the Jets added another impressive win to their resume.

7. (10) Philadelphia (2-1) - The Eagles went 1-1 without McNabb and he should be back after the bye which means this offense will only get better. The Eagles should be 5-1 by week 7 because they play Tampa, Oakland and Washington in their next three games.

8. (NR) New England (2-1) - Drumming a great Atlanta team is no easy task. The NE defense made Matt Ryan look average and the run defense was outstanding. If Fred Taylor can keep making an impact expect NE to return to form.

9. (5) Atlanta (2-1) - Getting beat 26-10 by NE doesn't mean to panic in Atlanta but this team was on such a roll I think we all expected a better showing than what they put up in Foxboro. Atlanta has a tough stretch in the next 4 weeks (@SF, CHI, @DAL, @NO) if they come out at 4-3 I would think Matt Ryan and company would be very pleased.

10. (NR) Denver (3-0) - Yes I am putting the Denver Broncos in the top ten because their defense has been amazing. They have only given up 16 points over three weeks which is unheard of (yes I know they played Cleveland and Oakland), but that Cincinnati win keeps looking better. In the next three weeks we should see if the Broncos are for real (DAL, NE, @SD).

On the Waiting List: Chicago, Cincinnati, Green Bay, San Diego, San Francisco
(NR) - Not Ranked in last weeks poll

SPT Show this afternoon from 4-7 p.m.

Tune into the SPT Show at 4p.m. on 88.1 WZIP FM as "The Dr." Dave Lubich, "The Big Chief" Ian Tayek, and myself will control the airwaves for three full hours.

Give us a call at 330-972-8888 to discuss our beloved Cleveland Browns, who are on the way to yet another defeat.

Should be a great show...

Look forward to answering your calls!!!

WZIP High School Football Game of the Week

St. Peter Chanel heads into Canton to take on the Canton Central Catholic Crusaders. Ian Tayek and Dan Orwig will have the call from Canton.

The 1-3 Crusaders look to get back on track tonight as they take on the 2-1 Firebirds. The Crusaders will be playing with out starting quarterback Kyle Dureska. Sophomore Drew Paulik will be filling in. Can the Sophomore pull out a miraculous performance and beat the Firebirds?

Tune in at 7 pm on WZIP 88.1fm.

SPT NFL Power Rankings

The second Sunday in the NFL has brought change to the faces of the NFL.

Tom Brady and mighty Bill Belichek. Not so mighty.

Pittsburgh's dominance. Not so dominating.

The Eagles are super bowl bound. Not so fast.

The Jets with Mark Sanchez can win the East. J! E! T! S! Jets! Jets! Jets!

The 49ers, Jets, Ravens, and Saints are all rocketing up the rankings. While the Patriots, Steelers, Packers, and Seahawks are plummeting just as fast.

The week 2 Top 10 NFL Power Teams:

1. (4) New York Giants (2-0) - With their running game, dominating defense, and now the emergence of a great passing game the Giants are starting to plan a trip to Miami in February.

2. (7) New Orleans (2-0) - I think Drew Brees has a cheat code.

3. (NR) Baltimore (2-0) - Baltimore has a potent offense? The Baltimore D will return soon enough and this team will be near impossible to stop with Joe Flacco under center.

4. (9) Minnesota (2-0) - Sure the Vikings opened up against Cleveland and Detroit, but they destroyed both teams like they were suppose to. The next two games should show us the 'real' Vikings (SF & GB).

5. (5) Atlanta (2-0) - Matt Ryan looks like an underdog MVP Candidate. Michael Turner has returned to human form this season and the Falcons have needed Ryan to be Superman, and he has been.

6. (6) Indianapolis (2-0) - Peyton Manning may be headed towards his fourth NFL MVP if he has to keep carrying Indy week in and week out. Unless they find a running game or their inconsistent D steps up this team will be out of the Super Bowl conversation.

7. (1) Pittsburgh (1-1) - No running game and no Troy Polamalu equals big problems for Big Ben in Steeltown. If they can't fix their running game Pittsburgh will have a shorter season than anticipated.

8. (NR) New York Jets (2-0) - Memo to New England: Mark Sanchez, Rex Ryan and the Jets can win this division. The Jets defense was amazing.

9. (NR) San Francisco (2-0) - When you beat team after team in your own division you usually end up winning it. The 49ers have to be considered the early season favorite to win the NFC West (thanks to Frank Gore).

10. (2) Philadelphia (1-1) - Even though they got smoked in the second half by Drew Brees (who hasn't) they're still a good team. The Eagles didn't have their wings (aka: Donovan McNabb) though and this is still a Super Bowl caliber team.

On the Waiting List: Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New England, and San Diego.

(NR - Not Ranked in the last poll)

With two-year sentencing, we think what could have been for Plax?

It seems like quite a long time ago since Plaxico Buress caught a game-winning touchdown pass from Eli Manning in the Super Bowl to end the hopes of a New England Patriot perfect season.

The problem is, that catch is only two years removed.

Since that point, Plaxico Burress' life has came spiraling down.

Last season, Burress was supposed to be a key ingredient in a New York Giant team that had all the pieces in place to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.

For a while, it looked like Burress and Giants were going to do just that, but, on one fateful November night, Burress helped derail those dreams.

The Giants would never be the same and struggled down the stretch before being bounced from postseason play.

Now, Burress, 32, will have to wait two years before he gets his chance at redemption.

When Burress gets out of prison he will be 34 and likely just a shadow of his former pro bowl self.

Someone will take a shot on him there is no doubt about that. His track record in the NFL is too enticing for NFL teams to pass on, but, by then, Burress will likely just be a feature wide reciever.

Pro Bowl wide recievers are a dime-in-a-dozen and Burress was just that.

Will he ever be that type of player again?

Get back to me in 2011 or 2012.

Sports Power Talk - Todays Rundown

Join Mike Durst and myself Dan Orwig at 4 pm today on WZIP 88.1fm or online at http://www.wzip.fm/ to talk sports.

Delonte West's arrest and what it means.

NFL scores and analysis.

Browns game is on at 4:15 we will be following it closely.

College Football scores and analysis.

College Football preview for next week.

MLB playoff scenario.

Indiana Hoosiers v. Akron Zips Wrap-up Show

Indiana Hoosiers 38
Akron Zips 21

Here we go with the postgame show....enjoy!!!

Zips Halftime Report

At the end of the 1st half, the Akron Zips trail the Indiana Hoosiers 17-14.

Scoring Summary:
Indiana: Ray Fisher 91 yard kickoff return
Indiana: Nick Freeland 25 yard FG
Akron: 49 yard TD pass from Matt Rodgers to Deryn Bowser
Akron: Aaron Williams recovers a blocked punt in the endzone for a TD
Indiana: 10 yard TD pass from Ben Chappell to Mitchell Evans

Check back at the end of the game for the Wrap-up show...

Dr. and Baldy's Pregame Extravaganza Part III

Here it is The Countdown to Kickoff Show presented by Sports Power Talk.

Today's show featured Dave and myself, along with our special guest..."The Big Chief" Ian Tayek

Stay tuned for more posts.

Hope you enjoy....

Indiana Hoosiers v. Akron Zips

Check back to the blog tomorrow, as Dave and myself will be posting a pregame and post game show for tomorrows contest between the Akron Zips and the Indiana Hoosiers.

Also we will be posting our thoughts and opinions regarding the first half.

And lets say, you couldn't snag a ticket for tomorrows game...don't worry we got you covered, as Dan Orwig will be twittering updates throughout the game.

GO ZIPS!!!

Week 2 NFL Preview: Browns @ Broncos

Probably one of the most anticipated games of the early year will take place this Sunday in Denver.

Well, it might not be anticipated but it will surely be a game that might be able to demonstrate if the Browns have what it takes to play competitively in the NFL. This will be the 2nd game under new head coach Eric Mangini and there is still a lot to fix and change so the Browns have the slightest of slights to win this game.

One of the biggest factors for the Browns this sunday will be the play of quarterback Brady Quinn. Everyone saw a shaky and less than average quarterback take the field this past Sunday against the Vikings and already people are talking about bringing in Derek Anderson.

Let's not jump the gun just yet because the Broncos aren't the Minnesota Vikings and the Broncos are practically in the rebuilding mode. For Quinn and the Browns offense to be successful, they need a steady balance of the run setting up the pass.

I saw a very conservative approach to the offensive game last Sunday and that needs to change because Edwards isn't going to contribute if you never look for him. The "wildcat" formation is fine and dandy to use but please stop thinking it will be the best kept secret in the NFL when obviously it is not.

Use Jamal Lewis out of the backfield, especially on passing plays. James Davis is going to have to contribute some way in this game for him to get more playing time from Mangini and I think he will. Mike Furry is your best friend on 3rd downs, so go to him heavy and often.

The Broncos escaped the Bengals because of a little tipped pass miracle play to Brandon Stokley. This isn't a very good Broncos team right now but then again this isn't a very good Browns team right now.

I'm expecting a moderately low scoring game because I don't think either offense will be able to capitalize on bad defenses. The Broncos are still searching for their running game and the defense is still a long ways away from being consistent.

If the Browns can manage to score more than 7 points on the Broncos, they should be in a pretty good situation to win the game. But if the Browns offense struggles all game; then you better watch out because the Browns will be in for a long season and Brady Quinn and his white horse won't be welcomed back to Cleveland after the plane ride.

Yankees show moxy, protect teammate in brawl

Jorge Posada was out of line when he retaliated by raising an elbow to Jess Carlton after crossing home plate Tuesday. There is no doubt about that.

Carlson was defending his teammates, by throwing behind Posada, after two Jays were hit earlier in the game. That happens everyday in Major League Baseball.

What I do have to applaud is the fight in the entire Yankee team for backing their teammate even when he may have been wrong.

It shows how tight knit of a group this version of the Yankees are.

They have built an incredible chemistry throughout the entire season and it showed last night with the entire team coming to support their catcher.

It also lets the rest of the league know that the Yankees will not be pushed around - not a bad message to send right before a postseason run.

At the end of the day, it was certainly wrong for Posada to retaliate and escalate this situation, but it was a much better sign that his teammates had his back.

The best news for the Bombers is that no one was injured and they will probably just lose Posada to a suspension.

With a 6 1/2 game lead in the American League East, Posada's suspension can be a good thing.

The team can see where they stand with their backup catchers.

SPT NFL Power Rankings

With week one in the books here come our current NFL Power Rankings. Here is our top ten power teams.

NFL Top 10 Power Teams

1. Pittsburgh (1-0) - The Steelers had a tough match up their first week against the Titans. The Titans proved that they are still one of the leagues best by nearly beating the World Champs. Pittsburgh needs to fix their running game to repeat though 36 yards won't get it done. The defense is still best in the league but they did lose Troy Polamalu for at least three weeks so it will be interesting if they lose a game or two because of his absence.

2. Philadelphia (1-0) - The Eagles defense forced seven turnovers from Carolina in their dominating win on Sunday. Carolina is a favorite to contend for the NFC South title and they were destroyed by this Eagles team. The Eagles offense was effective with Brian Westbrook back in the lineup and DeSean Jackson in his second season. The Eagles proved why they are a hot superbowl pick.

3. New England (1-0) - The Patriots offense is one of the best in the league. Tom Brady and Randy Moss reminded us why they were so good two years ago. Tom Brady threw for nearly 400 yards and Moss had 141 receiving. The defense is a little shaky but if the offense plays like that they will have a great chance at partying in Miami come February.

4. New York Giants (1-0) - The Giants receivers proved they can play when they took down the strong Washington defense on Sunday. WR Steve Smith may be blossoming into a number one as he caught six for 80 yards. Next up for the Giants the home opener for the Cowboys in their 1.1 billion dollar stadium.

5. Atlanta (1-0) - The Falcons looked great against a Miami team that may struggle this year. The Falcons got almost no production from star RB Michael Turner and still dominated the Dolphins. Matt Ryan looked marvelous as he starts his sophomore season. If he improves throughout the year look for him to be a backdoor MVP candidate.

6. Indianapolis (1-0) - Peyton Manning wins games no matter who is number one is. Reggie Wayne and company owned Jacksonvilles secondary even though it didnt show on the scoreboard. Indianapolis has no worries about making the playoffs and Peyton may get his fouth MVP if he can do that with out much of a running game.

7. New Orleans (1-0) - Drew Brees is incredible. Yes it was Detroit, yes it was in the SuperDome but still six touchdowns is six touchdowns. And let's not forget he completed 26 of his 34 attempts. He is the best quarterback statistically in the NFL but you don't win games with statistics. If the Saints defense shapes up enough they can make a deep run in the playoffs on the arm of Brees.

8. San Diego (1-0) - Narrowly escaped the grasp of Skeletor on Monday night. LaDanian Tomlinson looked old and their offense looked average. Their defense looked good but not great but they still have the most talent by far in this division and should win it by week nine or ten unless Brandon Stokely keeps making miracle plays.

9. Minnesota (1-0) - Sure they destroyed the Browns but they still took care of business and didn't lay a goose egg out on the field (it looked like they might in the first half). If Adrian Peterson and that defense can play that way every week and Favre doesn't throw 5 interceptions a game than the Vikings will be a threat for the NFC Championship.

10. Tennessee (0-1) - Anytime you nearly beat the defending World Champs on opening night in their home stadium thats impressive. Especially when your defense has been taking knocks all season because there's no more Albert Haynesworth in town. The Titans will recover this week against Houston and look for them to be in the AFC Championship conversation all year.

Morgan State v. Akron Zips Postgame Show

The Akron Zips were victorious over the Morgan State Bears this afternoon by a final score of 41-0 in the Inaugural Game at InfoCision Stadium.

Here it is...The SPT Show Wrap-Up show with The Dr. and Baldy

Enjoy!!!!

Halftime Update

At the end of the first half, the Akron Zips lead the Morgan State Bears 24-0.

Scoring Summary:

- 9 yard touchdown pass from Chris Jaquemain to Deryn Bowser
- 16 yard touchdown pass from Chris Jaquenmain to Deryn Bowser
- 1 yard TD run by Alex Allen
- 31 yard FG by Branko Rogovic

Morgan State vs. Akron Zips Pregame Show

Here it is... The Dr. and Baldy's Pregame Extravaganza at InfoCision Stadium

Hope you enjoy...



Stay Tuned for more posts...

Full Coverage of the Inaugural Game at InfoCision Stadium

Be sure to check The SPT Show blog tomorrow as Dave Lubich and myself will be posting a pregame and post game show, along with our thoughts and opinions of the first half.

Also, don't forget to check us out on twitter, as Dan Orwig will be providing in game updates.

GO ZIPS!!!!

Fan's Preview of InfoCision Stadium and Summa Field

Wow, it's almost hard to believe that the day is almost here...

A year ago when I first started to attend the University of Akron, the new InfoCision Stadium and Summa Field was just a big hole in the ground with several steel posts sticking out of it. So little was completed on it at the time, a lot of us AK-Rowdies were worried the it wouldn't be ready in time for the first game. Now, the stadium is finished and the Akron Zips will open it up in less then 24 hours when they play the Morgan State Bears.

I almost can't find the words to describe how excited myself and about more than half the campus is. After taking a tour of the stadium both inside and out, I can only say this: It's Beautiful.

Ok, I will say that it is more then a little odd to have this big football field directly across the street from a Taco Bell. But that's one of the great things about it. To have it on the UA campus, here in the middle of Akron, will hopefully bring out more fans to the games and maybe more money to this area.

And no, InfoCision Stadium is not the Horseshoe... But, at least it's not the Rubber Bowl.

Don't get me wrong. I love the Rubber Bowl. It's one of the most important pieces of Akron's history. But the Zips should of moved out of there years ago. When about 1/3 of your stadiums uncomfortable steel bleachers have been replaced with rotting wood, you've got problems.

The new stadium looks amazing! The video scoreboard is bright and colorful. The field itself looks and feels wonderful. (I could take a nap in the endzone.) And the way the seats are set up is probably the best part of the whole thing. Unless the guy in front of you is over seven feet tall, it's going to be impossible to have a bad seat in this house.

I can't wait until tomorrow! I can't wait to go to the pre-game ZipsFest. Can't wait to help Brooks and Dr. Dave with the pre-game show (Which you'll see right here before the game). But, most of all, I can't wait to open up InfoCision Stadium and Summa Field not just as a sports reporter, but as a fan.

Tomorrow starts a new era in not just Akron Zips football, but for the City of Akron as a whole.

And I can't wait to Be a Part from the Start.

Mission: Avoid Embarrassment

This Saturday at eight the USC Trojans will be battling the Ohio State Buckeyes. Let us all hope this is not another embarrassment for Jim Tressel and the Bucks.

Unfortunately Terrelle Pryor needs to pull out a miracle performance, e.g. Vince Young in the Rose Bowl, I don't see the Bucks winning.

In the championship game against the Trojans Vince Young accounted for 467 of Texas' 556 yards from scrimmage. Now I'm not saying Pryor needs 400 plus yards but he needs to have a miraculous game.

USC has had issues with scrambling quarterbacks for years. Vince Young, Dennis Dixon and others. I was so dumbfounded when Pryor played so little against USC last year.

USC's defense is also young. Taylor Mays is still in town but the majority of that team is young, including their entire core of linebackers.

He needs to be out running, out weaving, and out throwing everyone on the field. Not only that but the USC defense has to bite when it looks like he will run. Bite so much that he can either make them miss or he can get a pass down field.

He needs to do everything.

He needs to be mistake free.

I would like to see more option passes or runs with either Herron or Saine because that is such a weapon to have at their disposal. Being able to run with Pryor having the option to pitch is very dangerous.

The Ohio State Defense is also dangerous. Dangerously bad.

When they have played big out of conference games the last few years they have been torched. Torched again, and again.

USC has a true freshman starting at quarterback. How about getting after him play, after play, after play.

Ohio State's defensive line is full of great athletes. They need to do their job against a stellar USC offensive line. Confusing Barkley will be key in this game and blitzes is one way of doing that.

The defense needs to be able to read the plays effectively and if they get burned then how about change the game plan. Adapting to the opponent is what this game is all about.

My prediction is USC by two touchdowns.

If Pryor can have a Youngesque game though Ohio State wins a close one.

Pryor needs to be better then perfect. He needs to be the once in a lifetime player he has been touted to be.

Dr. and Baldy's Pregame Extravaganza @ Penn State

Sorry about the delay on uploading the Pregame show, I had to wait until I got back to Akron.

You would have thought, that the press box at Penn State University would have decent wireless Internet.

It took Dave and I about 15 minutes to find someone who could help us establish an Internet connection.

Well, it turned out the computer guru in the press box, knew absolutely nothing about computers, and was of little help to us.

Due to us not having Internet during the game, we were not able to post our thoughts and feelings regarding the first half along with the post game show, but Dave was able to twitter updates on his phone during the game.

Overall, the pregame show turned out to be pretty solid. I made a bad pun about Penn State's Rose Bowl appearance last year, but hey what are you going to do.

Hope you enjoy...

Dr. and Baldy 1 Hour Outside Happy Valley

After a wild 2 hour drive we have touchdown in beautiful Clearfield, Pennsylvania.

At one point we were higher than any man east of the Mississippi...talk about taking the show to the highest level possible.

We will continue our journey at 7:30 am as we make out final push to the land of Joe Pa.

Tune in tomorrow for The SPT Show's countdown to kickoff, as the Akron Zips open up the 2009 campaign against Big Ten power house Penn State.

And don't forget the Dr. will be twittering updates throughout the game.

Stay tuned for more posts...

WZIP Week 2 Game of the Week

After a lightning packed week 1 of high school football action, the Z88 game of the week returns to Green High School as the Bulldogs host the Akron Garfield Rams.

On the call will be myself "The Big Chief" Ian Tayek with Mike Durst doing color. Pregame show starts at 6:45 with kickoff being at 7.

Garfield comes into the game 0-1 coming off a tough 31-28 loss to Akron Hoban. They are led by one of the top seniors in the state Tyson Gulley and sophomores in the state brother Toneo Gulley. Green also comes into the game 0-1. As they dropped a close game down in Lake 21-7 last Friday night. They have a lot of depth in the skill positions as they are led by seniors Vito Gironda and Javon Tate. Look for a lot of scoring tonight as both teams bring in very good offenses.

Again pregame show at 6:45 and kickoff at 7, only on 88.1 WZIP!!!

The Dr. and Baldy are Heading to Happy Valley

Dave Lubich and myself will be leaving for State College, Pennsylvania tomorrow evening. The road trip will be fun, but we have a lot of work ahead of us.

Saturday morning we will be filming a pregame show and will have it posted before kickoff of the Akron Zips Season Opener against the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Then check back at the half for a post with our first half thoughts and opinions.

Following the game we will film a postgame show and have it up before we travel back to good ol' Akron.

Also don't forget to check out SPT Show on twitter as Dave will be bringing you in-game updates.

Stay tuned for more updates....

Pacman to CFL is the Right Move... If They Want Him...

Tuesday morning at around 9am, SportsCenter announced that Adam "Pacman" Jones had signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. Now, some 36 hours later, It looks like that's not going to happen. It's almost sad when you think that not even Canada wants this guy.

To be fair, he and his agent are still talking with a few CFL teams. But, I think Pacman's stock might of plummeted once Winnipeg said they were backing out of any deal saying "We have completed our assessment and due diligence and at this time we will not be pursuing the services of Adam Jones."

It's a shame, really. I actually think the CFL would be a good fit for Pacman. But, before I continue, I should let you know that I completely hate Canadian football. I tried to watch a live CFL game online around this time last year to get ready for the NFL regular season, and I couldn't get though the first quarter. I can forgive that fact that in the CFL, there's a 55 yard line and two 50 yard lines. I can forgive that the endzones are about the size of Montana. I can't however, forgive that there are only Three Downs in Canada's version of the game. Nor can I forgive that the opposing team gets one point if you take a knee for a touchback. Maybe it's because I've been around the American game my whole life, but rules like these make the CFL almost unwatchable to me.

But in Pacman's case, it's a great idea. If he ever wants back in the NFL, he needs to stay out of trouble and prove his worth. Truth is, the CFL is the closest thing to the NFL without being the NFL. Top talent, great coaches, similar playbooks. I know I just bashed the league for it's rules, but when it comes to talent, they're stacked.

Now, Jones has also drawn interest from the upcoming United Football League. Never heard of it? There's a reason. The UFL will be a four team league (Yes, only four) starting this October. The teams didn't have names until about a month ago, they have generic colors and logos and each team has more than one home field (Two of which are baseball stadiums AT&T Park and the new Citi Field). I hate to say it, but the XFL was more organized then this.

If Pacman Jones is going to play in 2009, the CFL would be the way to go. More money, better talent in both players and coaches and it holds the best chance for him to find his way back in the NFL. If another team gives him an offer, he should jump at it ASAP.

If not, he might as well call Jeff Jarrett up again for another stint at pro wrestling...

The Dr. Knows Best: MLB Power Rankings 9-1-09 - The Top 10 Teams

It's the first of September, but alot of things still remain the same in the latest Major League Baseball Power Rankings.

The New York Yankees remain the hunted sitting in the top spot for the second straight week.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim not only had a solid week, but added a key arm to their rotation to keep them in second place for the second straight week.

The rest of the teams in the top five remain the same with a slight tweak. The St. Louis Cardinals have taken over the number three spot in the power rankings.

The Philadelphia Phillies drop to the four spot.

The Los Angeles Dodgers remain in the fifth spot for the second straight week.

Here is how the entire top 10 shapes out:

1. New York Yankees (83-48): The Bronx Bombers continue to pace the league. They are the only team with 80 plus wins on the season. Andy Pettitte has quietly pitched well making the Yankee rotation a 1-2-3-punch just in time for the postseason.

2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (78-52): The Halos added left hander Scott Kazmir for one reason - he has had great success against the Yankees, Red Sox and Rangers. The pitching rotation now has a chance to be a great pillar of strength for the Angels. Put that with a good offense and they have a chance to go deep into October.

3. St. Louis Cardinals (77-55): The Cardinals continue to get no love, but they continue to put themselves in a great position to play deep into October. They have great 1-2-punch in the rotation, in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, to go along with a great 1-2-punch in lineup, in Albert Pujols and Matt Holiday.

4. Philadeplhia Phillies (75-53): The defending champs have an ERA under 3.00 since Aug. 11, and Cole Hamels has not pitched his best baseball yet - both good signs. Expect Hamels to get things going in September and expect the Phillies to play deep into October.

5. Los Angeles Dodgers (78-54): The Dodgers have really struggled in the second half of the season, but help could be on the way. The Dodgers have added aging slugger Jim Thome and innings eater Jon Garland.

6. Boston Red Sox (76-54): The slumbering Red Sox bats have began to wake up just as the weather cools down. The top two in the rotation have been great all year. If the bats stay hot, the Red Sox could be dangerous in the playoffs.

7. Texas Rangers (72-58): If they only played in the Amrican League Central. The Rangers may be the odd team out in American League playoff hunt, but this young team could be contenders for years to come. Their great farm system prospects are beginning to catch on in big leagues making them a legitimate threat in years to come.

8. San Francisco Giants (72-59): A week ago, the Giants looked dead in the water in the National League Wild Card race. This week, the Giants have drawn even with the Rockies for the Wild Card lead. Expect this race to go down to the final days of the season.

9. Colorado Rockies (72-59): The Rockies have slumped since their last series against the Dodgers. They have currently lost five games in a row and are close to losing the National League Wild Card lead. Will Rock-tober V.2 happen? We will have to wait and see.

10. Tampa Bay Rays (71-59): The Rays traded away their former ace last week. For a team that has been on the cusp of a run all season, they not only look done, they look well done.