We did some power rankings around here a few years ago, and it’s a good time to bring them back. Rankings are subjective and a bit tricky right now with a gap in games played (Bourne is at five and a number of teams have played eight). Feel free to share opinions in the comments.
1. Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox
Record: 4-1-1
Not only did the Red Sox’ nine-run eighth inning Wednesday night send them to a win over Chatham, it also vaulted them past the Anglers for the top spot in the rankings. The defending champs have lost only once this year – a 5-2 defeat against Harwich – and rank third in both team batting average and team ERA, the best hitting-pitching combo in the league. Four hitters are above .400 and five have homered. Four solid starting pitchers have emerged and the bullpen has been lights out.
2. Chatham Anglers
Record: 4-2
The aforementioned eight-run inning by Y-D came when Chatham led 8-2. Had things held, Chatham’s offense would be the dominant story in the rankings – but it’s still good enough for No. 2. The Anglers have scored at least six runs in five of seven games. They lead the league in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging and OPS. As for the pitching, the Anglers have scuffled to a 5.37 ERA, second-worst in the league, though that number would be significantly different if not for the eighth inning last night. In general, Chatham’s pitching has looked good enough when paired with this offense.
3. Cotuit Kettleers
Record: 4-3
The last unbeaten team standing has since lost three in a row, but the Kettleers have plenty of reasons for optimism. The Duke duo of Griffin Conine and Zack Kone are red-hot and the lineup looks deep, though Michigan standout Ako Thomas was released today. On the mound, Cotuit has a 3.88 team ERA.
4. Brewster Whitecaps
Record: 3-2-1
Brewster owns the best team ERA in the league by a decent margin at 2.17. A doubleheader sweep at the hands of Cotuit – in which both games were decided by one run – hurt the Whitecaps’ chances to turn the strong pitching numbers into a better record. The team batting average is middle of the pack, though the Whitecaps have the second fewest hits in the league.
5. Orleans Firebirds
Record: 3-5
The Firebirds own the league’s second-best team ERA behind Brewster, and some other indicators make it reasonable to say their staff has been the best overall. The Firebirds have struck out 67 in 66 innings, have the best WHIP in the league and own two shutouts. At the plate, the Firebirds haven’t scored a ton of runs but are right in the niehgborhood of the league leaders in extra-base hits.
6. Wareham Gatemen
Record: 3-5
The Gatemen had lost four in a row when they broke out with a 10-2 victory over Hyannis Wednesday night, a sign that they’re searching for consistency. In two of their three wins, they’ve out-scored Harwich and Hyannis 19-2, but it’s been a grind otherwise. Willie MacIver has been a force in the middle of the order. On the mound, four pitchers turned in scoreless starts, but the bullpen has had some ups and downs.
7. Bourne Braves
Record: 3-2
It’s a little hard to place the Braves. They’re over .500 and rank fourth in team ERA but have really struggled at the plate. They have the worst team batting average in the league and just six extra-base hits. They’ve managed to prevail in some close games, but that’s a fine line to walk.
8. Harwich Mariners
Record: 3-4-1
The Mariners have had some clunkers, but they’ve also beaten Y-D and Cotuit, two of the top three in the rankings. They’re hitting .222 as a team and didn’t hit their first home run of the season until last night. Their pitchers have a 3.82 ERA, just the seventh-best mark in the league.
9. Falmouth Commodores
Record: 3-5
Falmouth has been pretty good offensively, ranking fourth in team batting average and tying for the league lead in home runs. They also rank first in extra-base hits. But the pitching has been on the far opposite end of the spectrum, with the Commodores sporting a 6.26 team ERA through eight games. Oddly, they’ve struck out more batters than any other team but have given up the most hits in the league and by far the most walks (19 more than anyone else).
10. Hyannis Harbor Hawks
Record: 3-3-1
Someone had to be 10th. Hyannis doesn’t really profile as a team that’s going to struggle mightily or anything – seven hitters are batting .300 or better and the pitching staff ranks fifth in ERA. But the Harbor Hawks just haven’t quite set themselves apart yet, and the 10-2 loss to Wareham last night sealed this spot.