Early season power rankings for the Midwest League

Teams and players have now had time to get used to new surroundings, new teammates, and finally get back to playing baseball after last year’s season was canceled.

With that, we give you the early season power rankings and who has performed well so far early this season.

1st-  Lake County Captains- (CLE) Pitching has been phenomenal as they lead the league in runs allowed per 9 innings and runs allowed per game. When they get in trouble, they have found their way out of jams by inducing the most double plays turned in the league. Starting pitcher Logan Allen is 2-0 in 3 starts with a 1.15 ERA.

2nd- Dayton Dragons (CIN)- They lead the league in Hits, hits per 9 innings, RBIs, and home runs. Why not higher? Early season strength of schedule. Second baseman Brian Rey has hit six home runs and was rewarded by being promoted to double-A today.

3.) Quad City River Bandits- (KCR)- Currently in first place in the West. They lead the league in runs scored per game. They rank 2^nd in the league in fielding percentage. The fourth overall pick in the 2020 draft, starting pitcher Asa Lacy is currently on the roster.

 4th-Beloit Snappers- (MIA) The Snappers strike out a lot and hit a lot of home runs. They have also shown speed on the base paths. If this team starts finding gaps instead of striking out, they could be dangerous. Left fielder Connor Scott is batting .341.

 5th- West Michigan Whitecaps- (DET)- The pitching staff averages the most strikeout per 9 innings in the league. They are patient at the plate and take walks. However, they give opponents extra opportunities because their defense is below average. Spencer Torkelson, the 3^rd rated prospect in the MLB, is the face of their team right now.

6th- Lansing Lugnuts- (OAK)- The Lugnuts pitching staff currently leads the league in ERA. They are a free-swinging team that hasn’t struck out much so far. They could be dangerous as the season goes on. Starting pitcher Bryce Nightengale is 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA.

7th- Wisconsin Timber Rattlers– (MIL)- They score the most runs in the league and can hit. The problem is the pitching staff has given up the most home runs in the league thus far. Center fielder Korry Howell leads the league with 17 runs scored.

8th- Cedar Rapids Kernels-(MIN)- They lead the league in hits, home runs, and slugging. So why are they number 8?  They commit league highs in errors, fielding percentage and have not been able to turn many double plays. Right fielder Ryan Wallner has 19 hits and an average of .322

9th- Peoria Chiefs- (STL) The Chiefs have been average in every statistical category. Ranked 6^th in hits, 5^th in home runs against per 9 innings, 5^th in fielding percentage. We have them at 9^th because of their record. Center fielder Matt Chamberlain has been walked 11 times.

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10th- Fort Wayne Tincaps- (SDP)- The Tincaps rank last in the league in hits and stolen bases. They also rank last in the league in team ERA and runs allowed per 9 innings.  They haven’t hit or pitched well, to say the least.  A short trip to league worse record South Bend might be the wake-up call they need next week. Ethan Elliot has an ERA of 0.60 in 15 innings pitched.

11th- South Bend Cubs- (CHIC) The Cubs pitching gives up 5.29 runs per game which is last in the league. They have only hit two home runs. They have the worse fielding percentage in the league. Shortstop Delvin Zinn has 11 steals which leads the league.

12th- Great Lake Loons– (LAD) Only South Bend is worse in fielding percentage. The Loons rank last in average runs per game. Their pitching staff has walked the most batters in the league. 3^rd baseman Miguel Vargas is batting .305.

Mitch J. Brunner

I was born, raised, and still reside in the Hoosier state. I am a 2008 graduate of Ivy Tech Community College. I am married to my beautiful wife Kristen, father to Garrett, with another child on the way. A baseball enthusiast covering the Fort Wayne TinCaps, High A affiliate of the San Diego Padres.