Lebanon, KS – With the minor-league playoffs just starting, who are the best teams in the minors? Minor-league power rankings are hard to quantify across various levels. They are based on overall season performance, not necessarily the team's current makeup, given promotions and demotions. Without further ado, here are the Yount Season 49 Minor League Power Rankings:
1) Atlanta Braves Low A (106-38)-This team was very deserving of the top spot, as they had the #2 hitting team in Low A and the #1 pitching team in Low A. With William Kemp and Will Wallace both hitting over 40 home runs and a team WHIP of 1.25, this is a complete team that should feast in the playoffs. 2) Baltimore Orioles High A (105-39)-It is a natural progression that last year's #1 ranked team was the Low A Orioles. This team does not feature any superstars, unless you want to include Wilson Milone, who is a complete shorstop in a level that doesn't have many complete shortstops.
3) Tampa Bay Rays Low A (97-47)-It is always interesting when two teams from the same division have great years as inevitably they face each other in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Low A Rays were anchored by mega-pitching prospect Andrew Phillips, but also featured one of the best defenses in the minors with an insane 121 positive plays, led by SS Sergei Atchison at 27 and CF Randall Marlette with 20.
4) San Diego Padres Double A (102-42)-Despite playing in a pitcher's park, the Padres had the best offense in AA, with a solid group of hitters that got on base and hit a lot of doubles. Bolstered by Thumper Rahl and Phil Hiro, the offense was consistent. Pat Burgamy was the ace on the bump, going 17-4 with a 1.11 WHIP in over 2oo innings.
5) New York Yankees Triple A (97-47)-This team was the best offensively in AAA and combined with a solid pitching staff, they graded out as the best team in AAA. This was truly a team effort, as there was only one player with over 20 home runs on the roster. The bullpen was one of the best in baseball.
6) Minnesota Twins Rookie (55-21)-The Twins have consistently been stockpiling talent and this shows in the rookie league. Sam Linden, the #2 pick showed his worth, as he went .331/.418/.700 with 26 home runs and 124 RBI. He is going to be a beast going forward. The Twins averaged 9.41 runs per game and look to win it all.
7) Detroit Tigers Triple A (91-53)-The Tigers are always competitive in AAA, as they often have players stocked here that could be on other major league rosters. This have been extremely important with the amount of significant injuries the parent Tigers have had. As to be expected, the Tigers have some dynamite pitchers at this level, led by Louie Morgan and Jin-Chi Suzuki, who dominated with a 1.11 and 1.13 WHIP.
8) Baltimore Orioles Double A (99-45)-Season 48's Organization of the Year has checked in again. With four players over 20 home runs and five pitchers that have a sub 1.30 WHIP with over 100 innings pitched, this team is extremely balanced and deep. The Orioles have built an absolute monster in the minors.
9) Baltimore Orioles Low A (105-39)-An absolutely insane record, but it is discounted slightly by the algorithm. David Posada was an ace on the mound, throwing 191.2 innings and a 2.86 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. At the plate, Grant Bandy led the way with 37 HR and 166 RBI, along with a slash of .344/.408/.606.
10) Chicago Cubs Rookie (58-18)-The first appearance by the Cubs, who are usually a mainstay on these lists. This team had the highest winning percentage in the minors. 4th round pick Ronny Kent led the way at the plate with a slash of .398/.456/.562. Juan Sanches was the ace on the mound with a 1.84 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 15 starts.
11) Oakland A's High A
12) Baltimore Orioles Rookie 13) Chicago Cubs High A
14) Chicago Cubs AAA
15) Tampa Bay Rays High A
16) Oakland A's Rookie
17) Atlanta Braves High A
18) Arizona Diamondbacks AAA
19) Minnesota Twins Low A
20) New York Mets AAA
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