With the obligatory caveat that it’s (so very) early, let’s check out this week’s MLB power rankings to see how the Braves are being viewed around the country.
In the five sets of rankings we perused, the Braves are ranked as high as eighth and as low as 12th among the 30 MLB teams. They are ranked eighth by ESPN and CBS Sports, ninth by USA Today and 12th by MLB.com and The Athletic.
All five sets of rankings show a lot of respect for the Braves’ division. All rank four NL East teams among the top 13; all have either the Phillies or Mets as the highest-ranked team in the division.
A few examples: ESPN ranks the Mets No. 4, Braves No. 8, Phillies No. 9 and Nationals No. 11. MLB.com puts the Phillies No. 4, Nationals No. 6, Mets No. 8 and Braves No. 12. USA Today has the Mets and Phillies tied for No. 6, with the Braves No. 9 and the Nationals No. 12.
As for the top of the rankings, all five sources have the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays as the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in one order or the other. Three go with the Astros at No. 1 and two with the Rays (who are off to MLB’s best start with a 13-4 record) at No. 1.
* * *
TODAY’S LEADOFF LINKS
> The NFL will release its 2019 schedule at 8 p.m. Wednesday on NFL Network. Here's a look at who the Falcons' opponents will be.
> Hawks rookies Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and Omari Spellman reflect on their first season in the NBA.
> Can Tiger catch Jack? Steve Hummer explores that and other lingering questions over Tiger Woods' legacy.
