Back by popular demand, or perhaps by blatant indifference, it’s Throwing Tomatoes.

It’s been a busy stretch in the world of sports lately, leaving plenty of opportunities to show displeasure at people in the world of sports, whether it be directed at baseball’s offseason, the NBA or NHL seasons, College Football, or the NFL as it nears its finale.

So as the sports world turns, the stories pile up and more sports frustration emerges.  Don’t sweat it, The Wife Hates Sports has them all covered – in lycopene, that is.

Throwing Tomatoes: January 19, 2012

Target: The New York Jets

It feels like the negative Jets headlines are coming out faster than Rob Lowe can break sports news.  First, it was New York’s subpar season, followed by Santonio Holmes.  But that was only the beginning…

Sub-Target: Mark Sanchez

The artist formerly known as “Sanchise” has taken the brunt of it, first being referred to as “lazy” by some unnamed teammates, who also endorsed the acqusition of Peyton Manning.

Then again, it’s hard to argue the history, what with GQ and other pretty boy ads coming out of the woodwork, plus an open video on the sidelines featuring Sanchez eating a hot dog.  Those stories never had legs when the team was winning games.

Sub-Target: Rex Ryan

The New York head coach chimed in, stating that “the majority of our football team” had confidence in Sanchez.  Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but…

Sub-Target: LaDainian Tomlinson

LT opened up on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL” show, tossing shots at nearly everyone.  But while Tomlinson could have found a way to take the heat off the Jets, he instead threw gas in the fire.  The better move would have been to keep everything behind closed doors.

Sub-Target: Woody Johnson

That’s not all on Sanchez.  Jets owner Woody Johnson said that “we think he’s our guy”, but also wouldn’t dismiss the idea of Peyton Manning wearing green.  For those that are counting, that’s another ringing endorsement for Sanchez.

Sub-Target: The Final Word on the Jets – “The D”

In the end, the majority of the criticism has been against offensive players like Sanchez, LT, Holmes, plus the departed Brian Schottenheimer.  Somehow avoiding the heat is the Jets defense, who deserves its fair share.  A clear strength in past seasons, the Jets did manage to finish 5^th in yards per game and 5^th in pass yards allowed.  However, the run D was in the middle of the pack, and the team defense also allowed 22.7 points per game, good for 20^th in the NFL.

Target: Rob Lowe

For those that hadn’t heard, Rob Lowe recently tweeted that Peyton Manning would retire.

Keep in mind, a guy that played a character known as “#2” can easily be full of crap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_A8bFsBKTs

Joe Biden

In front of a San Francisco crowd, Biden said that the Giants are “on their way to the Super Bowl”.

Don’t worry… he didn’t follow that by predicting that Tim Lincecum would be the Super Bowl MVP.  Still, ouch.  Poor guy.

Target: Aaron Rodgers

Recently crowned Miss America Laura Kaeppeler gave a recent shout-out to Rodgers, asking him to call her.  Rodgers saw the broadcast, and has yet to drop her a line.

While the rest of the world is doing a “discount double take” on Kaeppeler, the Green Bay quarterback is clearly still fuming over the team’s recent loss to the Giants.

(h/t Shutdown Corner)

Innocent Bystander: Laura Kaeppeler

A woman this beautiful (below) is likely not used to rejection.  Eh, she’ll get over it.

While many men are giving Kaeppeler "discount double takes", Aaron Rodgers is not biting.

Target: Matt Antonelli

Signing with the Baltimore Orioles during the offseason, Matt Antonelli is basically an unknown in baseball, but he does tweet a whole heck of a lot – including this recent nugget:

MattAntonelli9 Matt Antonelli

“Day one in the books and still haven’t been beat up for wearing my Brady jersey around Baltimore”

Now, it’s my turn.  Hi, I’m Matt Antonelli.  I’m new to Baltimore.  This new fanbase is very disgruntled, and before I came here, no one had ever heard of me.  I know how passionate this city is about its football team, yet I’m going to wear a Tom Brady jersey during AFC Championship week.  Oh, and if you didn’t see me wearing it, I’m also going to tweet about it.  Bravo, Matt… BRAVO.

Target: Glen Davis

“Big Baby” Davis was called for a technical foul after dropping his drawers after a call that frustrated him.  Fortunately, there was no resulting visual where we’d have to call him for traveling, too.  If you didn’t catch that joke, then don’t ask me to explain it.

(h/t Game On!)

And finally, the current faces of team frustration in sports:

Boston Celtics – A slow 5-8 start is stirring up trade rumors in Beantown

Buffalo Sabres – Four straight losses and a 2-6-2 record over its last ten games

Columbus Blue Jackets – The team’s 31 points is seven fewer than any other NHL team.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where we practice the “discount double chuck”.

The roaring finish to the 2011 Major League Baseball regular season was one for the history books, with a furious finish by the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays, coupled with a pain-inducing collapse by both the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox.

With the 2011 MLB Playoffs already underway, let’s take a moment to look back one lsst time on the regular season, see how each team finished the year in our MLB Power Rankings, plus to provide some key final stat lines both from the team and individual player angle.

The Philadelphia Phillies finished KP’s MLB Power Rankings in the top spot, while the Houston Astros finished the year in the cellar.  Even with the added Wild Card bonus, the Rays still finished behind Boston overall.  Here’s how the final numbers sorted out:

The Phanatic is happy with the best record and TWHS Power Rankings crown, but still wants a World Series ring

KP’s MLB Power Rankings: End of 2011 Regular Season

1. Philadelphia Phillies – 102-60 (231 points) – Last Week: #1

Not surprisingly, the Phillies finished the regular season with a 3.02 team ERA, the best in baseball and nearly two tenths of a run better than any other team.

2. New York Yankees – 97-65 (218 points) – Last Week: #2

The Yankees finished the regular season with the most home runs (222) and the second-most runs batted in, with 836.

3. Texas Rangers – 96-66 (213 points) – Last Week: #3

The Rangers finished the regular season with the best team batting average in baseball (.283) and the second best OPS (.800).

4. Detroit Tigers – 95-67 (148 points) – Last Week: #5

The final stat line for Justin Verlander’s masterful season: 24-5 record, 2.40 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, .192 opponents average and 250 strikeouts in 251 innings pitched.

5. Milwaukee Brewers – 96-66 (144 points) – Last Week: #6

The Brewers had five double-digit game winners in 2011.  The list: Gallardo (17), Greinke (16), Marcum (13), Wolf (13) and Narveson (11).

6. Boston Red Sox – 90-72 (139 points) – Last Week: #4

The Red Sox finished the regular season with the most runs batted in, with 842.  Boston also had the most doubles in baseball, with 352.

7. St. Louis Cardinals – 90-72 (129 points) – Last Week: #9

The 167 double plays converted by the Cardinals during the regular season are more than any other team in baseball in 2011.

8. Arizona Diamondbacks – 94-68 (125 points) – Last Week: #8

The D’Backs pitching staff had the most saves (58) in baseball during the regular season.

9. Tampa Bay Rays – 91-71 (122 points) – Last Week: #7

The Rays finished the regular season with the best team WHIP in the American League (1.22).  Statistically, they fell behind Boston in the rankings, but earned a spot ahead of them.

10. Los Angeles Dodgers – 82-79 (72 points) – Last Week: #13

Matt Kemp was a major bright spot for the Dodgers this season

Matt Kemp’s fantastic season nearly hit the 40-40 mark.  His final line in 2011 was a .324 average, 39 HR, 126 RBI’s, 33 doubles and 40 stolen bases.

11. Atlanta Braves – 89-73 (69 points) – Last Week: #10

The Atlanta pitching staff had 1,332 strikeouts during the regular season, the most in baseball.

12. Los Angeles Angels – 86-76 (68 points) – Last Week: #11

If not for the performance of Justin Verlander this year, Jered Weaver (18-8, 2.41 ERA and 198 strikeouts) would have a legit shot at the Cy Young.

13. San Francisco Giants – 86-76 (39 points) – Last Week: #12

The San Francisco pitching staff held opponents to a .232 batting average, the best in baseball.

14. Cincinnati Reds – 79-83 (21 points) – Last Week: #16

Drew Stubbs’ 205 strikeouts during the regular season were more than any other player in Major League Baseball this year.

15. New York Mets – 77-85 (17 points) – Last Week: #15

Jose Reyes had a stellar season, batting .337, with 39 steals, 31 doubles, 16 triples and 181 total hits in 126 games this year.

16. Washington Nationals – 80-81 (15 points) – Last Week: #19

Stephen Strasburg managed five starts at the end of the season.  His final stats: 1-1, 0.87 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 24 strikeouts in 24 innings pitched.

17. Toronto Blue Jays – 81-81 (2 points) – Last Week: #14

Jose Bautista’s 132 walks on the regular season were 22 more than any other player.  He also hit 43 HR’s and batted .302 this year.

18. Chicago White Sox – 79-83 (0 points) – Last Week: #17

The nightmare season is over for Adam Dunn.  The final line: 122 games, 415 AB’s, 11 HR, 42 RBI’s, 177 strikeouts and a .159 batting average.  Ouch.

19. San Diego Padres – 71-91 (-17 points) – Last Week: #24

The Padres finished the regular season with more stolen bases (170) than any other team.

20. Cleveland Indians – 80-82 (-24 points) – Last Week: #18

Asdrubal Cabrera had one of best seasons for a shortstop in 2011, batting .273 on the year, with 25 HR’s, 32 doubles, 17 stolen bases and 92 RBI’s.

21. Oakland Athletics – 74-88 (-34 points) – Last Week: #23

The 136 home runs allowed by the Oakland pitching staff were fewer than any staff in the American League this season.

22. Colorado Rockies – 73-89 (-36 points) – Last Week: #20

Troy Tulowitzki had another solid year with the Rockies

In just 143 games this season, superstar shortstop Troy Tulowitzki still managed a .302 batting aveage, with 30 HR’s and 105 RBI’s.

23. Kansas City Royals – 71-91 (-39 points) – Last Week: #22

The KC offense showed tons of promise this year.  The Royals’ 1,560 hits was the third most in baseball during the regular season.

24. Florida Marlins – 72-90 (-50 points) – Last Week: #21

Florida’s .811 stolen base percentage was the highest in baseball this season.

25. Pittsburgh Pirates – 72-90 (-70 points) – Last Week: #25

Andrew McCutchen posted a 20-20 year, hitting 23 HR’s and stealing 23 bases in 2011.

26. Chicago Cubs – 71-91 (-81 points) – Last Week: #26

The Cubs posted the worst fielding percentage (.978) in baseball during the regular season.

27. Baltimore Orioles – 69-93 (-114 points) – Last Week: #28

It may come as a surprise to many, but the Orioles actually had the fourth most home runs in Major League Baseball this season, hitting 191.

28. Seattle Mariners – 67-95 (-115 points) – Last Week: #27

The Seattle offense finished the season with both the worst team batting average (.233) and the worst team OPS (.640).

29. Minnesota Twins – 63-99 (-164 points) – Last Week: #29

Opposing hitters hit .281 against the Minnesota pitching staff, which was the highest average against any team in baseball this season.  Twins pitchers had the fewest K’s, too, with 940.

30. Houston Astros – 56-106 (-184 points) – Last Week: #30

The Houston pitching staff allowed 188 home runs, more than any other staff in the National League this season.

* All stats per MLB.com

Note: RED = Falling 3+ spots from last week, GREEN = Rising 3+ spots from last week

The Wife Hates Sports’ MLB Power Rankings system has fa method to its madness, attempting to be different and not just rank by popularity and record.  It mixes a secret formula of six completely different categories, meshed into a points system.  The categories don’t just include team results regarding record, but how each team has performed recently, as well as incorporating some statistics on both a team’s offense and pitching staff, too.

The Major League Baseball season has just a few weeks remaining in its regular season, with a few key pennant races becoming quite exciting down the stretch.

In KP’s recent edition of MLB Power Rankings, the Top 10 remains mostly unchanged.  The only shift was the struggling Red Sox falling out of the top three for the first time in months, being replaced by the AL West-leading Texas Rangers.

Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Phillies maintain a strong lead over the New York Yankees, and the Detroit Tigers continue to fend off the Milwaukee Brewers for fifth place.

NOTE: This post was delayed due to KP falling ill – All stats and records as of Wednesday evening, but point totals still as of Monday morning

Cliff Lee and the Philadelphia Phillies are continuing their dominant ways in September

KP’s MLB Power Rankings: September 19, 2011

NOTE: Point totals as of Monday morning (and do NOT include games on 9/19/11)

1. Philadelphia Phillies – 94-49 (236 points) – Last Week: #1

Cliff Lee’s 34 strikeouts in September are the second most in baseball for the month.  In four September starts, Lee is 1-1 with a 1.13 ERA.

2. New York Yankees – 88-57 (215 points) – Last Week: #2

The Yankees clinched a postseason berth with a 4-2 come-from-behind victory over the Rays on Wednesday afternoon.

3. Texas Rangers – 85-61 (175 points) – Last Week: #4

Hamilton and the Rangers have been swinging hot bats

As a team, the Rangers are batting .321 in September, which is the best in baseball.  Also this month, Texas leads MLB in HR, slugging percentage and OPS.

4. Boston Red Sox – 83-64 (155 points) – Last Week: #3

Boston’s 118 runs in the month of September are 2^nd most in baseball, but the team’s 5.98 ERA is the worst in baseball.

5. Detroit Tigers – 84-62 (139 points) – Last Week: #5

The Tigers are 14-4 in the month of September so far, best in baseball to this point.

6. Milwaukee Brewers – 86-62 (131 points) – Last Week: #6

Yovani Gallardo has struggled a bit in September, posting a 5.32 ERA in four starts.  He’s also allowed 9 HR’s, more than any other pitcher in September.

7. Tampa Bay Rays – 81-64 (118 points) – Last Week: #7

Despite pressuring the Red Sox in the Wild Card race, the Rays are batting just .225 in September, which is the worst average in baseball.

8. Arizona Diamondbacks – 85-62 (110 points) – Last Week: #8

Arizona ace Ian Kennedy is 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA in four September starts.

9. St. Louis Cardinals – 79-67 (110 points) – Last Week: #9

The Cardinals are 13-5 in September to this point, best record in the National League.

10. Atlanta Braves – 84-63 (101 points) – Last Week: #10

In three September starts, Derek Lowe is 0-3 with a 10.13 ERA.

11. Los Angeles Angels – 80-66 (84 points) – Last Week: #11

Ervin Santana has walked more batters (16) than any other pitcher in September.

12. San Francisco Giants – 72-73 (68 points) – Last Week: #14

The bats have woken up some. Most notable is Pablo Sandoval, who has 6 HR and 16 RBI’s so far in the month of September.

13. Los Angeles Dodgers – 73-72 (55 points) – Last Week: #12

In four September starts, Clayton Kershaw is 4-0 with a 0.99 ERA.

14. Toronto Blue Jays – 76-70 (24 points) – Last Week: #16

In seven September appearances, Shawn Camp is 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA.

15. New York Mets – 71-75 (15 points) – Last Week: #17

Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey has been great in September, going 2-2 with a 1.95 ERA.

16. Cincinnati Reds – 74-73 (14 points) – Last Week: #15

In September, the Reds are batting just .247 as a team, but the team’s 27 HR are tied for the most in the National League this month.

17. Chicago White Sox – 71-75 (-1 point) – Last Week: #13

Brent Morel has played well in September, posting 6 HR and 14 RBI’s to date.

18. Cleveland Indians – 69-77 (-7 points) – Last Week: #19

Shelley Duncan has played well in September, posting 6 HR and 14 RBI’s to date.

19. Washington Nationals – 72-72 (-14 points) – Last Week: #23

Strasburg has had a solid return in DC

In his three starts since returning, Stephen Strasburg is 0-0 with a 1.29 ERA over 14 IP.

20. Colorado Rockies – 66-79 (-25 points) – Last Week: #18

The Colorado defense has converted 152 double plays this season, most in the National League.

21. Florida Marlins – 63-84 (-29 points) – Last Week: #20

In three September starts, Javier Vazquez is 3-0 with a 0.41 ERA.

22. Kansas City Royals – 66-80 (-40 points) – Last Week: #25

Kansas City’s .313 average in the month of September is the second best in baseball to date.

23. Oakland Athletics – 67-77 (-42 points) – Last Week: #22

The A’s have committed 121 errors on the season, most in the American League.

24. San Diego Padres – 66-80 (-42 points) – Last Week: #21

Aaron Harang has a 3.24 ERA in four September starts, but just a 1-3 record to show for it.

25. Pittsburgh Pirates – 62-86 (-71 points) – Last Week: #24

Pittsburgh’s 4.88 ERA in the month of September is the worst in the National League, but good for 25^th in Major League Baseball.

26. Chicago Cubs – 64-82 (-75 points) – Last Week: #26

The Cubs have committed 128 errors on the season, the most in Major League Baseball.

27. Seattle Mariners – 61-85 (-103 points) – Last Week: #27

Seattle’s .226 average in the month of September is the second worst in baseball.

28. Baltimore Orioles – 58-87 (-122 points) – Last Week: #28

The Orioles have 23 steals so far in September, which is the most in baseball for the month.

29. Minnesota Twins – 59-87 (-163 points) – Last Week: #29

Minnesota’s 97 HR’s on the season is the fewest in the American League.

30. Houston Astros – 49-97 (-164 points) – Last Week: #30

In three September starts, Brett Myers is 3-0 with a 1.16 ERA.

* All stats per MLB.com

Note: RED = Falling 3+ spots from last week, GREEN = Rising 3+ spots from last week

The Wife Hates Sports’ MLB Power Rankings system has a method to its madness, attempting to be different and not just rank by popularity and record.  It mixes a secret formula of six completely different categories, meshed into a points system.  The categories don’t just include team results regarding record, but how each team has performed recently, as well as incorporating some statistics on both a team’s offense and pitching staff, too.

Holding steady in recent weeks, this week’s MLB Power Rankings instead saw some significant shakeup this week, starting at the top, where the Philadelphia Phillies not only regained the top position, but also built quite a commanding lead, too.

Elsewhere, the red-hot Detroit Tigers cracked the top five for the first time this season.  But the Tigers are not the only team shifting in the top 10, as the freefalling Red Sox nearly lost its grasp on third place and the slumping Atlanta Braves fell four spots to tenth place.

Here is KP’s latest list, which features a hefty helping of team stats, too.

The Phanatic can celebrate the Phillies sitting on top of KP's MLB Power Rankings this week

KP’s MLB Power Rankings: September 12, 2011

NOTE: Point totals as of Monday morning (Do NOT include games on 9/12)

1. Philadelphia Phillies – 94-49 (247 points) – Last Week: #2

When facing a full count, the Phillies are batting a sub-par .209 in 444 AB’s, but have also swatted 17 HR’s, which is good for most in the National League.

2. New York Yankees – 88-57 (221 points) – Last Week: #1

Similar to the Phillies, the Yankees are batting just .211 when facing a full count, but have hit 24 HR’s, which is tied for the most in baseball.

3. Boston Red Sox – 85-61 (158 points) – Last Week: #3

Boston’s Wild Card lead is shrinking.  But even in their struggles, the Red Sox continue to have the best average (.304) in the AL out of the leadoff spot.

4. Texas Rangers – 83-64 (157 points) – Last Week: #4

The Rangers, headlined by Josh Hamilton on offense, have been stellar with runners in scoring position

As a team, the Rangers are batting .285 with runners in scoring position on the year, which is currently the best average in the American League.

5. Detroit Tigers – 84-62 (124 points) – Last Week: #9

The Tigers have the best average in baseball out of the cleanup spot, batting .331 with 27 HR’s and 99 RBI’s in 529 AB’s.

6. Milwaukee Brewers – 86-62 (115 points) – Last Week: #5

Clutch hitting is one reason for Milwaukee’s success.  The Brewers are batting .272 as a team during the 9^th inning or later, which is tied for the best average in baseball.

7. Tampa Bay Rays – 81-64 (112 points) – Last Week: #8

The Rays are making a late charge at the Wild Card, but with little assistance from the cleanup spot this season.  In 561 AB’s, Tampa Bay cleanup hitters are batting .230 (28^th in MLB).

8. Arizona Diamondbacks – 85-62 (109 points) – Last Week: #7

As good as the D’Backs have been this year, the offense is batting just .161 with two strikes in the count – which is tied for the worst average sin baseball.

9. St. Louis Cardinals – 79-67 (102 points) – Last Week: #10

The Cardinals’ .378 average with the bases loaded is better than any other team in Major League Baseball this season.

10. Atlanta Braves – 84-63 (99 points) – Last Week: #6

The freefalling Braves have had their share of struggles offensively.  However, out of the cleanup spot, Atlanta’s .312 average is better than any team in the National League.

11. Los Angeles Angels – 80-66 (86 points) – Last Week: #11

In ten September games, the Angels have held opponents to a .210 batting average, which is the best in baseball to this point.

12. Los Angeles Dodgers – 72-73 (47 points) – Last Week: #12

The Dodgers have scored just 246 runs in 71 home games this season.  Only the Mariners, Padres and Giants have scored fewer at home.

13. Chicago White Sox – 73-72 (31 points) – Last Week: #16

The Chicago pitching staff is not helping the team close the gap on the Tigers.  In eleven September games, White Sox pitchers have posted a 5.40 ERA.

14. San Francisco Giants – 76-70 (29 points) – Last Week: #15

When facing a full count, the San Francisco offense is batting .183 in 475 AB’s, which is 28^th in baseball and worst in the National League.

15. Cincinnati Reds – 71-75 (25 points) – Last Week: #14

Cincinnati starting pitchers have allowed 123 home runs on the year, which is the most in Major League Baseball to date.

16. Toronto Blue Jays – 74-73 (21 points) – Last Week: #18

The Toronto pitching staff has posted a 4.72 ERA in 74 home games.  Only the Baltimore Orioles have a worse ERA at home.

17. New York Mets – 71-75 (21 points) – Last Week: #13

Out of the ninth slot in the order, the Mets are batting just .152, by far the worst in baseball – but obviously hard to compare to AL teams that have a DH in the order.

18. Colorado Rockies – 69-77 (-5 points) – Last Week: #19

The Colorado pitching staff has posted a 5.41 ERA in 193 innings on Sundays, which is the worst in all of baseball.

19. Cleveland Indians – 72-72 (-6 points) – Last Week: #17

The Indians pitching staff has a 4.71 ERA during day games this season, which is by far the worst in baseball to this point.

20. Florida Marlins – 66-79 (-19 points) – Last Week: #24

In 138 AB’s with the bases loaded this season, the Marlins have struck out 37 times, which is more than any other team in baseball.

21. San Diego Padres – 63-84 (-30 points) – Last Week: #21

The Padres have drawn 15 walks with the bases loaded this season, which is more than any other team in baseball.

22. Oakland Athletics – 66-80 (-33 points) – Last Week: #20

Oakland starting pitchers have allowed 83 home runs on the season, which is the fewest in the American League to date.

23. Washington Nationals – 67-77 (-38 points) – Last Week: #23

The Nats' pitching staff has struggled statistically in September, even with Strasburg back

Even with the return of Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals’ pitching staff has posted a National League-worst 5.14 ERA in September.

24. Pittsburgh Pirates – 66-80 (-47 points) – Last Week: #22

The Pirates offense has hit 51 HR’s on the road this season, which is good for 27^th in baseball.  Only Seattle, Houston and San Diego have hit fewer.

25. Kansas City Royals – 62-86 (-62 points) – Last Week: #25

Kansas City hitters have had 106 AB’s with the bases loaded this season. During those attempts, the Royals have struck out the fewest times in MLB (15), but just have a .217 average (28^th)

26. Chicago Cubs – 64-82 (-68 points) – Last Week: #26

Opposing batters are hitting .280 against Cubs starting pitching this season, which is the worst in the National League to date.

27. Seattle Mariners – 61-85 (-99 points) – Last Week: #27

Not surprisingly, Seattle hitters have a major league worst .209 batting average out of the cleanup spot.  The figure is eleven points lower than any other team.

28. Baltimore Orioles – 58-87 (-132 points) – Last Week: #29

Surprise, surprise – the Orioles have the best batting average out of the ninth slot, posting a .275 mark that is eleven points better than any other team in baseball.

29. Minnesota Twins – 59-87 (-140 points) – Last Week: #28

The Twins offense has hit 57 HR’s in night games this season, which is the fewest in the American League to date.

30. Houston Astros – 49-97 (-171 points) – Last Week: #30

Surprisingly, Houston leads MLB in a positive stat.  In tie games this year, the Astros have hit 51 HR’s, which is the most in baseball.

* All stats per MLB.com

Note: RED = Falling 3+ spots from last week, GREEN = Rising 3+ spots from last week

The Wife Hates Sports’ MLB Power Rankings system has a method to its madness, attempting to be different and not just rank by popularity and record.  It mixes a secret formula of six completely different categories, meshed into a points system.  The categories don’t just include team results regarding record, but how each team has performed recently, as well as incorporating some statistics on both a team’s offense and pitching staff, too.

September is here and Major League Baseball’s pennant races are heating up, but mostly in the American League as the three division leaders in the National League are pulling away.

In this week’s MLB Power Rankings, the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies have pulled away a bit, too – leaving the Boston Red Sox in a somewhat distant third.  Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers continue to climb the charts, finally cracking the top five.

And as we head into the final month of the regular season, we look back and recognize some of the most interesting statistical accomplishments for each team during the month of August.

C.C. Sabathia and the Yankees hold a slight lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in this week's MLB Power Rankings

KP’s MLB Power Rankings: September 5, 2011

NOTE: Point totals as of Monday morning (Do NOT include games on 9/5)

1. New York Yankees – 86-53 (230 points) – Last Week: #3

Remember when everyone was saying Jeter was declining?  In 106 August at-bats, the Yankees’ captain hit  .387 with 13 RBI’s, five doubles and two triples.

2. Philadelphia Phillies – 88-48 (221 points) – Last Week: #2

Cliff Lee was arguably the nastiest starter in the month of August, posting a 5-0 record and 0.45 ERA in five starts, while allowing just two earned runs over 39 2/3 innings.

3. Boston Red Sox – 84-56 (186 points) – Last Week: #1

David Ortiz continues to rake.  During the month of August, Big Papi hit .411, with seven doubles, 8 HR and 20 RBI’s in 73 at-bats.

4. Texas Rangers – 80-62 (147 points) – Last Week: #4

Mike Napoli has flourished in Texas this season.  He’s had a hot bat in August, batting .304 with five doubles, 7 HR and 17 RBI’s in 102 at-bats.

5. Milwaukee Brewers – 85-57 (127 points) – Last Week: #6

While Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder own the headlines, Corey Hart has quietly swung a hot bat, batting .321 with 8 HR and 17 RBI’s in 106 August at-bats.

6. Atlanta Braves – 82-57 (121 points) – Last Week: #4

Rookie Craig Kimbrel converted all ten save opportunities during the month of August, while giving up no runs over 12 2/3 innings.

7. Arizona Diamondbacks – 81-60 (110 points) – Last Week: #9

Arizona’s August surge was led by two of its starters, Ian Kennedy (5-1, 2.31 in six August starts) and Daniel Hudson (4-2, 2.88 ERA in six August starts).

8. Tampa Bay Rays – 77-63 (99 points) – Last Week: #9

Jeremy Hellickson is one of many Tampa Bay pitchers that has pitched well in August

The Tampa Bay pitching staff posted a 3.06 team ERA during the month of August, which was more than a half-run better than any other team in the American League.

9. Detroit Tigers – 79-62 (94 points) – Last Week: #11

Relever Phil Coke pitched 12 scoreless innings across 13 different games in August, giving up just eight hits, while striking out 20 batters.

10. St. Louis Cardinals – 74-67 (91 points) – Last Week: #11

The entire Cardinals starting rotation struggled through most of August.  Edwin Jackson (3.99 ERA in six August starts) posted the best numbers.

11. Los Angeles Angels – 76-64 (70 points) – Last Week: #10

Rookie Mike Trout hasn’t seen many at-bats with the big club, but he did bat .400, with 4 HR and 7 RBI’s in 25 August at-bats.

12. Los Angeles Dodgers – 68-72 (47 points) – Last Week: #15

One reason for the Dodgers making a major jump in the rankings over the last few weeks is the team’s pitching, which posted a 2.78 in August.  Only the Phillies had a better ERA.

13. New York Mets – 68-70 (40 points) – Last Week: #16

Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey had a solid August, posting a 2.70 ERA in five starts and 33 1/3 innings.  However, he only managed one win due to lack of run support.

14. Cincinnati Reds – 69-72 (39 points) – Last Week: #12

Drew Stubbs managed nine steals in the month of August, despite an abysmal .284 OBP and .226 batting average.

15. San Francisco Giants – 74-67 (21 points) – Last Week: #14

During the month of August, the San Francisco offense posted a Major League worst .235 batting average and just 75 RBI’s, by far the worst in baseball.

16. Chicago White Sox – 69-69 (21 points) – Last Week: #13

White Sox pitchers struck out 232 batters during the month of August, which was tied with Tampa Bay for the most in the American League during that stretch.

17. Cleveland Indians – 70-68 (19 points) – Last Week: #19

Carlos Santana was clearly the most potent bat for the Indians in August, posting a .272 average, with 6 HR and 19 RBI’s in 114 at-bats.

18. Toronto Blue Jays – 70-71 (16 points) – Last Week: #17

Could Ricky Romero be the most underrated starter in baseball?  In six August starts, he posted a 2.05 ERA and a 5-0 record.

19. Colorado Rockies – 66-75 (-11 points) – Last Week: #18

Colorado’s team OPS of .779 was the best in the National League during the month of August.

20. Oakland Athletics – 64-76 (-22 points) – Last Week: #22

Trevor Cahill (18-8, 2.97 ERA in 2010) struggled throughout the month of August, posting a 0-4 record with a 7.15 ERA in six starts.

Trevor Cahill had a brutal August and the Oakland A's have had an even more painful 2011 season

21. San Diego Padres – 61-80 (-25 points) – Last Week: #20

The Padres stole 34 bases in the month of August, by far the most in Major League Baseball.

22. Pittsburgh Pirates – 65-76 (-37 points) – Last Week: #21

Joel Hanrahan, who has been dominant throughout the season, struggled some in August, blowing two saves and posting a 0-2 record with an ERA approaching 4.

23. Washington Nationals – 65-74 (-44 points) – Last Week: #23

Three of Washington’s starters were outstanding in August: Jordan Zimmerman (3.45 ERA in five starts), John Lannan (3.21 ERA in six starts) and Ross Detweiler (3.14 ERA in five starts).

24. Florida Marlins – 62-77 (-44 points) – Last Week: #24

Javier Vazquez, who posted a 2.48 ERA and 40 K’s in 40 innings in August, managed just a 1-2 record in six starts, due to the Marlins’ lack of run support.

25. Kansas City Royals – 58-83 (-65 points) – Last Week: #25

Alex Gordon (.315 average, 5 HR and 14 RBI’s in August) continues to have a breakout season for the Royals in 2011.

26. Chicago Cubs – 61-80 (-80 points) – Last Week: #27

The 41 home runs allowed by the Cubs’ pitching staff during the month of August was more than any other team in baseball allowed.

27. Seattle Mariners – 58-81 (-101 points) – Last Week: #26

Mike Carp continues to swing a hot bat for the Mariners, posting a .313 average, with 6 HR and 25 RBI’s during the month of August.

28. Minnesota Twins – 58-82 (-118 points) – Last Week: #29

Posting just seven victories during the month of August, the Minnesota pitching staff was horrid – as opponents batted .304 against them last month (worst in MLB).

29. Baltimore Orioles – 55-84 (-128 points) – Last Week: #28

Chris Jakubauskas was arguably Baltimore’s most consistent arm in August, posting a 1.06 ERA in 17 innings during the month.

30. Houston Astros – 47-94 (-160 points) – Last Week: #30

Does Matt Downs deserve more at-bats?  Downs batted .447 with six doubles, 1 HR and 10 RBI’s in 38 August plate attempts.

* All stats per MLB.com

Note: RED = Falling 3+ spots from last week, GREEN = Rising 3+ spots from last week

The Wife Hates Sports’ MLB Power Rankings system has a method to its madness, attempting to be different and not just rank by popularity and record.  It mixes a secret formula of six completely different categories, meshed into a points system.  The categories don’t just include team results regarding record, but how each team has performed recently, as well as incorporating some statistics on both a team’s offense and pitching staff, too.