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.

During a week that saw both an earthquake and a hurricane ravage the east coast, KP’s latest edition of MLB Power Rankings emerged with its closest race in weeks.

Just four points separate the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees this week, with Boston landing back in the top spot.  Meanwhile, in the fourth through sixth slots, the Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers and Milwaukee Brewers are currently just three points apart.

And to top things off, this week’s big winner is the cash-strapped Los Angeles Dodgers, who jumped five spots and into the top 15.

Adrian Gonzalez has been swinging a red-hot bat for the Boston Red Sox

KP’s MLB Power Rankings: August 29, 2011

Note: Records and point totals as of Monday morning and do not include night games

1. Boston Red Sox – 82-51 (210 points) – Last Week: #3

Sparked by the red-hot bat of Adrian Gonzalez (5 HR, 9 RBI’s, .393 average over the last seven days), Boston has regained the top spot, and the AL East division lead, too.

2. Philadelphia Phillies – 83-46 (206 points) – Last Week: #2

Cole Hamels is back, Philadelphia

Recently sidelined with a dead arm, Cole Hamels (13-7, 2.62 ERA in 25 starts) is set to return to the Phillies rotation tonight.

3. New York Yankees – 79-52 (206 points) – Last Week: #1

Like Boston’s Adrian Gonzalez, Nick Swisher has also slugged five home runs over the last seven days, which is tops in baseball during that span.

4. Atlanta Braves – 79-54 (128 points) – Last Week: #5

It’s safe to say that the 2011 season can be considered a sophomore slump for slugger Jason Heyward (.220 average, 13 HR, 36 RBI’s in 101 games).

5. Texas Rangers – 76-59 (127 points) – Last Week: #4

Since being acquired by the Rangers, Koji Uehara has struggled a bit, with a 0-2 record and a 6.23 ERA over 10 games and 8 2/3 innings.

6. Milwaukee Brewers – 81-54 (125 points) – Last Week: #6

The Brewers now hold a double-digit game lead in the NL Central, and through August, Milwaukee has an NL-best .277 team batting average.

7. Tampa Bay Rays – 73-59 (107 points) – Last Week: #7

In his most recent start, Tampa Bay SP David Price struck out a career-high 14 batters (including during the first seven outs of the game).

8. Detroit Tigers – 73-60 (84 points) – Last Week: #9

Justin Verlander (20-5, 2.38 ERA in 29 starts) has been so good this year; there is constant debate about him not just being named the AL Cy Young, but also the league’s MVP.

9. Arizona Diamondbacks – 75-59 (79 points) – Last Week: #11

Who could have predicted that Ian Kennedy (17-4, 3.03 ERA in 28 starts) would have the most wins in the National League at this point in the season?

10. Los Angeles Angels – 72-61 (74 points) – Last Week: #10

Could Jered Weaver be tiring down the stretch?  In two of his last four starts, Weaver has allowed seven or more earned runs (at TOR on 8/13 and at TEX on 8/28).

11. St. Louis Cardinals – 70-64 (69 points) – Last Week: #8

Fernando Salas (5-5, 2.34 ERA, 22 saves and 64 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings) has filled in nicely as the closer in St. Louis this season.

12. Cincinnati Reds – 67-66 (57 points) – Last Week: #13

Johnny Cueto (9-5, 2.05 ERA in 21 starts) has a better ERA than Jered Weaver, Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum.

13. Chicago White Sox – 66-65 (43 points) – Last Week: #14

Recently called up, Dayan Viciedo homered in his first at-bat with the White Sox, and now the debate begins as to whether Adam Dunn should ride the pine permanently.

14. San Francisco Giants – 71-63 (29 points) – Last Week: #15

Carlos Beltran (.303 average, 1 HR, 4 RBI’s in 17 games with Giants) hasn’t been bad, but the team still continues to sputter offensively.

15. Los Angeles Dodgers – 62-70 (26 points) – Last Week: #20

Matt Kemp is a member of the 30-30 club this season

Matt Kemp still has 30 games to go, and he’s already joined the 30-30 club this season (.320 average, 31 HR, 100 RBI’s, 34 stolen bases).

16. New York Mets – 62-68 (16 points) – Last Week: #17

There was a power outage in New York prior to Hurricane Irene.  The leading home run hitter on the Mets’ current roster is David Wright, who only has 11 HR’s on the season.

17. Toronto Blue Jays – 66-67 (14 points) – Last Week: #12

So much for a guy in the stands helping the Jays with signs: Toronto’s .228 team average in the month of August is the worst in all of baseball.

18. Colorado Rockies – 64-70 (10 points) – Last Week: #19

Carlos Gonzalez continues to swing a ridiculously hot bat.  Over the last seven days, “CarGo” leads all of Major League Baseball in both hits (13) and RBI’s (10).

19. Cleveland Indians – 65-65 (1 point) – Last Week: #18

Despite falling to third place in the AL Central and seeing its division deficit exceed six games, the Indians continue to push forward, recently acquiring Jim Thome from the Twins.

20. San Diego Padres – 60-74 (1 point) – Last Week: #16

The Padres have been improving offensively, and mostly due to the team’s speed.  In August, San Diego has more triples (13) and stolen bases (32) than any other team.

21. Pittsburgh Pirates – 62-71 (-21 points) – Last Week: #22

Neil Walker (.277 average, 11 HR, 76 RBI’s in 131 games) has been one of the steadiest second basemen offensively in the National League this season.

22. Oakland Athletics – 60-73 (-31 points) – Last Week: #23

Josh Willingham (23 HR, 79 RBI’s in 108 games this season) has provided a need power boost, but Oakland is still lacking offensively as a team in 2011.

23. Washington Nationals – 62-70 (-32 points) – Last Week: #21

Late-inning bullpen arms Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard have combined to strike out 144 batters over a combined 134 1/3 innings pitched.

24. Florida Marlins – 59-72 (-45 points) – Last Week: #24

He hasn’t posted a win in five August starts, but Javier Vazquez has posted a 3.00 ERA, held opponents to a .208 batting average and posted a 0.94 WHIP over 33 innings.

25. Kansas City Royals – 55-79 (-66 points) – Last Week: #26

Bruce Chen continues to be Kansas City’s most reliable starter.  In August, Chen is 5-1 with a 3.19 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings.

26. Seattle Mariners – 56-76 (-80 points) – Last Week: #27

In five August starts with his new team, Charlie Furbush has posted a sub-par 6.38 ERA, while giving up 17 earned runs and a .298 average in 24 innings pitched.

27. Chicago Cubs – 57-77 (-86 points) – Last Week: #25

In five August starts, Matt Garza is 2-2 with a 2.40 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 30 innings, easily the most effective starter on the Cubs’ roster.

28. Baltimore Orioles – 53-78 (-104 points) – Last Week: #29

A six-game win streak last week, headlined by four-game sweep of the Twins, is what helped vault the Orioles out of the 29^th spot for the first time in weeks.

29. Minnesota Twins – 56-77 (-111 points) – Last Week: #28

The season continues to fall apart for the Twins, as this past week, Minnesota not only dealt away slugger Jim Thome, but also got swept by the Orioles in a four-game home series.

30. Houston Astros – 44-90 (-162 points) – Last Week: #30

In the month of August, the Houston pitching staff has posted a 9-17 record and 4.55 ERA, while giving up 118 earned runs, 28 home runs and a Major-League leading 103 walks.

* 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.