MLB Power Rankings: Did New York Yankees Finish Top-10?
Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Michael Bourn (2) and center fielder Cameron Maybin (25) celebrate a victory against the St. Louis Cardinals at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
27. Oakland Athletics (68-94)
MVP: Billy Burns
Cy Young: Sonny Gray
Biggest Disappointment: Billy Butler
The Athletics overestimated the talent they had this season, as they were never really able to gain any traction. Poor luck played a part, but at the same time some of the players they relied on just weren’t very good. Gray looked like a legitimate Cy Young candidate at times during the season, but injuries started hampering his performance near the end of the season. Burns was effective in his first real chance at the major league level as the everyday centerfielder and leadoff man as well.
26. Atlanta Braves (67-95)
MVP: A.J. Pierzynski
Cy Young: Shelby Miller
Biggest Disappointment: Lack Of Young Talent
The objective was clear for the Braves this season, as they are cleaning house and trying to reset for when they open their new stadium in 2017. They had a stronger than anticipated start, hovering around .500 throughout the first half but quickly fell off in the second half. Pierzynski being their MVP should be all you need to know about their lineup, as Freddie Freeman was injured and there’s little else to be excited about. Miller has had horrible luck this season, going winless for 24 straight starts until he defeated his old team, the Cardinals, in his final start of the season.
25. Colorado Rockies (68-94)
MVP: Nolan Arenado
Cy Young: Jorge De La Rosa (By default)
Biggest Disappointment: Pitching Staff
Like it is in every season past, the pitching staff was unable to have any real success in the thin air of Denver at Coors Field. But, that also allowed a show to be put on at the plate by Arenado, who would be in the real NL MVP discussion had the Rockies not been so far from playoff contention. Carlos Gonzalez has been a bright spot as well, and it would not be surprising to see the Rockies move on from him as the trade of Troy Tulowitzki basically is a white flag for the organization starting over.
Next: Disappointing Big Spenders