Week Seventeen
by Asher B. Chancey, BaseballEvolution.com
July 30, 2007

Okay, it is time for the first team that had fallen below the Line of Death to make its triumphant return. Like a background dancer in the Thriller video, this team emerges from the grave to reclaim a life that it once had.

I initially said I would bring a team back from below the Line of Death absent some transaction that indicated that the team was now a playoff contender. Faced with the Chicago Cubs resurgence, I then balked at the notion of bringing back a team on the basis of acquiring the likes of Jason Kendall.

And I still am not.

Nevertheless, the Cubs did make a move which, though not apparent at the time, has transformed them into a contender. Apparently, Michael Barrett was simply toxic in the clubhouse, and trading him has done wonders for the Cubs. The Cubs have gone 23-11 since trading Barrett, and Carlos Zambrano has gone 9-2 since his fight with Barrett, after which point Barret was no longer his regular catcher.

The Cubs made a change, and the change has paid off. Did I expect it to? No. But did it? It would certainly seem so.

In other news, at different times throughout this season, I have thought the Red Sox, Tigers, and Angels were the strongest teams in baseball. Just when I think each is ready to pull away, they go into a mini-slump.

I don't currently know which team is the best, but when it comes down to it in October, I would rather have one of these teams than any other team in baseball.

Without further ado, here are the Week Seventeen Power Rankings. Enjoy and, as always, feel free to comment.

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Questions? Concerns? Comments? Asher lives in Philadelphia, PA, and can be reached at asher@baseballevolution.com.