Mike Oz,Yahoo Sports•July 22, 2019

THE TOP 10

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (67-35; last week: 1)

The Dodgers continue to top the list and their success stems from reasons that don’t need to be repeated. But there is a place they can get better — the bullpen. Their bullpen ERA is 4.07, which ranks 9th in the league. They still have the best overall ERA in the league, but that’s because their starters have been so good. With the trade deadline upon us, this will be L.A.’s top priority.

2. New York Yankees (64-34; last week: 2)

The Yankees aren’t too far behind the Dodgers anymore — and with a season that’s been much rockier up to this point. Remember, they’re still without ace Luis Severino, whose status should drive the Yank’ desire for a starter at the deadline. We haven’t yet seen the full-formed-Death Star Yankees, and may not until September. That’s something that should frighten the rest of the league.

3. Houston Astros (64-37; last week: 3)

There aren’t many problems in Houston, but the Astros will keep an eye on the starting pitching market (like most clubs). They would be well served to add another arm to their rotation, which is led by Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, but after could use some help for crunch time.

4. Minnesota Twins (60-38; last week: 4)

The Twins had been the most prolific offense in the league for most of the season, but they’ve slipped since our last rankings. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say the rest of the league caught up. They still rank fourth (seven runs ahead of the Rockies but behind the Dodgers, Yankees and Red Sox). It’s not a coincidence that the Twins have also lost five out of their last seven games. This may be enough to turn the Twins into a player at the trade deadline. They’re a team that could use rotation and bullpen help.

5. Atlanta Braves (60-41; last week: 5)

We all figured the NL East was going to be the league’s most competitive division, but it turns out the Braves have an Astros-sized lead. The Braves’ lineup is solid with young talent and productive veterans, but they should be looking to add pitching, in the bullpen, in the rotation — or both.

6. Cleveland Indians (57-41; last week: 7)

Here come the Indians. They’re 12-3 in July, closing the gap in the AL Central standings to just three games entering play Monday. That division is now fully up for grabs and the Indians would be smart to add some outfielder power. There have been talks for months about trading Bauer, but it wouldn’t be a sell, it would be to add a MLB-ready impact bat.

7. Tampa Bay Rays (57-45; last week: 6)

The Rays are still hanging with the big boys in the AL East, and could be looking at some trade-deadline improvement in the form of better bats and bullpen help. Remember that the Rays’ 2018 trade of Chris Archer is still paying dividends, so keep your eyes on the Rays and their smart front office.

8. Oakland A’s (57-43; last week: 11)

The A’s have lost just four games in July and are speeding up the standings. Their offense is a big reason why (ranking seventh in both runs and home runs). We’ve already seen them add to their rotation by adding Homer Bailey, but don’t be surprised if they’re making more pitching moves.

9. Boston Red Sox (54-46; last week: 7)

The Red Sox’s offense ranks among the best in the league, but that bullpen is still a mess. They’re making Nate Eovaldi their closer. They rode him last postseason as a reliever and that worked, but Boston still should be in the market for some bullpen help. Competing for a wild card spot in one thing, winning in October is another.


10. Chicago Cubs (54-45; last week: 9)

The Cubs enter the week with a two-game lea in the NL Central, but Milwaukee and St. Louis are both close in the standings. The Cubs already grabbed catcher Martin Maldonado in a trade, but appear to be looking for more help. Most recently, they’ve been connected to Tigers outfielder Nick Castellanos and relief pitcher Shane Greene in trade rumors.