MLB power rankings: New-look Giants join prosperity party in NL West
A new regime led by franchise legend Buster Posey intent on returning the club to its strong pitching, solid defense, timely hitting and esprit de corps of their three-championship run one decade ago is seeing immediate results this season. The Giants have won their first three series, capped by a sweep of the Seattle Mariners in their first set at Oracle Park this season, and leaped 11 spots in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings.
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At 8-1, the Giants are in a virtual tie with the - gulp - Los Angeles Dodgers atop the National League West, part of a divisional wrecking ball that's seen West teams other than the Colorado Rockies race out to a 29-10 record. Willy Adames, whose $182 million contract broke Posey's record as the largest in franchise history, won their home opener with a two-run walk-off single; Wilmer Flores walked the Mariners off in extra innings again on Sunday. And the club ranks atop the majors in fielding percentage and are fourth in ERA.
A familiar look in China Basin.
A look at our updated rankings:
The San Francisco Giants are off to an 8-1 start.
19. Minnesota Twins (+4)
20.
21. St. Louis Cardinals (-1)
22. Milwaukee Brewers (+2)
23. Cleveland Guardians (-7)
24. Cincinnati Reds (-11)
25. Washington Nationals (-3)
26. Miami Marlins (+1)
27. Pittsburgh Pirates (+1)
28. Athletics (-2)
29. Colorado Rockies (-)
Chase Dollander wins major league debut - surviving Coors Field, no less.
30.
Michael Tauchman returns, but Andrew Benintendi now slowed by injury.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB power rankings: Giants and Dodgers fight atop NL West standings
