MLB published its first 2022 power rankings, an exercise that combines roster quality, current form, and future prospects in order to rank teams from best to worst.
In the rankings, the Los Angeles Dodgers are first, with a league-best 7-2 record to open the year.
The 6-4 Toronto Blue Jays are second, although it was much more about preseason hype than actual record: their 6-4 mark is enough to lead the AL East, but far from the best in MLB.
Even still, the Blue Jays remain one of the league’s better teams, and there is little doubt about that.
They may have a hard time leapfrogging the Dodgers for the top spot, but they are talented enough to try.
The Blue Jays replied to MLB’s Twitter post and implied they are going for the top spot.
Us coming for that top spot
CC: @santdr13 😏 pic.twitter.com/Al9eIpzYCV
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 18, 2022
Santiago Espinal’s energy and mood are a good representation of Blue Jays fans in 2022: they trust their team like they haven’t done so in a while.
The Blue Jays Don’t Want To Be Second Place
They know Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is good enough to be the MVP, they know their rotation is deep and talented, and they know they have a special offense.
Espinal, without being flashy, is an important part of that lineup.
So far, he is slashing .258/.343/.355: an average bat with top baserunning skills and a good, versatile glove to cover multiple infield spots.
He is a solid, if not flashy ballplayer on a really good team.
The Blue Jays may play in a tough division, but they don’t want to finish second: they want that top spot in the power rankings.
After all, a postseason berth is probably the most important thing, but by trying to reach their goal to become the best team in baseball, they will improve their chances to get into October.
