Vitamin Z Power Rankings, Sept. 2005
I missed last month because of Californiacation. So here we go.
1. St. Louis Cardinals (85-49): Chris Carpenter may be the best pitcher in the National League not named Roger Clemens.

2. Atlanta Braves (76-58): It is amazing that the Braves always get to the postseason. But is it really all that great when they have only won one World Series, and haven't even made one since last century?

3. Chicago White Sox (81-51): Yes, Chicago has looked as playoff-ready as the San Diego Chicken. But they will go wire-to-wire. Everyone expects them to be first round fodder, but to look past a team that has been in first all year would be a big mistake.

4. Boston Red Sox (78-54): They don't exactly have a playoff spot wrapped up, contrary to popular belief.

5. New York Yankees (75-58): I think this is the first time they have made the rankings. I am not sure how New York will compensate for its lack of pitching, but stranger things have happened.

6. Oakland (75-57): Ken Macha is the AL Manager of the Year for keeping the A's spirits up when they were buried by the rest of the country in May.

7. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (74-58): Bartolo Colon and a strong back end of the bullpen makes the Angels dangerous -- if they can make it to October.