Another week has passed by as the MLB season continues, and with that, we examine the trends. Who’s moving up? Who’s falling down? We let you know right here. And take a look back at some previous weeks trending teams in 3 Up and 3 Down.
1 Up- New York Yankees
The Yankees have been playing amazing baseball since their 9-9 start to the season. Over their last 10 games, they have gone 8-2 and currently have a run differential of plus 89. The Yankees were dealt a blow to their already questionable starting rotation when Masahiro Tanaka suffered strains in both hamstrings scoring from third base on a sac fly during interleague play. Which lead to an article posted on this very site “Debating the DH.” It will be interesting to see how the Yankees plan to approach the MLB Trade Deadline.
1 Down- New York Mets
Yankees cross-town rivals the New York Mets have found themselves however on the opposite spectrum going 2-8 over their last 10 games. The Mets currently find themselves 7.5 games out of first place in the NL East and 6 games under .500. Many of the Mets starting pitchers will find themselves included in rumors and trade speculations leading up to the deadline. If the Mets continue their downslide it would behoove the Mets front office to examine the extremely weak starting pitching market. And using that weak market leverage their two aces in Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard to receive a king’s ransom for them. Whether or not the front office in Queens will do that, however, remains to be seen.
2 Up- Seattle Mariners
Seattle has been a remarkable story so far this season. They didn’t just out of the gates hot but have since turned it around. Seemingly sparked by doubt of their playoff chances following the PED suspension of Robinson Cano. Yet the Mariners persevered on and are currently fighting for the top spot in the AL West with the Houston Astros. The Mariners have the longest active playoff drought in MLB having not been in the playoffs since 2001.
2 Down- Tampa Bay Rays
This season not much was expected of the Tampa Bay Rays. A team struggling with attendance and productivity they are in constant turmoil. They cause controversy with the use of “The Opener” (another topic discussed by this very site Opener the Discussion.) Even with their attempts to give themselves the best opportunity to win Tampa has not been able to do that. Over their last 10 games, the Rays have lost 8 of them and possess a negative run differential. Tampa needs a new ballpark and team to remain relevant in the highly competitive top of the division in the AL East and that doesn’t appear likely. The Rays have some players that can be seen as great commodities and Tampa should, therefore, look to move them before the deadline because they are already 14.5 games out of first place.
3 Up- Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are rolling and coming close to taking over control of the NL Central from the Milwaukee Brewers. These two clubs are facing off against each other for a crucial three-game series in Milwaukee. This battle should rage on all season long in many aspects including at the trade deadline.
3 Down- Colorado Rockies
A team that just two weeks ago was fighting for the top of the division is now fourth. The Rockies have struggled over their last 10 games dropping 8 of them. Even with their recent struggles, they are still just 3.5 games out of first place.
B.O.L.O- San Francisco Giants
Going against the grain and succeeding are the San Francisco Giants. Although they struggled early the Giants have begun to rebound. Over their last 10 games, they are 7-3 and playing much better baseball. San Francisco was once at the bottom of the NL West division but are now only behind the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers.
