ESPN Baseball Power Rankings (off-season)

[Dynasty]

At first, it's surprising to see who they have ranked #1.

ESPN.com link

1. Cleveland Indians: Can they sign Kevin Millwood? That'll be the key. Other than closer Bob Wickman, the rest of the team is locked up. The Indians may be baseball's best team from top to bottom. They are young, loaded and hungry from their final-week collapse in '05. Cleveland could earn its first Series title since 1948.

2. Chicago White Sox: Here's believing the White Sox will sign free agent Paul Konerko. They'll also add young Brandon McCarthy to an already solid staff. And with Bobby Jenks in the closer role for an entire year? Watch out. The Sox could be even better in '06. At the same time, it's tough to continue one year's glory into the next.

3. St. Louis Cardinals: The Cards will have to replace Larry Walker (retirement) and likely Reggie Sanders (free agency). But Scott Rolen will be back. Couple his return with Pujols and Edmonds in the middle of the order, a strong staff led by Chris Carpenter, and the excitement over the new Busch Stadium, and a NL pennant is highly possible.

4. Oakland Athletics: There will be little offseason movement in Oaktown. But then again, all the A's need is a bit more maturity from their young players. The pitching is there; now the offense needs to catch up. And with Bobby Crosby, Nick Swisher and Dan Johnson a year older, they should score enough to win the AL West crown.

5. New York Yankees: The Yankees haven't missed the playoffs since '93, so here's betting they'll make it again. The lineup will be set, once they re-sign Hideki Matsui. They'll most likely fill their hole in center field. Their fortunes, once again, will rise or fall on the legs of an old staff, aside from Chien-Ming Wang.

6. New York Mets: The Amazin's could be the team to beat in the NL East. Their rotation is aging, but strong with Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine. Don't expect Carlos Beltran to have another year like '05. David Wright is a rising star. Look for Rafael Furcal to join Jose Reyes at the top of the order and in the middle of the infield.

7. Los Angeles Angels: The Angels will lose starter Jarrod Washburn and catcher Bengie Molina. But pitcher Ervin Santana is ready to step up. The offense needs a big jolt. And if Manny Ramirez doesn't come to Anaheim, Casey Kotchman, Dallas McPherson or Kendry Morales could provide support for superstar Vladimir Guerrero.

8. Atlanta Braves: OK, they lost Leo Mazzone. But don't cry for the Braves, who were blessed in '05 with a boatload of contributing rookies. Jeff Francoeur and company will be a year older, to go with vets Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones and John Smoltz. They'll compete for a 15th straight NL East title, but it has to end sooner or later.

9. Philadelphia Phillies: Ryan Howard or Jim Thome? Here's thinking they'll somehow deal Thome. They may have to eat part of his big contract, but they need pitching help, especially since they'll lose Billy Wagner through free agency. And the Phils are unlikely to add more payroll. The Phils were close in '05 ... and will be just as close again.

10. Boston Red Sox: While Theo is gone, there's a distinct possibility they'll lose Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez as well. That would be a huge blow to a team that relied heavily on offense to compensate for its mediocre pitching. Boston needs its young pitchers (Jonathan Papelbon, Craig Hansen, Manny Delcarmen) to develop in a hurry.