12. Cardinals (18) Beginning to assert themselves after so-so April.
13. White Sox (12) Red-hot Esteban Loaiza has kept them on heels of surprising Royals.
14. Orioles (15) Need to take full advantage of remaining opportunities in soft early schedule.
15. Angels (19) Must be tired from carrying around those big rings.
16. Dodgers (20) Need strong showing on upcoming Eastern swing to close gap with Giants.
17. Twins (16) Enjoyed visit by Devil Rays, but must weather six of next nine against Red Sox.
18. Marlins (11) Hope to fillet Giants and Rockies in upcoming homestand.
19. Rangers (22) Just checking. Is this a contract year for Juan Gonzalez?
20. Pirates (17) Can't be NL surprise team losing 11 of first 15 at home.
21. Astros (14) Lance Berkman busts out with four hits Thursday. Could be turning point.
22. Diamondbacks (21) With two starting pitchers on the shelf, D'backs could fall off the table.
23. Mets (23) Mo Vaughn and Cliff Floyd continue to struggle. Art Howe continues to wonder what he did to deserve this.
24. Reds (27) Gut-check four-game series against Cardinals begins tomorrow night at Great American Ball Park.
25. Padres (26) Could be headed for 95 losses, but only if they play up to their potential.
26. Blue Jays (25) Difficult time to be the home team in Toronto. No joke.
27. Devil Rays (28) Only bright spot is respectable 5-5 record against Orioles.
28. Brewers (29) No wonder beer is so popular in Milwaukee.
29. Indians (24) Offensive attack must have signed non-aggression treaty.
30. Tigers (30) Might still be ranked 30th if MLB contracted four other franchises.
(Last week's ranking in parentheses)
