2012 Major League Baseball Power Rankings for April 23

Each week during the season Athlon Sports looks at the best and worst baseball teams in the league. Here's our MLB Power Rankings for April 23, 2012.

 1. Rangers—Josh Hamilton early MVP candidate.

 2. Dodgers—Mark Ellis is proving to be a nice offseason acquisition.

 3. Yankees—Yanks rained homers on Boston’s weekend parade.

 4. Tigers—Justin Verlander was only answer for powerful Texas offense.

 5. Cardinals—Won first five three-game series of the year.

 6. Nationals—Rotation is best in baseball right now.

 7. Blue Jays—Part of logjam in AL East.

 8. Braves—Michael Bourn and Freddie Freeman getting it done.

 9. Diamondbacks—Won’t face Dodgers until mid-May.

10. Rays—Pitchers prepping for vaunted Rangers offense this weekend.

11. Indians—Hafner and Hannahan hitting above .340; teammates, .221.

12. Phillies—Only the Pirates have scored fewer runs.

13. Reds—Team batting average mired at .223.

14. Brewers—Only team to take a series from the Dodgers.

15. Angels—Better batting average than opponents, but fewer runs.

16. Rockies—Won three series in a row.

17. Giants—Buster Posey hitting his way into MVP talk.

18. White Sox—Perseverance pays off for humble Humber.

19. Marlins—Last four losses by one or two runs.

20. Orioles—Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles trip yielded a 6-4 record.

21. Red Sox—On the outside looking in at four-team division race.

22. Mets—Of the four NLers hitting above .370, two play for the Mets.

23. A’s—Scored fewest runs in American League.

24. Mariners—Can M’s get Felix Hernandez any runs?

25. Pirates—A.J. Burnett gave Bucs huge lift on Saturday.

26. Astros—Closer Brett Myers becoming valuable trade bait.

27. Cubs—Cubs have just five homers through 16 games.

28. Padres—Opponents are slugging just .316 at Petco Park.

29. Twins—Only Boston has allowed more runs.

30. Royals—Lost first nine games at home.