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Written By: DUCK MARTINEZ

The Tier 2 Power Rankings are here or should I say Tier 1.5...with the amount of Tier 1 players in Tier 2, this will make it the toughest year yet. So many new teams and new faces so I needed some time to evaluate the teams and come up with these rankings. Once again these are just midseason rankings so if you have a problem with where you stand, play better bruh. This can look much different closer to the end of the season but here we go.

1. Yankees (3-2) -  Although their record doesn’t indicate that this is the top team in the Tier but the Yankees are certainly the team to beat in this division. Most teams were unhappy with the Commish for allowing this team to be formed but somehow Vasko found a way to put this team together. Did he bribe him? Free statskeeping for the season? Who knows but technically they followed the rules and only had 4 'Tier 1' players. Only problem is that they got guys from outside the league who are also Tier 1 calibre (which is not against the rules) and that means they are stacked and loaded. They could give at least three of the Tier 1 teams a run for their money. They certainly have made the Tier a lot more competitive and teams have had to go out and recruit some guys to to their teams in order to prepare for this juggernaut. This team is sound defensively with Steve and Shan anchoring the outfield, Dixie and Nick holding down the left side of the infield. They are still getting accustomed to playing together and it is evident from the losses we have seen. Offensively they are loaded from top to bottom with Nick, Steve, Shan and Mike leading the way. When you have 3 guys from the Tier 1 championship team (Shan, Dixie, and Steve)...you are going to be a problem. Nick was the best shortstop in Tier 2 last year and he's making a good case to be one of the best two way players this year with his offensive explosion. The Evil Empire is easily the most talented team in the league and it will take them having an off game while the other teams have one of their best games to take them down in the playoffs.

2. Giants (3-1) - The defending Champs...well like one third of the team I think. A lot has happened in the offseason and that deserves it's own separate post. You would assume teams would want to run it back after winning a chip but internal problems proved otherwise. George's team definitely lost some key pieces but he has done an amazing job filling the spots with the additions of Vino, Raffy and company. This team doesn't look like they missed a beat with George leading the way with his stellar pitching and the defense doing a solid job backing him up. Vino has been leading the charge offensively with Anthony, Joe and Raffy chipping in. George is one of the best pitchers in Tier 2 and come playoff time the Giants will be a tough out and not a team anyone is looking to face. We still haven't seen their full squad play together much as guys have been missing but that is why they are ranked this high.

3. Royals (5-0) - The Royals are legit. They have proven to be one of the best defensive teams in the league led by Johnny's pitching and the whole team collectively holding it down behind him. They lost Steve in the offseason but the return of Thevagar (who looks like a beast now) and addition of Anthony have been huge for them. This is a young team with plenty of speed and firepower. They have proven to be a dominant regular season team (literally not losing in 2 seasons) but do they have what it takes to go all the way? Yes defense wins championships but the Royals will need their bats to show up consistently as well. With the additions they have made to bolster the lineup could eventually be what leads them to the promiseland. 

4. Redsox (3-1) - The Red Sox are a team to fear. They have shown they are the best offensive team in this league. This lineup can hit from top to bottom led by Sath, Sarveen and Brett. Defense has improved as well from a year ago led by Derek's stellar pitching and strong play from the rest of the team. They haven't played any of the top teams yet but it will be interesting to see how they stack up against them. This is a home grown team with no Tier 1 additions and amazing chemistry and will be a tough out in the playoffs.

5. Phillies (3-2) - Phillies have put the league on notice. They have been matched up with some of the top teams in the league and have been in each game and pulled off some upsets in the process. This team can flat out hit, led by Waseem and Ismail. The Phillies lack power hitters but they will find the open gaps in the field and keep punishing teams. Let's not discount their defense as well as they have done a good job holding opponents to under their season averages. The element of surprise has definitely worked in their favor as most teams haven't seen them play before. Teams will start figuring out the Phillies but once they start hitting there's only so much you can do to stop them (like putting up a 14 spot in the top of the 7th against the Athletics!). Good placement hitters, plus speed, plus experience and plus defence...always a recipe for success in softball leagues. 

6. Angels (2-3) - The Angels are a legitimate dark horse team in this league. They have had the toughest schedule in the league so far and have stood their ground in most of those games. They still haven't been able to field their 2 headed monsters together for 1 game yet( Uma and Kajen) but when they do this team is going to be a problem. Outside of the first game this team has been struggling with their defense and definitely needs to improve on that going forward. This is an experienced team from top to bottom with Tier 1 winners and come playoff time they will turn up their game and look to make a deep run. This is not a team you want to face off with in a one game playoff. Nesan wearing the Yankees jersey and defeating the evil empire was certainly a great moment for this squad which shows what they are capable of when they put their 'A' game on. 

7. Tigers (3-1) - The Tigers are here to play. After losing players in the offseason they have made some major additions this year with the additions of Kisho, Ryan and Goku. This is one of the best hitting teams in Tier 2 as they can spray the ball throughout the field. This lineup does not possess too many power hitters but they will find a way to get on base. Ryan has been holding down the defense in the outfield with his gold glove with Kisho anchoring the infield. They've had a pretty easy schedule to begin with and lost to one of the tougher teams in the league. If the Tigers want to show the league they are forreal they will need to show up for the big games which they are definitely capable of. Gogs has been dealing with an injury and hasn't made his debut with them but when he does they could springboard up the rankings. The Commish has pieces to work with and you can bet he will maximize the potential of this team. 

8. Athletics (3-2) - Yaga has done a good job putting this team together after all the offseason drama. The A’s were projected to be one of the bottom teams in the league but have been surprising teams and playing very well. The top 6 in the lineup has been doing a good job offensively but if they want to be competing come playoff time then the rest of the team needs to pick it up. Allan has been doing an amazing job with this pitching putting himself in contention for Cy Young. If the Athletics can continue to improve their offense and keep playing sound defense they may be a dark horse team come playoff time.

9. Mets (1-3) - After a slow start to the season, the Mets have started to play better softball as of late. They hold one of the best infields in the league led by superstars Kish and Ian. They haven't played too many games together as a whole but once they start getting more reps this team will be a major problem. This team is filled with experienced veteran players that know what it takes to win. Sunny has been leading the charge offensively and if the rest of the team plays to their potential then watch out for the Mets. I definitely see them higher in the next edition of the Power Rankings. 

10. Indians (1-3) - Where to begin with the Indians? On paper this team was looking like a top 3 team with the combination of Oso, Roshan, Dooshiv + bunch of talent around. This team has not lived up to expectations and scoring 1 run against the Expos might be their lowest point of their season. To be fair the team hasn't had a chance to field their full squad consistently but every team is dealing with their own injuries/absences. Don't get me wrong this team when healthy can keep up with the best of them but everyone needs to step up and do their part. This is why Tier 2 has been crazy this season...when a squad like this is doing poorly then that just shows anything can happen this season. Chemistry and perseverance will be key all season long.

11. Expos (2-2) - Expos have shown flashes of being a contender in Tier 2 but have also shown they cannot keep up with the top dogs. Shawn has done a great job pitching for his team and holding a team to 1 run is super impressive and almost impossible especially in softball! I mean it was his former team and so the extra added motivation might have been key. This team consists of a little bit of everything speed/experience/power. If they can continue to play within each other's strengths and build chemistry they have the potential to make some noise in the playoffs. Also, their uniforms are legit and would be a shame if we don't see them in the playoffs.

12. Astros (1-3) - Astros have been the most disappointing team of the season so far. After their finals loss last year it looks like they have taken a huge step back. With Tier 2 being more competitive than ever, the Astros will need to pull up their socks and string together some wins if they want to play meaningful games in September. The loss of Jonny to injury will definitely hurt them but this team has plenty of experience and talent to change things around and it needs to start now! Space City has looked more like Trash City so far.

13. Pirates (0-5) - After a disappointing season last year the Pirates are right where they left off. They have shown signs of improvement after the season opener but still haven't found a way to get that elusive first win. With PK and the additions of David and Mithuran this team has potential to do some damage. Hopefully the vets can mentor the rest of the players with their experience and leadership. Defense has been the biggest liability for this team. If they can emphasize on improving their defense with practices (like they did last season) then this team may be able to pick up a win or two.  Dare I say, even contend for the playoffs? 

14. Dodgers (1-3) - As a first year team, this season will be a difficult one to deal with for these Dodgers but as long as they stay the course...this team will improve after every game. They have vastly improved throughout the season and picked up their first win of the season versus the winless Pirates. Softball has always been an offensive game and the Dodgers are ranked dead last. If this team can start hitting they have potential to upset teams down the stretch and potentially sneak into the last playoff spot (hit the batting cage fellas)