The 30: Early Returns

Welcome to the 2014 season premiere of The 30! Each week, I’ll use a wide array of criteria to rank all 30 major league teams, grouping them into tiers with similar squads and taking an in-depth look at one team per tier. Early in the season, I’ll focus on factors like overall roster strength and team health. As the season wears on, however, I’ll give more weight to specific elements such as run differential and recent play. At no point will I rank teams based solely on record; if that’s what you want, here you go. With that out of the way, let’s dive in. It’s Week 1 of The 30. Bottom Feeders Some are struggling, some are soaring; either way, it’s too soon to amend preseason expectations. 30. Houston Astros (3-3 record, -7 run differential) 29. Minnesota Twins (3-3, 0) 28. Chicago Cubs (2-4, -3) 27. New York Mets (2-4, -9) 26. Chicago White Sox (3-3, +3) 25. Arizona Diamondbacks (2-7, -22) 24. San Diego Padres (2-4, -12) 23. Philadelphia Phillies (3-3, +4) 22. Miami Marlins (5-2, +21)