YCS MLB Power Rankings--Week of 11/20

Merely in the interest of one-upping ESPN in absurd oversaturation, I'm starting my "YCS MLB Power Rankings" today--two weeks before the winter meetings even start and presumably months (ok, days) before ESPN comes out with their own.

Week of 11/20/06:

1. LA Angels of A. I had these guys pegged to win it all in 2007 during May of last season. And now they're talking about getting Manny? It's over!

2. NY Mets. The Latino mu-cheene grows stronger yet. The acquisition of venerable pissy-handed outfielder Moises Alou gives the Metropolitans another excellent veteran presence and glue guy.

3. Boston Red Sox. I watched Daisuke Matsuzaka pitch in Japan, and he's the real deal. You can book him for 20 wins and probably 25. I would know--I saw him pitch in person.

4. NY Yankees. Even the scourge of A-Rod's presence can't stop their returning group of all-stars. Also, look for Andy Phillips to have a monster breakout year as a superb role player.

5. Chicago White Sox. The Sox got complacent after winning it all in '05. Look for a return to the classic Ozzie-ball style that ended their 88-year World Series drought.

The worst:

26. Pittsburgh Pirates. Maybe this offseason the Pirates will bring back Barry Bonds, and with him, the glory days of his first go-'round with the Buccos. Yeah, and maybe TomKat will raise their daughter Catholic.

27. KC Royals. Say, is George Brett still playing these days?

28. Baltimore Orioles. Say, is Cal Ripken still playing these days?

29. Washington Nationals. Hey Bud, is it too late for that whole contraction idea?

30. Chicago Cubs. They signed Soriano and Ramirez, but losing Juan Pierre's ability to create, manufacture, engineer, fabricate, fornicate, masticate, and matriculate runs will sink the Cubs' chances this year.