Dominant starting pitching carries Yankees to No. 1 spot

Regression to the mean was a key theme, as several teams with solid starts (Diamondbacks, Giants, Rangers, Reds) fell back to the pack, while several clubs who started more slowly (Angels, Mariners, Padres) played themselves into prime spots. More than two-thirds of the teams (22 of 30) have between six and nine wins, including 14 of the 16 NL clubs. That doesn't help poor Baltimore, which is starving for a win at 2-14, but at the top of the rankings five teams have clearly distinguished themselves as baseball's best. The recent work of the Yankees' rotation -- including Wednesday night's outing by Phil Hughes in which he took a no-hitter into the eighth -- gives them the top spot. (All stats and standings current through April 21.)

MLB Power Rankings

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