Power-packed Rangers and Reds top inaugural Power Rankings

There's no disputing that 2010 was the Year of the Pitcher. There were 1,111 fewer runs scored and 429 fewer home runs hit in 2010 than in 2009 .

Through the first 80 games this season there have been 163 homers hit, on pace for 4,951 over the full slate of 2,430 scheduled games. That would be an increase of 338 over last year -- and we haven't approached the hot, ball-carrying summer months. (It should be noted, however, that most of the homer-happy stadiums have been featured prominently in Opening Week. Of the 12 teams yet to host a game, only two play in a stadium that ranked in the top eight for homers hit last year.)

As I begin my second year at the helm of the good ship Power Rankings, the commonality between the teams occupying the top two spots is, naturally, power. The Rangers are tied for major league lead in homers with 13; the Reds pace the National League with eight.

As for how the Rankings O' Power are ordered: Remember it is based not on potential or projections but on performance to date with extra emphasis on play in the most recent week. A team's talent level may be used as a tiebreaker among clubs playing at a similar level, and injuries are taken into consideration. But the real criteria are won-loss record, run differential, strength of schedule (opponent and venue) and, especially as we get deeper into the season, the opinions of people I trust (players, executives, scouts, coaches and other writers), etc.

In other words, this is likely the only week that fans of the Orioles, Royals and Pirates won't have to scroll far to find their favorite club while a Red Sox fan will be wearing out his or her mouse in search of the Olde Towne Team.

NOTE: All stats are through Wednesday, April 6.

MLB Power Rankings