Class A rankings: Chaska rides win streak to rise in top 10

By Nick Gerhardt
nickgerhardt@mnbaseball.org

As we near the mid-season point we’ve seen some of the top-ranked Class A teams take some lumps, but it did little to shake up the minds of our pollsters. Our top four teams from the previous poll remained there, though we saw two teams swap spots.

Our rankings experts took note of a Chaska squad on a run as well as three teams they felt worthy of a spot in the top 10 for the first time this season.

Miesville remained No. 1, though not unanimously, despite losses to Section 1 foes Dundas and St. Patrick. The Irish benefitted from the win and cracked the rankings at the No. 7 spot.

Champlin Park moved up to the No. 2 spot, swapping with Baseball 365. The LoGators have stormed through the Metro Minny, but have losses to Rochester, Delano, Minneapolis Cobras, Baseball 365 and Lyon’s Pub. Champlin Park did pick up a win over Minnetonka and our rankers feel like the LoGators are getting stronger after winning four of their last five.

Baseball 365 had a 10-game win streak snapped by Dundas in a 6-1 loss, but came back to beat Minnetonka 3-2 and Hastings 11-6.

Lyon’s Pub stuck at No. 4 while Chaska rose to the No. 5 spot. The Cubs have won their last five games, including victories over Burnsville, Shakopee and Eagan.

Air Freight Unlimited plummeted to No. 8 after losing 5-0 to the St. Paul Mudhens. The Hens entered the rankings at No. 6 in this poll.

Burnsville dropped from No. 6 to No. 9 this time and previously unranked Shakopee claimed the No. 10 spot.

Tom Kolar — Air Freight Unlimited

1. Miesville Mudhens
2. Baseball 365
3. St. Patrick Irish
4. Champlin Park LoGators
5. St. Paul Mudhens
6. Lyon’s Pub Warriors
7. Rochester Royals
8. Burnsville Bobcats
9. Chaska Cubs
10. Highland Park Beavers

Matt Marek — Champlin Park LoGators

1. Baseball 365
2. Miesville Mudhens
3. Air Freight Unlimited
4. Champlin Park LoGators
5. St. Patrick Irish
6. Chaska Cubs
7. Shakopee Indians
8. Lyon’s Pub Warriors
9. St. Paul Mudhens
10. Burnsville Bobcats

Honorable Mention: Highland Park Beavers, Rochester Royals, Dundas Dukes, Waconia Lakers, Minneapolis Cobras, Buffalo Bulldogs, Minnetonka Monarchs, Centennial Cougars, St. Anthony Hogs, Sartell Muskies, Andover Aces and North St. Paul Snowmen.

Nate Jackson — St. Boni Saints

1. Miesville Mudhens — A few bumps in the road from league rivals but the Hens stay dominant. Another classic Hen battle with St. Paul. Tough team to beat and it’s going to remain that way. Who wants a shot at the title?
2. Champlin LoGators — Dropped a few non-league games but held the Minny at bay since the start of June. Solid schedule in July. Let’s see how it plays out.
3. Lyon’s Pub Warriors — The Tribe continues to make it happen. They’re capitalizing on every opportunity they’re getting. Pitching has been good. The hitting and defense have been consistent. Should be an easy ride to state.
4. Baseball 365 Pirates — I have faith in the EP 365. They lost to Plymouth, which is surprising. No team is complete without a little internal turmoil. In the end, the roster is deep. They’re a complete team, which is looking to make some noise.
5. Burnsville Bobcats — The Kitties might have slipped up at the Hinckley tourney but they’ll stay the course. Two and BBQ for the Kitties can lead to a 10-game winning streak.
6. Chaska Cubs — Missed on the Cubbies in the last ranking. The hometown team is primed to make another run against the RVL and the kitties. Some added pieces have helped.
7. St. Paul Mudhens — The other Hen. Leading the St. Paul league. It seems they’re taking the torch from AFU.
8. North St. Paul Snowmen — Surprise team out of the Skyline. Based on recent news, they might be the new front runner to win the league. The team can play but they’ve really stepped it up in the recent years to be a true contender.
9. Moorhead Mudcats — Got to give credit when credit is due. The Mud Kitties have earned that respect based on their dynamic schedule and section placement. EP 365 Kryptonite.
10. Waconia Lakers — Lost a few games to league and section teams. We’ll see if this position holds. Lakers have a tough schedule coming up.

Honorable mention: Highland Park Beavers, Bemidji Bucks, Coon Rapids Redbirds, Minnetonka Monarchs, Shakopee Indians and Centennial Cougars

Jordan Wiggins — St. Anthony Hogs

1. Champlin Park LoGators — Keeping these guys at the top of my list. Two losses since the last rankings but still putting up a ton of runs and I think this lineup paired with a few nice arms makes them deserving of the top spot.
2. Lyon’s Pub Warriors — This is a damn good baseball team every year. They win a lot of close games, which makes them a somewhat un-sexy pick at the top of rankings, but they win good baseball games in the regular season and postseason every year.
3. Miesville Mudhens — A few losses the last month but baseball happens. I’m sure they’ll be tough to knock off in their repeat attempt.
4. Chaska Cubs — Since the last rankings, this might be the hottest team in Class A. Wins over Green Isle, Shakopee x2, Burnsville, Victoria, Eagan and Stillwater.
5. Baseball 365 — Elite Nos. 1-9 lineup of boppers. Depth on the mound will continue to determine their long term success.
6. Air Freight Unlimited — Dropped an early one to St. Paul Mudhens but have rebounded nicely. I’m sure they’ll fully round into form soon and will go up these rankings.
7. St. Paul Mudhens — Wins over Air Freight, Cannon Falls and Stillwater mixed in with close losses to good teams. A strong team of young talent that had a great 2024 run and should be a tough out this year.
8. Metro Knights — Leading the Skyline with wins over Stockmen’s and St. Anthony. Another good group of young talent that is tough to beat when all are in attendance.
9. Burnsville Bobcats — A few recent losses but I’ve seen first hand what the Kitties can bring to the table.
10. Dundas Dukes — A few close losses but their impressive wins keep them in the top 10 for me.

Class A rankings (As of June 26)(Pts)(Previous)

1. Miesville Mudhens (37)(1)
2. Champlin Park LoGators (33)(3)
3. Baseball 365 (32)(2)
4. Lyon’s Pub Warriors (25)(4)
5. Chaska Cubs (19)(9)
6. St. Paul Mudhens (16)(NR)
7. St. Patrick Irish (14)(NR)
8. Air Freight Unlimited (13)(4)
9. Burnsville Bobcats (12)(6)
10. Shakopee Indians (4)(NR)

Also receiving votes: Highland Park Beavers, North St. Paul Snowmen, Moorhead Mudcats, Waconia Lakers, Metro Knights, Dundas Dukes.