MLB Power Rankings: Cardinals and Royals rivalry expands to top of the rankings

26. team. 96. The net return on the big Jeff Samardzija trade last summer meant the A’s essentially traded Addison Russell for Marcus Semien. While Russell is arguably the better long-term prospect, Oakland has to be pleased with the return on Semien thus far. He leads the team with 42 hits and is slashing .307/.349/.511 with six home runs and 20 runs scored.  . . Previous: -4th. Oakland Athletics

27. team. 108. Uh-oh, all is not well in the Mile High City. Word leaked this week that Troy Tulowitzki and his agent were weighing asking the team for a trade, in hopes of putting the shortstop in a better situation. However, a trade actually benefits the Rockies more, as they’v been handcuffed in improving their rotation due to the high salaries for Tulo and Carlos Gonzalez. This could be the ticket they need to a clean rebuild.. . Previous: -4th. Colorado Rockies

team. 76. Look who moved up! The Brewers went 6-4 over their last ten games, and got solid starts from Matt Garza and Wily Peralta this week, possibly foretelling that the team could rebound a bit.  It doesn’t hurt that the team hit 14 home runs over its last seven games either. Baby steps.. . Previous: +1st. Milwaukee Brewers. 29

Philadelphia Phillies. 30. team. 6. Fewest runs in baseball? Check. .229 team batting average? Check. Yup, I think we figured out the issue in Philadelphia. Take Freddy Galvis and Odubel Herrera out of the mix, and the Phillies are hitting a collective .211 thus far. Ruben Amaro is going to find it tough to keep his job after this season, and Ryne Sandberg may not make it out of the month at this pace.. . Previous: -1th