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

Kyle Franzoni

While the St. Louis Cardinals cannot play .700 baseball all season long, they certainly are right now and are not looking back from the top of the FanSided MLB Power Rankings.

Over the past week, Major League Baseball saw some things the game has never seen before, as well as some significant milestones. From an unassisted double-play from a center fielder at first base to a 4-5-4 triple play to major strike-out marks for Felix Hernandez and Clayton Kershaw, baseball always has something to grab your attention.

However, for every new development in the game, there is some tried and true consistency we can always fall back on. One of those things is the St. Louis Cardinals, who for the second consecutive week will top our rankings. However, while our top 10 will look quite familiar, the group of teams that are collectively treading water near the .500 mark indicates that the landscape around the game could change swiftly if just one or two of these squads gets hot or if a devastating injury impacts a team’s hopes.

Oh, and did I mention that we now have a new team in the cellar?

So how does the rest of our rankings shape up? Which teams are stepping up and which teams are sliding into mediocrity? Step inside and let’s take a look.

Next: The Cardinals continue to pace the league

May 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starter Zack Greinke (21) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Next: 6-10: The Nationals are finally making their statement

May 12, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper wears his hat backwards prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Next: 11-15: Is Toronto's pitching finally coming around?

May 12, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jung Ho Kang (27) fields a groundball during the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Pirates defeated the Phillies, 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Next: 16-20: Could closer problems derail the Marlins?

Apr 24, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Steve Cishek (31) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. Marlins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Bay area struggles and Ohio conundrums

May 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo at bat against the Kansas City Royals at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Next: The final five ride in shame

Apr 27, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley (26) bats against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

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Kyle Franzoni

Kyle Franzoni has covered Major League Baseball for nearly 10 years at sites like Jays Journal, Call to the Pen, Halo Hangout, and Dodgers Way. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, Fox Sports, and other outlets. A native of Vermont, currently residing in Tennessee, Kyle is the former MLB Editorial Director and the current Head of Contributor Operations for FanSided.