Fansided

MLB Power Rankings: Quarter-pole edition

By Joshua Sadlock

May 19, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) reaches third on an error against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) reaches third on an error against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 3, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) and Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Wade Davis (71) after beating the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) and Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Wade Davis (71) after beating the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
12

Chicago Cubs 24-21

Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 13

Kris Bryant has been a saving grace for the Cubs this season. The 2016 NL MVP is batting .298/.406/.571 with 10 home runs and 22 RBI. The lack of production from the rest of the lineup is troubling. At what point do the Cubs have serious discussions about optioning Kyle Schwarber? The left fielder is now batting .186 and has 51 strikeouts in 156 at-bats.

While the offense has been a problem for the Cubs, the bullpen has not. Wade Davis was the last pitcher in baseball with a 0.00 ERA on the year. Davis has allowed only six hits in 17.1 innings and has 22 strikeouts. Carl Edwards has been just as good and has also allowed only six hits. Edwards has 24 strikeouts in 17.2 innings.

11

Cleveland Indians 24-21

Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 10

The big offseason signing for the Indians, Edwin Encarnacion, is finally beginning to show signs of life. The first baseman/DH delivered his first multi-homer game for the Tribe on Tuesday and is slugging .815 over his past seven games.

When we think about MLB stars, we think of them as perfectly-programmed baseball robots. In reality, they are human beings who deal with the same difficulties that come with starting a new job and moving to a new city. Throw on the added pressure of a new $60-million contract, and you have all the ingredients for a prolonged slump to start the year. Encarnacion’s swing still looks good when he drives the ball, and the numbers will continue their upward trend.

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