MLB Power Rankings: Mets, Cardinals making things tough at the top

63. The Tigers remain atop of the rankings for the third straight week, but things are getting closer. While a lot has been made of he quality of the staff without Justin Verlander healthy, lost has been the struggle of Anibal Sanchez, who has mustered a 5.96 ERA on the back of 5 HR allowed in 22.2 innings pitched. He allowed just 4 in 2014 over 126 innings. . Previous: . Detroit Tigers. 1. team

3. Despite losing two of three to the Yankees, there is no hotter team in baseball during the earlier goings than the Mets.  Pitching wins games, and when the staff is holding opposing hitters to a .233/.274/.383 slash-line, you’re going to win a lot of them. And you know things are going well when Bartolo Colon runs down a base-runner.. . Previous: +3rd. New York Mets. 2. team

team. 33. The Cardinals have the best pitching staff in baseball, and it isn’t even close. At a 2.34 team ERA, the Cardinals are half a run lower than their nearest competitor. However, the question hangs over them in regards to replacing ace Adam Wainwright, who is out for the season with an Achilles tear. St. Louis is going to try internal options first, but has the minor league depth to make a move if needed.. . Previous: +1st. St. Louis Cardinals. 3

4. team. 71. Like the Cardinals, the Dodgers were dealt a big blow when they lost Brandon McCarthy (UCL tear) for the season. Given his early season struggles, it might not be that big of a hit, but the Dodgers lack the depth to truly replace him. Prospect Zach Lee has been phenomenal at Triple-A  Oklahoma City (0.96 ERA in 19 PCL innings!) and could be ready to get the call or perhaps now the Dodgers enter the Cole Hamels game.. . Previous: -2th. Los Angeles Dodgers

Kansas City Royals. 5. team. 7. While it is great to see the Royals playing with a chip on their shoulder, one has to worry about how these suspensions will pile up and impact the weeks ahead. Baseball’s best bullpen is at it again, posting a 0.73 ERA and allowing opposing hitters a measly .149 batting average. Additionally, KC has to be encouraged that Mike Moustakas carried over his postseason success into April (.342, 3 HR, 5 2B).  . . Previous: -2th