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MLB Power Rankings: Post Trade Deadline edition

By John Buhler

Jul 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) drives in a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Milwaukee won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) drives in a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Milwaukee won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) celebrates with third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) celebrates with third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Texas Rangers

After a brief down period in the years following back-to-back trips to the World Series in 2010 and 2011, the Texas Rangers emerged as a respectable playoff team in 2015 by winning the American League West.

In 2016, the Rangers have taken it a step further and are presumably the favorite to win the American League pennant for the third time in seven big league seasons. Though Texas has had a strong minor league system for much of the last decade, starting rotation problems led to their decline in 2014.

Needing a change at the helm to bring back competitiveness to that under-achieving team, Jeff Banister replaced long-time skipper Ron Washington at the helm. Banisters’ leadership style has galvanized the Rangers roster and have been a dominant team in the American League West virtually all season.

Though in-state rival Houston and maybe even Seattle will claw for a chance to win the division, Texas should go on to win back-to-back American League West crowns. At the MLB trade deadline, Texas is looking good with an American League best 52-44 record.

The Rangers have a 6.0 game lead over second-place Houston and an 8.5 game lead over third-place Seattle. It seems like the stars are aligning for something special in the Lone Star State this postseason.

Winning the Lucroy sweepstakes over fellow American League contender Cleveland has to be fate if their ever was such a thing. Texas might actually win its first World Series Championship this fall. They’re the favorites to win the American League.

Next: No. 1.

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