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MLB Power Rankings: Cubs are favorites again

By Joshua Sadlock

Mar 4, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Kris Bryan (17) prepares for his at bat during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Kris Bryan (17) prepares for his at bat during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) reacts after he struck out during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) reacts after he struck out during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Boston Red Sox

With the continued uncertainty surrounding David Price’s health, the Red Sox drop a few spots in the rankings. If Price is back in early May, Boston should be able to get by, but any longer, and things get dicey. Last year’s trade pickup, Drew Pomeranz, has looked awful in Spring Training. The rotation has been a problem at times off and on for the Red Sox over the past five seasons, and trading for Chris Sale won’t solve injury problems.

If the rotation does have its bumps in the road, the offense is more than capable of carrying the load and helping win more than a few 9-8 games. Even without David Ortiz, the Red Sox have one of the best lineups in baseball. Mookie Betts will get his chance to prove he can carry a lineup without Big Papi. He will have plenty of help with a full season of Andrew Benintendi on tap. On another positive note, Pablo Sandoval looks completely rejuvenated. Kung Fu Panda has been tearing the cover off the ball in the Grapefruit League. The Red Sox bet big on him by trading Travis Shaw, and it appears to be working out for now.

Assuming Price gets healthy in time to pitch the entire second half without restrictions, the Red Sox will be fine. Their division is a difficult one to run away with, and they were not able to do that until September last year. The Red Sox are the class of the AL East, but it will stay bunched up while they sort through their pitching injuries.

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