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MLB Power Rankings: Cubs still on top

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49) walks off the field after the top of the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49) walks off the field after the top of the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Mark Trumbo (45) celebrates after hitting a walk-off home run to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Mark Trumbo (45) celebrates after hitting a walk-off home run to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
12

Baltimore Orioles (2-0)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 13

Opening Day followed a familiar script for the Baltimore Orioles. Starter Kevin Gausman did just enough, but struggled with command. The offense put up a few early runs, but struggled to do much more. The bullpen came in, slammed the door. Manny Machado did Manny Machado things at third base, and Mark Trumbo came through and hit a walk-off homer in extra innings.

Here is your friendly, weekly reminder that Manny Machado is very good at catching and throwing. It’s kind of him to let others share the AL Gold Glove at third base from time to time.

There is reason for great excitement for Orioles fans after seeing Dylan Bundy’s season debut. He allowed only four hits and one run in seven innings with eight strikeouts. We have been waiting years to see him unleash his slider on big-league hitters, and he finally got that chance last night. It was as majestic as advertised.

Wash, rinse, repeat, for this team that has seemingly always been able to find a way to win the past five seasons despite widespread skepticism around the baseball. Gausman needs to be sharper going forward, but the offense will obviously heat up in a hurry. It’s still hard to make any realistic proclamation about the hopes of the Orioles until seeing their rotation make a few passes.

Apr 3, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) reacts after the top of the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) reacts after the top of the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
11

New York Mets (1-1)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 9

Is it too early to fret over the health of the Mets starting rotation? No, no it is not. Noah Syndergaard left his Opening Day start with a blister. Thor pitched an outstanding game, but blister problems have kept pitchers out for weeks at a time. Funny, really, that something as innocuous as a blister could force a 6-foot-6 human who weighs over 250 pounds and throws 101 mph to miss starts.

Steven Matz and Seth Lugo are also already on the DL. The Mets do not have much more depth if anyone else in the rotation goes down. Terry Collins is in a very precarious position managing this staff, and the season could go up in flames if any major injuries occur.

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