Fansided

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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Mar 30, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23) during an exhibition game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23) during an exhibition game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
2

Cleveland Indians (3-0)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 2

Three games into the year, and the rest of the American League has to be on high alert after seeing the way the Indians lineup has raked Texas pitching over the coals. Even without All-Star second baseman and leader Jason Kipnis, the Indians have given the Rangers fits to start the year. With the return of Michael Brantley and the addition of Edwin Encarnacion, this may very well be the most dangerous lineup in the league.

Starting pitching, which was supposed to lead the way for the Indians before their offense materialized into a force to be reckoned with, has been spotty so far, but Corey Kluber typically starts slow. Carlos Carrasco pitched very well in his return, allowing two runs in 5.2 innings with seven strikeouts. As expected, the bullpen led by Andrew Miller and Cody Allen has been nearly perfect. The Indians will be in the conversation for the top spot here all year.

Apr 2, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates with first base coach Brandon Hyde (16) after hitting a single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez (not pictured) during the first inning of opening night at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates with first base coach Brandon Hyde (16) after hitting a single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez (not pictured) during the first inning of opening night at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
1

Chicago Cubs (1-1)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 1

What?!?! The Cubs lost a game? How? I thought they were supposed to be the best team ever? Sad. Alas, the Cubs will not be going 162-0 this season as they look to defend their World Series title. A hard-fought game with the rival Cardinals did not go their way on Opening Night. What a disappointment.

Dripping with sarcasm, of course.

Through two games, Kyle Schwarber has worked wonders out of the leadoff spot, reaching base four times. Javy Baez has made a handful of sparkling plays in the field, as has Albert Almora. Jake Arrieta looked closer to 2015 Arrieta than the 2016 version that struggled with command and efficiency at times. He will never approach his record level of dominance from his Cy Young campaign, but could come close in a contract year. The Cubs are loaded, and it will take a serious slipup for them to fall out of the number-one slot.

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