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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 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) high fives Milwaukee Brewers third base coach Ed Sedar (6) after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) high fives Milwaukee Brewers third base coach Ed Sedar (6) after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
26

Milwaukee Brewers (1-2)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 25

The Brewers are 0-2 to start the season, but have played competitive games with the Rockies. Starting pitching has been an issue so far, and Junior Guerra is now on the disabled list after only making it into the third inning on Opening Day. Zach Davies was shelled in the second game of the year, allowing six runs in 4.1 innings while walking four. Davies started slow last year as well, but finished strong.

Eric Thames, it turns out, is not just good in Korea.

Offensively, the Brewers have had no real issue scoring, but that was to be expected entering the year. Travis Shaw is off to a hot start, and already has four doubles. That’s important, because he has been able to do some of the damage against left-handed pitching. Shaw was pigeon-holed as a platoon player in Boston, but could get a bigger role in Milwaukee if he keeps hitting southpaws.

Apr 3, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) beats the throw to score against the Kansas City Royals on a single in the seventh inning at Target Field. The Twins won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) beats the throw to score against the Kansas City Royals on a single in the seventh inning at Target Field. The Twins won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
25

Minnesota Twins (2-0)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 29

Game One of the season was a big success for the Twins as they blasted the Royals by a score of 7-1. Ervin Santana dazzled, allowing only two hits over seven innings. Minnesota got a big home run from Miguel Sano, and free-agent catcher Jason Castro delivered two hits and two RBI. Seeing Byron Buxton strike out three times, however, is problematic.

Minnesota came back just as strong in the second game of the year, blowing out the Royals again. Sano had another big game. If he continues to break out, look for All-Star numbers.

The Twins may actually sneak up on some teams this year, but their rotation does not have enough depth to make a serious run at contending, not even for a .500 record. After Santana, the rotation should struggle most nights. This is a make-or-break year for Buxton, and it did not get off to a strong start.

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