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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; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Khris Davis (2) celebrates after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Oakland Coliseum the Athletics won 4 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Khris Davis (2) celebrates after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Oakland Coliseum the Athletics won 4 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /
24

Oakland A's (1-2)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 26

The A’s have split a pair of games so far this season with the Angels, with Khris Davis homering twice on Opening Day. Oakland very nearly pulled out a second win to start the year, but blew Tuesday night’s game after allowing three runs in the ninth inning. Closer Ryan Dull allowed three runs on three hits and a home run to lose the game.

Oakland should feel good about Sean Manaea turning in a solid start in his season debut. The A’s have a group of budding young aces in their rotation this year, and Manaea may have the highest upside. Their bullpen is going to give up some leads like it did this week.

Apr 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) pitches during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) pitches during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /
23

Philadelphia Phillies (1-1)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 23

There is not much that can be taken away from the Phillies beating the Reds on Opening Day. Jeremy Hellickson pitched well enough, but hardly dominated a poor lineup. The Phillies eked out four runs against one of the worst pitching staffs in the league. With very little else to work with, that data point will keep them exactly where they started the year in the power rankings.

Howie Kendrick and Michael Saunders were signed over the winter to provide some veteran depth to a young lineup, and they both had an impact in the first game. Kendrick had three hits, while Saunders drove in a run and walked. Jeanmar Gomez nearly blew the lead in the ninth, providing a preview to what should be a season full of plenty of rides on the ninth-inning roller coaster.

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