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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; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a triple in the fifth inning scoring one against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a triple in the fifth inning scoring one against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /
22

Los Angeles Angels (2-1)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 21

Mike Trout is doing Mike Trout things early in the season, which is to be expected. He has a homer, a double, and a triple in two games The rest of the lineup has collected hits around him, and mounted a nice comeback to win on Tuesday night against the A’s.

There is enough on offense to expect the Halos to be reasonably competitive this season, and they fixed their holes in left field and at second base over the winter. The starting pitching, however, is what will ultimately break the team this year. Neither starter so far has looked impressive, while the offenses around the AL West have looked good so far.

Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock celebrates after hitting a two run home run in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock celebrates after hitting a two run home run in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
21

Arizona Diamondbacks (2-1)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 21

The Diamondbacks played a very exciting game on Opening Day last Sunday, sinking the Giants with a furious rally against the bullpen and All-Star closer Mark Melancon. All-Star center fielder A.J. Pollock announced his return from injury with some excellent play, and has already driven in four runs while homering twice and stealing four bases. He does not get nearly enough recognition for being one of the best outfielders in baseball. That will change if he keeps up numbers like this.

On the mound, however, the Diamondbacks have been a disaster. Zack Greinke looks like a shell of himself, as does closer Fernando Rodney. The bullpen imploded in the second game of the year as well. Expect dozens of 9-8 games with exciting back-and-forth action all season from Arizona, but not enough wins or pitching to make any real noise in the National League.

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