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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; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (41) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (41) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
20

Kansas City Royals (0-2)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 17

This season will be a turning point for the Royals franchise, and it did not get off to a stellar start on Opening Day. After handing Danny Duffy a big extension over the offseason, the right-hander started the season with a strong six-inning start, allowing only one run while striking out eight. The bullpen blew it, allowing six runs in the seventh inning. Not an ideal start for a team that has several big free agents pending. Nate Karns and Matt Strahm came back and allowed six runs in relief in the second game of the year.

This is not the type of offense that should record only three hits against the Minnesota Twins of all teams, chalk it up to Opening Day nerves, but the Royals will have to get the sticks rolling to support what should be a middling pitching staff.

Apr 3, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits an RBI double against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits an RBI double against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
19

Miami Marlins (0-2)

Last week: N/A
Last rank: 20

There’s no real shame in getting shut down by Stephen Strasburg on Opening Day. He is one of the best pitchers in the league. It happens, and the Marlins will have to regroup and attempt to deal with the rest of the Nationals strong starting rotation.

The bullpen will need to be a strength this year for a Marlins team without a real ace, and it let them down on Opening Day. Edinson Volquez was able to get through five innings without allowing a run. From there, the relievers allowed two home runs and four runs to let the lead slip away. Miami’s rotation just simply is not good enough to afford many lost leads.

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