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MLB Power Rankings: Trouble for Cubs?

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Carlos Beltran (15) and Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) observe action from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Carlos Beltran (15) and Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) observe action from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes looks at his bat after pop fly during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes looks at his bat after pop fly during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
12

New York Mets 8-7

Last week: 2-4
Last rank: 8

The Mets hit the middle of last week on a five-game winning streak with some of the hottest bats in baseball. They followed that streak up with four straight losses and some of the coldest bats in the league. Through 14 games, the Mets are 26th in the league with a .216 batting average, but are 16th with a .396 slugging percentage.

This lineup will be feast or famine, so get used to these ups and downs. Jay Bruce is currently riding a slump after setting the world on fire for the first two weeks of the year. Yoenis Cespedes has hit home runs in bunches, but is still looking for consistency. The top three of Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey, and Jacob deGrom have been outstanding, but even they cannot win every 3-2 ballgame.

Apr 11, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu (9) and shortstop Trevor Story (27) and third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) and catcher Tony Wolters (14) and first baseman Mark Reynolds (12) and relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) react following a win over the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Padres 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu (9) and shortstop Trevor Story (27) and third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) and catcher Tony Wolters (14) and first baseman Mark Reynolds (12) and relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) react following a win over the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Padres 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
11

Colorado Rockies 10-6

Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 12

The pitching woes of the Rockies are well-documented over the years. Building a solid starting rotation has been difficult for the front office, but putting together a bullpen that does not cause heart palpitations on a nightly basis has proven an even bigger challenge. That may finally be changing for the Rockies.

Colorado relievers have already picked up five wins on the young season and have an ERA of 2.77. They have struck out 68 in only 52.0 innings while walking only 14. Adam Ottavino has 12 whiffs in only 7.1 innings, while Greg Holland has been the anchor at closer, already picking up eight saves. It was a big gamble to sign Holland to a rich contract coming off Tommy John, but the move is paying big dividends for the Rockies.

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