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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; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Indians 7-7

Last week: 3-4
Last rank: 2

The Tribe falls another spot in the power rankings after a losing week. Starting pitching has been a problem for the Indians so far this season, but the tide should turn soon. Corey Kluber is working through his annual April difficulties. Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar have both been dominant as they look to put together full healthy seasons.

Cleveland’s lineup has been dangerous as Francisco Lindor continues his growth as a star. The team’s big splurge over the offseason, Edwin Encarnacion, has yet to heat up as he settles into his new surroundings. When EE does start hitting, it will make life difficult for the Tigers and White Sox, who shut them down last week.

Apr 19, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a grand slam home run as Atlanta Braves catcher Anthony Recker (20) watches in the second inning of their game at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a grand slam home run as Atlanta Braves catcher Anthony Recker (20) watches in the second inning of their game at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals 9-5

Last week: 3-2
Last rank: 2

The Nationals have done nothing to warrant a drop out of the number-two spot. Their move down a spot in the power rankings is based on the performance of other teams. Bryce Harper is on a tear so far this season and is making contact on the level of his MVP season. Daniel Murphy is also batting over .350, as is Ryan Zimmerman. Adam Eaton is also hitting .340, which makes it so much easier to stomach losing Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez.

While the offense has been running wild, the Nationals have a world of trouble in their bullpen. Blake Treinen has lost his grasp on the job of closer, and it could be a closer-by-committee approach for Dusty Baker going forward. That rarely works, but it could for the Nationals due to the strength of their lineup and starting rotation.

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