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MLB Power Rankings: Contenders begin to separate

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 19, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) runs to third on an RBI double by center fielder Marcell Ozuna (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) runs to third on an RBI double by center fielder Marcell Ozuna (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Marlins 10-9

Last week: 2-3
Last rank: 13

An off day and a rainout kept the Marlins to a relatively light slate this week. They have continued to get stellar performances from J.T. Realmuto, Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Dee Gordon, and Marcell Ozuna. Stanton has homered in three of his past four games entering Wednesday night’s contest. He has managed much more consistent contact this season after dealing with strikeout woes in 2015 and 2016.

The big news of the week for the Marlins is that Jeb Bush and Derek Jeter’s group was selected to buy the Marlins. They will pay $1.3 billion. If they can complete the sale, this would take the team out of the bumbling hands of Jeffrey Loria and his cronies. Southern Florida is a potential baseball hotbed if the right management team is running the team. It’s hard to get a feel for Jeter’s business or talent evaluating acumen at this point, but anyone is better than Loria.

Apr 22, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Kenta Maeda (18) reacts after giving up a home run to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Kenta Maeda (18) reacts after giving up a home run to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
11

Los Angeles Dodgers 8-12

Last week: 2-4
Last rank: 9

The tables have been turned on the Dodgers so far this year. They are a combined 5-7 against the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers have beaten up on these two teams over the past decade, but both are greatly improved in 2017.

It may be time to get legitimately worried about Kenta Maeda. He is 1-2 with an 8.05 ERA this season, and has been hit hard. The Dodgers did not make a massive financial commitment to bring him over from Japan, and may be willing to take a loss on the contract if they have too. Maeda has allowed seven home runs in only 19 innings this year.

The Dodgers have spent the last five years building up depth in their starting rotation, and it is paying off this year. Most of the spare parts surrounding Clayton Kershaw have been injured at least once in their time with the Dodgers. Brandon McCarthy has shaken off injuries to record a 2.25 ERA to start this season.

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