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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 9, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians pitcher Corey Kluber (right) with shortstop Francisco Lindor against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Indians 3-2 to sweep the three game series. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians pitcher Corey Kluber (right) with shortstop Francisco Lindor against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Indians 3-2 to sweep the three game series. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Indians 11-9

Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 4

The Indians can begin breathing a little easier about their spotty starting pitching. They recorded two shutouts of the White Sox last week, including a complete game three-hitter by Corey Kluber. That performance lowered Kluber’s ERA to 4.28, and he could be shaking off the April rust.

Cleveland must still figure out how to handle the fourth and fifth spots in their rotation. Josh Tomlin has now allowed 19 earned runs in 18.1 innings with 30 hits. Trevor Bauer has a 6.35 ERA in his first three starts. Until Cleveland has an answer for the back-end of the rotation, they will not be able to separate themselves from the rest of the AL Central.

Apr 21, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) prepares to deliver a pitch against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Giants 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) prepares to deliver a pitch against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Giants 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colorado Rockies 14-8

Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 11

If you haven’t bought your stock in the Rockies, now might be the last chance to do so before they really get cooking. The Rockies are winning with a different formula this year — their dominant bullpen is slamming the door in the late innings of the ballgame. Colorado has assembled the right mix of power fastballs and sliders that are able to play in the thin Denver air.

Greg Holland has now saved nine games in nine tries with a strong strikeout rate. His control has been shaky at times, but he has not been burned by it yet. Adam Ottavino has set up well for Holland.

At the plate, Charlie Blackmon is taking the next step to build his All-Star case. Blackmon is no longer a mere product of Coors. He hit .313/.363/.563 on the road last year. Blackmon has already hit seven home runs this season.

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