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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 14, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals first basemen Eric Hosmer (35) at bat during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals first basemen Eric Hosmer (35) at bat during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
26

Kansas City Royals 7-14

Last week: 0-7
Last rank: 20

It may be time to start seriously considering the possibility that the Monstars have decided to take up baseball and have stolen the powers of the Royals hitters. Through 20 games, Kansas City is hitting .201/.264/.322 as a team with only 52 runs. Scoring fewer than three runs per game won’t get you very far, even if your starting rotation does have a 2.96 ERA — best in MLB.

No one has slumped harder than Eric Hosmer. In his walk year, the first baseman is batting a putrid .195/.253/.247 with only two extra-base hits. Hosmer has grounded into seven double plays, and has hit the ball on the ground at a 61.5 percent clip. He is still making plenty of contact, but just not the right kind.

Hosmer knows he needs to put the ball in the air, but he has not been able to do it.

"“You look at the averages and all that, it’s definitely better with the ball in the air,” he said. “Most guys, especially power hitters, are trying to hit the ball in the air. Our stadium is playing a little different, it’s bigger out there, but still, somebody in my spot in the lineup, and type of hitter I am, I should definitely be trying to hit the ball in the air.”"

The Royals offense can only stay grounded so long, and if their starting pitching can continue dominating, there is a chance they could climb back into the playoff picture.

Apr 24, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) is greeted by right fielder Jose Osuna (36) after scoring a run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) is greeted by right fielder Jose Osuna (36) after scoring a run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
25

Pittsburgh Pirates 9-12

Last week: 3-3
Last rank: 25

The Pirates are treading water in last place in the NL Central while they attempt to get their season back on track following the loss of Starling Marte to a PED suspension. Andrew McCutchen is not hitting for average, but his on-base numbers, walks, and slugging percentage are trending in the right direction. He picked up only three hits last week, but continues to make contact and drew five walks in the past four games.

Ivan Nova continues to be one of the best buy-low investments in the league as he continues working with Ray Searage. Nova has allowed only six earned runs in his first 27.0 innings this year with only one walk. If it keeps going south in the Iron City, Nova will be the best trade asset the Pirates have to offer at the deadline in July, not McCutchen.

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