Fansided

MLB Power Rankings: The Yankees are for real

By Joshua Sadlock

May 9, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jameson Taillon, Pittsburgh Pirates
May 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jameson Taillon throws against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh Pirates 14-20

Last week: 2-5
Last rank: 25

The Pirates aren’t necessarily out of it in the compact NL Central standings, but it feels that way. They were dealt another body blow when it was announced that starting pitcher Jameson Taillon had to undergo surgery for suspected testicular cancer. The Pirates just cannot catch a break this year. Taillon had been off to a strong start on the year, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Andrew McCutchen may need to restart his career somewhere else, but the Pirates will be hesitant to move him when his value has reached such a low point. The former NL MVP is batting .222/.303/.410 on the year. He should be healthy, but the results have not improved from the 2016 season.

May 8, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Joey Gallo (13) reacts after striking out during the ninth inning San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Joey Gallo (13) reacts after striking out during the ninth inning San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
23

Texas Rangers 15-20

Last week: 4-3
Last rank: 20

The Rangers had no problem handling the rest of the AL West last season, but have been put in their place so far this season. Without a consistent starting rotation behind Yu Darvish, the Rangers have been in too many high-scoring games.

Texas can homer with the best teams in the league, but their offense bogs down at times with too many strikeouts and not enough contact. Case in point, Joey Gallo, who has hit 11 home runs, but is batting .205 with 51 strikeouts in 112 at-bats. Mike Napoli and Carlos Gomez have also been massive disappointments. Things do not look good for the Rangers.

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