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MLB Power Rankings: Astros launch to top spot

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (left) and shortstop Carlos Correa against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (left) and shortstop Carlos Correa against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 12, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
12

Minnesota Twins 19-16

Last week: 5-2
Last rank: 16

You’ll have a hard time convincing me that Ervin Santana is an honest-to-goodness ace. He has a career ERA of 4.03, but veteran pitchers do figure things out and go on ridiculous runs from time to time. Santana has allowed an incredible 3.8 hits per nine in eight starts this year.

This winning start for the Twins could continue if their pitching staff continues to defy expectations. They have a collective FIP of 4.79, but a 4.31 ERA. It’s unlikely that all five starters will continue beating their FIP by over two runs, but who knows.

Miguel Sano is taking the three-true-outcome approach to the max. He has homered, walked, or struck out in 61 percent of his plate appearances this year. There are obviously holes in his swing as evidenced by his 49 strikeouts in 34 games, but he is punishing every mistake he has seen. If pitchers execute, his 1.070 OPS could drop like a lead balloon.

11

Milwaukee Brewers 23-18

Last week: 5-2
Last rank: 14

If you aren’t keeping tabs on the Brewers this season, now might be a good time to start. They have won seven of nine entering play on Wednesday, and have one of the most exciting young offenses in the league, balanced perfectly with young, excitable hitters and patient veterans.

Center fielder Keon Broxton had himself quite a week, doubling twice, scoring five runs, and driving in three. Contact is still a bit of an issue with him, but he is a sparkplug in a lineup full of speed and power guys. Matt Garza, Chase Anderson, and Jimmy Nelson have given the Brewers dependable performances in the rotation, which has allowed them to hang around in the packed NL Central.

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