Fansided

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 9, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) stands on the dugout steps as he waits to bat against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) stands on the dugout steps as he waits to bat against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
4

New York Yankees 24-13

Last week: 3-3
Last rank: 4

There’s no real reason for the Yankees to hang their heads over losing three of four to the Houston Astros over the weekend. Houston is the best team in the league, and carved up the Yankees pitching staff with relative ease. The young lineup fought back in every game, and there is a sense that the Yankees can never be fully counted out of a game, no matter how big the deficit.

The Yankees do need to be worried about the continuing struggles of ace Masahiro Tanaka. He was shelled on Opening Day, and has seen his ERA rise all the way to 5.80 after being knocked around by the Astros on Sunday Night Baseball. Tanaka has already given up 10 home runs this season, while opponents are batting .359 with a .692 slugging percentage against his sinker. Not good.

3

Colorado Rockies 25-15

Last week: 3-2
Last rank: 5

It was another strong week for the Rockies as they wrapped up a four-game series victory over the Cubs and split another four-gamer with the Dodgers. Colorado has not lost a series since being swept by Washington at the end of April. If they can continue winning or splitting series against some of the bigger names in the National League, they will have no problem returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

The return of Ian Desmond from his hand injury has helped to fuel an impressive offense. In 15 games since coming off the DL, Desmond is batting .317/.333/.450 with two home runs. The plan to play him at first base has not come to fruition, as he has played the outfield while David Dahl nurses a broken rib. This has allowed the Rockies to keep Mark Reynolds and his hot bat in the lineup. He leads the team with 12 home runs and 33 RBI.

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