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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 16, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) and manager Dusty Baker (right) high-five after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) and manager Dusty Baker (right) high-five after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals 25-14

Last week: 3-2
Last rank: 1

Bryce Harper has officially entered banana-land territory. He is now batting .388/.503/.767 on the year with 13 home runs, 36 RBI, and more walks than strikeouts. Harper is batting a casual .889 on 1-0 counts and is hitting over .500 in the 25 games the Nationals have won. This is some next-level stuff from Harper.

The Nationals did have their weekly bullpen meltdown last Sunday. Closer Shawn Kelley allowed three runs to the Phillies in the ninth inning while getting only one out. That was his second blown save of the year, running his ERA up to 7.15. Washington will live with this bullpen ugliness until the trade deadline as long as it only happens once a week, but it has to be addressed before the playoffs.

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Houston Astros 29-12

Last week: 6-1
Last rank: 2

The Astros have been on a tear the past two weeks and now have MLB’s best record. They’ve done it with a dominant offense, great pitching, a shutdown bullpen, and slick defense. When you have backup outfielder Jake Marisnick doing things like this, you’re probably going to have a good time.

The Astros are striking out less, walking more, and hitting for more power. The additions of veterans Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, and Josh Reddick has made the lineup more contact-oriented at the plate. Carlos Correa is hitting like an MVP candidate, Jose Altuve is running wild, Yulieski Gurriel is playing like a seasoned veteran, and Dallas Keuchel is still undefeated on the season.

Next: Best all-time player for each MLB team

Houston has the deepest team in the big leagues, and has the ability to add whatever they want to the roster at the trade deadline. It’s not a hard pick this time around — the Astros are the best team in all of baseball.

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