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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 13, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) throws a pitch in the first inning during a game against the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) throws a pitch in the first inning during a game against the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
20

Toronto Blue Jays 17-24

Last week: 4-3
Last rank: 22

The Blue Jays have climbed closer to .500 in fits and starts over the past two weeks. Their offense is still not producing up to expectations, but the starting staff has done more than their fair share. Marcus Stroman has carried the load while J.A. Happ, Aaron Sanchez, and Francisco Liriano deal with injuries. Joe Biagini has also pitched well after being pressed into duty as a starter.

https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/863735668941488128

Josh Donaldson should be returning soon from his calf injury. Justin Smoak has really stepped up in his absence. Devon Travis has also begun hitting the ball with more authority. If the Blue Jays can get their entire offense on track, they could get back into contention.

19

Chicago White Sox 17-21

Last week: 2-5
Last rank: 20

Slowly but surely, the ERAs of Derek Holland and Miguel Gonzalez are climbing up. That was expected. Jose Quintana continues to struggle with his command. The White Sox were only going to stay above .500 as long as their pitching outperformed the expected results. The ERAs are going up, and the White Sox are going down.

If the White Sox are going to make a big trade to continue their rebuild, they should shop Jose Abreu aggressively. He is now 30 with an OPS that has declined in each of his four years in the big leagues. Abreu now has an OPS below .800 for the first time in his career. Sluggers do not hold their value long into their thirties, but the White Sox should still be able to sell him for a good package based on his reputation.

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