MLB Power Rankings: Astros launch to top spot
Los Angeles Angels 22-21
Last week: 5-2
Last rank: 17
Somehow it didn’t seem possible, but Mike Trout has gotten even better this season. He is hitting .344/.452/.734 with 10 doubles, 12 homers, 27 RBI, and eight steals. It’s crazy to think that Trout may not have hit his peak. Remember, he is still only 25 years old. How?
Trout is great, but the Angels continue to field a mediocre ballclub. Realistically, how long can management kid themselves and hold onto him. Trout seems like a longshot to sign with the Angels long-term. It wouldn’t be the craziest idea if Los Angeles quietly shopped him for a king’s ransom.
Tampa Bay Rays 21-22
Last week: 4-3
Last rank: 19
After struggling in his first season back from Tommy John, Alex Cobb has firmly re-established himself as a valuable starter. Cobb ran his record to 4-3 on Wednesday afternoon and has a solid 3.67 ERA. He has won three of his last four starts, and has lowered his ERA from 4.88 over the past month.
Having Cobb approaching top form is a big break for the Rays. He went 21-12 in 2013 and 2014 with a 2.82 ERA, but had an ugly 8.59 ERA in five starts in 2016. After seeing Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Moore, and Drew Smyly struggle the Rays needed Cobb to live up to his past hype, and he is getting there.