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MLB Power Rankings: Can anyone stop the Astros?

By Joshua Sadlock

May 29, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Jake Marisnick (6) congratulates third baseman Alex Bregman (2) on his home run which also scored first baseman Marwin Gonzalez (9) during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Jake Marisnick (6) congratulates third baseman Alex Bregman (2) on his home run which also scored first baseman Marwin Gonzalez (9) during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bryce Harper
May 29, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Hunter Strickland (60) and Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) in a fight after Harper was hit by the pitch of Strickland during the eighth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals 33-19

Last week: 5-2
Last rank: 3

Consistency has been key for the Nationals this year. They have not faced any serious adversity or a long losing streak. Having one of the best lineups in baseball and one of the best rotations makes it easy to stay out of slumps.

The Nationals may have found their answer at closer with Koda Glover, who is throwing some nasty pitches. Seriously, a 95-mph slider? Come on.

Glover has converted four straight saves since being handed the job. He has not allowed an earned run in the month of May, and has nine strikeouts against one walk. It took Dusty Baker long enough to settle on Glover as his closer, but it appears the search for stability in the ninth inning is over for the Nationals

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Colorado Rockies 33-22

Last week: 2-5
Last rank: 2

Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez are the household names in the Rockies lineup, but it’s time to start including center fielder Charlie Blackmon in the MVP conversation. On the year, Blackmon is hitting .327/.364/.627 with eight triples, 13 home runs, 46 RBI, and four steals. He leads MLB in hits, triples, RBI, and total bases.

Crazy to think the Rockies were willing to listen to trade offers on Blackmon on and off for the past three offseasons. He has been their best all-around player. Speaking of Gonzalez, his bat is beginning to heat up after a slow start. CarGo is batting .324/.383/.507 since his batting average fell below .200 in early May.

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