Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
15 of 15
Next
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 /
2

Los Angeles Dodgers 33-21

Last week: 6-1
Last rank: 6

Winners of six straight entering play on May 31, the Dodgers have been the hottest team in the National League for the past two weeks. Overall, they have won 11 of 13 to give themselves the highest win total in the league and a slim lead over the Rockies in the NL West.

The Dodgers have an interesting offensive attack. They lead the NL in doubles and walks, are second in on-base percentage, and are third in runs scored. The Dodgers have been able to overcome a slight lack of home-run power with their ability to keep plenty of traffic on the bases. Rookie Cody Bellinger has seen his batting average decline, but his power has continued to pace the Dodgers.

1

Houston Astros 38-16

Last week: 7-0
Last rank: 1

The Astros continue to make a mockery of the American League. Entering the final day of May, they have gone 21-7 in the month and have outscored their opponents by nearly 60 runs. Houston has had only three losing streaks so far this year as they are on pace for over 110 wins.

Dallas Keuchel has returned from the disabled list and turned in a ho-hum effort of six innings and one earned run against the Orioles to run his record to 8-0 on the year. Keuchel’s return to Cy Young form has been spectacular, but nothing has been more shocking than the rise of utility man Marwin Gonzalez.

Next: Best all-time player for each MLB team

In a lineup full of mashers, Gonzalez leads the pack with an OPS of 1.021. He leads the Astros with 11 home runs and 32 RBI. His power surge seems completely out of nowhere. Gonzalez has a mediocre career slugging percentage of .407. If he keeps hitting like this, there really will be no stopping the Astros.

Home/MLB