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MLB Power Rankings: Yankees making run at Astros

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 14, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) celebrates with Aaron Judge (99) and Starlin Castro (14) after hitting a three-run home run in the first inning during a MLB baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) celebrates with Aaron Judge (99) and Starlin Castro (14) after hitting a three-run home run in the first inning during a MLB baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 10, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) is congratulated by first baseman Logan Morrison (7) after hit the game winning walk off during the tenth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) is congratulated by first baseman Logan Morrison (7) after hit the game winning walk off during the tenth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
10

Tampa Bay Rays 35-33

Last week: 5-2
Last rank: 13

After serving as a doormat in the AL East last year with a fine pitching staff and a mediocre lineup, the Rays appear to have a fully functional offense for the first time in a few seasons. With the hitters firing on all cylinders, we have been able to see why the analytics community loves the Rays every year without fail.

If you had Logan Morrison down for 18 home runs in early June with a slugging percentage close to .900, come and collect your prize. The veteran first baseman is in the midst of a career year. While the Rays strike out a ton — approaching 700 times — they are also second in the AL in walks and home runs. The walks were missing last year, leading to too many solo shots. With more traffic on the bases, this can be a scary offense.

9

Cleveland Indians 31-31

Last week: 2-3
Last rank: 10

Francisco Lindor is easily one of the most exciting young shortstops in baseball, and his power stroke is developing in a big way this year. Lindor is up to 12 homers on the year and is slugging .487. Unfortunately, he may be sacrificing some of his elite contact ability for the longballs.

Lindor batted .309 in April, .245 in May, and is off to a .150 start in the month of June. Many young hitters discover the tradeoff that comes with trying to go from hitting singles and doubles to all fields to hitting 30 home runs. Lindor, like Manny Machado in Baltimore, has gotten too long with his swing, but he will get back on track.

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