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MLB Power Rankings: Rockies take over the top spot

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 18, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) celebrates after hitting a walk off three run home run to complete the cycle during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) celebrates after hitting a walk off three run home run to complete the cycle during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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June 18, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Cameron Maybin (9) crosses home plate to score a run in the first inning againsat the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
June 18, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Cameron Maybin (9) crosses home plate to score a run in the first inning againsat the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
12

Los Angeles Angels 37-38

Last week: 3-4
Last rank: 14

In the sea of mediocrity that is the American League, the Angels continue to be one of the more interesting teams to watch. Mike Trout is way ahead of schedule and could even return to the field before the All-Star break. The guy even heals at otherworldly levels. What type of team will Trout find when he returns?

Many of the Angels flaws will still be present with or without Trout, and they have essentially produced the same win-loss ratio since his injury. Cameron Maybin has moved over to center field to cover for Trout, while Eric Young Jr. has played a capable left field. In 21 games, Young has batted over .300. Maybin has also posted a respectable line of .279/.380/.433 on the year with 21 steals.

11

Tampa Bay Rays 39-36

Last week: 4-3
Last rank: 10

The Rays are in an awkward position as they fight for an AL Wild Card. Even the most passionate Tampa Bay baseball fan (yes, they do exist) would willingly admit that their best-case scenario for this year ends with a wild card, not a division title. How willing can the front office be to stand pat at the deadline with big trade chips like Chris Archer losing another year of team control.

Archer would draw the interest of every major contender with a deep farm system, especially the Chicago Cubs, who had Archer early in his minor-league career. The Rays would be smart to at least gauge the overall interest in Archer across the league because he can be traded now with up to four-and-a-half years of team control. The Rays have never had a hitting prospect like Eloy Jimenez, the best the Cubs have to offer.

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