Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
13 of 15
Next
Jun 20, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (41) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (41) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
6

Boston Red Sox 40-32

Last week: 3-4
Last rank: 7

The Red Sox have reclaimed first place in the American League East for the first time since early April, and their run may just be getting started. Their offensive power numbers are still down compared to last season, but Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley, Xander Bogaerts, and Andrew Benintendi have been swinging extremely hot bats.

Boston still has a problem on their hands with Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. Ramirez is still slugging below .400 and looking checked out at times. Sandoval is on the 10-day DL with the flu, which only serves to give management more time to figure out how much of his remaining salary they are willing to eat. The clock is ticking on his time with the Red Sox, and a trade for a third baseman could be the final nail in the coffin.

5

Washington Nationals 43-29

Last week: 4-3
Last rank: 5

The Nationals have been playing .500 baseball for the past three weeks. That should not be the case for a team that leads the NL in every important offensive statistic. As has been the case all season, the bullpen has cost the Nationals at least a game a week.

Tanner Roark has also been struggling for the Nationals. The right-hander had been one of the most dependable starters in the league, but has an 8.02 ERA over his past four starts. With Joe Ross also struggling as the fifth starter, the Nationals have some questions in the back end of their rotation.

Home/MLB