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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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Jun 19, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Adams (18) hits a RBI single against the San Francisco Giants in the eighth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Adams (18) hits a RBI single against the San Francisco Giants in the eighth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
22

Atlanta Braves 33-38

Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 26

The Braves are entering a brave new world where first baseman Freddie Freeman will attempt to play third base for the first time since high school. It’s an interesting idea and worth a try for the Braves since they have nothing to lose this season. Freeman’s move was brought about by the offensive outburst Matt Adams has enjoyed since escaping a difficult situation in St. Louis.

There was a thought that the Braves would attempt to immediately flip Adams for prospects, but he has played so well for them that he could be a candidate for a team-friendly extension. Freeman came up with the idea to try third on his own, and it never hurts to take input from the face of the franchise during a rebuild.

21

St. Louis Cardinals 33-37

Last week: 3-3
Last rank: 16

There is no denying how significant Adam Wainwright has been during his long career with the Cardinals, but his time as an effective starting pitcher in the big leagues may be coming to an end. The big right-hander is 7-5 this season with a 5.75 ERA, continuing his downward trend from 2016 when he allowed the most earned runs and hits in the league. In Wainwright’s most recent outing, he was tagged by Baltimore for nine runs and three home runs in 1.2 innings.

The top pitching prospect for the Cardinals is Luke Weaver and he has a career ERA below 2.00 in the minors. There is nothing left for him to prove down on the farm. Wainwright deserves to be able to go out on his own terms in St. Louis, but the Cardinals cannot delay the inevitable much longer.

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