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 /
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Jun 19, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals first baemen Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates with teammate Jorge Bonifacio (38) after hitting a two run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals first baemen Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates with teammate Jorge Bonifacio (38) after hitting a two run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
20

Detroit Tigers 32-39

Last week: 2-5
Last rank: 19

The Tigers have hit the skids and should begin thinking about selling. This season was the final solid year in Detroit’s championship window, but that appears to have slammed shut due to terrible pitching on all fronts and aging hitters. It is time for the Tigers front office to begin evaluating top prospects in other organizations’ farm systems.

J.D. Martinez is the type of hitter the Tigers would love to attempt to pair with Miguel Cabrera for the remainder of his contract, but his real value to them is now as a trade chip. Detroit made a mini attempt at rebuilding in 2015, but Mike Ilitch could not help himself and signed Jordan Zimmermann and Justin Upton. Now is the time to focus on rebuilding the farm system that has been neglected for close to a decade.

19

Kansas City Royals 35-36

Last week: 5-2
Last rank: 20

You knew a stretch like this was coming for a team with the championship pedigree of the Royals. Kansas City has pulled themselves up out of last place and closer to .500. No one is realistically out of the playoff picture in the AL this year. The Royals have gradually chipped away at the hole they dug themselves with a strong month of June.

Even the most ardent Royals supporter has to feel conflicted about this recent run. Realistically, what do the Royals have to gain by reaching the trade deadline with an outside shot at a wild card spot? Probably not much. Unless ownership has told the front office that they plan to have about $300 million freed up this winter to pay Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas, and Eric Hosmer, the sell-off still has to proceed as scheduled for the Royals.

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