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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 20, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) celebrates following the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) celebrates following the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
18

Pittsburgh Pirates 33-39

Last week: 3-3
Last rank: 21

Eventually, MLB hitters will be able to utilize Statcast data to correct and tweak their swings to maximize their contact. We’re getting close as it is. Andrew McCutchen is a prime example of a player whose “baseball card numbers” were ugly to start the year. He was among the league leaders in hard-hit balls, but was toiling with an average near .200.

With a few minor adjustments to his swing and perhaps an attitude adjustment, McCutchen has gone on a tear and has stopped hitting the ball on the ground. The Pirates are surging behind McCutchen’s return to MVP form and will get suspended All-Star Starling Marte back soon. They are still very much alive in the NL Central, but appear content with accepting that their window to contend has closed.

17

Toronto Blue Jays 35-36

Last week: 3-3
Last rank: 15

The Blue Jays are an interesting sub-.500 team to watch in the American League playoff picture. They have a good enough farm system and very few valuable trade chips at the MLB level. With an aging core, the front office may feel compelled to take a shot at the deadline and hope the starting pitching can go on a dominant two-month run like it did in 2015.

Toronto does not have quite the same level of minor-league talent to pull off two major deals like they did in 2015 when David Price and Troy Tulowitzki came riding into town to save the season and spark a run to the AL East title and ALCS. However, with Marcus Stroman going the way he has this year, getting into that one-game playoff game would be very worth it for the Jays.

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