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
9 of 15
Next
Jun 14, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) looks on after giving up a home run in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) looks on after giving up a home run in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
14

Minnesota Twins 36-33

Last week: 3-4
Last rank: 8

Regression to the mean has been a nightmare for the Twins the past two weeks. They have had nine losses by five runs or more since May 29. Minnesota has been outscored by nearly 50 runs in May and June. This seems to be an unstoppable trend for a team that was a darling for the first two months of the year.

A pitching staff can only defy the odds for so long, and the Twins have only been bailed out for having the worst ERA in the American League by the historically-bad Orioles. Overall, the Twins have a staff FIP of 5.13, and their actual ERA is beginning to match that. The front office has to hope that Ervin Santana holds on long enough to have some value at the trade deadline.

13

Texas Rangers 35-36

Last week: 3-3
Last rank: 13

Mike Napoli and Joey Gallo may be combining for one of the most lopsided power slash lines in MLB history. Together, they have batted .194/.280/.463 with 31 home runs and 165 strikeouts. Between the two of them, Napoli and Gallo will make the air conditioning in the Rangers new dome a luxury.

Mediocre pitching and a lineup that struggles to make consistent contact is what continues to hold the Rangers back this season as they toil along at .500. They made several big moves at the trade deadline last year, and still have enough depth in the farm system to make an impactful trade this year. The Rangers feel like a ticking time bomb in the AL Wild Card race.

Home/MLB