MLB Power Rankings: Here come the Cubs

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 17: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after hitting a solo homer in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on July 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 17: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after hitting a solo homer in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on July 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – JULY 19: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies hits a RBI single in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on July 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – JULY 19: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies hits a RBI single in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on July 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
6

Arizona Diamondbacks 55-40

Last week: 2-4
Last rank: 4

Getting swept by the Braves to start the second half — well, Bob, it’s not great. Seeing the sweep sparked some sort of fire in the Diamondbacks front office, and they swooped in to steal J.D. Martinez from the Tigers for next to nothing. The move does not necessarily make the Diamondbacks a threat to chase down Los Angeles, but it does add depth and another impact power bat to one of the best lineups in the game.

Arizona has one of the worst farm systems in the league, but they do have enough left over to make a move for a setup man to help support Fernando Rodney. It’s going to come down to a one-game playoff between the Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. Both teams need to load up with an eye on future battles down the road.

5

Colorado Rockies 56-41

Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 7

The Rockies have come out of the gates strong to start the second half and have pushed their way back into the top five of the MLB Power Rankings. Getting the Padres at home certainly helps. The Rockies have a wide enough lead for a Wild Card, that it’s now about surviving and managing the workload of their young rotation.

The Rockies put up an offensive outburst for the ages on Wednesday afternoon at Coors Field, routing the Padres 18-4. They scored runs in the first seven innings with five starters picking up more than three hits. As the deadline approaches, the Rockies front office will have to gear up for one impactful move for a veteran starter or another dominant reliever.