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MLB Power Rankings: Here come the Cubs

By Joshua Sadlock

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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ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 18: Umpire Jeff Nelson #45 and Chris Heisey #14 of the Washington Nationals look on as Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hits a solo home run in the first inning of the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 18, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 18: Umpire Jeff Nelson #45 and Chris Heisey #14 of the Washington Nationals look on as Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hits a solo home run in the first inning of the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 18, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
18

Los Angeles Angels 47-50

Last week: 2-3
Last rank: 13

Mike Trout’s first week back from a thumb injury was a typical Trout week. He hit .316/.381/.632 with two home runs and four RBI. Missing 45 games should cost Trout the MVP award, but he’s still the best player in the American League. Trout may come up a few plate appearances short of being able to qualify for any leaderboards, but he is slugging over 90 points better than Aaron Judge.

If Trout is able to sustain his .731 slugging percentage, he would have the highest number since MLB began steroid testing. To qualify, a player needs 502 plate appearances. Trout is currently at 227 in 52 games. If he plays in all 65 remaining Angels games this year, he’s got a very good shot at recording enough trips to the plate to have his season counted for the record books.

17

St. Louis Cardinals 46-49

Last week: 3-4
Last rank: 15

The Cardinals will likely miss the playoffs for the second year in a row, but they are still set up well to contend in 2018 and beyond. Management must be smart about this upcoming trade deadline and consider moving pending free agent Lance Lynn or resurgent reliever Trevor Rosenthal who is striking out over 14 per nine.

St. Louis will have Alex Reyes back next year. Before going under the knife for Tommy John, Reyes was the most exciting pitching prospect in baseball. The Cardinals will also have Luke Weaver ready for a full season in the rotation, while Harrison Bader will be ready for his MLB debut. Pick up another solid prospect or two at the deadline and make a run at a power bat in free agency, and the Cardinals will be ready to contend again next season.

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