Fansided

MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers skidding, but still number one

By Joshua Sadlock

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 07: Starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers holds his head in this hand shortly after leaving the game in the fourth inning during the MLB game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on September 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 07: Starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers holds his head in this hand shortly after leaving the game in the fourth inning during the MLB game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on September 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 06: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles is doused with water by Adam Jones #10 and Jonathan Schoop #6 after hitting a two RBI walk off home run to give the Orioles a 7-6 win over the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 5, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 06: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles is doused with water by Adam Jones #10 and Jonathan Schoop #6 after hitting a two RBI walk off home run to give the Orioles a 7-6 win over the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 5, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
12

Minnesota Twins 73-67

Last week: 6-4
Last rank: 10

The Twins are still holding onto the final playoff spot in the American League, but their grip appears more tenuous by the day. They have started September on a 2-4 slide and may be without the services of Miguel Sano for another two weeks. It will be on Byron Buxton to continue carrying the load.

Buxton has been the main storyline to watch in Minnesota as he transforms from a potential bust to one of the best hitters right before our eyes, but Joe Mauer’s resurgence deserves mention. The former MVP is now hitting .302/.383/.414 on the year with 30 doubles. Mauer seemed totally done as a useful hitter before the start of the year, but he could now be looking at a Hall of Fame career if he can find a way to sustain this level of production for a few more seasons.

11

Baltimore Orioles 71-69

Last week: 6-4
Last rank: 11

Manny Machado has finished in the top-five of the American League MVP vote in each of the past two years, combining for 72 home runs and 182 RBI. Somehow, he’s been even better in the second half of this season. The pennant race has elevated Machado’s game to a level never seen before, and he is absolutely back in the conversation for best player in baseball behind Mike Trout.

Machado was the AL Player of the Month for August after hitting .341/.348/.690 with 12 home runs (three grand slams) and 35 RBI. He has hit three walk-off home runs in the past calendar month. His scorching-hot bat has carried over into September where he has already homered twice.

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