MLB Power Rankings: Cubs on a hot streak, and welcome to the MLB Nick Senzel

By Sean Sears | May 9, 2019

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 07: (L-R) Members of the Chicago Cubs mob Kris Bryant #17 (center) after he hit the game-winning three run home run in the bottom of the 9th inning against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on May 07, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Marlins 5-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MAY 07: Lorenzo Cain #6 of the Milwaukee Brewers at bat during a game against the Washington Nationals at Miller Park on May 07, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Brewers defeated the Nationals 6-0. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

10. Milwaukee Brewers, 23-16, 2nd in the NL Central (ranked 7th last week)

With the Cubs and Cardinals facing off this past weekend, the Brewers managed to go 8-2 over their last 10 games and are currently in second place in the NL Central. On a six-game winning streak, the Brewers will collide with the Cubs this weekend, with the winner likely coming out on top of the NL Central. But despite their great record as of late, the pitching hasn’t been quite as good as it was last year — particularly the bullpen, which currently has a 4.20 ERA. Of course, that’s not terrible by any means, but the group ended the year with a 3.47 ERA last season, the fifth-best in the Majors. With their starters lacking much firepower beyond Zach Davies, Milwaukee relies on their offense to score a lot, but outside of Christian Yelich that hasn’t really happened yet this year. Averaging only 4.82 runs per game, without Yelich and his 15 home runs and a 1.221 OPS, the Brewers offense is pedestrian at best.

9. Minnesota Twins, 22-12, 1st in the AL Central (ranked 9th last week)

The Twins remain hot, winning seven of their last 10 games, and are about to start back-to-back-to-back series with the Tigers, Mariners and Angels over the next week. While the offense has found its stride behind Jorge Polanco and Mitch Garver, it’s been the pitching that’s really allowed the Twins to elevate their game to the next level. With Jose Berrios, Martin Perez and Jake Odorizzi all posting sub-3.00 ERA, plus relievers Blake Parker and Taylor Rodgers combining for five total runs allowed, the Twins have been dominating on the mound. It also helps they don’t really have anyone challenging them in the AL Central outside of the Indians. The Twins have finally turned into the team people thought they could be, it’s just happening a season later than expected.

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