MLB Power Rankings: Cardinals seek and destroy, Red Sox fade to black

5) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are gaining a tighter grip on the National League Central by the day. With the Brewers deciding to let the Cardinals have it, they have an easy road to the postseason. They can thank their stars and trade deadline acquisitions for stepping up.

The Cardinals are a rather traditionally built ball club and that should help them. They aren’t always just waiting for a big home run or dependent on two aces to help them win. The Cardinals are deep. They are talented. For these reasons and more, they should be taken seriously.

4) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves might win 100 games and settle for a wild card spot. As much as they keep winning, they are unable to capture the National League East. It will only hurt them because it means having to play a few extra postseason games. If that eliminates them, expect some rabid fans.

The Braves have been one of baseball’s best clubs for several months beginning with their winning streak just as school was wrapping up. With classes back in session in many places now, the trend continues. Atlanta looks dangerous in a multitude of ways. They are easily the best team with a wild card spot and should be thought of as a division leader.

3) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets

There are some parts of the New York Mets to question. One of them isn’t their record. Winning two out of three against the Los Angeles Dodgers last week was a terrific achievement not to be overlooked. It shows they are good enough to hang with the best: spoiler alert!

The Mets aren’t just a team reliant on Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. Manager Buck Showalter has figured out how to get the most of his bullpen. On offense, they have others capable of coming up with big hits. This might not be the mightiest of ball clubs. It’s still a fantastic one other should fear even if they did drop two out of three against the Nationals to end the weekend.

2) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros

The best team in the American League, the Houston Astros are going to secure themselves home-field advantage at least until the World Series. They’ve distanced themselves from the Yankees now. It’s only a matter of time before they pop some champagne and celebrate more.

The Astros have seen Justin Verlander land on the IL recently which is a little bit scary. However, with a deep ball club around him on offense and the mound, they have other ways to win. Getting their veteran ace back in time for the playoffs is all they’ll need.

1) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers

Nobody else belongs here other than the Los Angeles Dodgers. They are the only team with 90 wins on the season. It’s going to take a little more than a series loss versus the Mets for them to get dethroned.

The Dodgers lead the majors in several major categories both on offense and from the pitching staff. It’s going to be hard for them to lose in the playoffs. There is far too much talent on both sides of the ball. Although not indestructible, having guys that can hit for power and average at the top of the lineup and home run threats at the bottom make them a team nobody should want to face. Plus, that starting pitching looks like it could shut out anyone.