MLB Power Rankings: Easy street for the Astros, a tough road for Phillies
By Tim Boyle
6) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets
The New York Mets had an opportunity to finally clinch the National League East over the weekend. It would have taken a sweep of the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, both Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer lost to Atlanta to ensure there would be no champagne for at least a few more days. A loss on Sunday guaranteed it.
The Mets may not have blown the division. The Braves caught them. They’re going to possibly end up as a 100-win wild card team which isn’t terrible but does include an extra series they will have to overcome.
We haven’t found the Mets this low on the MLB Power Rankings since early April. What has changed? Their spot in the standings. One of the league’s most consistent clubs all year is finally showing signs of cracking at the worst time.
5) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the biggest sleepers in this year’s postseason. Having wrapped up the National League Central, they’ll get to face the third wild card club in the first round. It will either be the floundering Phillies or the possibly back from the dead Brewers. Either one they get, the Cardinals should come out on top.
St. Louis had one of the better turnarounds this year thanks to an impressive trade deadline. Faced with multiple injuries to their starting pitching staff, acquiring Jordan Montgomery and Jose Quintana midseason helped make them a much more powerful team. They are a huge threat to everyone in the National League and any opponent they may face in the World Series.
The Cardinals are soaring into the postseason and should feel confident. Even if they have to play an extra two or three games, there’s little doubt they are a tough opponent for anyone who will have to eye them up from across the diamond.