MLB Power Rankings: Easy street for the Astros, a tough road for Phillies
By Tim Boyle
4) MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees
Can the New York Yankees prove their doubters wrong and finally end their World Series drought? The lack of a championship since 2009 isn’t too disturbing for most franchise. When it comes to the Yankees, the expectations are much different. They need to win often. Now is the time to capitalize.
This is a team that will need far more than Aaron Judge if they want to end things with a parade. Other parts of their offense need to help carry the load. The starting pitching must also live up to its regular season success.
The Yankees don’t quite feel like the most powerful team in baseball despite having the most powerful individual hitter in the game. Their skid in August does loom but with a healthier roster now and much better play in September, fans should feel more confident.
3) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves
Anyone who doubted the Atlanta Braves this season might feel a little silly at the moment. The Braves have stormed back from a slow start and are now dangerously close to winning the division. The difference between winning the National League East and settling for a wild card spot is a series and putting off having to face the Los Angeles Dodgers.
They go into the final three games with the National League East lead over the Mets. There’s a lot of pride in the way they got there, too. A three-game sweep over New York this weekend is what did it. Now, all they need to do is beat up on the Marlins for a few days.
The Braves are motivated to win again this year. It’s not unusual for us to see a team repeat a pennant victory. A championship is all that tends to allude ball clubs. Can the Braves break the trend and win back-to-back World Series? The way they’re playing seems to suggest it’s incredibly possible.