MLB Power Rankings: Brewers among the best, Cardinals failing their early test

10) MLB Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Pirates

Let’s give this team some respect. At 6-3, they crack the top ten of the MLB Power Rankings for no other reason than it’s early and they’ve somehow managed to win twice as much as they’ve lost. A run differential of just +1 does suggest they’ve been a bit lucky. Enjoy it this week, Pirates fans. Your ball club has some power.

9) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros

This isn’t a ranking of teams by record. If it were, the Houston Astros would be much further down. The defending champions haven’t gotten off to a good start. As punishment, they fall just within the top ten with the Pittsburgh Pirates breathing down their necks. If you remember, the Astros didn’t get off to an incredible start last year. They do get a little benefit of the doubt by still having a single digit attached to their placement on this list. Next week, no one should be that kind.

8) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres just finished a tough series against the Atlanta Braves on the road. Things won’t get much easier for them this week. They play the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers next. A lot of the same problems for the Padres last season seem to have carried over into this year. Their best players are very good. Then there’s a big drop-off to the next level. Juan Soto needs to return to MVP form. Without him playing his best, the Padres feel much more mediocre.

7) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers

Slow and steady wins the race. The approach may be what the Los Angeles Dodgers have in mind. They had a somewhat questionable offseason where spending big wasn’t a priority. They let the New York Mets and San Diego Padres pour money into the roster. Early returns suggest the Dodgers may have been wise to do so, as long as they end up with Shohei Ohtani in the end. Speaking of, look who finished ahead of the Dodgers this week.

6) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Angels

Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout in the World Series? As long as you’re not a hater of the Los Angeles Angels, it’s something you’ll probably accept as a sports fan. The Angels have looked good this year and we should give them credit. The big challenge is competing through the end of the 162-game schedule in a division with three other competitive ball clubs. We saw them fall apart in the first half last season. Avoiding a disaster turn at any point this year will be vital to introduce Ohtani to the MLB postseason.