MLB power rankings: Yankees’ nine game winning streak vaults them toward the top
The New York Yankees have shaken their early-season doldrums, sweeping the Los Angeles Angels for their ninth consecutive win.
Now 18-9, the Yankees have outscored opponents 64-18 during that streak to move within two games of their AL East rival Boston Red Sox, who for third straight week hold the No.1 spot in USA TODAY’s power rankings.
The Yankees moved up five spots to fourth in the rankings.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners, who finished 7-3 on a 10-game road trip, were the biggest risers, moving up six spots, while the Toronto Blue Jays dropped six spots.
From 1 to 30, how they stack up based on voting from our nine-person panel:
TEAM. MOVEMENT
1. Boston Red Sox (–)
All going well, but starting pitchers posting 14-4 record, 2.87 ERA probably the best news.
T-2. Houston Astros (–)
Gerrit Cole joins J.R. Richard, Nolan Ryan, Mike Scott as Astros to strike out at least 60 in calendar month.
T-2. Arizona Diamondbacks (+1)
Robbie Ray’s oblique injury will test depth – and ability to win every single series.
4. New York Yankees (+5)
During nine-game winning streak, held opponents to one run in five games.
Just as we imagined: Asdrubal Cabrera, NL MVP.
T-6. Los Angeles Angels (-2)
4-7 against teams currently over .500.
T-6. Chicago Cubs (+2)
Tyler Chatwood has 22 walks in 28 2/3 innings – yet a 2.83 ERA.
8. Cleveland Indians (-2)
3 in run differential – but a three-game lead in the AL Central, where everyone’s in the red.
9. St. Louis Cardinals (-2)
Need to get Greg Holland right without imperiling winnable games.
10. Philadelphia Phillies (+4)
A nice luxury to slide Scott Kingery over to shortstop when J.P. Crawford goes down.
11. Atlanta Braves (+5)
First week for Ronald Acuna – 8 for 19, .500 on-base percentage.
12. Los Angeles Dodgers (–)
Justin Turner can look downright heroic if they turn it around upon his return.
13. Seattle Mariners (+6)
The Mitch Haniger thing is working out.
14. Pittsburgh Pirates (+1)
Next seven against Nationals, Brewers should be a challenge. Then again, that’s what the Cardinals thought.
15. Milwaukee Brewers (-4)
1-7 against the Cubs.
16. Toronto Blue Jays (-6)
Teoscar Hernandez yet another Astros spare part turned solid player – .316/.391/.702 – elsewhere.
17. Colorado Rockies (+1)
Chad Bettis emerging as their top starter as Jon Gray struggles.
18. Washington Nationals (-5)
Poor health exacerbated by a few bullpen misfires by rookie manager Dave Martinez.
19. Oakland Athletics (+1)
Lost two of three in Houston, yet showed they can compete with anybody.
20. San Francisco Giants (+1)
Evan Longoria’s six home runs through April his most since 2013.
21. Tampa Bay Rays (+2)
Where’d these bats come from? Outscored opponents 63-34 during eight-game winning streak.
22. Minnesota Twins (-5)
Max Kepler has lopped his strikeout rate in half – from 20% to 10%.
T-23. Texas Rangers (-1)
Martin Perez’s 9.67 ERA worst among AL pitchers wtih at least four starts.
T-23. Detroit Tigers (+1)
Miguel Cabrera’s 21 RBI are most among major league first basemen.
25. San Diego Padres (–)
On pace to set MLB record for strikeouts.
26. Chicago White Sox (+2)
Matt Davidson’s OPS against Royals peaks at 2.544.
27. Miami Marlins (+2)
J.T. Realmuto comes off the DL like a man determined – to punch his ticket out of Marlins Park.
28. Baltimore Orioles (-2)
Flailing bullpen badly needs Zach Britton, whose 60-day DL status ensures another month on the shelf.
29. Kansas City Royals (-2)
Mike Moustakas’ second contract year off to a strong start: Eight homers, .908 OPS.
30. Cincinnati Reds (–)
Took a month, but finally win a series by taking two of three at Minnesota.
Source:-https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/04/30/mlb-power-rankings-red-sox-astros-yankees/563597002/
