{"id":64525,"date":"2018-05-01T07:11:48","date_gmt":"2018-05-01T07:11:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/?p=64525"},"modified":"2018-05-01T07:11:48","modified_gmt":"2018-05-01T07:11:48","slug":"mlb-power-rankings-yankees-nine-game-winning-streak-vaults-toward-top","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/sports\/mlb-power-rankings-yankees-nine-game-winning-streak-vaults-toward-top.html","title":{"rendered":"MLB power rankings: Yankees’ nine game winning streak vaults them toward the top"},"content":{"rendered":"

MLB power rankings: Yankees’ nine game winning streak vaults them toward the top<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The New York Yankees have shaken their early-season doldrums, sweeping the Los Angeles Angels for their ninth consecutive win.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Yankees moved up five spots to fourth in the rankings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

From 1 to 30, how they stack up based on voting from our nine-person panel:<\/span><\/p>\n

TEAM. MOVEMENT<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Boston Red Sox (–)<\/span><\/p>\n

All going well, but starting pitchers posting 14-4 record, 2.87 ERA probably the best news.<\/span><\/p>\n

T-2. Houston Astros (–)<\/span><\/p>\n

Gerrit Cole joins J.R. Richard, Nolan Ryan, Mike Scott as Astros to strike out at least 60 in calendar month.<\/span><\/p>\n

T-2. Arizona Diamondbacks (+1)<\/span><\/p>\n

Robbie Ray’s oblique injury will test depth – and ability to win every single series.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. New York Yankees (+5)<\/span><\/p>\n

During nine-game winning streak, held opponents to one run in five games.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just as we imagined: Asdrubal Cabrera, NL MVP.<\/span><\/p>\n

T-6. Los Angeles Angels (-2)<\/span><\/p>\n

4-7 against teams currently over .500.<\/span><\/p>\n

T-6. Chicago Cubs (+2)<\/span><\/p>\n

Tyler Chatwood has 22 walks in 28 2\/3 innings – yet a 2.83 ERA.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Cleveland Indians (-2)<\/span><\/p>\n

3 in run differential – but a three-game lead in the AL Central, where everyone’s in the red.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. St. Louis Cardinals (-2)<\/span><\/p>\n

Need to get Greg Holland right without imperiling winnable games.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Philadelphia Phillies (+4)<\/span><\/p>\n

A nice luxury to slide Scott Kingery over to shortstop when J.P. Crawford goes down.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Atlanta Braves (+5)<\/span><\/p>\n

First week for Ronald Acuna – 8 for 19, .500 on-base percentage.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. Los Angeles Dodgers (–)<\/span><\/p>\n

Justin Turner can look downright heroic if they turn it around upon his return.<\/span><\/p>\n

13. Seattle Mariners (+6)<\/span><\/p>\n

The Mitch Haniger thing is working out.<\/span><\/p>\n

14. Pittsburgh Pirates (+1)<\/span><\/p>\n

Next seven against Nationals, Brewers should be a challenge. Then again, that’s what the Cardinals thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

15. Milwaukee Brewers (-4)<\/span><\/p>\n

1-7 against the Cubs.<\/span><\/p>\n

16. Toronto Blue Jays (-6)<\/span><\/p>\n

Teoscar Hernandez yet another Astros spare part turned solid player – .316\/.391\/.702 – elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

17. Colorado Rockies (+1)<\/span><\/p>\n

Chad Bettis emerging as their top starter as Jon Gray struggles.<\/span><\/p>\n

18. Washington Nationals (-5)<\/span><\/p>\n

Poor health exacerbated by a few bullpen misfires by rookie manager Dave Martinez.<\/span><\/p>\n

19. Oakland Athletics (+1)<\/span><\/p>\n

Lost two of three in Houston, yet showed they can compete with anybody.<\/span><\/p>\n

20. San Francisco Giants (+1)<\/span><\/p>\n

Evan Longoria’s six home runs through April his most since 2013.<\/span><\/p>\n

21. Tampa Bay Rays (+2)<\/span><\/p>\n

Where’d these bats come from? Outscored opponents 63-34 during eight-game winning streak.<\/span><\/p>\n

22. Minnesota Twins (-5)<\/span><\/p>\n

Max Kepler has lopped his strikeout rate in half – from 20% to 10%.<\/span><\/p>\n

T-23. Texas Rangers (-1)<\/span><\/p>\n

Martin Perez’s 9.67 ERA worst among AL pitchers wtih at least four starts.<\/span><\/p>\n

T-23. Detroit Tigers (+1)<\/span><\/p>\n

Miguel Cabrera’s 21 RBI are most among major league first basemen.<\/span><\/p>\n

25. San Diego Padres (–)<\/span><\/p>\n

On pace to set MLB record for strikeouts.<\/span><\/p>\n

26. Chicago White Sox (+2)<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt Davidson’s OPS against Royals peaks at 2.544.<\/span><\/p>\n

27. Miami Marlins (+2)<\/span><\/p>\n

J.T. Realmuto comes off the DL like a man determined – to punch his ticket out of Marlins Park.<\/span><\/p>\n

28. Baltimore Orioles (-2)<\/span><\/p>\n

Flailing bullpen badly needs Zach Britton, whose 60-day DL status ensures another month on the shelf.<\/span><\/p>\n

29. Kansas City Royals (-2)<\/span><\/p>\n

Mike Moustakas’ second contract year off to a strong start: Eight homers, .908 OPS.<\/span><\/p>\n

30. Cincinnati Reds (–)<\/span><\/p>\n

Took a month, but finally win a series by taking two of three at Minnesota.<\/span><\/p>\n

Source:-https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/sports\/mlb\/2018\/04\/30\/mlb-power-rankings-red-sox-astros-yankees\/563597002\/<\/span><\/p>\n

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