MLB Power Rankings: Week 17

1. Yankees (71-43): The Yankees are now 20-6 since the All-Star break and have completely reversed spots in the division with the Red Sox. That eight-game losing streak to the Red Sox to start this season seems like ancient history now. Last week: 1


2. Dodgers (69-46): The division lead for the Dodgers is slowly shrinking as we go through the dog days of August. They just missed a three-game sweep of the Giants tonight. The Giants aren't the only ones chasing the Dodgers these days. Watch out for them Rockies, too. Last week: 2


3. Angels (68-44): The Angels have become one of the most consistent teams year in and year out in baseball. This year has proven no different as Angles continue to be good with both the bats and the pitching has gotten somewhat better. Last week: 5


4. Phillies (63-48): By far the best hitting team in the MLB is the Phillies, and they showed it Wednesday night against the Cubs. They lead the NL in both runs scored (573) and home runs (152). Last week: 4


5. Red Sox (65-48): The Red Sox have gradually been on a decline for quite some time now. They've been struggling to score runs and the pitching outside of Josh Beckett has only looked average at best. They're in a real dog fight for the AL wild card now with teams like the Rangers, Rays, and Mariners.
Last week: 3



Almost In

Cardinals (64-52): The Cardinals are one of those teams that don't always make things look pretty, but they continue to win the games that count. Matt Holliday has proven to be a great addition to the lineup. They still have a lot of work to do before they jump ahead of the Phillies or the Dodgers in the NL.

Giants (62-52): Even though the Giants are currently trailing the Rockies by a half game for the NL wildcard, they're still a better team. They have a starting rotation that can't be matched by anyone else in the majors. Good pitching usually beats good hitting.

Dropped from rankings: Cardinals (64-52)