MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Take A Little Tumble

May 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (R) and third baseman Yunel Escobar (5) celebrate after Harper hit a three run home run against the San Diego Padres during the seventh inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

9. New York Yankees (22-17) It was a rough week for the Yankees, who lost three of four to the Rays and then two of three to the Royals. The Yankees have to consider themselves lucky to have the record they do, as their pitching staff has been extremely poor outside Michael Pineda, Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller. They need to get it going now because their offense looks to be producing over their heads. Alex Rodriguez continues to produce at the plate to many people’s surprise; how long will that last?

8. Chicago Cubs (21-16) After a sweep of the Mets in a four-game series to start the week, the Cubs kept right on with the strong play against the Pirates, taking two of three over the weekend. They will now head on the road, heading out west to take on the Padres and Diamondbacks this week. Anthony Rizzo continues to break out and make a name for himself at the plate, as he is the best hitter in the league against lefties, and doesn’t back down with two strikes where he is as tough as anyone to strike out, or get out in general.

7. Washington Nationals (22-17) The Nationals continue to climb the standings as they are rolling through everyone in their way right now. They went 5-2 this past week, taking series from both the Diamondbacks and Padres. Once again they were successful in large part because of the bat of Bryce Harper, who is on an absolute tear at the plate. He is fifth in the NL in batting average, leading in home runs, RBI and walks. Is they can get Stephen Strasburg on track, this team will be as close to unstoppable as any.

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