MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets, New York Yankees Fall Out Of Top 10
May 23, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman
Joe Mauer(7) third baseman
Trevor Plouffe(24) and shortstop
Danny Santana(39) after defeating the Chicago White Sox 4-3 at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
9. Chicago Cubs (24-19) The Cubs took two of three from the Padres to start the week before losing two of three to the Diamondbacks to end it. The bullpen has recovered a little after a disastrous start to the month, but they will surely be tested this week, along with the Cubs as a whole, as they host the Nationals and Royals. This week will be a telling one for the Cubbies as we will see if they are ready to hang with the big boys or not. The two biggest free agent acquisitions on the mound from this past offseason will be facing off Wednesday, as Jon Lester will take on Max Scherzer.
8. San Francisco Giants (25-20) The Giants have put that slow start behind them, as they are right back to where they normally are near the top of the standings. A sweep of the rival Dodgers certainly helps that. Compare that series to the four-game weekend one against the Rockies and it looks like two different teams, as pitching and low scoring games against the Dodgers were quickly replaced by high scoring affairs in Colorado. Tim Lincecum continues to be a strong second arm behind Madison Bumgarner in the rotation, which is good to see as Lincecum looked done for in recent seasons.
7. Minnesota Twins (25-18) If not for the Astros, more people would be talking about how the Twins are playing as their success is just as surprising. They continue playing good baseball, taking the two-game series from the Pirates and then two of three from the White Sox. Joe Mauer delivered his first home run of the season in grand fashion, walking off the Pirates in the 13th inning. They are right there with the Tigers behind the Royals in the AL Central; can they continue playing seemingly above their heads like this? Taking care of struggling teams like the Red Sox and Blue Jays this week will go a long way in saying yes.
Next: Nationals Continue To Roll