MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Surging Up Rankings

Aug 2, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder

(22) celebrates scoring the game winning run against the Colorado Rockies at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

3. Pittsburgh Pirates (61-43) The Pirates are finally beginning to put a dent in the division lead the Cardinals have. They now sit 5.5 games behind in the NL Central lead after winning seven of their last 10 games, getting back on track after a tough start to the second half. They also had a successful trade deadline, adding Aramis Ramirez to help fill in for Josh Harrison at third base, Michael Morse to bolster their bench, first base and corner outfield situation, and Joakim Soria to upgrade an already stingy bullpen. The Pirates are ready to make a push for the division and avoid the Wild Card game.

2. Kansas City Royals (62-42) The rich got richer at the trade deadline. The biggest hole on the Royals roster was starting pitching, so they added Johnny Cueto to be the ace of their staff from the Reds. Alex Gordon got hurt playing left field, so they added super utility man Ben Zobrist from the Athletics to fill in there and also help at second base as well. They have ran away with the AL Central, leading it currently by eight games as the Tigers and Twins continue to head in the wrong direction. They have set the new blueprint for how to build a team, and with some of the deals made at the deadline teams are beginning to follow suit.

1. St. Louis Cardinals (67-38) The Cardinals have the Pirates closing in on them, and are doing everything they can to keep them behind. They added Brandon Moss from the Indians, but it was pricey as it cost Rob Kaminsky, the 10th rated lefty in the minors. They also added Jonathan Broxton to help bolster the bullpen to help Trevor Rosenthal at the end of games. Will that be enough to offset another injury to Matt Holliday and the other injuries the Cardinals have faced this season?