MLB Power Rankings: New York Yankees Take A Tumble

Aug 8, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder

(center) slaps hands with teammates after the Rangers beat the Mariners 11-3 at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

12. Baltimore Orioles (56-54) Since their five game winning streak, the Orioles have alternated wins and losses. They have managed to gain ground in the AL East because the Yankees losing, but they are losing ground in the Wild Card race. The Blue Jays are on fire, and they just lost a series to the Angels, the team directly ahead of them. They need to do a better job of taking advantage of soft spots in their schedule, like the one they will have this upcoming week. If they can handle business against the Mariners and Athletics, they will be sitting pretty; recent history though has shown that will not be a small task as they have been quite inconsistent.

11. Texas Rangers (55-55) The Rangers continue to hang around in the Wild Card race, sitting four games out of the second Wild Card spot currently. They are facing a make-or-break stretch in their schedule starting this week, as they will play four series against teams .500 or worse, just like themselves. If the Rangers truly want to contend for a playoff spot, these are the teams they will have to beat as it is also the teams contending for a playoff spot with them. This is exactly what they acquired Cole Hamels and held onto Yovani Gallardo for; veterans that can set the tone for younger players that have been through playoff races in their careers.

10. Los Angeles Angels (59-51) The Angels were able to pad their Wild Card lead this week, going 4-2 and taking series from the Indians and Orioles. They are also keeping pace with the Astros, who lead the Angels by only 0.5 games in the AL West. Mike Trout and Albert Pujols give the Angels one of the most dangerous 3-4 combos in baseball, as they both now have hit the 30-home run plateau on the season already. They have a big week coming up though, as they need to take care of business against the White Sox on the road before traveling to take on the Royals in what could be the biggest series of the week.

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