MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets Have Tough Weekend
Aug 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber (left) and right fielder Chris Denorfia (center) and center fielder Dexter Fowler (right) celebrate after the last out of the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. The Cubs won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
6. San Francisco Giants (64-53) The Giants bounced back from a rough weekend in Chicago to go 5-1 this week, including a four-game sweep of the Nationals. It was a good way to head into a road trip against the two best teams in the NL in the Cardinals and Pirates, which is what is on the Giants’ docket this week. Madison Bumgarner was dominant last week, pitching consecutive complete games and allowing only one run to go with 26 strikeouts. The Giants aren’t getting anywhere near that production from Matt Cain though, who is in danger of losing his rotation spot when Mike Leake comes back from the DL.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers (67-49) The Dodgers bounced back nicely from the sweep at the hands of the Pirates last weekend, taking two of three from the Nationals and then three of four from the Reds. Unfortunately, the Giants also got to take advantage of the reeling Nationals, so the Dodgers division lead sits at only 2.5 games. It doesn’t really matter who the opponent is at this time though, as Zack Greinke will dominant whoever opposes him. He threw two more gems this week, giving up only one run in 13 ⅓ innings, dropping his ERA to 1.58. He also slammed his second home run of the season to help get the win Sunday.
4. Chicago Cubs (67-49) There aren’t many hotter teams in baseball right now than the Cubs. Manager Joe Maddon made the tough decision to remove Starlin Castro from the everyday lineup and it has worked like a charm, as the Cubs ripped off nine consecutive wins. Only a dominant performance from Chris Sale could stop them, as he threw a strong game Sunday to snap the win streak. Despite that hiccup, the Cubs have been gaining ground in the NL Central and now hold a 3.5 game in the NL Wild Card race. It’s too bad they play in the same division as the owners of two of the three best records in baseball.
Next: Cards still in first?