The Chicago Cubs are the defending World Series champions for the first time in 108 years. While the fan base is still on a high following last year’s title, the Cubs have already turned their focus to another championship run. Chicago owns the most talented roster in the majors and all of the pieces are in place for them to contend for another World Series this season. Here is a look at the MLB top five power rankings for this week.
1. Chicago Cubs
Last Week: –
World Series Championship Odds: +400
The Cubs have had a positive start to the season as they’ve won two of their first three games. There’s not a whole lot to report as of yet. Their lone loss was a one-run squeaker. Considering their opening series was in St. Louis – arguably their toughest competition in the National League Central – it’s safe to say that they’ve looked good. They’d probably like to see a bit more from their offense, but it’s still just the first week of the MLB season.
It will be very interesting to see if the Cardinals can remain in the division picture throughout the year. The more likely scenario is that Chicago runs away with the best record in the majors for the second year in a row.
2. Cleveland Indians
Last Week: –
World Series Championship Odds: +750
The Indians have had a strong start to the MLB season as they are 3-0. They swept the Texas Rangers and what’s more impressive was that they were on the road.
It’s early in the season, but everyone has wanted to see what Edwin Encarnacion looks like and how Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazaar fit in. So far, so good. Salazaar struggled a bit but Carrasco pitched 5.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs and striking out seven. Encarnacion is batting just .167 so far but hit a key home run in the season-opener.
The key will be staying healthy. Cleveland will need to position itself to clinch home field advantage heading in to September, when it will play 20 games against projected losing teams. That will take some of the pressure off of the Indians heading in to the postseason. It will also allow them to rest some of their veteran stars in preparation for another extended postseason run.
3. Boston Red Sox
Last Week: –
World Series Championship Odds: +650
The Red Sox are technically the American League favorites to reach the World Series. Whether or not they get there will depend largely on their starting rotation. David Price is expected to miss significant time due to injury and there are signs that point toward him eventually being shut down. Boston added a true ace in Chris Sale, but he can’t do it alone. That means the Red Sox will need 2016 Cy Young award winner Rick Porcello to perform at a high level along with Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright. Boston has the bats to put up big numbers on offense but they will need their rotation to perform at a high level to contend. The potential is there for them to upgrade before the trade deadline. However, at this point they need to show they can contend with what they have in place.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
Last Week: –
World Series Championship Odds: +1200
The Dodgers have had a fairly strong start to the year. They’ve won three of their first four games. While they’ve been pummeling the measly San Diego Padres, the results have been impressive – especially by the offense. They’ve scored 27 runs in their four games, even though they were bizarrely shut out by Clayton Richard.
The Dodgers are deep across the board once again and will likely be major players at the trade deadline as they attempt to load up for a potential showdown with the Cubs. A healthy Clayton Kershaw could be the key to their overall success. Kershaw is unmatched when healthy but he missed time last season and isn’t getting any younger. Meanwhile, a healthy bullpen and a loaded offense should keep Los Angeles on top of the NL West. The Dodgers have a chance to win 100 games this season. It will be very interesting to see if they can beat Chicago and get back to the World Series.
5. Washington Nationals
Last Week: –
World Series Championship Odds: +1000
The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers both receive honorable mentions here. However, the Nationals are most deserving of the final spot on this list. Bryce Harper is back as he has opened the season 3-for-7 with a home run and three RBI. Meanwhile, he won’t have to do it alone as Daniel Murphy, Trea Turner and Jayson Werth complete a potent offense. The Nationals added Adam Eaton and Matt Wieters in the offseason. Both of those additions look like smart moves right now. Meanwhile, the starting rotation should be lights out once again with Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg leading the way. The Nationals will likely have the benefit of cruising through the NL East and that could help put them in position to challenge the Cubs for the best record in baseball this season.
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