MLB Power Rankings: Down To The Wire

Sep 7, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Every year it’s exactly the same scenario. Teams start to run away with the division and then slowly but surly small market or unexpected teams start to creep right back into the mix. 2015 is no different.

Just when everybody is ready to give the Saint Louis Cardinals the National League Central crown, the Pittsburgh Pirates surge and the Cardinals drop three straight series. All of which came to division foes. After losing two of three to the Pirates, the Cardinals proceeded to drop the series to the Cubbies. Both are now within striking distance; the Pirates only 2.5 back and the Cubs are now 6.5 away from the division lead. The Cubs have the deciding week ahead of them with series against both the Pirates and Cardinals. It’s time to see what they youth in that locker room are made of. Still the Cardinals will have a chance to lower the Jolly Roger in two weeks time when they face off against the Bucs in what could turn out to be the deciding series in the division race.

Over in the American League East the heavily favored Blue Jays just might have finally put the nail in the coffin, taking three of four against the second place New York Yankees. If the Yanks can stay afloat and maybe grab one game in the division race, they have a huge series with the red-hot Jays next week. That will determine the outcome of the AL East. Still the Yanks have a pretty solid three game lead in the Wild Card race so the Jays may not have seen the last of the feisty Yanks.

But hey don’t forget about the surprising Texas Rangers. This division race is arguably one of the most surprising stories in all of baseball, with each team exceeding expectations. Texas still have two enormous series against the AL West-leading Houston Astros and this one will come down to the wire. Houston has been entrenched in the division lead for nearly all of the season, but we all know how crazy things get near the end of the year so keep an eye out over in the West.

This is what baseball fans live for. Pennant races get the blood pumping like no other. Embrace the next couple of weeks, there’s nothing quite like it.

Now let’s jump into this week’s MLB Power Rankings.

Biggest Jump: Mets (3 spots)

Biggest Drop: Nationals (4 spots)’

Next: The Top 5