Our MLB power rankings return. By this time next week, both the NBA and NHL titles could be decided.

First 4

1. (1/1/1) Cardinals: Lost 2 of 3 in Miami. Go figure. Still the best team in baseball.

2. (3/5/15) A’s: Looks like we made the right choice by putting them ahead of the Rangers last week despite their inferior overall record. They fixed that minor detail last week, but dropped the opener of the two teams’ latest series.

3. (5/3/2) Reds: Have done nothing special except set a pace better than anyone not in their division. Took care of business against the Cubs and Brewers. Now have their sights set on putting some distance between themselves and the …

4. (6/6/9) Pirates: Took 2 of 3 each from the defending World Series champs and the offseason champs. Not going away. Welcome to the First Four. Their first four of this week (against the Reds) will be important in determining their slot next week.

The gooey center

5. (2/4/4) Braves: Two of our top 4 lost 4 in a row this week. The Braves were able to right the ship with little damage. No one in the NL East seems capable of taking advantage. 

6. (11/8/13) Orioles: 0-5 when they have a chance to sweep a three- or four-game series. So imagine how good they could be if they develop a finishing move.

7. (7/7/12) Red Sox: We’ve been looking for a reason to knock them down a peg, but not even losing 3 of 4 to the Orioles could do it. Baltimore did pass them, though. 

8. (4/2/3) Rangers: Taking a tumble in Texas this week. When you’ve lost six in a row, the last thing you want to do is give up a 6-run 3rd to the team that just passed you in the standings. But the Rangers bounced back. Perhaps the same will be true in next week’s power rankings.

9. (10/11/5) Tigers: Sitting pretty with a five-game lead while the two teams directly behind them play each other this week. To cap the power-rankings week, Max Scherzer became the first Tigers pitcher since 1909 to start 10-0.

10. (13/16/20) Blue Jays: Winners of 6 straight and 9 of their last 11, we had a feeling they were coming around. We’re staying ahead of the curve and putting them in our top 10 even though they’re still in last in the AL East.

11. (8/9/10) Diamondbacks: Knocking them down a notch or three for headhunting. They’ve got three teams closer than they appear in their rear-view mirror.

12. (19/26/23) Royals: Took two of three from Detroit, then won three of four in Tampa Bay, proving that these Royals are for real. For now.

13. (9/14/6) Yankees: Yo-yo Yankees, but you can’t ever count them out… unless the string breaks.

14. (15/10/8) Rockies: Poised to make a move, but losing Tulowitzki is a shot to the ribs.

15. (18/17/18) Padres: Won 7 in a row to surge above .500 and into the top half of our rankings. Passed San Francisco in the standings and here with a win in their series opener.

16. (12/15/11) Giants: There are worse things than losing road series in Atlanta and Pittsburgh. The rolling Padres want to come to town and give them a firsthand example. 

17. (27/12/7) Indians: Ended their 8-game skid by winning two of three in Texas and sweeping the Nationals. Not bad. Perhaps the Royals will be a tougher test.

18. (14/13/17) Rays: Series against the Red Sox, Yankees and Blue Jays will help them find their place in the AL East this week.

19. (17/19/14) Nationals: Engaged in a head-to-head battle for position this week with the Phillies.

20. (16/18/19) Phillies: Engaged in a head-to-head battle for position this week with the Nationals.

21. (21/20/30) Twins: A missed opportunity dropping two of three at home against the Tigers.

22. (22/22/22) Mariners: We like Seattle. We even like teal. We just can’t seem to find a reason to move the M’s out of the 22nd spot. Feels just right.

23. (20/27/25) Dodgers: The L.A.-Arizona fight showcased a cast of 1980s All-Stars on both coaching staffs. Don Mattingly vs. Alan Trammell. Mark McGwire vs. Matt Williams. Don Baylor, Steve Sax and Kirk Gibson. I think I’d rather watch those guys play even at their age than the current Dodgers.

24. (24/23/21) Angels: Leading the league in shampoo commercials featuring ex-Rangers.

25. (23/24/27) Cubs: How long can they hold off the Brewers? It’s a minor miracle they’ve gone this long.

26. (25/28/26) Brewers: Look out below. A trip to hot Houston is up next.

Final 4

27. (28/29/28) Astros: Ended a 6-game losing streak in their finale against the Mariners, then had a chance to complete a four-game sweep of the White Sox in what was billed as the 2005 World Series revenge series. (They’re new to the AL; not all rivalries come as easy as the Rangers.)

28. (26/21/16) White Sox: Are the Astros to the White Sox what the Brewers were to the Cubs when Milwaukee moved to the NL? Losing 3 out of 4 in Houston should help stoke the rivalry fire.

29. (29/25/24) Mets: Lost 9 of 11 after sweeping the Yankees. Salvaging a win against the Cubs is not enough to move them past the Astros.

30. (30/30/29) Marlins: No. 30 beat No. 1. Neither team is budging just yet. Worst team in baseball.