MLB power rankings: Can red-hot Rockies keep climbing up NL West at Coors Field?
In the Colorado Rockies' 25-year history, the only thing harder than finding success is sustaining it.
They've made just four playoff appearances, the first and second separated by a dozen years and countless moments of Coors Field indigestion.
Yet, thanks to eight wins in their last nine games, the Rockies are tied for a National League wild-card berth and just a half-game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West.
Now, the hard part.
Tuesday, the Rockies open a six-game homestand against the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals; the latter series could add significant clarity to the wild-card race. While they have been decent at home — 31-27 — they are eight games over .500 on the road, including a 5-1 road swing through Houston and Atlanta last week.
That run boosted them to No. 7 in Paste BN Sports' power rankings, up big from their No. 13 slot last week. The Boston Red Sox remain No. 1, while the New York Yankees broke a second-place tie with the Houston Astros to slide right behind their rivals.
A look at the voting from 1 to 30:
TEAM. MOVEMENT
1. Boston Red Sox (--)
►Will be ultra-cautious with Chris Sale as playoffs loom.
2. New York Yankees (T-2)
►Gary Sanchez — out since July 24 — appears to be nearing a return.
3. Houston Astros (T-2)
►Reigning champs saw a five-game division lead disappear in two weeks.
4. Oakland Athletics (--)
►Khris Davis, bound for third straight 40-homer season, keeps improving as a hitter.
5. Cleveland Indians (--)
►OF Jose Ramirez's 37 home runs, 13 hit in the first inning.
6. Chicago Cubs (--)
►Words we didn't think we'd hear this year: Thank goodness for Cole Hamels.
7. Colorado Rockies (13)
►Pitchers excel at leaving Coors Field baggage home when they hit the road.
8. St. Louis Cardinals (14)
►Along with the manager, power-hitting Tyler O'Neill's extended audition a big one.
9. Atlanta Braves (T-9)
►They either win the division or face "Should they have promoted Acuna earlier?" questions.
10. Seattle Mariners (7)
►-42 run differential ranks ninth in American League.
11. Philadelphia Phillies (--)
►Can Nick Pivetta — about to match career high in innings — and other starters avoid hitting wall?
12. Arizona Diamondbacks (11)
►They missed on Manny Machado, but Nick Ahmed's elite defense a good fit.
13. Los Angeles Dodgers (12)
►In his absence, Kenley Jansen shows he may be this club's real MVP.
14. Milwaukee Brewers (8)
►Jhoulys Chacin displaying ace-like qualities.
15. Los Angeles Angels (19)
►Feels like fate of 2019 squad lies in Shohei Ohtani's ultimate elbow prognosis.
16. Tampa Bay Rays (T-17)
►Jalen Beeks shines in past four appearances (2.37 ERA), including return to Fenway Park.
17. Pittsburgh Pirates (16)
►Kyle Crick, a key piece in McCutchen trade, striking out more than a batter per inning.
18. Washington Nationals (15)
►We keep waiting for them to get hot, but time is really running out.
19. San Francisco Giants (T-17)
►They'll never blow it up. But they really ought to replace the foundation.
20. Cincinnati Reds (--)
►Getting to the point they should think hard about spending significant cash in the winter.
21. Minnesota Twins (--)
►Tyler Austin may end up a nice long-term piece.
22. New York Mets (24)
►Believe it or not, Jacob deGrom has won three starts in a row.
23. Toronto Blue Jays (22)
►First question for 2019: Will they go through the sham of keeping Vlad Jr. in minors for a month?
24. Texas Rangers (--)
►Biggest relief this season: Rougned Odor's rebound.
25. Detroit Tigers (--)
►Michael Fulmer methodically working his way back.
26. San Diego Padres (27)
►At least Joey Lucchesi has 99 strikeouts in 92 innings.
27. Chicago White Sox (28)
►The Michael Kopech Experience begins Tuesday.
28. Miami Marlins (26)
►Jose Urena shines in pariah role — complete-game win against Nationals after Acuna lunacy.
29. Kansas City Royals (--)
►Despite 100-loss season, Whit Merrifield may deserve an MVP vote or two.
30. Baltimore Orioles (--)
►Alex Cobb shaved two runs off his ERA in two months.