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MLB Power Rankings: National League Central Week 8

By Pete Schwichtenberg |

At the start of the season, the National League Central looked to be a five team race. Now two months into the season, there are only three teams realistically fighting for the top. With eight weeks in here is a look at the NL Central Power rankings.

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5. Milwaukee Brewers

After being bumped up to the number four spot last week, the Brewers are back to the bottom of our rankings. They not only lost five straight to start the week, but they also lost starter Wily Peralta and outfielder Khris Davis. To start Sunday’s game they called-up Tyler Wagner from AA, and it looks like the young talent will be the most exciting part of the season the rest of the way.

This week the Brewers begin a very tough road trip with a three game-series against both the St. Louis Cardinals and Minnesota Twins who are both seated at the top of their respective divisions.

4. Cincinnati Reds

The only thing keeping the Reds from the bottom of the division is the dreadful season the Brewers are having in Milwaukee. While they started out hot to begin the year, the last month has been a struggle as they have fallen from the pack. They ended the week with a bang by sweeping the Nationals after losing nine straight and a series against the Colorado Rockies to start the week.

They begin next week with a three game series in Philadelphia before ending the week with returning home against the Padres.

3. Chicago Cubs

All year long the Cubs have been out to prove that they belong and there has been nothing about their start these first to months that would prove otherwise. With a young core of stars, this team will be around for a long time. They only won two games this week, but with players like Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant in the middle of the lineup, they will be tough to contain all year.

A nine game road trip begins Monday with four games against the Miami Marlins before another battle with the Nationals.

2. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are streaking behind ace Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen who has been back to his MVP form this month. Entering Sunday night’s match-up with the Padres they had won eight of nine and clawed their way back into the divisional race.

This upcoming week they will travel to San Francisco before battling the Braves to close out the week.

1. St. Louis Cardinals

Eight weeks into the season and the Cardinals continue to hold their spot atop the division. After sweeping the Diamondbacks to start the week they were able to get a series win against the Los Angeles Dodgers to close out the weekend. Though they have lost players like Adam Wainwright and Matt Adams, they continue to dominate the NL.

They will finish off their homestand with a three game series against the Brewers before traveling to Los Angeles for a four-game battle with the Dodgers.

Next: Week Seven Power Rankings: NL Central

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