Rockies rise, Royals leap in rankings

The Colorado Rockies are perhaps having the best season in franchise history. Entering Monday, they led the National League West by one game and were 20 games above .500 for the No. 2 spot in USA TODAY Sports’ MLB power rankings. The Houston Astros stayed at the No. 1 spot for the sixth consecutive week.

The Kansas City Royals had the biggest jump, moving up seven spots to No. 16.

From 1 to 30, how they stack up, based on voting from our 10person panel ( team, movement):

1. Houston Astros (—): Derek Fisher made his major league debut, but, alas, he can’t pitch. 2. Colorado Rockies (+ 1): Well on their way to greatest season in franchise history. 3. Los Angeles Dodgers (+ 2): Cody Bellinger is one homer off the NL lead. He made his debut April 25. 4. Washington Nationals (—): Anthony Rendon’s mane — and his stats — are very quietly All- Star caliber. 5. Arizona Diamondbacks (+ 1): Is this the first Rockies- Diamondbacks series that has mattered since the 2007 NL Championship Series? 6. New York Yankees (- 4): To Aaron is divine: Judge, Hicks are among the American League’s top five in WAR ( wins above replacement). 7. Boston Red Sox (- 1): Seven regulars are sporting at least a .341 on- base percentage. 8. Cleveland Indians (—): Remember those mean tweets bemoaning the signing of Edwin Encarnacion? 9. Milwaukee Brewers (+ 1): Wounded Brewers fans are trying to enjoy this ride but keep remembering 2014. 10. Chicago Cubs (+ 1): Anthony Rizzo is 9- for- 22 (. 409) since being moved to leadoff spot. 11. Tampa Bay Rays (+ 2): Can regime noted for its creativity find fun ways to use No. 1 pick Brendan McKay? 12. Minnesota Twins (-3): Royce Lewis drops a “Minnesota Nice” in opening news conference. Smart kid. 13. Texas Rangers (+ 5): Cole Hamels could be back next week. 14. Baltimore Orioles (- 2): Didn’t see this coming: Trey Mancini leads club with .928 onbase plus slugging percentage ( OPS). 15. Toronto Blue Jays (- 1): They haven’t reached .500 this year, but they’re getting close. 16. Kansas City Royals (+ 7): Mike Moustakas is enhancing his free agent profile and boosting Royals’ last ride. 17. Los Angeles Angels (- 1): No. 10 overall pick Jordon Adellis signed, sealed and off to Arizona. 18. St. Louis Cardinals (- 2): After Dexter Fowler’s grim start, his .844 OPS is well above his .790 career mark. 19. Seattle Mariners (-4): Ben Gamel is batting .463 during a 10- game hitting streak. 20. Detroit Tigers (- 1): Gave up nearly six runs per game in losing five of seven to Rays. 21. Chicago White Sox (+ 3): 18- 18 vs. division foes, 13- 19 against everyone else. 22. New York Mets (- 1): Amed Rosario must be wondering, “Was it something I said?” 23. Pittsburgh Pirates (- 1): Jameson Taillon shuts out Rockies for five innings in his return from cancer surgery but struggles in next start. 24. Atlanta Braves (+ 2): Matt Adams: .735 OPS with Cardinals, .991 with Braves. 25. Miami Marlins (+ 2): Would be in thick of things if not for losing five of eight to Braves. 26. Oakland Athletics (- 1): They’re 4- 0 in Matt Chapman Era. 27. Cincinnati Reds (- 6): Reds drafted Hunter Greene, rebuffed in efforts to clone him. 28. San Diego Padres (+ 1): Franchy Cordero might be remembered for more than just his awesome name. 29. San Francisco Giants (- 2): Mark Melancon’s four blown saves match his 2016 total, which came in 51 opportunities. 30. Philadelphia Phillies (—): They’re 11- 34 since May 1.