Here are this week's rankings:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (79-32 overall record, No. 1 ranking last week) -- Skipper Dave Roberts has his team playing at a very assured level. The Dodgers are primed for first their World Series appearance since their 1988 victory against the heavily favored Oakland Athletics.
2. Houston Astros (71-40, No. 2) -- Will ownership approve a costly deal for starter Justin Verlander after general manager Jeff Luhnow struck out at the deadline?