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• Rankings: How do your MLB Power Rankings look after the deadline?

The dog days of August are in their infancy, but it's shaping up as a big week on the baseball diamond for reasons other than tests taken in 2003.

As you may hear a word or two about between now and then, the Yankees and Red Sox renew acquaintances later this week in the Bronx. But that's hardly the only act worth watching. Before even getting to the Big Apple, the Red Sox have to visit the Rays. Most of SportsNation already feels it's a two-team race in the AL East, but the defending AL champions ranked No. 7 in SN's Power Rankings last week and aren't out of things.

Over in the National League, has anyone actually noticed that the NL West seems to control the wild-card race? The Giants just took three out of four from the Phillies, and SportsNation's disdain for the Rockies should either intensify or wither after a week that sees them square off against the Phillies in Philadelphia (now with more Cliff Lee!) and Cubs in Denver.

• At the All-Star break, voters liked the Giants much more than the Rockies.
• Two months ago, voters weren't buying the Rockies' turnaround under Jim Tracy.
• Chat: Buster Olney answers your MLB questions at 1 p.m. ET
• Groups: THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS GROUP | ROCKIES ROCK!! | Fans of the Rays

“

good luck to the Philly fans. Murder the Rox for us please!! no hard feelings, I realize its tough to lose. I usually deal with it by locking myself in my room and crying with my head under the pillow. we all handle losses differently!

” -- comeoutandplaaay

“

great homestand and great series for the giants, the only reason pittsburgh, i mean philadelphia beat us friday is because they got lee and he was pitching against our triple a pitcher, if not a sweep would have been. great job ZITO, VELEZ AND ROWAND AND WINN HAD A NICE GAMe. go giants now lets winn on the road.

” -- Adam Heavens