MLB Power Rankings: Here are October contenders, pretenders

Each week, The California Post will power rank MLB’s 30 teams.This week, we are doing something a little different coming out of the All-Star break and breaking down which clubs are playoff locks, contenders, pretenders and potentially feisty as the stretch run of the season begins:With the Dodgers, “lock” might be a literal term.

They entered the second half 10 games clear of the playoff cut line (and with an even bigger lead in their division).FanGraphs’ computer models give them a literal 100% chance of making the postseason (and a 99.8% chance of winning the NL West).

They are already gearing up for their pursuit of a third straight World Series title.The Brewers, meanwhile, are enjoying almost the same level of security.They are just 1 ½ games back of the Dodgers for best record in the majors and had the second-largest division lead at the All-Star break.

There are concerns with their pitching staff (Jacob Misiorowski has arm fatigue, and Brandon Woodruff’s outlook “isn’t good,” per manager Pat Murphy).But they should have enough cushion for a fourth straight playoff appearance.The Phillies have overcome a disastrous start to the season.

The Braves are still leading the NL East despite a disastrous end to the first half.And the Cubs have bounced back from several disastrous spells of their own already.

It’s a reminder that while these are flawed teams, their elevated ceilings still make them a threat.The Phillies have been buoyed by their star-studded rotation, which will make them a threat come October.The Braves have benefited from Matt Olson’s, Michael Harris II’s and Drake Baldwin’s big seasons, giving them a legitimate contending core.

And if not for Shohei Ohtani, the Cubs would likely have the MVP front-runner in Pete Crow-Armstrong.Whichever of them can find more consistency in the second half should be a real threat in the playoffs.Three relatively young teams, all of whom could be trouble if you play them at the wrong ti...