Nats Top Sports Illustrated Power Rankings

(Screenshot via SI.com)

The Washington Nationals top this week's Sports Illustrated Power Rankings for the first time this season, overtaking the Texas Rangers for the top spot. It shouldn't surprise anyone that this season's Nats team are in this position, but it doesn't make it any less exciting.

With August on the horizon, it certainly appears that the Nats are here to stay as a powerhouse as teams fight for a few scarce playoff spots. The offense has been the catalyst recently, and the pitching has remained steadfast, especially behind Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann.

With the trade deadline less than 24 hours away, don't expect to see a whole lot of changes from what has become one of the best teams in baseball to this point of the season, but don't get overzealous either. There are two long months of baseball left to be played.