16. Seattle Mariners (54-51) (LW 13) – The fact that the Mariners are above .500 and a potential playoff team shows just how good their pitching is. Seattle leads only Houston, and just barely, in runs scored in the A.L. They’ll be looking to add a bat or two before Thursday.
17. Kansas City Royals (53-51) (LW 19) – Kansas City is in need of some power, and have been scouting the Red Sox’s Jonny Gomes. The Royals’ 61 home runs are far and away the worst in the American League, and they are just two games back of a Wild Card spot.
18. Miami Marlins (51-53) (LW 22) – At the All-Star Break, the Marlins appeared headed for another potential summer sale. But, thanks to a 7-1 stretch, Miami could actually be a buyer at this year’s deadline, specifically for a pitcher or a second baseman.
19. Cincinnati Reds (52-52) (LW 14) – Johnny Cueto continued his dominance on Saturday with a seven-inning, nine-strikeout, shutout performance against Washington. He now owns a 2.08 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and .184 BAA on the year. However, his Reds haven’t won any other game since the All-Star Break.
20. Chicago White Sox (51-55) (LW 20) – After a disastrous stint as the closer, Ronald Belisario was relegated to a setup role, where he actually performed pretty well this month. However, he reverted back to his old ways on Sunday, blowing a seventh inning lead by giving up three runs without recording an out.
