21. Chicago White Sox (71-84) (LW 23) – Much has been made of Jeter’s retirement, but another team’s legend is also hanging it up after this year. Paul Konerko wraps up his long run with the White Sox. He will end his career finishing in the top three in franchise history in games, hits, home runs, and RBIs, while finishing first in total bases.
22. Cincinnati Reds (72-84) (LW 20) – Before scoring seven runs in a win on Sunday, the Reds lost six in a row, scoring a total of eight runs in those games, including consecutive shutouts.
23. Philadelphia Phillies (71-85) (LW 22) – Ryan Howard is hitting .221/.309/.376 with 22 home runs and 181 strikeouts. It all helps add up to a -1.2 WAR. He is still under contract for two more seasons at $25 million each before a potential $10 million buyout.
24. Chicago Cubs (69-87) (LW 26) – Chris Coghlan is on a nice run. In the last week, he hit
.458/.481/.833. He’s hits safely in seven of eight games, including a four-hit performance against the Dodgers on Saturday that including two home runs.
25. Houston Astros (69-87) (LW 25) – The Astros gave Jose Altuve a Jeter-type salute during his final home game of the year on Sunday, as he was taken out of the game in the ninth inning. It was a well-deserved ovation. Altuve is the first player since Ty Cobb in 1917 with at least 216 hits, 44 doubles, and 54 stolen bases in the same season.
