Getting your player ready...
THE RISE AND FALL
Chicago’s chokehold
1. White Sox: From gags to riches. Jose Contreras has emerged as the ace.
2. Yankees: Expectations aside, they staged a serious final-month push.
3. Braves: When they started their run of 14 consecutive division titles, the Rockies had not even been hatched.
1. Marlins: A.J. Burnett sent home; manager Jack McKeon’s gone.
2. Dodgers: Lowe, Perez, Kent, Drew: $93 million. Flirting with last place? Priceless.
3. Athletics: No Harden, no Crosby, no chance at a surprise playoff spot.
