American League
Central Division
White Sox: Paul Konerko’s classy farewell the only real reason to watch the Sox in final week of September.
Indians: After winning AL Manager of the Year in 2013, Terry Francona guides Indians to 2014 implosion.
Royals: With 909 strikeouts entering weekend, could be only team in majors to finish with fewer than 1,000 strikeouts.
Tigers: Added Joe Nathan to revamped bullpen. Relievers ERA jumps from 4.01 ERA in 2013 to 4.28, fourth-worst in majors.
Twins: Offense leads the majors in runs scored since Aug. 1, but no mulligan for the first four months.
East Division
Blue Jays: After six innings Friday, Mark Buehrle six short of reaching 200 plateau for 14th straight season.
Orioles: Acquiring Adam Jones and Chris Tillman for Erik Bedard in 2008 may be Andy MacPhail’s legacy in Baltimore.
Rays: Joe Maddon says Chase Headley “grazed” in chin. Headley says doc calls it “a miracle my jaw didn’t shatter.”
Red Sox: Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, 27, makes major league debut after brief minor league experience.
Yankees: Long honeymoon over? Joe Girardi gets heat for keeping iconic Derek Jeter in No. 2 slot all season.
West Division
Angels: Albert Pujols preparing Mike Trout for October: “The game doesn’t change because you see more cameras.”
Astros: With finishing kick, former White Sox 15th-round draft pick Chris Carter still could win AL home run race. Who knew?
Athletics: Jeff Samardzija first pitcher with as many as five starts without allowing a run and no victories in those games.
Mariners: After going 17-10 in August, wearing down in stretch run. But A’s choke could get them in.
Rangers: Meaningless September victories under manager Tim Bogar could blow their chances at No. 1 pick in 2015 draft.
National League
Central Division
Cubs: Fourth-best road draw in baseball shows Cubs still maintain national following, despite their worst efforts.
Brewers: Hangover watch: After impressive 10-2 start in April, Brewers have played sub-.500 ball the rest of the way.
Cardinals: Another Central Division title in offing despite ranking 23rd in runs scored. Cardinals Way still works.
Pirates: John Holdzkom goes from Independent League to local folk hero when Seth Meyers wears jersey at Pirates game.
Reds: Cashing it in early. Reds manage only one run during Cubs’ three-game sweep at Wrigley Field.
East Division
Braves: After leading NL with 181 homers in 2013, the Braves were tied for 21st in 2014.
Marlins: Team officially declares Giancarlo Stanton’s season over after gruesome beaning in Milwaukee.
Mets: With second-half ERA of 2.08 and WHIP of 0.91, Jacob deGrom in line for Rookie of the Year award.
Nationals: Good p.r. move by Bryce Harper, wearing official D.C. Fire Department hat during clinching celebration.
Phillies: Jonathan Papelbon’s crotch-grabbing suspension could help Phillies avoid $13 million vesting option for 2015.
West Division
Diamondbacks: Mark Trumbo could be on trading block after ill-advised decision to acquire first baseman and insert in left.
Dodgers: Yasiel Puig went homerless in Home Run Derby, and has hit only two home runs since July 31st.
Giants: Last chance for Giants to win NL West could come in three-game series starting Monday at Dodger Stadium.
Padres: Starter Eric Stults after 17th loss: “I’m not going to (judge) my season on wins and losses.” Style points?
Rockies: Nolan Arenado began season with 28-game hitting streak, ending it hitting .186 in September.
