Look Out Above

Their teams are out of it, but the surging players listed below still have a lot to play for this month: pride, next year's salary--or simply to make life miserable for opponents battling to make the playoffs. (All statistics through Sunday.)

POTENTIAL SPOILER
Jorge Cantu, 2B-3B, Devil Rays
POTENTIAL VICTIMS
Yankees (6 games), Angels (3), Indians (3)

The second-year man has already bedeviled all three contenders: .368, eight RBIs in five games against Los Angeles; seven RBIs in 10 games against New York; .438, four HRs and eight RBIs in seven games against Cleveland

POTENTIAL SPOILER ��������������������
Nomar Garciaparra, SS-3B, Cubs
POTENTIAL VICTIMS
Astros (7 games)

After hitting .338 in August and totaling five RBIs in three games last weekend against the Pirates, potential free agent Garciaparra (above), who's 3 for 8 in three '05 games against the Astros, will be looking to impress future suitors

POTENTIAL SPOILER ��������������������
Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies
POTENTIAL VICTIMS
Padres (7 games), Braves (3), Mets (4)

After a slow start the career .335 hitter has returned to form, batting .344 since the All-Star break; in 11 games to date against San Diego in '05, he hit .410 with four HRs and 13 RBIs

POTENTIAL SPOILER �������������������
Carlos Pe�a, 1B, Tigers
POTENTIAL VICTIMS
Indians (4 games), Twins (6), Angels (4)

Since his return from Triple A Toledo on Aug. 17, the disappointing slugger has regained his stroke, batting .366, slamming seven homers and driving in 16 runs in his first 12 games; has batted .320 in seven games against Cleveland in '05