Rise In Fall?

Unsung heros: Dan Meyer and Kiko Calero. The two relievers were cut loose by the A's within five months of each other in '08 but have emerged as forces in the Marlins' pen. Calero is striking out 11 batters per nine, and Meyer has a 2.76 ERA.

What to worry about: Their defense, long a problem, is still trouble (74 errors, ninth most in the majors).

Playoff odds: 5 to 2.

GIANTS

What to like: That their starters, led by Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, have the best ERA in baseball (3.56) is no news flash. That their relievers (3.42) do as well is a huge one.

Surprise stat: Everybody knows what a collection of free swingers they are, but to have only 2.2 walks per game is absurd.

Unsung hero: Pitching coach Dave Righetti. Sure, he has the game's best one-two starting combo, but the consistency of the rest of the staff has been remarkable. The suddenly stalwart bullpen ranked in the bottom third of most major categories last season.

What to worry about: Even with the summer pickups of Ryan Garko and Freddy Sanchez, the Giants are last in runs scored since the All-Star break. Overall they're 29th in runs and homers, and last in OPS.

Playoff odds: 5 to 1.

RANGERS