Worst in the majors last year, the Rays will play for a spot in the World Series after finishing off the Chicago White Sox 6-2 Monday in Game 4 of the AL playoffs.

This time, the Chicago White Sox couldn’t avoid the knockout. They won four straight elimination games only to bow out with a 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of their division series on Monday night. Just like that, what looked like a promising October for the city ended with a whimper.

The Red Sox have removed third baseman Mike Lowell from their first-round postseason roster on because of a right hip strain.

Phillies vs. Dodgers: You pick NLCS winner

Now, it’s an even 100 years for the Chicago Cubs.  The team that posted the best record in the National League is picking up the pieces again after three horrendous performances that resulted in a sweep by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening round of the playoffs.

Oct 06: Mad Dog holds nothing back againt Lou, Soriano and Ryan Demspter. The Cubs implode again and Mad Dog tells you why! (NBC Sports)

Curran: These Giants know turmoil. They’ve gotten to the point now where you can lob a grenade into their locker room and they’ll just shake the ceiling dust out of their hair, yank on their helmets and play football.

Yes, the Dallas Cowboys won again, but: They’re not winning convincingly enough. They’re lacking leadership. If things don’t change, they’ll be ripe for another postseason flop. At least, those are some of the more popular perceptions about this 4-1 club.