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MLB power rankings: Losers of 20 in a row, White Sox push for worst record ever
By Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY,
17 hours ago
Forget the 1962 Mets and last year's Athletics and the 2003 Tigers and any number of potential WOATs (Worst Of All Time) that Major League Baseball has produced in the past half-century.
The White Sox ran their losing streak to 20 games with three more losses against Minnesota and are now one shy of the American League record, set by the 1988 Baltimore Orioles. Three more losses, and they'll tie the 1961 Phillies with a 23-game losing streak, longest in major league history.
Needless to say, the 27-87 White Sox have a permanent lease on No. 30 in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings, what with No. 29, the 41-71 Colorado Rockies, holding a mere 17 ½ game lead on them.
But Chicago's futility is almost immeasurable. The White Sox's losing percentage has dwindled to .237, worse than the .262 mark the expansion 1962 Mets compiled when they set a record with 120 losses. As such, the White Sox are now on pace for 123 losses, which would shatter the Mets' mark.
That would leave just one low point in sight: The 1916 Philadelphia A's, who lost 117 games but mercifully competed in an era when they played just 154 a year. Their .235 winning percentage (or .765 losing percentage) remains the worst in the modern era.
Who says there's nothing to play for this summer on the South Side?
A look at our updated rankings:
Andrew Vaughn and the White Sox are on pace for the most losses in baseball history. David Banks, USA TODAY Sports
1. Cleveland Guardians (+1)
Alex Cobb not far away from helping the rotation.
2. Baltimore Orioles (+1)
Jackson Holliday looks like a different dude on his second big league tour.
3. Philadelphia Phillies (-2)
Just a dog days lull, right? Right??
4. New York Yankees (+1)
Reliever Mark Leiter Jr. looking like a fabulous deadline pickup.
5. Milwaukee Brewers (+1)
Have already utilized 36 pitchers, and 17 starters.
6. Los Angeles Dodgers (-2)
Relievers posting a 4.96 ERA since break after a 3.42 mark in first half.
7. Minnesota Twins (+1)
Royce Lewis has amassed 1.5 WAR in just 33 games.
8. Atlanta Braves (-1)
Jorge Soler gives them a leadoff option and more power – but also two DHs.
9. Kansas City Royals (+1)
Only Aaron Judge keeping Bobby Witt Jr. from MVP frontrunner status.
10. Boston Red Sox (-1)
Tanner Houck has a 6.88 ERA in three starts since All-Star Game.
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