Cubs rotation enters the stretch run ready to dominate

PHILADELPHIA -- It has to be every other National League contender's worst nightmare: The starting rotation of the Chicago Cubs is finally finding its groove at exactly the right time in the season. The calendar may say September but they're beginning to pitch like it's October.

"This is as locked-in as I've felt," Saturday's winner, Kyle Hendricks, said after the Cubs' 7-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

With some wild playoff races, wide-open MVP pictures and several players trying to make (or miss) history, September is sure to be a fun ride.

From breakout sluggers and sensational teenagers to outfield no-shows and historically bad teams, here are the unexpected performances that have…