Cleanup Crew

Cleanup hitters are supposed to do just that, clean up the bases. Which hitters, batting fourth, have the best slugging percentages this season? A look. (Statistics through Thursday): BEST

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Player, Team AB TB SLG% Alex Rodriguez, Seattle 127 100 .787 Sammy Sosa, Chicago Cubs 228 168 .737 Phil Nevin, San Diego 111 77 .694 Manny Ramirez, Cleveland 403 250 .620 Nomar Garciaparra, Boston 298 180 .604 Jeromy Burnitz, Milwaukee 278 167 .601 Scott Rolen, Philadelphia 187 112 .599 Mike Piazza, New York Mets 394 231 .586 Fred McGriff, Tampa Bay 411 239 .582 WORST Derek Bell, Houston 149 45 .302 Tony Clark, Detroit 114 40 .351 Matt Stairs, Oakland 104 38 .365 Ken Caminiti, Houston 119 46 .387 Ron Coomer, Minnesota 194 77 .397

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Researched by HOUSTON MITCHELL / Los Angeles Times