CHICAGO – With one month left in the regular season, Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano already has defied expectations this season.

Despite his age and the 1,729 career games that have taken their toll on his body, Soriano, 36, still deserves consideration as one of baseball’s best power hitters. Soriano hit his 25th home run of the season in Sunday’s 7-5 loss to the San Francisco – all coming since May 15. Only Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun, the reigning National League MVP, has hit more homers (26) in that span.

Soriano became the 10th player in franchise history to hit 25 home runs in four or more seasons as a Cub (2007, 2008 and 2011). It marked the ninth time in his career he has accomplished the feat.