Youk a Fierce Foe of the O's

Kevin Youkilis was 3-4 with 1 HR (his 18th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Orioles. He has 61 RBIs and 66 runs scored on the year.

Ryan Braun was 1-5 with 1 run scored against the Padres.

Ian Kinsler sat out once again with a strained left hamstring. I hope I don't wind up eating my words when I said I didn't think it was too serious.

Josh Whitesell was 0-2 with 1 BB against the Mets. The good news is even though he's been hitting around the Mendoza Line for the better part of the season, his OBP is still .363.

Sam Fuld was recalled to replace the injured Reed Johnson. He was 0-1 today against the Marlins.

John Grabow was very good in his debut with the Cubs. He pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief on 1 BB and 1 K against the Marlins.

Ryan Sadowski picked up his 4th loss of the season against the Phillies, although he didn't pitch too badly. He went 4 innings and gave up 1 run on 3 hits, 3 BBs, and 3 Ks. He lowered his ERA to 4.45. Other than the 3 BBs, the only concern I would have about the outing is it took him 83 pitches to get through those 4 innings. Not exactly efficient.

Here We Go Again: Poreda Traded For Peavy

In late May, the White Sox traded southpaws Aaron Poreda and Clayton Richard for former Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy. Peavy then proceeded to reject the trade. Two months go by. Final day of the trading deadline is upon us and lo and behold, Peavy is once again traded for Poreda, Richard, and two other pitching prospects. This time Peavy accepts the trade.

Which means that it's official: Aaron Poreda is now a member of the San Diego Padres. To answer your first question: no, the irony of a Jew playing for a team called the Padres is not lost on me. So much for what I said yesterday about there being three potential JMLs in Chicago...

Though it pains me that I will no longer be able to witness firsthand Poreda's development as a pitcher, I believe the pros of this trade definitely outweight the cons.

Let's start with the cons. Poreda loses valuable mentors in Mark Buehrle, John Danks, and Matt Thornton. He also loses run support. Additionally, San Diego is a much smaller market than Chicago, so Poreda won't be getting the same national attention he might have had with the Sox.

However, this could also be considered a pro, given how prominent athletes in Chicago are scrutinized by the media. Nothing like New York, of course, but still not for those without thicker skin. To say playing in San Diego comes with less pressure than playing Chicago is a vast understatement.

As far as the ballparks are concerned, Petco Park is best described as cavernous and is a pitcher's dream while U.S. Cellular Field has historically been a launching pad for home runs. So that will certainly help Poreda.

Also, pitching in the National League is obviously easier than pitching in the American League because you don't have to contend with the DH in the National League.

Finally, the White Sox are still very much in the hunt in the AL Central. For that reason, when Poreda was used, he was used sparingly and generally in non-pressure situations. That's a good way to break in a young pitcher. But at some point you have to cut the umbilical cord, so to speak.

Had Poreda been brought up again this year, I don't think Ozzie Guillen's approach would have changed. Not too many managers are going to rely heavily on unproven 22-year-old rookies in the middle of a division race.

The Nationals and the Padres are easily the two worst teams in baseball this year. So naturally they're throwing everything but the kitchen sink against the wall and hoping something sticks. The Padres have used 10 pitchers in the starting rotation this year. Mat Latos, a 21-year-old rookie is among them. I wouldn't be surprised if Poreda joined the ranks of that young rotation sometime in the near future.

Cubs Acquire Grabow

Looks like the fire sale in Pittsburgh isn't quite over yet. It was Jason Bay and Xavier Nady last year. This year it's practically been the whole team. To recap: Nate McLouth, Nyjer Morgan, Adam LaRoche, Jack Wilson, Ian Snell, Freddy Sanchez, and Sean Burnett have all said goodbye to The Steel City. The latest trade sends Tom Gorzelanny and John Grabow to the Cubs for Jose Ascanio, Kevin Hart, Josh Harrison. Chicago now boasts 3 potential JMLs in Grabow, Aaron Poreda, and Sam Fuld.

Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 double (his 26th) and 1 run scored against the A's.

Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Nationals.

Ian Kinsler once again sat out with a strained left hamstring. It doesn't appear to be too serious.

Brad Ausmus was 2-5 with 1 run scored against the Cardinals.

Craig Breslow picked up his 5th loss and his 1st blown save of the season against the Red Sox. He gave up 1 run in 1/3 of an inning.

Feldman Mauled By Tigers

Scott Feldman picked up his 4th loss of the season today against the Tigers. He was hit uncharacteristically hard. Feldman pitched 2 1/3 innings and gave up 6 runs on 10 hits, 2 BBs, and 1 K.

His WHIP jumped from 1.14 to 1.22. His ERA went from 3.59 to 3.99. The rough outing snapped 6 consecutive quality starts from the Hawaiian native.

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 triple (his 6th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Nationals. This marks the 3rd straight season where Braun has had 6 or more triples. He now has 70 RBIs on the year.

Kevin Youkilis had a miserable day at the plate against the A's. He was 0-4 with 1 BB, 1 run scored, and 4 Ks.

Ian Kinsler had the day off.

Josh Whitesell was 1-2 with 1 BB against the Phillies.

Craig Breslow picked up his 9th hold of the season against the Red Sox. He pitched 1/3 of an inning.

John Grabow pitched 2 perfect innings of scoreless relief against the Giants. He had 2 Ks. His ERA is now 3.42.

Rockies right-hander Jason Hirsh was traded to the Yankees for a player to be named later. Hirsh was 5-7 with a 4.81 ERA and a 1.344 WHIP in 2007. Those numbers aren't too bad when you consider that most of his starts took place at "that bandbox known as Coors Field," as one reader put it. Hirsh looked to be on the fast track to stardom after two dominant minor league seasons in 2005 and 2006.

However, since suffering from a slew of injuries in 2007 and 2008 (including rotator cuff inflammation), Hirsh hasn't been the same. His last two seasons in Triple-A Colorado Springs have been forgettable. It's sad but at 27, Hirsh can only be considered a reclamation project at this point. Hopefully, the Yankees' farm system will be up to the task of resurrecting this pitcher's once promising career.

Marquis Gets No Run Support Tonight

Jason Marquis picked up his 7th loss of the season as the Mets blanked the Rockies. Marquis went 6 innings and gave up 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits, 1 BB, and 3 Ks. It was his 4th consecutive quality start and 15th of the season. You'll recall the last time Marquis faced the Mets he hit a grand slam at Shea Stadium.

Kevin Youkilis was 3-5 with 1 double (his 25th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the A's.

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 21st), 1 triple (his 5th), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Nationals.

Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 triple (his 3rd), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Tigers.

Gabe Kapler was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 14th), and 1 run scored against the Yankees. He also had an assist from the outfield.

Craig Breslow picked up his 4th win of the season against the Red Sox. He pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief.

Scott Schoeneweis gave up 1 run in 1/3 of an inning against the Phillies on 1 hit, 1 BB, and 1 K.

On This Date In 1973

Richie Scheinblum was 5-5 for the California Angels against the Kansas City Royals, the team that had just dealt him after his All-Star season in 1972. Not a bad way to say, "You should have kept me."

Braun's Bat Packs a Punch

Ryan Braun was 3-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 23rd), 1 HR (his 20th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Nationals.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the A's.

Ian Kinsler was 0-4 against the Tigers.

Josh Whitesell was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Phillies.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Giants, despite issuing 3 BBs and giving up 1 hit.

Sadowski Has Rocky Outing

Ryan Sadowski picked up his 3rd loss of the season today against the Rockies. Sadowski pitched 2 2/3 innings and gave up 3 runs on 5 hits, 3 BBs, and 2 Ks.

Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored against the Royals. Also swiped his 22nd bag of the season. He now has 60 RBIs and 70 runs scored. Despite his low average, he's obviously still producing for the Rangers.

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 run scored against the Braves.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Orioles.

Josh Whitesell was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Pirates.

Gabe Kapler was 0-3 against the Blue Jays.

Craig Breslow pitched 2/3 of an inning against the Yankees on 1 hit and 1 BB.

Life Is Like An Ian Kinsler Box Score; You Never Know What You're Gonna Get

Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 double (his 22nd) against the Braves.

Ian Kinsler was 0-4 with 1 run scored against the Royals. Good luck projecting what Kinsler will hit next year. His average has been all over the place in his first 4 seasons. He hit .286 as a rookie. In 2007, he hit .263. Last year, he hit .319. This year, he's hitting .242. There's no rhyme or reason to it. Another 25-game hitting streak would serve him well right now...

Kevin Youkilis had the day off.

Gabe Kapler was 1-4 against the Blue Jays.

Josh Whitesell was 0-1 against the Pirates.

Feldman Outduels Greinke

Up to this point, Scott Feldman hadn't pitched 7 full innings in a game all season long. Tonight against Zack Greinke and the Royals, Feldman pitched a career-high 8 shutout innings on 4 hits, 3 BBs, and 2 Ks to pick up his 9th win of the year. He lowered his ERA to 3.59 and his WHIP to 1.14.

Remarkably, this was Feldman's 6th consecutive quality start. That matches the 6 consecutive quality starts he had earlier in the season. Excluding Feldman's stint in the bullpen this year, his ERA as a starter is 3.04 in 103 2/3 innings. The 7.5 hits per 9 innings he allows ranks 4th in the AL.

Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 BB, 1 triple (his 4th), 1 HR (his 19th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Braves. He now has 66 RBIs and 67 runs scored on the year.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Ian Kinsler was 0-5 against the Royals.

Josh Whitesell was 0-1 against the Pirates.

Scott Schoeneweis gave up 1 run in 2/3 of an inning against the Pirates on 3 hits and 1 BB.

Craig Breslow gave up 3 runs in 1/3 of an inning against the Yankees on 1 hit and 2 BBs.

Whitesell Gets the Better of Grabow

Josh Whitesell was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Pirates. Incidentally, his RBI-single came off John Grabow.

Gabe Kapler was 0-3 against the White Sox. However, he nearly broke up Mark Buehrle's perfect game in the 9th inning. Dewayne Wise made a spectacular catch in left center to rob him of a home run. Kapler also made some fine plays in right field.

To be perfectly honest, this was one time where I was actually rooting against Kapler. Buehrle joins Sandy Koufax, among others, as 1 of only 6 pitchers who have thrown a perfect game and a no-hitter. It was a pleasure to watch, Mark.

Grabow gave up 3 runs on 2 hits and 1 BB in 1/3 of an inning against the Diamondbacks.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Yankees. He gave up 1 hit and had 1 K. His ERA is 3.96. His WHIP is 1.19.

Braun Starting To Get Hot Again

Ryan Braun was 2-5 with 1 HR (his 18th), 1 double (his 21st), 4 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Pirates.

Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 HBP, 1 HR (his 23rd), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Red Sox. Also swiped his 21st bag of the season.

Josh Whitesell was 1-4 with 1 double (his 7th) against the Rockies.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Rangers. The Red Sox acquisition of Adam LaRoche means Youk will be playing at the hot corner considerably more than he has in the past. That also means a gold glove probably isn't in the cards this season.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 against the White Sox.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Brewers. He had 1 K and did not face Braun.

Scott Schoeneweis picked up his 2nd loss of the season. He gave up 1 run in 1 inning on 1 hit and 1 K.

Aaron Poreda was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte to make room for Carlos Torres, who is filling in for the injured John Danks. Expect Poreda to return when Danks recovers.

Jason Marquis will miss his next scheduled start on Friday because of a blister on his right middle finger. Manager Jim Tracy says it's a precautionary measure.

Hindsight Is Always 20/20

Ian Kinsler may not have made the All-Star Team this year, but he did do something that Dustin Pedroia and Aaron Hill have never done - and probably never will do. For the 2nd time in his short career, Kinsler has had a 20/20 season.

Tonight against the Red Sox, he was 1-4 with 1 double (his 20th), 1 run scored, and 1 stolen base. The only other JML to have a 20/20 season is Shawn Green; as a matter of fact, he had 4 of them in a row. One of those was a 30/30 season (35/35 to be exact).

Kinsler will need 8 more HRs and 10 more stolen bases the rest of the way to equal the feat. It's not out of the realm of possibility...

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 24th) and 1 RBI against the Rangers.

Ryan Braun was 1-5 against the Pirates. Speaking of 20/20 seasons, Braun is a guy who is certainly capable of doing it. He had 15 stolen bases in 2007 and 14 last year. He has 9 this season.

Gabe Kapler was 1-3 against the White Sox. Continuing with the 20/20 theme, Kapler got fairly close back in 2001 for the Rangers; he hit 17 HRs and had 23 stolen bases.

Josh Whitesell drew 1 BB in a pinch-hit AB against the Rockies.

John Grabow pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Brewers. He gave up 1 hit and and had 1 K. His ERA is now 3.14.

Ryan Sadowski got roughed up in his 4th career start. He pitched 3 2/3 innings and gave up 8 runs on 8 hits, 3 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Braves.

Sam Fuld was sent down to Triple-A Iowa a few days ago. He posted a .981 OPS in 22 plate appearances this year. Ah, the Cubs. A century of front office futility and still going strong.

Power Outage Ends For Braun

In his previous 19 games, Ryan Braun had gone homerless. In his previous 12 games, Braun hadn't driven in a run. Both streaks are career highs - or lows - depending on how you look at it.

Tonight against the Pirates, Braun was 2-5 with 1 HR (his 17th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored. Also swiped his 9th bag of the season.

Jeff Karstens, who plunked Braun back in April, got a taste of his own medicine in the 8th inning. Maybe next time he'll think twice about starting a beanball war with the Brew Crew.

Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Rangers.

Ian Kinsler was 0-4 against the Red Sox.

Josh Whitesell was 0-1 against the Rockies.

Craig Breslow picked up his 3rd win of the season against his former team, the Twins. He pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief.

According to the Giants' Probable Pitchers page, Ryan Sadowski will toe the slab tomorrow against the Braves.

Marquis Deals, Kinsler Delivers

Jason Marquis picked up his MLB-leading 12th win of the season against the Padres. He went 8 innings and gave up 1 run on 5 hits, 0 BBs, and 3 Ks.

In the process, Marquis lowered his ERA to 3.49 and his WHIP to 1.26. He was also 1-2 with 1 sacrifice bunt, 1 double (his 2nd), and 2 RBIs. He's hitting .231 this year and has 8 RBIs.

Ian Kinsler hit a walk-off home run in extra innings against the Twins. Kinsler was 2-6 with 2 HRs (his 21st and 22nd), 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored.Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 double (his 23rd) against the Blue Jays.

Brad Ausmus was 2-3 with 1 sacrifice bunt, 2 doubles (his 3rd and 4th), and 2 RBIs against the Astros. He's hitting .305 this year.

Ryan Braun was 0-4 with 1 run scored against the Reds.

Aaron Poreda didn't record an out against the Orioles. He gave up 1 run on 2 BBs.

Feldman Picks Up First Loss Since June 19

Scott Feldman picked up his 3rd loss of the season against the Twins, despite giving the Rangers another quality start. He went 6 innings and gave up 3 runs on 5 hits, 0 BBs, and 5 Ks. His ERA is now 3.87. He lowered his WHIP to 1.16.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 22nd) against the Blue Jays.

Josh Whitesell was called up again on Thursday. Yesterday, he was 0-3 against the Cardinals. Today, he was 1-3 with 1 RBI.

Ian Kinsler was 1-4 against the Twins.

Gabe Kapler pinch ran and scored 1 run against the Royals.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Nationals.

Ryan Braun had the day off.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Angels. He struck out the side.

John Grabow picked up his 16th hold of the season against the Giants. He pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief. He had 1 K.

Youk Leaves Jays Feeling Blue

Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 17th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Blue Jays.

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 HBP and 1 double (his 20th) against the Reds.

Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 run scored against the Twins. Also swiped his 19th bag of the season.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Nationals.

Craig Breslow picked up his 2nd win of the season against the Angels. He pitched 2/3 of scoreless relief on 1 BB and 1 K.

Scott Schoeneweis gave up 2 runs in 2/3 of an inning on 1 hit, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Cardinals. It's been a tough season for the 35-year-old southpaw. On and off the field.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Giants. He issued 1 BB. Despite a high WHIP of 1.51, his ERA sits at 3.24. Which means Grabow must be pretty good with men on base.

To Quote Jed Bartlett: "Break's Over"

Kevin Youkilis was 1-1 at the All-Star Game. Ryan Braun was 0-2, although he did lend Prince Fielder his bat for the Home Run Derby. So, that's something. Jason Marquis didn't pitch.

Today, Braun was 1-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Reds. Also swiped his 8th bag of the season and got his 6th assist from the outfield.

Sam Fuld was 1-1 with 1 run scored against the Nationals.

The Bossmus

Brad Ausmus reached a personal milestone today as he hit his 80th career home run against the Brewers. He was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored. Going yard at the age of 40 isn't what it used to be, but it still impresses this fan.

Kevin Youkilis was 2-5 with 1 RBI against the Royals.

Ian Kinsler was 0-4 against the Mariners.



Ryan Braun was 0-5 against the Dodgers.

Gabe Kapler was 0-2 against the A's.

Craig Breslow walked the only batter he faced.

Aaron Poreda gave up 1 run in 1 inning on 1 hit, 2 BBs, and 1 K.

Sam Fuld is back in the mix with the Cubs. He was 0-1 in the first game of a doubleheader today against the Cardinals. In the second game, he was 2-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 3rd), and 1 run scored.

Youk A Royal Pain

Kevin Youkilis had a monster game against the Royals. He was 3-4 with 1 BB, 2 HRs (his 15th and 16th), 4 RBIs, and 4 runs scored.

Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 double (his 19th) and 1 RBI against the Mariners.

Gabe Kapler was 1-2 with 1 RBI against the A's. He's raised his average to .261.

Ryan Braun was 0-4 with 1 run scored against the Dodgers.

John Grabow pitched 2 scoreless innings of relief against the Phillies on 1 hit, 1 BB, and 3 Ks. His ERA is now 3.32.

Jason Marquis picked up his 6th loss of the season while also picking up his 13th quality start. He went 6 innings and gave up 3 runs on 7 hits, 2 BBs, and 4 Ks. Marquis extended his scoreless innings streak to 18 innings before finally relinquishing a run. Going into the All-Star Game, his record is 11-6 with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP.

Mariners Look Lost At Sea Against Feldman

Scott Feldman improved to 8-2 today against the Mariners. He pitched 6 2/3 innings and gave up 2 runs on 7 hits, 1 BB, and 1 K. He lowered his ERA to 3.83. It was his 10th quality start of the season.

Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Mariners.

Ryan Braun was 1-5 with 1 run scored against the Dodgers.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-2 with 2 BBs against the Royals.

Craig Breslow gave up 1 run in 2/3 of an inning against the Rays. He had 1 K.

Bad news for Ryan Sadowski. In an effort to produce more runs, the Giants called up OF John Bowker from Triple-A Fresno and concurrently sent Sadowski down.

Worse still, the guy Sadowski replaced in the rotation pitched the game of his life tonight. Jonathan Sanchez threw a no-no against the Padres and flirted with a perfect game. Sanchez will likely be able to ride the coattails of this game for awhile a la Clay Buchholz. Randy Johnson and Barry Zito aren't going anywhere, either. Sadly, it would appear that Sadowski is the odd man out.

Youk Snaps Out Of It

Kevin Youkilis was hitless in his last 4 games coming into today. He snapped an 0-14 slump by going 2-5 with 1 double (his 21st), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Royals.

Ian Kinsler was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Mariners. Also swiped his 18th bag of the season.

Ryan Braun was 0-3 against the Cardinals.

Aaron Poreda pitched 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Indians on 1 hit, 2 BBs, and 3 Ks.

Scott Schoeneweis picked up his 1st loss and 2nd blown save of the season after giving 2 runs in 1/3 of an inning against the Marlins.

Lame: Inge Wins

It's official: Ian Kinsler will not be going to the All-Star Game this year. Brandon Inge edged him out in the online vote.

Boy, will the fans look dumb when Kinsler has a 30/30 season and Inge regresses back to his career .709 OPS. Dropped the ball on this one, guys. Also, Shane Victorino over Pablo Sandoval and Mark Reynolds? Really?

All Good Things Must Come To An End

Rookie Ryan Sadowski's scoreless innings streak came to an end Wednesday against the Marlins. Sadowski extended the streak to 16 2/3 innings before finally relinquishing a run. Sadowski picked up his 1st loss of the season and his career. He pitched 5 innings and gave up 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits, 4 BBs, and 4 Ks.

Gabe Kapler was 2-3 with 1 BB, 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Blue Jays.

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 BB and 1 triple (his 3rd) against the Cardinals.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-2 with 2 BBs and 1 run scored against the A's.

Craig Breslow didn't record an out against the Red Sox. He gave up 2 hits, but no runs.

A Busy Day for the Men in the Pen

Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 double (his 18th) and 1 RBI against the Angels. Also swiped his 17th bag of the season.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Blue Jays.

Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Cardinals.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the A's.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 2/3 of an inning against the Padres to pick up his 5th hold of the season.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Red Sox. He had 1 K.

Aaron Poreda pitched 1 2/3 innings against the Indians and gave up 1 run on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 1 K. It was the 1st run Poreda has given up all year. His WHIP and ERA are identical at 1.17.

John Grabow pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Astros to pick up his 15th hold of the season. His ERA is 3.49.

Kinsler Needs Your Vote!

Ron Kaplan wrote this piece on Ian Kinsler and the All-Star Game and what it would mean historically for MOTs if he gets selected for the final roster spot on the AL squad.

Be a mensch.

Vote for Kinsler.

Make it happen.

Marquis Pitching Like An All-Star As Kinsler Makes All-Star Bid

Jason Marquis picked up his MLB-leading 11th win of the season tonight against Craig Stammen and the Nationals in a pitcher's duel. He tossed 8 shutout innings on 7 hits, 2 BBs, and 3 Ks. That's 17 consecutive scoreless innings, for those keeping count. The win was also Marquis' 90th of his career. He now has 6 straight seasons with 11 or more wins. That's what durability will do. At the plate, he was 1-3. His ERA is now 3.61.

Ian Kinsler hit his 20th HR of the season tonight, which ties a career-high. He was 1-4 with 1 HR, 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Angels.

Kinsler also holds a slim lead after the first 24 hours in AL online fan voting for the All-Star Game. He's up against Brandon Inge, Chone Figgins, Adam Lind, and Carlos Pena. Voting continues in the Sprint Final Vote until 3 p.m. Thursday. To vote for Kinsler, simply follow this link and cast your vote.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the A's. His average has dipped below .300 for the first time all season.

Scott Schoeneweis gave up 1 run in 1/3 of an inning of work.

Finally, Sam Fuld was sent back down to Triple-A Iowa, despite having an immediate impact for the lackluster Cubs and winning over fans with his youthful energy and play. Tom Ricketts, if you're at all serious about turning this pathetic franchise around, the first thing you need to do is fire Jim Hendry. Fire him without delay.

On This Date In 1999

Brad Ausmus hit 2 triples in a game against the New York Yankees.

History in the Making? Maybe Not...

To my knowledge, there has never been a year when 4 Jewish players played in the All-Star Game. That could change in 2009. Ryan Braun and Kevin Youkilis were both elected once again. Braun will start. Youk is a reserve. Jason Marquis will make his first Midsummer Classic appearance.

By the by, the last JML pitcher to make an All-Star Team was Steve Stone back in 1980. So, we're a little due. The wild card is Ian Kinsler. He finished 2nd among 2nd basemen behind Dustin Pedroia. Aaron Hill is the reserve. However, Kinsler is a nominee for the final roster spot on the AL squad. We'll have to wait and see how it plays out.

Scott Feldman picked up his 7th win of the year today against the Rays. He pitched 6 innings and gave up 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits, 4 BBs, and 2 Ks.

Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Cubs.

Ian Kinsler was 0-4 with 1 HBP and 2 runs scored against the Rays.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Mariners.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Rockies. He issued 1 BB and had 1 K.

Aaron Poreda pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Royals. He gave up 1 hit and had 1 K.

Happy 4th, Everyone!

Ryan Braun was 2-5 with 1 double (his 19th) and 2 runs scored against the Cubs. Also swiped his 7th bag of the season.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 20th) against the Mariners.

Gabe Kapler was 1-2 with 1 double (his 13th) and 1 run scored against the Rangers.

Ian Kinsler was 0-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Rays.

Sam Fuld was 0-2 against the Brewers.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Indians.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Rockies. He struck out the only batter he faced.

The Big Sadowski

Ryan Sadowski is two for two. The rookie picked up his 2nd win tonight in as many starts against the Astros in impressive fashion. He pitched 7 shutout innings on 3 hits, 1 BB, and 4 Ks. Sadowski hasn't given up a run in his first 13 innings in the Bigs. Looks like the Giants brought this kid up at the right time.

Ian Kinsler was 0-4 with 1 run scored against the Rays. He made a spectacular play late in the game to preserve the lead for the Rangers.

Ryan Braun was 1-5 against the Cubs.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-5 against the Mariners.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 in a pinch-hit AB against the Brewers. J.J. Hardy robbed him of a game-winning hit.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Marlns. He struck out 1. His ERA is now 3.65.

Craig Breslow gave up 2 runs in 1 inning of work against the Indians on 1 hit and 1 BB.

On This Date In 1973

Ken Holtzman pitched a complete game shutout against Nolan Ryan and the California Angels. Holtzman gave up 5 hits, issued 1 BB, and struck out 12.

Fuld Setting the Table

Sam Fuld was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 double, and 2 runs scored against the Brewers.

Ryan Braun was 1-5 with 1 RBI against the Cubs.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Reds to pick up his 3rd hold of the season.

On This Date In 1980

Ross Baumgarten tossed a 1-hitter against the California Angels. He issued 1 BB and struck out 5.

Fuld Collects First Major League Hit

Batting leadoff for the Cubs, Sam Fuld was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 double, and 1 run scored against the Pirates. Also threw out Jack Wilson on a play at the plate.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-5 with 1 HR (his 14th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Ryan Braun was 2-4 against the Mets.


Brad Ausmus was 2-3 against the Rockies.

Ian Kinsler was 0-5 against the Angels.

Gabe Kapler was 0-3 against the Blue Jays.

On This Date In 2008

Ian Kinsler stole 3 bases in a game against the New York Yankees.