Braun Going for 20/20 and 200

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 HBP (his 13th), 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 18th) against the Rockies. Braun swiped 6 bags in September. Looks like he's going for a 20/20 season. He also needs just 4 hits for 200. He'll have 4 games to do it.

Batting 5th, Ian Kinsler was 0-0 with 3 BBs against the Angels.

Kevin Youkilis, along with most of Boston's starters, got the day off.

In the 1st game of a doubleheader against the Pirates, Sam Fuld was 0-1. In the 2nd game, Fuld was 1-3 with 1 BB.

John Grabow pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits. His WHIP is 1.42. His ERA is 3.41.

On This Date In 1945

Hank Greenberg hit a grand slam on the last day of the regular season in the top of the 9th inning against the St. Louis Browns to clinch the pennant for the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers were down 3-2 before Greenberg's blast put them ahead for good. The Tigers would go on to win the World Series against the Chicago Cubs.

Also, On This Date In 1973...

Steve Stone struck out a career-high 12 batters in a complete game shutout against the Oakland A's on 3 hits and 2 BBs.

Abner Double-Day

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 35th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Blue Jays. Also swiped his 7th bag of the year. This marks Youk's 4th consecutive season with 35 or more doubles. With the Rangers' loss tonight, the Red Sox have officially clinched the Wild Card. So we'll be seeing Youk again in the postseason.

Ryan Braun was 2-5 with 2 doubles (his 35th and 36th) against the Rockies. Braun was 2-3 against Jason Marquis.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 double (his 30th) and 1 run scored against the Angels. His 270 total bases are a career-high. Sadly, he and teammate Scott Feldman will not be in the postseason this year.

Sam Fuld was 3-4 with 1 double (his 5th) and 1 run scored against the Pirates. Fuld is 7 for his last 13 with 3 BBs and 3 runs scored.

Marquis pitched well enough against the Brewers to get his 16th win, but he got a no-decision instead in his 21st quality start after Huston Street surrendered a game-tying 3-run HR to Jason Kendall in the 9th inning. Marquis went 6 innings and gave up 2 runs on 6 hits, 4 BBs, and 1 K.

The walks are a bit of a concern. Marquis has issued 18 free passes in his last 22 1/3 innings. His WHIP is 1.36. His ERA is 3.95. And he's logged 212 innings this year; that's a career-high.

Feldman picked up his 7th loss of the season against the Angels. He pitched 3 2/3 innings and gave up 4 runs on 7 hits, 1 HBP, 3 BBs, and 3 Ks. Feldman has had 3 great starts this month and 3 awful starts. Hopefully, he can get it together for his last start in October. His WHIP is 1.28. His ERA is 4.02.

Youk Atones For Nothing... He's Awesome

Kevin Youkilis was 2-3 with 2 HRs (his 26th and 27th), 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Blue Jays. This was Youk's 4th multi-HR game of the year. He now has 90 RBIs.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 2-4 against the Angels.

Gabe Kapler was 1-2 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 8th and 80th career), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Brad Ausmus was 0-2 against the Pirates.

In other news, The Great Rabbino is relaunching his blog on October 6th with an interview with Nancy Lieberman.

Finishing Strong

Ryan Braun was 3-5 with 1 RBI and 1 SB (his 17th) against the Phillies. That gives Braun 107 RBIs on the year; that's a career-high. Braun needs 8 hits for 200 and 3 stolen bases for a 20/20 season.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 double (his 29th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Rays.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Yankees.

Sam Fuld was 0-2 with 1 BB against the Giants.

Scott Schoeneweis gave up a hit to the 1 batter he faced.

Braun Does It Again

Think back to last year around this time. What jumps out at you? Let me refresh your memory. Brewers vs. Bucs. Pivotal game. Extra innings. Bases loaded. Ryan Bryan steps into the batter's box. Ice in his veins. Need I go on? That was on September 25, 2008.

Who knew that September 26, 2009 would yield such similar results? Not only did Braun hit his 30th home run of the season tonight against the Phillies, he hit it in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the 9th inning with the game tied at 5 apiece.

Braun was 3-5 with 1 HR (his 30th), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored. This marks the 3rd consecutive season for Braun with 30 or more home runs. September 27, 2010. Mark your calendars.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 31st), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Rays.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-2 with 2 HBP against the Yankees. Youk has now been hit 16 times this season; that's a career-high. I believe it is also a record among JMLs.

Sam Fuld was 1-3 with 2 BBs and 1 run scored against the Giants.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 against the Rangers.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit. His WHIP is 1.37. His ERA is 3.18.

Craig Breslow picked up his 8th win of the year against the Angels. He pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 2 Ks. His WHIP is 1.12. His ERA is 3.39.

Life Begins At 30/30

Ian Kinsler can breathe a sigh of relief. His pursuit of a 30/30 season reached a conclusion tonight with a blast to left field off an offering from Grant Balfour. Batting 6th, Kinsler was 1-2 with 2 BBs, 1 HR (his 30th), 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Rays.

Kinsler joins Shawn Green as the only 2 JMLs with 30/30 seasons. Kinsler also joins Alfonso Soriano and Brandon Phillips as the only second basemen in MLB history with 30/30 seasons.

Mazel tov, Ian! Truly a remarkable feat.

Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 RBI against the Yankees.

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

Gabe Kapler was 1-2 with 1 HR (his 7th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Rangers.

Sam Fuld returned to the lineup and was 3-4 with 1 run scored against the Giants.

Brad Ausmus was 2-3 against the Pirates.

On This Date In 1966

Changing of the guard. Rookie Ken Holtzman went head to head against his idol, Sandy Koufax, and beat him in the second-to-last start of his regular season career. Holtzman went 9 innings and gave up 1 run on 2 hits, 2 BBs, and 8 Ks. Koufax went 8 innings and gave up 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits, 2 BBs, and 5 Ks.

Kinsler Steals The Spotlight

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 2 runs scored and 1 SB (his 30th) against the A's. Kinsler joins Shawn Green and Buddy Myer as the only JMLs to steal 30 bases in a season. He is now just 1 HR away from having a 30/30 season.

Ryan Braun was 0-5 with 1 run scored against the Phillies. Braun needs 15 hits for 200 on the year, and he has 9 games left to do it. This could come down to the wire.

Kevin Youkilis got the day off.

Scott Feldman picked up his 6th loss of the year against the A's. It was not one of his better outings. He went 3 1/3 innings and gave up 7 runs on 7 hits, 5 BBs, and 2 Ks. This was Feldman's 1st loss on the road since June 19. His WHIP is 1.26. His ERA is 3.90. And he will not be a 20-game winner this season.

On This Date In 1976

Ten years after Ken Holtzman beat Sandy Koufax, Dave Roberts pitched a complete game shutout against Holtzman and the New York Yankees on 5 hits, 2 BBs, and 3 Ks. Holtzman went 8 innings and gave up 3 runs on 7 hits, 3 BBs, and 3 Ks.

Marquis Heading To New York?

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 run scored and 1 SB (his 16th) against the Cubs.

Braun's 16th stolen base is a career-high. Kevin Youkilis (6 SBs) and Ian Kinsler (29 SBs) have also set career-highs in stolen bases this year.

Youkilis was 0-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Royals. He is 3 for his last 26.

Kinsler was given the day off. He is 3 for his last 30.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Brewers. He had 1 K. His WHIP is 1.38. His ERA is 3.10. He struck out Braun.

Jason Marquis picked up his 12th loss of the year against the Padres. He went 4 2/3 innings and gave up 6 runs (5 earned) on 5 hits, 5 BBs, and 6 Ks. It was his shortest outing since June 24. His WHIP is 1.35. His ERA is 3.98.

On an unrelated note to tonight's performance, Marquis has expressed interest in playing for the Mets next year. Could be a good fit. Marquis is a native New Yorker, he's never missed the playoffs, and the Mets could certainly use another starting pitcher. The fact that the Mets play in a pitcher's park and in a city that holds more Jews than any other city in the world has to make the move all the more appealing to Marquis.

Braun Robbed of 30th Home Run

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Cubs. Braun was robbed by rookie Tyler Colvin of a 3-run HR off John Grabow to center field.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident; it's become somewhat of a theme in 2009. Center fielders have taken a few back from us this year.

Kevin Youkilis was robbed earlier in the season by Adam Jones. Ian Kinsler was robbed not once, but twice by Ryan Sweeney. And in one of the more memorable plays of the year, if not the decade, Gabe Kapler was robbed by DeWayne Wise to preserve Mark Buehrle's perfect game in the 9th inning.

Braun Robbed By Tyler Colvin

Kinsler Robbed Twice By Ryan Sweeney

Youkilis Robbed By Adam Jones

Kapler Robbed By DeWayne Wise

Batting 6th, Kinsler was 0-4 against the A's.

Youkilis was 0-4 against the Royals.

Kapler was 0-3 against the Mariners.

Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 1 BB. His WHIP is 1.40. His ERA is 3.15.

Aaron Poreda pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 3 BBs against the Rockies. I've said it before. I'll say it again. Poreda needs to work on his command.

Craig Breslow picked up his 15th hold of the season against the Rangers. He pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Rangers on 1 hit and 1 K. His WHIP is 1.09. His ERA is 3.46. He got Kinsler to pop up to 2nd.

Kinsler Flashing The Leather

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 BB against the Cubs.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-5 against the Royals.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 0-5 with 1 run scored against the A's. At least his recent offensive struggles haven't carried over into the field. He's made a lot of good plays of late. Here are a few:

Leaping Grab

Nifty Flip To Second

Staying With It

Everybody Hits, Everybody Walks

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 1-2 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Angels. He now has 80 RBIs on the year.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 BB against the Astros.

John Grabow pitched 2/3 of an inning against the Cardinals. His WHIP is 1.39. His ERA is 3.06.

Feldman Stops The Bleeding

Scott Feldman picked up his 17th win of the year against the Angels. Feldman pitched 6 2/3 innings and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits, 1 BB, and 4 Ks. It was a big win for the Rangers, as they had lost their last 5 coming into today's action.

Feldman has just 3 starts left in the regular season, which means he'll have to win all 3 games to become a 20-game winner. A tall order, to be sure. Feldman does have one thing going for him, though; all 3 games will be on the road where Feldman is 12-1 with a 2.58 ERA. His WHIP is 1.21. His ERA is 3.62. And he's gunning for 20.

Ryan Braun was 3-5 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Astros.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-5 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Orioles.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 SB (his 29th) against the Angels.

Gabe Kapler was 2-3 with 1 RBI against the Blue Jays.

Sam Fuld pinch ran for Micah Hoffpauir and scored the Cubs' lone run against the Cardinals.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1/3 of an inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit against the Rockies.

They Don't Call It A Grind For Nothing

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 against the Angels.

After missing his last 4 games because of back spasms, Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 with 1 BB against the Orioles.

Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Astros.

Craig Breslow picked up his 14th hold of the season against the Indians. He pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief. His WHIP is 1.10. His ERA is 3.53.

Scott Schoeneweis picked up his 6th hold of the season against the Rockies. He pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief.

Jason Marquis got a no-decision as he went 6 innings and gave up 4 runs on 6 hits, 5 BBs, and 7 Ks. His WHIP is 1.33. His ERA is 3.84.

Marquis hasn't been sharp at all this month. In 4 September starts, he is 1-2 with a 1.71 WHIP and a 5.63 ERA.

One positive to take from this start: Marquis now has 5 seasons under his belt with 30 or more starts and 3 seasons with 200 or more innings pitched.

Breslow Has Brought His A's Game

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 34th), and 1 run scored against the Cubs.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 with 1 RBI against the Orioles. He laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to get the run home.

Sam Fuld is nursing a sore thumb. Fuld made a diving catch in Monday's game against the Brewers, and in doing so, he bent his thumb back as it hit the ground. Fuld will likely be out for a week or so.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Brewers. His WHIP is 1.40. His ERA is 3.09.

Craig Breslow picked up his 13th hold of the season against the Indians. He pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief on 1 hit and 1 HBP. His WHIP is 1.12. His ERA is 3.59.

Since joining the A's, Breslow's WHIP is 0.993 and his ERA is 2.79 in 48 1/3 innings of work.

Finally, Michael Freund conducted an interview with New York Mets Jewish broadcaster Gary Cohen. Check it out. It's a good read.

Ausmus Playing Well In Limited Role

Ryan Braun was 2-5 with 1 RBI against the Cubs.

Batting 5th, Ian Kinsler was 0-1 with 2 BBs against the A's.

Brad Ausmus was 1-2 with 1 BB against the Pirates.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Padres.

Aaron Poreda pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Diamondbacks. He issued 2 BBs.

Youk's Back Acting Up Again

Kevin Youkilis got the day off because of lower back spasms. Manager Terry Francona was uncertain when Youk will be able to return to the lineup.

Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Cubs. Braun now has 100 RBIs on the year.

Batting 5th, Ian Kinsler was 0-4 against the A's. He is 3 for his last 24.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 against the Orioles.

Craig Breslow picked up his 7th win of the year against the Rangers. He pitched 2 innings of scoreless relief on 1 BB and 1 K. His WHIP is 1.12. His ERA is 3.67. Incidentally, Breslow got Kinsler to line out to right.

Feldman Doesn't Bring His A's Game

Scott Feldman picked up his 5th loss of the year against the A's. It was his 1st loss since July 29. He tossed 5 shutout innings before it all came apart. He gave up 3 runs in the 6th inning and probably should have been taken out at that point, but Ron Washington would have none of that.

Feldman came back out for the 7th inning, recorded 1 out, and loaded the bases. And, of course, the bullpen let in all of the inherited runners. As a result, his line isn't so pretty. Feldman pitched 6 1/3 innings and gave up 6 runs on 6 hits, 1 BB, 2 HBP, and 5 Ks. His WHIP is 1.23. His ERA is 3.65. It should be noted that tonight's game was not on the road. Feldman's ERA on the road is 2.58 while his ERA at home is 4.88.

Ryan Braun was 0-0 with 1 HBP against the Cubs. By the way, I neglected to say the other day that Braun is the 2nd fastest active player (Ryan Howard is the fastest active player) to hit 100 home runs. He's also only the 6th player of all time to reach 100 home runs in his first 3 seasons.

That's the good news. The bad news is Braun sat out another game. His shoulder might be in worse shape than initially reported.

Ian Kinsler was 0-3 against the A's.

Sam Fuld was 0-3 against the Brewers. What you won't see in the box score is the game-saving catch Fuld made in the 5th inning on a liner to center off the bat of Frank Catalanotto (there's a name I haven't heard in awhile) to preserve a 1-run lead.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 2/3 of an inning against the Padres on 1 BB and 1 K.

Aaron Poreda made his 1st appearance as a Padre tonight. He pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Diamondbacks.

If anyone is interested, my interview with The Great Rabbino can be found by following this link.

An Altogether Forgettable Day

Jason Marquis picked up his 11th loss of the year against the Padres. He pitched 5 2/3 innings and gave up 5 runs on 8 hits, 4 BBs, and 3 Ks. Not his best outing. His WHIP is 1.32. His ERA is 3.78.

Batting 3rd, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 double (his 28th) against the Mariners in the 1st game of a doubleheader. In the 2nd game, Kinsler was 0-4.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Rays. He sat out the 2nd game of the doubleheader.

Ryan Braun was 0-5 against the Diamondbacks.

Gabe Kapler was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Red Sox.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits and 1 K against the Reds. His WHIP is 1.42. His ERA is 3.14.

To top it all off, my fantasy team lost in the semifinals.

Youk Not Fazed By Rays

In a rain-shortened game, Kevin Youkilis was 2-2 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 25th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Rays.

The month of September seems to agree with Youk. So far this month he's 14 for 34 (.412) with 6 BBs, 1 HBP, 3 doubles, 3 HRs, 11 runs scored, and 8 RBIs.

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 15th) against the Diamondbacks. Braun has eclipsed 100 runs scored for the 1st time in his career. His 15 stolen bases ties a career-high set his rookie year. With 3 weeks to go in the regular season, Braun has an outside shot at having a 20/20 season, but he'll have to pick up the pace on the basepaths.

Batting 3rd, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 double (his 27th) against the Mariners.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Reds on 1 hit and 2 Ks. His WHIP is 1.40. His ERA is 2.91. Since joining the Cubs, his ERA is 1.53 and his WHIP is 1.13 in 17 2/3 innings of work.

Braun All Smiles As He Hits 100

The wait is over. Michael Jordan was inducted into the Hall of Fame, Derek Jeter passed Lou Gehrig to become the Yankees' all-time hits leader, and Ryan Braun hit his 100th career home run tonight against the Diamondbacks.

Braun was 2-5 with 1 double (his 33rd), 1 HR (his 29th), 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored.

Kevin Youkilis, Ian Kinsler, and Gabe Kapler didn't play today because their games were rained out.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Reds. It looks like Alfonso Soriano might be shut down for the year, so one would expect Fuld to get more playing time in the coming weeks.

Scott Schoeneweis made his 1st relief appearance since coming off the DL on Monday. He pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Brewers. Incidentally, one of the batters he got out was Braun.

A Feldman Among Boys

On the 44th anniversary of Sandy Koufax's perfect game against the Cubs, Scott Feldman picked up his 16th win of the year against the Indians. He pitched 7 shutout innings on 5 hits, 2 BBs, and 5 Ks.

He lowered his WHIP to 1.23 and his ERA to 3.46. Feldman is now tied with C.C. Sabathia and Justin Verlander for most wins in the AL.

Feldman improved to 12-1 on the road this year. He has given up just 1 run in his last 4 outings (26 1/3 innings). That comes out to a 0.34 ERA. It's no surprise, then, that he's won his last 4 decisions. What a season he's had! I don't think anyone saw this coming.

Kevin Youkilis was 2-3 with 2 BBs and 2 runs scored against the Orioles.

Batting 3rd, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 run scored against the Indians.

Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Cardinals.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 against the Yankees.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Pirates.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Pirates. His WHIP is 1.41. His ERA is 2.95.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the White Sox. His WHIP is 1.15. His ERA is 3.79.

Here's something you don't see every day. Jason Marquis pinch ran for Jason Giambi and ended up scoring the game-winning run against the Reds.

Finally, Aaron Poreda was just recalled from Triple-A Portland by the Padres. Good to see him back in The Show.

On This Date In 1965

Sandy Koufax tossed a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs. He had 14 Ks.

Marquis Notches 15th Win

Jason Marquis picked up his 15th win of the season against the Reds. Marquis pitched 7 1/3 innings and gave up 1 run on 4 hits, 3 BBs, and (a season-high) 7 Ks in his 20th quality start. His WHIP is 1.29. His ERA is 3.65. Marquis' 15 wins this year ties a career-high he set back in 2004 with the Cardinals.

It also ties Scott Feldman's win total. Feldman will toe the slab tomorrow against the Indians at Progressive Field. Feldman is 3-0 in his last 3 starts with a 0.47 ERA.
The last time 2 Jewish pitchers each won 15 or more games in the same season was in 1973 when Ken Holtman won 21 games for the Athletics and Dave Roberts won 17 games for the Astros.

Batting 3rd in the 1st game of a doubleheader today against the Indians, Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 25th), and 2 runs scored. Batting leadoff in the 2nd game, Kinsler was 3-5 with 1 double (his 26th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 24th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 double (his 32nd) and 1 run scored against the Cardinals.

Gabe Kapler was 0-2 against the Yankees.

John Grabow pitched 2/3 of an inning against the Pirates. His WHIP is 1.43. His ERA is 3.00.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief on 1 hit and 1 BB. His WHIP is 1.17. His ERA is 3.86.

The JML Labor Force

Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the White Sox. He has 8 RBIs in his last 8 games.

Ryan Braun got the day off because he was experiencing some pain in his shoulder. According to his coach, Ken Macha, it's nothing to worry about and he should be back in the lineup tomorrow.

Ian Kinsler didn't play because his game was rained out.

Gabe Kapler was 0-3 against the Yankees.

John Grabow picked up his 22nd hold of the season against the Pirates. He pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief. He had 1 K. His WHIP is 1.44. His ERA is 3.03.

Braun's 14th SB, Youk's 14th HBP

Ryan Braun was 2-5 with with 1 BB, 1 double (his 31st), and 1 SB (his 14th) against the Giants. This marks the 3rd consecutive season that Braun has stolen at least 14 bases.

Batting 3rd, Ian Kinsler was 2-3 against the Orioles.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 with 1 HBP against the White Sox. Youkilis has been hit 14 times this year (2nd in AL), which is 1 shy of the 15 times he got hit in 2007.

Sam Fuld was 1-4 against the Mets.

Fuld Makes Most Of Playing Time

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

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the White Sox.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-4 against the Orioles.

Sam Fuld was 1-2 with 1 double (his 4th) against the Mets.

John Grabow picked up his 21st hold of the season against the Mets. He pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief on 1 hit and 1 BB. His WHIP is 1.47. His ERA is 3.08.

The Road Warrior

Scott Feldman picked up his 15th win of the year against the Orioles. And, of course, it was on the road. Feldman pitched 6 2/3 innings and gave up 1 run on 4 hits, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Orioles. His WHIP is 1.24. His ERA is 3.62. His record is a sterling 15-4.

According to a graphic on the MLB Network, Feldman is in an elite group of pitchers with reference to his winning percentage on the road this season. Feldman is 11-1 (.917 winning percentage) on the road. Since 1964, only 4 pitchers have better winning percentages on the road: Jimmy Key was 10-0 in 1994 for the Yankees; Scott McGregor was 14-1 in 1983 for the Orioles; Roger Clemens was 13-1 in 1986 for the Red Sox; and Pedro Martinez was 12-1 in 2000 for the Red Sox. Pretty neat.

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 2 BBs and 1 run scored against the Giants. Also swiped his 13th bag of the season.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-2 with 1 RBI against the White Sox.

Batting 3rd, Ian Kinsler was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Orioles.

Sam Fuld was 1-2 with 2 BBs and 1 run scored against the Mets.

Brad Ausmus was 0-2 against the Padres. However, he did throw out the speedy Everth Cabrera on a stealing attempt.

John Grabow had his 1st rough outing as a Cub, and it was ugly. Grabow didn't record an out and gave up 3 runs on 4 hits and 1 BB. His WHIP is 1.46. His ERA is 3.13.

Marquis Getting Knocked Around

Jason Marquis picked up his 10th loss of the year against the Mets. He went 5 innings and gave up 5 runs on 9 hits, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks. Marquis has given up 18 hits and 10 runs in his last 2 starts (11 innings). Time to right the ship. His WHIP is 1.31. His ERA is 3.75.

Kevin Youkilis was 3-5 with 1 double (his 34th), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Rays. He now has 80 RBIs on the year.

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

Gabe Kapler was 0-0 with 1 BB against the Red Sox.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Mariners. He had 1 K. His WHIP is 1.16. His ERA is 3.97.

A Self-Indulgent Post

Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 BB, 2 doubles (his 32nd and 33rd), and 2 runs scored against the Rays.

Ryan Braun was 1-5 with 1 double (his 30th) against the Cardinals.

Batting 3rd, Ian Kinsler was 0-4 against the Blue Jays.

Fantasy Baseball Update:
I finished in 1st place by a wide margin. My record was 138-64-8. Out of the 14 teams in the league, I led all of them in every offensive category (runs scored, RBIs, stolen bases, total bases), except OBP (I was 3rd best). As far as the pitching categories are concerned, I was 3rd in quality starts and WHIP, 4th in strikeouts, 5th in ERA, and 7th in net saves.

The playoffs have started, and things aren't going too well at the moment. Hanley Ramirez is banged up and appears day to day. I lost Nyjer Morgan for the year with a broken hand. And now Huston Street has biceps tendinitis. Luckily, this week is a bye week.

Should Be A September To Remember

Last September, we witnessed an ailing Ryan Braun lift the Brewers on his sore back with a couple of huge home runs down the stretch. The Brew Crew are all but out of the playoff picture in 2009, but there are a bunch of other teams with JMLs on their rosters who are in the thick of the playoff hunt.

In fact, the 3 teams vying for the AL Wild Card are the Red Sox (Kevin Youkilis), the Rangers (Ian Kinsler and Scott Feldman), and the Rays (Gabe Kapler).

The Rockies (Jason Marquis) are currently on top of the NL Wild Card standings. The Giants (Ryan Sadowski was on their roster for awhile) are right on their heels. The Cubs (Sam Fuld and John Grabow) have faded fast, but mathematically they're not out of it yet. And then, of course, you have the Dodgers (Brad Ausmus), who will likely finish 1st in the NL West.

Interesting to note that Marquis has made it to the postseason each and every year of his career up to this point.

In the 1st game of a doubleheader against the Blue Jays, Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 29th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored. In the 2nd game of the doubleheader, Kinsler was 2-3 with 1 BB.

Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 23rd), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Rays.

Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Cardinals.

Fuld was 0-1 against the Astros.

Grabow picked up his 20th hold of the season. He pitched 2/3 of an inning against the Astros. That's 13 scoreless innings with the Cubs, if you're keeping track. What an upgrade over Neal Cotts! Grabow's WHIP is 1.38. His ERA is 2.69.