Kinsler Back In Action After Missing A Month

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Padres.

Ian Kinsler 1-5 against the Mariners.

Ike Davis was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Phillies.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 with 1 BB against the Orioles.

Gabe Kapler was used as a pinch runner against the Royals.

John Grabow picked up his 4th hold of the season. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 2 Ks against the Diamondbacks.

Feldman Ends April On A Good Note

Ian Kinsler will make his season debut tomorrow against the Mariners. Ron Washington has maintained he will bat 5th in the order.

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 double (his 6th) against the Padres.

Gabe Kapler was used as a pinch runner and was 0-1 with 1 run scored against the Royals.

Despite a fairly strong outing, Scott Feldman received a no-decision against the White Sox. He went 6 innings and gave up 3 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits, 4 BBs, and 4 Ks.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 1/3 innings and gave up 1 run on 1 hit, 1 BB, and 2 Ks against the Blue Jays.

Baseball Takes A Backseat Today

Ryan Braun was 2-6 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 5th), and 2 runs scored against the Pirates.

Ike Davis was 2-4 with 1 RBI against the Dodgers.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 7th) against the Blue Jays.

Gabe Kapler was 1-2 with 1 run scored against the A's.

Michael Cammalleri led his Montreal Canadiens to victory in a big upset over Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. During the final 9 games of the regular season, Cammalleri had just 2 points after returning from his knee injury. But during this 7-game playoff series, Cammalleri had 10 points (5 goals and 5 assists). Talk about elevating your game!

Davis Definitely Making A Difference

A special thanks to Rob Berkenblit for taking this photo and generously contributing to the blog.

Ike Davis was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 double (his 2nd) in the 1st game of a doubleheader against the Dodgers. In the 2nd game, Davis was 1-2 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 3rd), and 3 RBIs. The Mets are 7-1 since Davis was called up. Coincidence?

Ryan Braun was 1-5 with 1 SB (his 6th) against the Pirates. Historically, Braun hasn't run so much this early and often. Braun had a 30-20 season in 2009. Is it possible he has his sights set on joining the 30-30 club this year?

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Blue Jays.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 BB and 2 Ks against the Rays.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run (0 earned) on 1 hit and 1 K against the Nationals. Grabow's throwing error led to the unearned run.

Youk Heating Up

Kevin Youkilis was 3-4 with 1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Blue Jays. A week ago, Youk was hitting .217. Now, he's up to .299.

Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 2 BBs, 3 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 5th) against the Pirates.

Ike Davis didn't play because his game was rained out. He'll play a doubleheader tomorrow against the Dodgers.

Scott Schoeneweis picked up his 1st win of the season, although he did not pitch well. Schoeneweis pitched 1/3 of an inning and gave up 1 run on 2 hits against the Blue Jays.

Kinsler Making Progress

Ian Kinsler has been playing in rehab games in AA, and Ron Washington is encouraged by the results. Washington said Kinsler could possibly return for the upcoming series against the Mariners.

Kevin Youkilis was 3-5 with 1 double (his 6th), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Orioles.

Ryan Braun was 0-3 with 1 HBP against the Cubs.

Ike Davis was 0-2 against the Braves. The game was called after the 5th inning.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1/3 of an inning on 2 hits against the Orioles.

A Rarity

Everyone who is healthy played today.

Kevin Youkilis came up big again for the Red Sox. Youk homered in the 7th inning with 2 on and 2 outs, which ultimately led to the Sox beating the Orioles by 1 run. Youk was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 3rd), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored.

Gabe Kapler was 1-3 with 1 double (his 1st) and 1 run scored against the Blue Jays.

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

Ike Davis was 0-2 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Braves.

Scott Feldman picked up his 2nd loss of the season. Feldman lasted just 3 2/3 innings and gave up 8 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits, 4 BBs, and 1 K against the Tigers. Feldman was said to have been experiencing flu-like symptoms over the last few days. Hopefully, we can chalk up this start to that.

John Grabow picked up his 3rd hold of the season. He pitched 2/3 of an inning on 1 hit and 1 BB against the Brewers.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 2/3 of an inning on 2 hits against the Orioles.

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

This Night Belongs To Ike

Ike Davis hit his 1st career HR tonight, and it was an absolute bomb. It was estimated to be 450 ft. Davis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Braves.

Gabe Kapler was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 1st), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Blue Jays.

Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Cubs.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Orioles.

Scott Feldman was scratched from today's start against the Tigers because of a stomach virus. He'll take the hill tomorrow in Rich Harden's slot.

Braun Having His Way With The Buckos

Ryan Braun was 3-4 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 5th), 1 double (his 4th), 5 RBIs, 3 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 4th) against the Pirates.

Braun is in the midst of a 10-game hitting streak. This was his 2nd consecutive game with 3 hits, a BB, a HR, and a SB. It was also his 3rd consecutive game with a SB, which is a personal best. Braun is hitting a robust .417.

Ike Davis was 3-4 with 1 double (his 1st) and 2 runs scored against the Cubs. This marks Davis' 1st career extra-base hit.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 against the Rangers. Check out this play Youk made at 1B.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 against the White Sox.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings on 1 IBB and 1 K against the Rangers.

A Flair For The Dramatic

A year and 3 days ago, Kevin Youkilis hit a walk-off HR in extra innings against the Yankees. Today, he hit a walk-off double in extra innings against the Rangers. Youk was 2-6 with 2 doubles (his 4th and 5th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored. Way to go, Youk!

Ordinarily, the game Ryan Braun had today would get "top billing," but walk-offs are extraordinary. Braun was 3-4 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 4th), 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 3rd) against the Pirates.

Gabe Kapler was 1-4 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the White Sox.

Ike Davis was 1-4 against the Cubs. He struck out against the John Grabow. He also made a nice catch in foul territory.

Grabow picked up his 2nd hold of the season. He pitched 1/3 of an inning on 1 K against the Mets.

Jason Marquis was placed on the 15-day DL, retroactive to March 19, with a sore right elbow. Marquis is expected to meet with a specialist later this week. Maybe this explains why he was struggling so much.

Meanwhile, Ian Kinsler is set for a rehab assignment after testing his right ankle today in a workout. If he doesn't have any setbacks, he could return to the Rangers' lineup at the end of the month.

A Much-Needed Multi-Hit Game For Youk

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 2 BBs, 1 double (his 3rd), 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 2nd) against the Pirates.

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

Ike Davis was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Cubs. Davis drew his walk off John Grabow.

Gabe Kapler was 0-3 against the White Sox.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 2/3 innings and gave up 1 run on 2 hits and 2 Ks against the Yankees.

Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and 1 BB against the Mets.

Davis Delivers In Debut

The Ike Davis era in New York has begun. In his 1st MLB game, Davis was 2-4 with 1 RBI against the Cubs. Davis singled to right in his very 1st AB. He later drove in a run on a base hit up the middle off lefty Sean Marshall. Davis must have had butterflies, but he looked composed to me. Didn't try to do too much. Just went with the pitches. Welcome to The Show, Ike!

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Rays. Youk is scuffling right now. He is 1 for his last 18.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 scoreless inning on 2 BBs against the Rays.

Marquis Gets A Brewers Beat Down

Gabe Kapler was 1-2 with 2 BBs, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Red Sox.

Ryan Braun was 1-5 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Nationals. Braun's lone hit came off Jason Marquis.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 against the Rays.

Marquis picked up his 3rd loss of the season in what can only be described as the worst outing of his 10-year career. Marquis did not record an out and gave up 7 runs on 4 hits, 2 HBP, and 1 BB against the Brewers. If it's any consolation, Ben Sheets had a similar pitching line in Spring Training.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 2 scoreless innings on 2 BBs and 1 K against the Rays.

If Marquis' performance has got you down, this might cheer you up: it looks like Mets' slugging 1B prospect, Ike Davis, will head north sometime later this week. Didn't think he'd get the call this early, but he raked in Spring Training, which has carried over into AAA. And the Mets haven't got any production out of Mike Jacobs and Fernando Tatis.

Feldman Gets A Bronx Beat Down

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

Ryan Braun was 1-4 against the Nationals.

Scott Feldman picked up his 1st loss of the year. He lasted just 2 1/3 innings and gave up 4 runs on 7 hits, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Yankees.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 1 K against the Orioles.

Braun Hitting .400 Through 10

Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 BB and 1 SB (his 1st) against the Nationals.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-2 with 2 BBs against the Rays. The game was suspended in the 9th inning due to rain. It will resume tomorrow evening.

John Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit and 1 K against the Astros.

It's Gotta Be The Cleats!

Yay for early 90's pop culture references.

Ryan Braun was 4-5 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 3rd), 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Cubs. Braun even got a hit off John Grabow.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Twins.

Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 unearned run (his error caused it to be unearned) on 2 hits against the Cubs.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 inning and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 Ks against the Twins.

Ausmus Backed Into A Corner

What started out as a "pinched nerve" in Brad Ausmus' back has turned into a herniated disk. Ausmus will have surgery tomorrow to repair the herniated disk. The 41-year old catcher says this will not force him into retirement. He intends to come back this season.

The Dodgers hope he could be back on the field by late summer. I have seen my dad in a lot of pain with multiple herniated disks. Frankly, I don't see Ausmus coming back from this. But I wish him well and a speedy recovery.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 2 BBs and 1 run scored against the Twins.

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

Kapler Gets First Hit

Gabe Kapler was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Craig Breslow pitched 1/3 of an inning on 1 hit and 1 K against the Mariners.

Pitching To Too Much Contact

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 2nd), 4 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Cubs.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 3rd) and 1 run scored against the Twins.

Jason Marquis picked up his 2nd loss of the season. He pitched 4 1/3 innings and gave up 7 runs (6 earned) on 6 hits, 2 BBs, and 1 K against the Phillies. One good thing to take away from this game: Marquis was 1-2 with 1 double and 2 RBIs.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit and 1 K against the Twins.

Feldman's Command-ing Presence

Ryan Braun was 1-5 with 1 HR (his 1st), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Cardinals.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 with 2 BBs, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 1st) against the Royals.

Scott Feldman picked up his 1st win of the season. He went 7 innings and gave up 2 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits, 1 BB, and 4 Ks against the Mariners. Feldman's control has been pinpoint so far; he's only issued 1 BB in 14 innings. He ended up throwing 118 pitches, which is the 2nd most he's ever thrown in a game.

It's been a rough week for John Grabow. Grabow picked up his 2nd loss of the season. He pitched 1/3 of an inning and gave up 2 runs on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 1 K against the Reds.

Ausmus Sidelined With Pinched Nerve

Brad Ausmus has been placed on the 15-day DL for the 1st time in his 17-year career. Ausmus has a pinched nerve in his back.

Kevin Youkilis was 2-5 with 1 HR (his 1st), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Royals.

Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Cardinals.

Gabe Kapler was 0-3 against the Yankees.

John Grabow picked up his 1st hold of the season. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit and 1 K against the Reds.

Craig Breslow picked up his 1st loss of the season. He pitched 1/3 of an inning on 2 hits and 1 IBB against the Angels.

Kinsler Targeting April 21 Return

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the plan is for Ian Kinsler to be activated from the 15-day DL on April 21 for the opener of a series in Boston.

Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 2nd), and 1 run scored against the Cardinals.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Royals.

The Backups Get Some Action

Brad Ausmus was 1-4 with 1 double against the Giants. Ausmus has now played in 1,951 games, tying him with Shawn Green for the most games played among JMLs. He has also surpassed Benito Santiago's mark of 1,917 games caught. He is now 7th on the all-time list for games caught.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Orioles.

John Grabow didn't record an out. He walked the only batter he faced against the Braves.

Marquis Nat Too Good In Debut

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Rockies.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-2 with 1 BB and 1 HBP against the Yankees.

Jason Marquis picked up his 1st loss of the season. He went 4 innings and gave up 6 runs on 8 hits, 3 BBs, 1 HBP, and 2 Ks against the Phillies.

John Grabow picked up his 1st loss and blown save of the season. He pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up 2 runs on 2 hits against the Braves.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 2 Ks against the Yankees.

Full Plate Of Games Tomorrow

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

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

Craig Breslow pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Mariners.

Seize The Opening Day

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 double and 2 RBIs against the Rockies.

Despite a strong outing, Scott Feldman got a no-decision in his 1st start of the year. Feldman pitched 7 innings and gave up 3 runs on 5 hits, 0 BBs, and 3 Ks against the Blue Jays. Feldman got off to a shaky start after giving up 2 runs in the 1st inning, but he obviously settled down after that.

Craig Breslow pitched 2/3 of an inning on 1 hit against the Mariners.

John Grabow pitched 2/3 of an inning against the Braves.

Congratulations to Jon Scheyer and his Blue Devils on winning the National Championship! It was a great game, and you are worthy champions.

Opening Night Out Of Sight

Kevin Youkilis was 3-4 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored against the Yankees.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief on 1 K against the Yankees.

For What It's Worth...

2010 Spring Training Stats:

Brad Ausmus - Put up a line of .250/.321/.333 for an OPS of .654 in 24 ABs, 1 triple, 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored

Jeremy Bleich (Yankees) - 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA through 2/3 of an inning, 1 hit

Richard Bleier (Rangers) - 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA through 1 2/3 innings, 2 hits, 2 BBs

Ryan Braun - Put up a line of .250/.300/.464 for an OPS of .764 in 58 ABs, 3 HRs, 3 doubles, 12 RBIs, 10 runs scored

Craig Breslow - 0-0 with 1 save and a 1.50 ERA through 6 innings, 5 hits, 4 BBs, 3 Ks

Ike Davis (Mets) - Put up a line of .480/.536/.960 for an OPS of 1.496 in 25 ABs, 3 HRs, 3 doubles, 10 RBIs, 7 runs scored

Scott Feldman - 3-1 with a 2.93 ERA through 15 1/3 innings, 17 hits, 5 BBs, 10 Ks

Sam Fuld - Put up a line of .143/.211/.257 for an OPS of .468 in 35 ABs, 1 HR, 1 double, 2 RBIs, 7 runs scored, 1 SB

John Grabow - 0-1 with 2 saves and a 3.75 ERA through 12 innings, 14 hits, 4 BBs, 8 Ks

Jason Hirsh - 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA through 3 2/3 innings, 0 hits, 1 HBP, 0 BBs, 5 Ks

Brian Horwitz (Indians) - Put up a line of .417/.417/.500 for an OPS of .917 in 12 ABs, 1 double, 1 RBI, 1 run scored

Gabe Kapler - Put up a line of .195/.283/.220 for an OPS of .503 in 41 ABs, 1 double, 4 RBIs, 8 runs scored (does not include last game against Durham)

Ian Kinsler - Put up a line of .400/.600/.500 for an OPS of 1.100 in 10 ABs, 1 double, 2 RBIs, 4 runs scored, 2 SBs

Jason Marquis - 2-2 with a 9.15 ERA through 20 2/3 innings, 32 hits, 10 BBs, 8 Ks

Aaron Poreda - 0-1 with a 34.71 ERA through 2 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 7 BBs, 3 Ks

James Rapoport (Cardinals) - Put up a line of .250/.250/.500 for an OPS of .750 in 4 ABs, 1 double, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 SB

B.J. Rosenberg (Phillies) - 0-0 with 1 save and a 0.00 ERA through 4 innings, 2 hits, 4 BBs, 4 Ks

Scott Schoeneweis - 1-0 with a 8.80 ERA through 9 2/3 innings, 10 hits, 5 BBs, 12 Ks

Michael Schwimer (Phillies) - 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA through 1/3 of an inning, 1 K

Adam Stern - Put up a line of .432/.480/.614 for an OPS of 1.094 in 44 ABs, 1 HR, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 12 RBIs, 15 runs scored, 6 SBs

Jake Wald (Diamondbacks) - Put up a line of .222/.222/.333 for an OPS of .555 in 9 ABs, 1 double, 2 RBIs

Josh Whitesell (Nationals) - Put up a line of .286/.375/.286 for an OPS of .661 in 14 ABs

Kevin Youkilis - Put up a line of .389/.424/.611 for an OPS of 1.035 in 54 ABs, 2 HRs, 6 doubles, 8 RBIs, 6 runs scored

Final Spring Training Roundup

Kevin Youkilis was 1-2 with 1 HR (his 2nd), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Nationals.

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

Brad Ausmus was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Angels.

Gabe Kapler was 1-2 with 1 double (his 2nd) and 1 RBI against the Rays' AAA team from Durham.

Adam Stern was used as a pinch runner and scored 1 run against the Tigers.

John Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 K against the Diamondbacks.

Craig Breslow pitched 1/3 of an inning on 1 K against the Giants.

Feldman's Big Payday

The Rangers have signed Scott Feldman to a contract extension through the 2012 season with a club option for 2013. Feldman will get $2.425 million this season, $4.4 million in 2011, and $6.5 million in 2012.

If the Rangers retain Feldman's services for the 2013 season, he'll earn $9.25 million with a $600,000 buyout. Feldman is guaranteed $13.925 million. Not bad for a guy who was drafted in the 30th round in 2003 as a reliever.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 against the Nationals.

Ryan Braun was 1-3 against the Tigers.

Adam Stern was 1-1 with 2 SBs (his 5th and 6th) against the Tigers.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Mets.

Lefty Not Left Behind

After being released by the Brewers last week, Scott Schoeneweis has found a home in Boston; the Red Sox have given the veteran southpaw the last spot on the roster. This is a nice feel-good story, but I would imagine the Sox will keep Schoeneweis on a short leash. Not trying to be a buzzkill, guys. Just looking at it objectively.

Brian Horwitz was 2-2 with 1 run scored against the Angels.

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 RBI against the Diamondbacks.

Adam Stern was 1-2 with 1 double (his 3rd) and 1 run scored against the Diamondbacks. Apparently, Stern was told last week that he would not make the Brewers' roster. The guy had a phenomenal Spring. I don't know what else he could have done to earn the job. Jim Edmonds didn't play at all last year, and his bat speed didn't impress me when he played for the Cubs in 2008. It seemed like most of his HRs landed in the basket at Wrigley. Again, that was 2 seasons ago. As for the Brew Crew's other backup outfielder, Jody Gerut stunk up the joint last year.

Brad Ausmus was 1-1 with 1 triple against the Indians. When was the last time Ausmus legged out a triple, you ask? You have to go all the way back to 2007 during the regular season.

Jason Marquis picked up his 2nd win of the Spring. He pitched 5 innings and gave up 3 runs on 6 hits and 4 Ks against the Mets. Also had a sacrifice bunt.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief on 1 hit and 1 K against the Giants.

Schoeneweis picked up his 1st win of the Spring. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 BB against the Twins.

John Grabow picked up his 1st hold of the Spring. He pitched 2/3 of an inning on 1 BB and 1 K against the Rockies.

B.J. Rosenberg picked up his 1st save of the Spring. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 BB and 1 K against the Pirates.

Richard Bleier made his Spring Training debut for the Rangers. Unfortunately, he didn't fare too well. Bleier pitched 1 2/3 innings and gave up 1 run on 2 hits and 2 BBs against the Reds.

A Tip of the Yarmulke to Martin Abramowitz

Martin Abramowitz has been making baseball cards since 2003. But not just ordinary baseball cards. Martin has paid tribute to Jewish Major Leaguers spanning the rich timeline of America's Pastime. And now that Martin is calling it quits with his final set of cards, "Deck of the Decade," I will pay tribute to Martin.

I had a chance to look at the cards, and let me just say they did not disappoint. The first thing that struck me was Martin's obvious passion for the subject, a passion which I and readers of this blog share. I believe it would be fair to say that Martin's passion is equaled by his extensive knowledge. The cards look fantastic and are filled with an array of stats, snapshots, and stories.

This set of cards offers a nice blend of style and substance and truly encapsulates the distinguished and diverse accomplishments of the decade. The cards also look at the decade from an historical perspective and pay homage to the Jewish ballplayers who paved the way for today's generation of stars. Passover has come and gone. Do not pass up the chance to add these cards to your collection!

Below you will find an interview I recently conducted with Mr. Abramowitz:

Q: Growing up, what team did you root for, and who were some of your favorite (Jewish and non-Jewish alike) players?

A: I was the only kid in Brooklyn in the late 40's and 50's who rooted for the Yankees: the folks who owned the only TV in our apartment house was a Yankees fan, so rooting for them was the price of admission, plus... those were the great years from my 9th birthday through my teens, from 49-53, and again after 54, they were almost invincible. It's not hard to get used to rooting for the champions.

Q: I've been asked this a few times, and I'm still not sure I got it right. I sometimes think this is like asking who is funnier: Woody Allen or Mel Brooks? But I have to ask... Koufax or Greenberg? Who was better?

A: Unanswerable.

Q: You released your first set of cards back in 2003. What prompted you to start making these baseball cards?

A: The idea was to make sure every Jewish baseball player in the history of the game had a card. In 2000, we knew of 142 players, of whom only 100 had cards. The idea to make the set came from my 11-year old son Jacob. I wanted to give the players who didn't have cards "that piece of immortality which is a baseball card." I also wanted to complete my own collection!

Q: Your website says that your mission this decade has been to document American Jews in America's game. I think it's safe to say, "Mission accomplished." In terms of Jews in baseball, what stands out to you this decade?

A: Almost too many things to mention. This decade had a record-29 Jewish Major Leaguers see time on the field. Shawn Green's 19 total bases in a game has to be considered one of the greatest offensive performances of all time. Ian Kinsler hit for the cycle and was 6-6. Gabe Kapler set a Rangers' franchise record with his 28-game hitting streak. Kevin Youkilis' errorless streak at first base was outstanding. Ryan Braun won Rookie of the Year in 2007.

Off the field, it's also been an exceptional decade. We've made 6 sets of cards and 2 Hall of Fame programs. The Hank Greenberg documentary came out, along with Peter Horvitz's The Big Book of Jewish Baseball, the Boxerman's two-volume history of Jews in baseball, and Howard Megdal's The Baseball Talmud. We've also had biographies and autobiographies published on Sandy Koufax, Ron Blomberg, and Art Shamsky. We even had pro ball in Israel. And very soon the film, Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story, will be released.

Q: You are releasing your sixth and final set of cards, the 2010 "Deck of the Decade." What can you tell us about this card set?

A: It's a record of the decade as its name implies; all 29 players, plus decade highlights.

Q: It's clear you are an authority on this subject, and on your website you intimate that a book could be in the works. Have you given any more thought to this?

A: We've conducted a set of oral history interviews, which we expect will be published in the next year or so.