Goodbye June, Hello July

Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Angels.

Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 double (his 23rd) and 1 run scored against the Astros. As a cleanup hitter so far this year, Braun's OPS is .689. In the 3-hole, his OPS is .949. Are you reading this, Ken Macha?

Ike Davis was 1-5 with 1 RBI against the Marlins. Ike only drew 4 BBs in the month of June; he drew 16 BBs in May.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Rays.

As expected, the Cubs placed John Grabow on the 15-day DL.

Meanwhile, Gabe Kapler was just activated from the DL. He was a late inning defensive replacement in right field against the Red Sox.

Kinsler Getting His Power Stroke Back?

Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 3rd), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Angels.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Rays.

Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Astros.

Ike Davis was 0-2 against the Marlins.

Craig Breslow picked up his 7th hold of the season. He pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 2 hits and 1 BB against the Orioles.

Scott Feldman picked up his 7th loss of the season. He went 5 2/3 innings and gave up 5 runs on 9 hits, 3 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Angels.

Grabow Knee-Deep In The DL

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 11th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Astros.

Ike Davis was 0-4 against the Marlins.

John Grabow pitched 1/3 of an inning on 1 hit against the Pirates. More importantly, he re-injured his left knee and is likely headed back to the DL. Since being recalled from the DL on June 15, Grabow has pitched 5 2/3 innings and given up 1 unearned run on 3 hits, 2 BBs, and 4 Ks.

Here's an interesting statistical analysis of Scott Feldman '09 vs. Scott Feldman '10 by Fangraphs.

Ike Front And Center In A Strong Rookie Class

Ike Davis was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 9th), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Twins.

Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 BB, 2 doubles (his 13th and 14th), and 3 runs scored against the Astros. Kinsler has 4 extra-base hits in his last 2 games, which doubles the total he had during the rest of the month.

In his 2nd start at 3B, Kevin Youkilis was 2-5 with 1 run scored against the Giants.

Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Mariners.

Craig Breslow picked up his 3rd win of the season. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 2 Ks against the Pirates.

Kinsler Ends HR Drought

Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 HR (his 2nd), 1 double (his 12th), 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 7th) against the Astros. Kinsler had gone 32 games without going deep, which is the longest HR drought of his career.

Ryan Braun was 1-4 against the Mariners.

Ike Davis was 0-2 with 1 BB against the Twins.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Giants. Here's a nice play by Youk.

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

Youk Halfway to 30 And 100

Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 15th), 1 triple (his 4th), 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Giants. Youk now has 50 RBIs and has scored 60 runs.

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB and 2 runs scored against the Mariners.

Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Twins.

Ian Kinsler was 0-2 against the Astros. He was ejected from the game in the 3rd inning. This was his 2nd career ejection.

Craig Breslow picked up his 6th hold of the season. He pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Pirates.

Grabow Gets A Big Win

Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 RBI against the Pirates.

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 double (his 22nd) against the Twins.

Ike Davis was 0-4 with 1 RBI against the Tigers.

Kevin Youkilis was used as a late inning defensive replacement at 1B against the Rockies. He was 0-1.

John Grabow picked up his 1st win of the season. He pitched 2 scoreless innings on 1 hit and 1 K against the Mariners.

Scott Feldman got a no-decision. He went 6 innings and gave up 5 runs on 12 hits, 1 BB, and (a season-high) 7 Ks against the Pirates. Most of the damage occurred in the 1st inning, where Feldman gave up 4 runs. Feldman's groundball to flyball ratio was solid at 10-2, and in his last 3 starts his K/BB ratio is a sparkling 19-4.

Bizarro Braun

Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 double (his 11th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Pirates.

Ike Davis was 2-4 with 2 RBIs against the Tigers.

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 0-4 with 1 RBI against the Twins. For his career, Braun has an OPS of 1.084 against lefties. However, this year his OPS against lefties is .764. Bizarre, no?

Kevin Youkilis had the night off.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 K against the Reds.

A Couple of Three-Hit Games

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 3-4 with 1 double (his 21st), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Twins.

Ike Davis was 3-6 with 1 double (his 14th), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Tigers.

Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 run scored against the Pirates.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Rockies.

Only One Update Today

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 K against the Reds. His WHIP is 1.01. His ERA is 2.84.

Breslow Sees A Spike In K Rate

Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 run scored and 2 SBs (his 5th and 6th) against the Astros.

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 2-5 against the Rockies.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the Dodgers. Youk's 1st inning RBI-single turned out to be the game-winning hit for the Red Sox.

Ike Davis was 1-4 against the Yankees.

Craig Breslow picked up his 2nd win of the season. He pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings on 2 Ks against the Cardinals. Through 30 2/3 innings, Breslow's K/9 is an impressive 9.1. His career mark before the season started was 7.4 K/9.

Youk Having Another Great Month

Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 14th), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Dodgers. Youk's line for the month of June so far is .355/.414/.661. He also has 17 RBIs in 16 games.

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 1-5 with 1 double (his 20th) against the Rockies.

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

Ian Kinsler was 0-5 against the Astros.

John Grabow pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings on 1 BB and 1 K against the Angels.

Feldman Helps His Own Cause

Kevin Youkilis was 1-5 with 1 double (his 18th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Dodgers.

Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 BB against the Rockies. Braun was caught stealing for the 1st time all year. Dating back to last year, he hadn't been thrown out in his last 16 attempts.

Ian Kinsler was 1-2 with 3 BBs and 1 run scored against the Astros.

Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the Yankees.

Scott Feldman picked up his 5th win of the season. He went 7 innings and gave up 3 runs on 9 hits, 1 BB, and 6 Ks against the Astros. He was also 1-4 at the plate with 1 double and 1 run scored. The double was his 2nd career hit.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run (0 earned) on 1 BB and 2 Ks against the Angels.

Kinsler Showing A Little Life

Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 2 doubles (his 9th and 10th) and 3 RBIs against the Marlins. Prior to this game, Kinsler hadn't had an extra-base hit since June 1.

Ike Davis was 2-5 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored against the Indians.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 with 1 RBI against the Diamondbacks.

Craig Breslow picked up his 5th hold of the season. He pitched 1/3 of an inning on 1 K against the Cubs. Hmm, this looks familiar...

You'd Be Smiling, Too, If You Just Went Yard

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 HR (his 13th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Diamondbacks.

Ike Davis was 2-5 with 2 doubles (his 12th and 13th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Indians.

Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB and 2 runs scored against the Marlins.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Angels.

Strike A Pose

Ike Davis was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 8th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Indians.

Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 double (his 17th) and 1 RBI against the Diamondbacks. Check out Youk flashing the leather!

Batting 3rd (Maybe I spoke too soon), Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 run scored against the Angels.

Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Marlins.

John Grabow was activated from the DL today. Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit against the A's.

Craig Breslow picked up his 4th hold of the season. He pitched 1/3 of an inning on 1 K against the Cubs.

The Grand Old Game

Ryan Braun hit his 3rd career grand slam tonight. Braun was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 10th), 5 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Angels.

Kinsler And Youkilis Given Rest

A day after returning from back spasms, Kevin Youkilis was held out of the lineup again today. He got hit in the elbow yesterday; that could have something to do with his absence. Then again, the Red Sox might also be trying to showcase Mike Lowell's versatility to increase his trade value.

Ike Davis was 1-5 with 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Rangers. Like Davis, it looks like Braun will be batting cleanup for the foreseeable future.

Ian Kinsler had the day off.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 2 runs on 1 hit and 1 BB against the Giants.

Kapler Lands On DL, Feldman Answers The Bell

Gabe Kapler was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained right hip flexor. Kapler joins fellow JMLs Brad Ausmus, Jason Marquis, and John Grabow on the DL.

Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 2 doubles (his 18th and 19th) and 1 RBI against the Rangers. Braun was 1-3 against Scott Feldman.

Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 2 runs scored against the Brewers.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 HBP and 2 runs scored against the Phillies.

Ike Davis was 0-4 with 1 SB (his 1st) against the Orioles.

Scott Feldman picked up his 4th win of the season. He pitched 6 scoreless innings on 4 hits, 3 BBs, and 6 Ks (a season-high) against the Brewers. Still a little wild with the 3 free passes, 1 HBP, and a wild pitch, but his outstanding groundball to flyball ratio in this game (12-1) is an encouraging sign.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Giants.

Youk Bothered By Back Spasms

Kevin Youkilis left Thursday's game with back spasms and was scratched from Boston's lineup today. According to Terry Francona, Youk was available to pinch hit tonight and may rejoin the lineup tomorrow.

Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 HR (his 9th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Rangers. Braun's long ball was his 1st extra-base hit since June 1. Tomorrow offers an interesting matchup, as he'll be facing Scott Feldman.

Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Ian Kinsler was 1-4 against the Brewers.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 against the Marlins.

Braun's Health In Question

In the 1st game of a doubleheader against the Padres, Ike Davis was 0-3. In the 2nd game, Ike was 2-4 with 1 RBI.

Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 2 runs scored against the Mariners.

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

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 0-4 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Cubs. I'm telling you his elbow still isn't right...

Gabe Kapler was 0-2 against the Blue Jays.

Kinsler Reaches Base 4 Times

Ian Kinsler was 2-2 with 1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 RBI, and 3 runs scored against the Mariners. A game like this could be a springboard...

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 0-3 with 1 BB and 2 RBIs against the Cubs.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-2 with 1 BB against the Indians.

Ike Davis didn't play; his game was rained out.

Ike Won't Let Strasburg Have All The Glory

Ike Davis (1st round, 2008) hit his 1st walk-off HR tonight in the 11th inning, and it was a bomb. Ike was 1-5 with 1 HR (his 7th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Padres.

Kevin Youkilis (8th round, 2001) was 3-4 with 1 double (his 16th), 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 2nd) against the Indians.

Gabe Kapler (57th round, 1995) was 1-4 against the Blue Jays.

Ian Kinsler (17th round, 2003) was 0-3 with 1 HBP and 1 run scored against the Mariners.

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun (1st round, 2005) was 0-4 against the Cubs.

Craig Breslow (26th round, 2002) picked up his 3rd hold of the season. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 K against the Angels.

Feldman Not Very Economical

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

Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Indians.

Scott Feldman (30th round, 2003) picked up his 6th loss of the season. He went 5 2/3 innings and gave up 4 runs (3 earned) on 9 hits, 2 BBs, and 4 Ks against the Mariners. Feldman threw 121 pitches in under 6 innings.

Braun STILL Being Moved Around

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 2-5 against the Cardinals.

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

Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Rays.

Ike Davis was 0-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Marlins.

Craig Breslow picked up his 2nd hold of the season. He pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up 1 run on 1 BB against the Twins.

Putting On A Clinic

In his 1st game at 3B this year, Kevin Youkilis was 3-5 with 1 HR (his 12th), 2 doubles (his 14th and 15th), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Orioles. Youk has now hit HRs in consecutive games 4 times this year.

Ike Davis was 4-4 with 2 doubles (his 10th and 11th), 1 RBI, and 3 runs scored against the Marlins. This was Ike's first 4-hit game of his MLB career.

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Cardinals.

Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Rays.

Troubling Trends

Kevin Youkilis was 2-5 with 1 HR (his 11th), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Ian Kinsler was 0-3 with 1 HBP and 1 run scored against the Rays. Kinsler is 0 for his last 12. It's still early, but the ankle injury appears to have affected his power, as well as his speed.

Batting 2nd, Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Cardinals. Braun's OPS is under .700 since coming back from his elbow injury on May 14.

Ike Davis was 0-4 against the Marlins. Ike is scuffling a bit; his average has dipped below .250.

Gabe Kapler was 0-2 against the Rangers. Hard to believe, but his SLG is actually below .300.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings on 4 Ks against the Twins.

So Much For Hitting A Rookie Wall...

Ike Davis was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 6th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Padres. Ike's blast to center in the 7th ended up giving the Mets the game-winning run.

Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 double (his 8th) and 3 RBIs against the White Sox. Kinsler's 2-run double in the 6th ended up giving the Rangers the game-winning run.

Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the A's. Youk was 0-1 against Craig Breslow.

Ryan Braun was 2-5 with 1 double (his 17th) against the Marlins.

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

Breslow picked up his 1st blown save of the year. He pitched 1 2/3 innings and gave up 1 run on 2 hits and 2 BBs against the Red Sox.

Scott Schoeneweis has been released by the Red Sox. It appears he could be forced into retirement.

John Grabow has been placed on the 15-day DL with left knee inflammation.

There won't be any updates for the next few days, as I will not have access to a computer. The blog should be up and running again no later than Friday or Saturday.