Coming Down The Home Stretch

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 18th), and 1 run scored against the Blue Jays.

Batting 2nd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Mets. Braun has now scored 100 runs in 2 consecutive seasons.

Batting 5th, Ian Kinsler was 0-2 with 1 BB and 1 HBP against the Angels.

Ike Davis was 0-2 against the Brewers.

Sam Fuld was used as a late inning defensive replacement in left field against the Padres.

Ausmus To Start Season Finale On Sunday

Brad Ausmus hasn't started in a game since September 12. For that matter, he hasn't seen any action at all since September 19. But on Sunday October 3, he will play his final game in the Majors, capping off 18 seasons.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 3-4 with 1 run scored against the Royals.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-5 against the Mets in the 1st game of a doubleheader. Braun was 1-3 with 1 HBP, 1 double (his 44th), and 2 RBIs against the Mets in the 2nd game. Braun's 2-run double in the 8th inning won the game for the Brewers.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 run scored and 1 SB (his 15th) against the Mariners.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-2 with 3 BBs against the Brewers in the 1st game of a doubleheader. Batting cleanup, Ike was 0-2 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Brewers in the 2nd game.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Padres.

Craig Breslow pitched 2 scoreless innings on 1 hit, 3 BBs, and 1 K against the Angels.

Marquis All Or Nothing Against The Phillies

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 33rd) and 1 run scored against the Brewers.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 against the Royals.

Ian Kinsler had the night off. Resting for the playoffs, no doubt.

Ryan Braun was a late scratch from today's lineup due to flu-like symptoms.

In his last start of the year, Jason Marquis received a no-decision against the Phillies. He went 6 innings and gave up 1 run on 7 hits, 1 BB, and 7 Ks. His groundball to flyball ratio was 15-2. At the plate, he was 1-2. Marquis had 4 quality starts in his last 5 outings. He's really been all or nothing against the Phillies this year. In 2 of his starts against them, he gave up 13 runs (12 earned) in 4 2/3 innings. Ouch. In 2 other starts, he gave up 2 runs in 11 innings.

Scott Feldman picked up his 11th loss of the year. He went 4 1/3 innings and gave up 3 runs on 5 hits, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Mariners. Let's be real. The Mariners don't strike fear in the hearts of any pitching staff. I didn't like Feldman's chances of making the Rangers' postseason roster before this start...

Walk, Don't Run

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Mariners. Kinsler has drawn 54 walks against 55 strikeouts. That's a pretty nice ratio. However, this will be his 1st season since 2006 (when he was a rookie) where he doesn't swipe 20+ bags or hit 15+ HRs.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 0-5 against the Royals. He is 2 for his last 22.

Sam Fuld was used as a late inning defensive replacement in left field against the Padres.

Ryan Braun and Ike Davis didn't play because their game was cancelled. They will play in a doubleheader on Wednesday.

Finishing With A Flourish

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 BB, 2 HRs (his 24th and 25th), 4 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Marlins. This was Braun's 1st multi-HR game of the year and the 11th multi-HR game of his career. It marks the 3rd consecutive season where he's driven in 100 runs.

Batting 6th, Ike Davis was 1-3 with 2 BBs (1 IBB) and 1 run scored against the Phillies.

Batting leadoff, Sam Fuld was 0-3 with 2 BBs against the Cardinals.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 0-3 against the Tigers.

Ian Kinsler has dropped his appeal of a 1-game suspension. It was initially reported that the suspension had been rescinded, but apparently that was false. Kinsler served his suspension today.

Valencia Making A Late Push For AL ROY

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-7 with 2 HRs (his 6th and 7th), 5 RBIs (a season-high), and 2 runs scored against the Tigers. Valencia's 1st long ball was his 2nd grand slam of the season. This was the 1st multi-HR game of his career. I don't see Valencia getting more votes for AL Rookie of the Year than Neftali Feliz or Austin Jackson, but he'll be in the running.

Batting 5th, Ian Kinsler was 2-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 19th), 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 14th) against the A's. The Rangers have clinched the AL West. This will be Kinsler's 1st postseason appearance. Not sure if Scott Feldman will be included on the postseason roster...

Batting 7th, Sam Fuld was 2-4 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored against the Cardinals. Fuld drove in what turned out to be the game-winning run in the 3rd inning.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Phillies.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Marlins.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit against the Rangers.

Shop Smart, Shop S-Mart

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 3-4 with 1 double (his 32nd) and 1 run scored against the Phillies.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 double (his 43rd) and 3 RBIs against the Marlins. His SLG is over .500 for the 1st time since June 15.

Batting 5th, Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 double (his 18th) and 1 run scored against the A's.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 0-3 against the Tigers.

Batting leadoff, Sam Fuld was 0-4 against the Cardinals.

According to The Sporting News, Craig Breslow is the most intelligent athlete on the planet. They recently ranked the Top 20 Smartest Athletes, and Breslow landed in the top spot. Breslow graduated from Yale in 2002. Brad Ausmus also made the cut. He was ranked number 9.

Feldman Finally Gets Some Work In

Batting 5th, Ian Kinsler was 0-3 with 1 BB against the A's. Kinsler is 2 for his last 16.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Giants.

Ryan Braun had the night off.

Scott Feldman pitched 2 innings and gave up 1 run on 2 hits and 1 K against the A's. Believe it or not, this was Feldman's 1st appearance since September 10.

Make Last Games Count For The Counting Stats

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 double (his 42nd), and 1 run scored against the Reds. He was taken out of the game after he was hit in the elbow a la Tommy Hanson earlier in the season. He is listed as day-to-day. Braun needs to score 3 more runs and drive in 7 more runs to reach 100 runs scored and 100 RBIs. He has 11 more games to do it.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis 2-4 with 1 run scored against the Marlins.

Batting cleanup, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the Indians. This was the 1st game all year where he has hit 4th in the lineup.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-6 against the Angels.

Sam Fuld was used as a late inning defensive replacement in left field against the Giants.

Jason Marquis received a no-decision. He went 6 innings and gave up 2 runs on 7 hits, 1 BB, and 2 Ks against the Astros. I'd say he atoned.

Does Valencia Give The Twins An Edge?

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Indians. Valencia scored the game-winning run in the 8th inning. The Twins have officially clinched a postseason berth. They haven't had a third baseman as good as Valencia since the days of Corey Koskie manning the hot corner. Could make a world of difference come October...

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 2-4 against the Marlins.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 1-3 against the Angels.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-2 with 1 BB, 1 HBP, and 1 run scored against the Reds.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Giants.

Craig Breslow pitched 2/3 of an inning on 1 BB and 1 K against the White Sox.

Breslow Is A Workhorse Out Of The Pen

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 HR (his 5th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Indians. Wow, that ball was crushed. Valencia has 3 HRs in his last 4 games.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 double (his 41st) and 2 RBIs against the Reds.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 HBP against the Angels.

Craig Breslow picked up his 3rd save of the season. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 BB against the White Sox. Quite a workload he's undertaken the last 2 years. He ranks 3rd in the AL in appearances.

Braun Has Pop And Hops

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 HR (his 23rd), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Giants. Check out our boy robbing Cody Ross of a home run! What a spectacular catch!

Batting leadoff, Sam Fuld was 2-6 with 1 double (his 1st), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Marlins. Tyler Colvin's season is over after he was impaled by a broken bat in his upper left chest. Wow, that blows. Fuld will likely get more playing time as a result, though.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 2-4 with 1 run scored against the Braves.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Mariners.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 0-3 with 1 BB against the A's.

Brad Ausmus was used as a late inning defensive replacement against the Rockies.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 2 Ks against the Twins. Breslow got Valencia to ground out to 2nd.

An Unheralded Contributor

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 4th), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the A's. Valencia's 3-run shot in the 6th inning ultimately won the game for the Twins.

Batting 5th, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 17th), and 1 run scored against the Mariners.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Giants.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-4 against the Braves.

Sam Fuld was used as a late inning defensive replacement in left field against the Marlins.

Marquis Needs To Atone For This Outing

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 3rd), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the A's.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-5 with 2 doubles (his 39th and 40th) and 2 runs scored against the Giants. Braun's 40 doubles this season are a career-high for him.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Braves.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 0-3 against the Mariners.

Sam Fuld was used as a late inning defensive replacement in left field against the Marlins.

Craig Breslow picked up his 16th hold of the year. He pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings on 1 BB against the Twins.

Jason Marquis picked up his 9th loss of the year, and deservedly so. He lasted just 1/3 of an inning and gave up 6 runs on 6 hits, 1 BB, and 0 Ks against the Phillies.

Kinsler's Suspension Dismissed

Earlier in the week, Ian Kinsler was ejected from a game for arguing balls and strikes. He was then suspended for 1 game after returning to the field when Nelson Cruz hit a walk-off home run. Kinsler appealed his 1-game suspension, and it has been dismissed.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Pirates.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB against the White Sox.

Extra-Base Hits Galore

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-5 with 1 HR (his 22nd), 1 double (his 38th), 3 RBIs, 1 run scored against the Astros.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 2-3 with 1 HR (his 9th), 1 sacrifice bunt, 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Tigers. I guess he took exception to the power waning remark...

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 2-3 with 1 double (his 17th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the White Sox.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 31st), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Pirates.

As Kinsler's Power Wanes, His Patience Waxes

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 21st), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Astros.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 1-2 with 3 BBs, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Tigers. Kinsler's power numbers may be down, but he's drawn 49 BBs to 50 Ks; that's an impressive ratio. His walk rate is 12.5% this year. His previous high was 11%, set in 2007.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the White Sox.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Pirates.

A's Must Be High On Breslow

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 37th), and 1 run scored against the Astros.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 30th) against the Pirates. If Ike hits 2 more HRs before season's end, he'll become the 1st JML to hit 20 HRs and 30 doubles as a rookie. Others have hit 30 HRs and 20 doubles before (Braun and Al Rosen) but never the inverse.

Craig Breslow picked up his 15th hold of the season. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit against the Royals. Breslow ranks in the top 5 in the AL in appearances.

Driving In And Scoring Game-Winning Runs

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 double (his 36th) and 1 RBI against the Cubs. Braun drove in what turned out to be the game-winning run in the 5th inning.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the Indians.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 0-2 with 2 BBs, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 13th) against the Yankees. Kinsler scored what turned out to be the game-winning run in the 7th inning.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-3 against the Phillies.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 0-4 against the Astros.

Ike Raking, Marquis In Rare Form

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 4-4 with 1 double (his 29th) and 3 RBIs against the Phillies. His 2-run single in the 7th inning ultimately won the the game for the Mets. Ike has brought his average up to .264 and his OPS up to .802. As of September 1, his average was .246 and his OPS was .748.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 16th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Yankees.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Cubs.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 0-5 against the Indians.

Sam Fuld was used a late inning defensive replacement in left field against the Brewers.

Jason Marquis picked up his 8th loss of the year, although he pitched very well. He went 6 innings and gave up 2 runs on 5 hits, 1 BB, and 8 Ks against the Marlins. Marquis hadn't struck out 8 batters in a game since September 1, 2008. In his last 5 starts, Marquis has a 2.40 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP.

Craig Breslow picked up his 14th hold of the season. He pitched scoreless inning on 1 K against the Red Sox.

Feldman Gets A Vulture Win

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 BB, 3 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 12th) against the Yankees.

Batting cleanup, Ike Davis was 2-4 with 1 double (his 28th), 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 3rd) against the Phillies.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 against the Cubs.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 0-3 against the Indians.

Scott Feldman picked up his 7th win of the season. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 2 hits and 1 BB against the Yankees.

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

An Obligatory If Uninspired Post

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-5 against the Blue Jays.

A Pair Of Long Balls Not Related To Larry David

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

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 HR (his 8th), 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 11th) against the Blue Jays.

Batting cleanup, Ike Davis was 0-4 against the Nationals.

Sam Fuld (just recalled) was 0-1 against the Astros.

Danny Valencia sat out.

Craig Breslow picked up his 13th hold of the season. He pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings on 1 K against the Mariners.

Ike On A Power Road Trip

Batting cleanup, Ike Davis was 2-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 18th), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Nationals. Ike has 3 HRs in his last 4 games.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Cardinals.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-5 against the Blue Jays.

Scott Feldman picked up his 10th loss of the year. He went 4 2/3 innings and gave up 4 runs on 7 hits, 1 BB, and 4 Ks against the Blue Jays.

Danny Valencia sat out again. Ron Gardenhire said Valencia probably won't return to the lineup until Friday, at the earliest.

Kinsler Batting Leadoff Again?

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 BB against the Cardinals.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 against the Blue Jays. This was the 1st time Kinsler has been the leadoff man this season.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-2 with 2 BBs (1 IBB) against the Nationals.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 0-2 with 1 BB against the Padres.

Danny Valencia sat out again.

Craig Breslow pitched 1/3 of an inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 1 BB against the Mariners.

Ike Enjoying The Friendly Confines

Batting cleanup, Ike Davis was 4-6 with 1 HR (his 17th), 1 double (his 27th), 3 RBIs, and 3 runs scored against the Cubs. This was Ike's 2nd game where he's collected 4 hits. He only had 6 extra-base hits in August. He already has 4 extra-base hits in September.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-5 with 1 double (his 35th) and 2 runs scored against the Phillies.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 BB and 2 runs scored against the Twins.

Danny Valencia sat out again.

Jason Marquis picked up his 2nd win of the year. He went 6 innings and gave up 1 run on 6 hits, 0 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Pirates. By far his best start of the season. At the plate, he was 0-3 with 1 run scored.

Because Cliff Lee will be skipped for his next start on Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Scott Feldman will likely take his place for a spot start.

Making Up For Lost Time

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 7th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Twins. Kinsler didn't play at all in August while he was on the DL. This was his 1st HR since July 20.

Batting 6th, Ike Davis was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 16th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Cubs. Ike went deep for the 1st time since July 29, and I was there to see it.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 against the Phillies.

Danny Valencia sat out against the Rangers.

Craig Breslow picked up his 12th hold of the season. He pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit against the Angels.

Kinsler Returns, Valencia On His Way Out?

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 2-3 with 1 SB (his 2nd) against the Rangers. Valencia left the game in the 7th inning with tightness in his right hamstring. He is listed as day to day.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-3 with 2 BBs against the Cubs.

Batting 6th, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Twins.

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

Two Impressive Rookies

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 3-5 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored against the Tigers.

Batting 6th, Ike Davis was 1-2 with 2 BBs and 1 double (his 26th) against the Braves.

Pretty Good Way To Kick Off September

Ian Kinsler has been activated from the DL.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 RBI against the Tigers. He hit a walkoff single in the bottom of the 10th inning to win it for the Twinkies. Clutch.

Batting 6th, Ike Davis was 0-2 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Braves.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Reds.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings on 1 hit against the Yankees.