Goodbye July

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 double (his 25th) and 2 runs scored against the Astros. Despite playing in only 17 games in July, Braun had 12 extra base hits. He's had 11 or more extra base hits every month this season.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 RBI against the A's. Valencia had 20 RBIs in July.

Batting 2nd, Sam Fuld was 0-5 with 2 runs scored and 1 SB (his 19th) against the Mariners.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 with 2 BBs (2 IBBs) and 1 SB (his 3rd) against the White Sox.

Scott Feldman pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Blue Jays.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Twins.

Marquis Traded To Diamondbacks

Jason Marquis was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for INF Zachary Walters. Good thing Marquis is a groundball pitcher. The ball travels very well in Arizona. Marquis' previous success at Coors Field bodes well for his new team, which also resides in the NL West. Marquis will make his 1st start with the Diamondbacks on Wednesday against the Giants.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 2-5 with 1 HR (his 15th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the White Sox.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB (IBB) against the Blue Jays.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 against the A's.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-4 with 1 run scored against the Astros.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run (0 earned) on 1 hit against the Cardinals.

Kipnis Jumps Ship, Zeid Moved In Pence Trade

Phillies pitcher Josh Zeid was part of the Hunter Pence trade that just went down. After being named the Best Class-A Reliever last year, the Phillies inexplicably moved Zeid to the starting rotation this year in AA. Zeid struggled mightily as a starter and has since been moved back to the bullpen where he belongs. Now that he's on the Astros, I'd say he's got a better shot at making it to The Show.

Pinch hitting, Jason Kipnis was 0-0 with 1 BB against the Royals. This will be my last update for Kipnis, as he has informed the Jewish Sports Review that he is now a practicing Roman Catholic.

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

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the White Sox.

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

Braun Is A Bad, Bad Man

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-4 with 1 HR (his 21st), 1 double (his 24th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Cubs. He drove in the game-winner in the 3rd inning with his blast to right center. In his last 8 games, Braun has hit 5 HRs and 4 doubles.

Pinch hitting, Sam Fuld was 0-0 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the A's.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Royals.

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

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the Rangers.

Craig Breslow pitched 1/3 of an inning and gave up 3 runs on 2 hits and 1 BB against the Rays.

Valencia Gets His Act Together In July

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 BB against the Rangers. Valencia has a July line of .309/.346/.495 for an OPS of .841 in 25 games. His counting stats are also impressive, as he has 4 HRs, 6 doubles, 19 RBIs, and 15 runs scored during that span.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 2nd) against the Royals.

Batting 8th, Jason Kipnis was 0-3 against the A's. He was in good company, though, as his entire team was no-hit by Ervin Santana.

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

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

Batting 8th, Sam Fuld was 0-4 against the A's.

Craig Breslow pitched 2/3 of an inning on 2 Ks against the Rays.

Putting The Breaks On?

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-4 with 1 double (his 23rd), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Cubs. Braun has been very good since coming back from his calf injury. However, he has 0 SBs in the month of July. The 30/30 season he may have been going for is looking more and more unlikely.

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

Batting 8th, Jason Kipnis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 1st) against the Angels.

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

Michael Freund recently wrote a column in the Jerusalem Post where he argues that it's time for Lipman Pike to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Check it out.

Kipnis' First Hit Is A Game-Winner!

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 4-6 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 16th), 1 double (his 25th), 4 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Twins.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 double (his 20th) and 2 runs scored against the Rangers.

Batting 8th, Jason Kipnis was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the Angels. Kipnis' 1st MLB hit came in walkoff fashion!

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 against the Royals. Youk left the game in the 8th inning with tightness in his right hamstring.

Pinch hitting, Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the A's.

Scott Feldman pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 2 hits against the Twins. Valencia recorded 1 of the hits and scored the run off him.

Braun Hitting Bombs In Bunches

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 14th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Mariners.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 20th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Giants. In his last 5 games, Braun has hit 4 long balls.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 double (his 19th) and 1 run scored against the Tigers.

Batting 8th, Sam Fuld was 1-4 with 1 run scored and 1 SB (his 18th) against the Royals.

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

John Grabow picked up his 2nd win of the season. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit and 1 BB (IBB) against the Astros.

Jason Marquis picked up his 5th loss of the season. He went 6 innings and gave up 3 runs on 5 hits, 4 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Dodgers. His groundball to flyball ratio was 12-6. This was Marquis' 13th quality start.

Guez, Lavarnway, & Satin Promoted To AAA

Jason Kipnis isn't the player who recently got a promotion.

Josh Satin (Mets) was finally promoted to AAA. That was long overdue. In AA this season, Satin had a line of .325/.422/.535 for an OPS of .957 in 404 PAs.

Ben Guez (Tigers) has put up decent numbers in AAA, with a line of .284/.344/.413 for an OPS of .757 in 222 PAs. Between AA and AAA this season, his line is .302/.366/.475 for an OPS of .841 in 338 PAs.

Since being called up to AAA, Ryan Lavarnway (Red Sox) has been on a tear. His line in AAA is .381/.450/.769 for an OPS of 1.219 in 151 PAs. Between AA and AAA this season, his line is .322/.395/.611 for an OPS of 1.006 in 390 PAs.

Of the three players above, I think Lavarnway has the best chance of being a September call-up.

Don't sleep on Michael Schwimer, either. He has been dominant at AAA this season for the Phillies. He is 5-1 with 8 saves and has a 1.82 ERA, a 1.067 WHIP, 6.6 H/9, 0.5 HR/9, 3.0 BB/9, 11.4 K/9, and 3.83 K/BB in 54 1/3 innings.

Dylan Axelrod (White Sox) has split time between AA and AAA this season and has also been very good as a starter. In 16 starts and 18 appearances, he is 5-2 with a 2.97 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, 8.0 H/9, 0.1 HR/9, 2.0 BB/9, 8.5 K/9, and 4.27 K/BB in 100 innings.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 12th), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Tigers.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 19th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Giants. Braun needs just 1 more HR and SB for his 2nd career 20/20 season. And the way he's going this year, a 30/30 season isn't out of the question.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 double (his 24th) and 1 run scored against the Blue Jays. Kinsler also has a good chance at reaching 20/20 for the 3rd time in his career. He needs 5 more HRs and 1 more SB.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Mariners.

Pinch hitting, Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Royals. With Desmond Jennings being recalled, one would expect Fuld's playing time to go down. Of course, if B.J. Upton is traded, that's another story.

Craig Breslow picked up his 7th hold of the season. He pitched 2/3 of an inning on 1 hit and 1 K against the Yankees.

Feldman's Clean Inning

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 2-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 28th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Mariners. Youk was pulled from the game after the 7th inning with an apparent hand injury.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the Tigers. Valencia has 5 RBIs in his last 5 games.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 run scored against the Blue Jays.

Batting 7th, Sam Fuld was 1-3 with 1 HBP against the Royals.

Making his MLB debut and batting 8th, Jason Kipnis was 0-2 with 1 HBP against the White Sox.

Ryan Braun was given the day off in an effort to allow his calf more time to heal.

In his 1st appearance of the season, Scott Feldman pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 K against the Blue Jays.

John Grabow picked up his 5th hold of the season. He pitched 1/3 of an inning on 1 K against the Astros.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 2 Ks against the Yankees.

We Are All Kipnisses

Rejoice! The Cleveland Indians have finally called up second baseman Jason Kipnis. In 91 games at AAA this season, Kipnis had a line of .279/.361/.481 for an OPS of .842 in 398 PAs. He hit 12 HRs, 15 doubles, 9 triples, drove in 55 runs, scored 64 runs, and stole 12 bases (only 1 CS). Baseball America had Kipnis ranked as the 54th best prospect in the Minors coming into 2011.

Batting 9th, Sam Fuld was 1-3 with 1 triple (his 4th) and 1 RBI against the Yankees. Fuld drove in the game-winning run for the Rays off CC Sabathia in the 5th inning.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 double (his 22nd) against the Diamondbacks.

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

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

Braun Heating Up In Arizona

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-5 with 1 HR (his 18th), 1 double (his 21st), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Diamondbacks.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the Indians. For the 2nd night in a row, Valencia drove in the game-winner for the Twins. This time he did it in the 8th inning.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Angels.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 27th) against the Orioles.

Batting 7th, Sam Fuld was 1-4 with 1 double (his 16th) against the Yankees.

Craig Breslow picked up his 6th hold of the season. He pitched 2/3 of an inning against the Tigers.

John Grabow pitched 2 innings and gave up 1 run on 3 hits, 1 BB, and 2 Ks against the Phillies.

Valencia Has Bragging Rights Over Perez

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 HR (his 17th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Diamondbacks. Braun was lifted after the 5th inning. The Brewers want to ease him back after the flareup of his calf injury.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 2 RBIs against the Indians. Down 1-0 with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th, Valencia drove in the game-winning run against Chris Perez, his former college roommate at Miami.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 RBI against the Angels.

Batting 8th, Sam Fuld was 1-2 with 1 triple (his 3rd) and 1 run scored against the Yankees.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 against the Orioles.

Craig Breslow pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up 1 run on 2 hits against the Tigers.

Marquis Keeps The Astros In Orbit

Batting 7th in the 1st game of a doubleheader against the Indians, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB. Batting 6th in the 2nd game, Valencia was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 11th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 2-6 with 3 RBIs and 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Pinch hitting, Sam Fuld was 1-1 against the Yankees.

Jason Marquis picked up his 8th win of the season. He went 8 innings and gave up 2 runs on 6 hits, 1 BB, and 9 Ks against the Astros. His groundball to flyball ratio was 12-3. The 9 Ks tied a season-high.

0 For Sunday

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 with 2 BBs and 1 HBP against the Rays.

Batting 8th, Sam Fuld was 0-2 against the Red Sox.

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

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

Pinch hitting, Ryan Braun was 0-1 against the Rockies.

John Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit, 1 BB, and 1 K against the Marlins.

Kinsler Dethrones King Felix

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 2 HRs (his 14th and 15th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Mariners.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Rays.

Batting 7th, Sam Fuld was 1-4 with 1 double (his 15th) and 1 SB (his 17th) against the Red Sox.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-3 against the Rockies. Braun was pulled from the game with tightness in his left hamstring and calf. I smell a DL stint.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the Royals.

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

Ike Getting A Second Opinion

Ike Davis is getting a second opinion on his left ankle and will receive a cortisone shot. If the ankle hasn't healed within the next 3 weeks, Ike will undergo season-ending surgery.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 double (his 23rd) and 2 runs scored against the Mariners. Kinsler has hit a double in 3 consecutive games and has 6 in his last 9 games.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 RBI against the Rays.

Batting 9th, Sam Fuld was 1-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Red Sox. Another great play from Fuld. I love how fast he gets the ball back in to nail Pedroia at 2nd.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-3 against the Rockies, ending his 23-game hitting streak.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the Royals.

Craig Breslow picked up his 5th hold of the season. He pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Angels.

Feldman On Thin Ice With Rangers

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 double (his 20th) and 1 run scored against the Rockies.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 1-5 with 1 double (his 18th), 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Royals.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 double (his 22nd) against the Mariners.

The Rangers have activated Scott Feldman from the DL. Feldman was placed on outright waivers on Wednesday and then rejected an assignment to the minors. For now, he'll be used in the bullpen.

Grabow Not Effective Against Former Team

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

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 BB against the A's.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the White Sox.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 3 runs on 2 hits, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Pirates.

Double Trouble

Ryan Braun could still land on the DL. The Brewers believe he'll be ready on Thursday for the team's 1st game after the All-Star Break. Braun will not play in the All-Star Game.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 3-4 with 2 doubles (his 25th and 26th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 double (his 21st), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the A's.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the White Sox.

Jason Marquis picked up his 4th loss of the season, although he pitched fairly well. He went 6 innings and gave up 2 runs on 5 hits, 4 BBs, and 1 K. His groundball to flyball ratio was 12-6. This was a nice rebound from his last start, in which he only lasted 1 1/3 innings.

The All-Stars Align For Youk

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 2 BBs, 1 HR (his 13th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the A's.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Orioles. Alex Rodriguez has withdrawn from the All-Star Game because of his knee. As a result, Youk has been named as his replacement. This will be Youk's 3rd All-Star appearance.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the White Sox.

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

The Glass Is Calf Full

An MRI taken on Ryan Braun's sore calf revealed nothing more than inflammation. He could return as soon as tomorrow.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 20th), and 1 run scored against the A's.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 17th), and 1 run scored against the White Sox.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-5 with 1 double (his 24th) against the Orioles.

Batting 8th, Sam Fuld was 0-4 against the Yankees.

John Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 BB and 1 K against the Nationals.

He's A Man Of The People

Batting 5th, Kevin Youkilis was 3-4 with 1 HR (his 12th), 2 doubles (his 22nd and 23rd), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Blue Jays.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 double (his 19th), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Orioles.

Pinch hitting, Sam Fuld was 2-3 with 1 BB and 2 runs scored against the Twins.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 BB against the Rays.

John Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit, 1 BB (IBB), and 1 K against the Nationals.

Braun & Youk Held Out Of Lineups

Kevin Youkilis was held out of the lineup for precautionary reasons. He should be back tomorrow. Ryan Braun was held out of the lineup for the 3rd straight game with his calf injury. He is expected to return later this week.

Batting 8th, Sam Fuld was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Twins.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 against the Rays.

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

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

John Grabow pitched 1/3 of an inning on 1 BB against the Nationals.

Valencia Salvaging His Season

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 3-4 with 1 HR (his 10th), 1 double (his 16th), 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Rays. Over his last 10 games, Valencia is 15 for 35 with 3 HRs, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 12 RBIs, and 8 runs scored.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 18th), 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 19th) against the Orioles.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-1 with 1 HBP against the Blue Jays. Youk left the game after he was hit in his left shoulder blade by Brandon Morrow. His early exit was most likely a precautionary measure.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit and 1 K against the Mariners.

Valencia & Youk Come Up Big

Ryan Braun finished with the most votes among National League All-Stars. Braun has led all NL outfielders in voting for 4 consecutive seasons. He is the lone JML All-Star representative in 2011.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 double (his 15th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Brewers. Valencia drove in the game-winner for the Twins in the 7th inning.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Astros. Youk drove in the game-winner for the Red Sox in the 9th inning with a bases loaded walk.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 run scored, and 2 SBs (his 17th and 18th) against the Marlins.

Jason Marquis picked up his 3rd loss of the season. Marquis lasted just 1 1/3 innings and gave up 7 runs (6 earned) on 8 hits against the Pirates.

The Glass Is Calf Empty

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 3-5 with 1 HR (his 9th), 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Brewers. This was Valencia's first 3-hit game since May 21.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 HR (his 12th), 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 16th) against the Marlins. Kinsler has 4 HRs in his last 5 games.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 3-5 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Astros.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 double (his 19th) and 1 RBI against the Twins. Braun left the game with a left calf strain. He will be reexamined tomorrow morning and almost certainly will not be playing in the rubber match.

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

Braun Extends Hitting Streak To 21

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Twins.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the Brewers.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Marlins.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 with 1 BB against the Astros.

Batting 8th, Sam Fuld was 0-4 against the Cardinals. Yeah, another nice catch in left.