Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Ike's Ankle Feeling Better

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 triple (his 5th), 1 RBI, and 1 SB (his 31st) against the Cardinals. Braun would have likely hit an inside-the-park HR had he not stumbled down the 3rd base line. This is what I'm talking about.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 0-3 with 1 BB against the White Sox.

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

Ike Davis isn't feeling any discomfort in his left ankle while running, so the Mets will test him with more strenuous activity. If Ike passes their tests, there is still a chance he could return and avoid surgery.

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

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

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Feldman Spot-On In Spot Start

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

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

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

Pinch hitting, Danny Valencia was 0-1 against the White Sox.

Kevin Youkilis had his 1st rehab assignment today and is expected to return from the DL on Friday.

Scott Feldman was brilliant in his 1st start of the year, picking up his 1st win of the year. He pitched 6 scoreless innings on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 4 Ks against the Rays. His groundball to flyball ratio was 13-1.

Michael Schwimer pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit and 1 K against the Reds.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Just Another Manic Monday

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

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Scott Swingman

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 35th), and 1 RBI against the Cubs. Braun has hit 6 doubles in his last 5 games.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, 3 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 22nd) against the Angels.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB and 2 runs scored against the Tigers.

Scott Feldman will make a spot start on Tuesday against the Rays in Texas. Feldman will likely move back to the pen after the start.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Valencia's Dramatic Turnaround

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 double (his 34th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Cubs. Braun has hit 5 doubles in his last 4 games.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Tigers. In July and August, Valencia has put up a line of .300/.337/.463 for an OPS of .800 in 202 PAs.

Batting 2nd, Sam Fuld was 0-3 with 1 BB, 1 sacrifice bunt, and 1 run scored against the Blue Jays.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-3 with 1 HBP and 1 run scored against the Angels.

In the 1st game of a doubleheader against the Red Sox, Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 3 hits and 1 BB.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Braun Joins JML 30 SB Club

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-2 with 2 BBs, 2 doubles (his 32nd and 33rd), 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 30th) against the Cubs. Braun joins Buddy Myer, Shawn Green, and Ian Kinsler as the only JMLs to ever steal 30 bases in a season.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 run scored against the Tigers. By the end of June, Valencia was hitting .218. He's brought his average all the way up to .251.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB and 1 double (his 32nd) against the Angels.

Ryan Lavarnway was optioned to AAA. With David Ortiz back in action, the Red Sox didn't need Lavarnway to be their DH anymore. One would assume he'll get recalled in September when rosters expand.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Red Sox.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Feldman Shuts Down BoSox

Batting 7th, Sam Fuld was 2-4 with 1 double (his 18th) against the Tigers.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Red Sox.

Scott Feldman pitched 4 scoreless innings on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 3 Ks against the Red Sox. His groundball to flyball ratio was 7-1.

John Grabow pitched 2 innings and gave up 1 run on 1 hit, 1 BB, and 1 K against the Braves.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 1 BB against the Yankees.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Roenicke > Macha

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 SB (his 29th) against the Pirates. This is the 2nd month of the season where Braun has swiped 10 bags; he also did it in May. It would appear Ron Roenicke gives Braun the green light a lot more than Ken Macha ever did.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 double (his 27th) against the Orioles. That's 8 extra base hits in his last 9 games, if you're keeping track.

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

Batting 7th, Sam Fuld was 0-2 with 2 BBs and 1 run scored against the Tigers.

Pinch hitting, Ryan Lavarnway was 0-1 against the Rangers. He put the gear on for the 1st time in his MLB career.

Michael Schwimer pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 2 BBs against the Mets.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Braun Does It All

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 2 BBs, 2 doubles (his 30th and 31st), 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 2 SBs (his 27th and 28th) against the Pirates. Braun has swiped 9 bags in August. He's got to be in the MVP discussion.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 HR (his 21st), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Red Sox.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-2 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 14th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Orioles. Valencia now has 7 extra base hits in his last 8 games.

Batting 8th, Ryan Lavarnway was 2-5 with 1 double (his 2nd), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Rangers.

Pinch hitting, Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Tigers.

John Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 2 Ks against the Braves.

The Golden Age Of Jewish Achievement

I've recently had a chance to read Steven Pease's book, The Golden Age of Jewish Achievement, and I must say it's a very good read. Pease believes Jews are disproportionately high achievers because of an eclectic blend of cultural values, values that have been forged with the evolution of Judaism and 2,000 years of oppression. Victimization is a powerful source of motivation.

In his book, Pease recognizes Jewish innovation, creativity, and success. He has entire chapters devoted to science, education, the military, aviation, economics, politics, the law, literature, performing arts, comedy, Hollywood, radio, television, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and athletes. Pease also delves into some of the more ignominious Jews in history, so it's not all rainbows and sunshine.

The book itself is quite an achievement, as it was obviously an ambitious undertaking. At over 500 pages in length, Pease is extremely thorough. He gives props to just about everybody and offers a keen perspective on all things Jewish. Essentially, it's a comprehensive archive of our best and brightest. But it doesn't read like an archive; it's a great deal more engaging than that.

In his chapter on Jewish athletes, Pease pays homage to Sandy Koufax in a tribute worthy of the great hurler. My only gripe with that section of the book is Hank Greenberg's write-up, or rather lack of a write-up. Certainly, Greenberg is mentioned, but I felt he deserved the treatment Koufax got. Of course, Koufax has almost reached mythical status in contemporary times, so it's understandable.

Other than that slight omission, The Golden Age of Jewish Achievement really has no flaws. Pease did his homework and provides a pastiche of facts, trivia, and anecdotes. Some of the people highlighted in the book with Jewish ties will no doubt surprise you. Do yourselves a favor: buy this book. You can thank me later. Here's a link to it on Amazon.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Braun Within Striking Distance Of 30/30

Batting 3rd in the 1st game of a doubleheader against the Pirates, Ryan Braun was 1-5 with 1 HR (his 25th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored. In the 2nd game of the doubleheader, Braun was 0-4. Nice play right here. This is Braun's 5th consecutive season where he has hit 25 or more HRs. He now has 25 HRs and 26 SBs.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 double (his 26th) against the Orioles. Make that 6 extra base hits in his last 7 games.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 against the Red Sox. Kinsler knows how to end a game with style. Great play.

Batting 6th, Ryan Lavarnway was 0-2 with 2 BBs against the Rangers.

Batting 7th, Sam Fuld was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Tigers.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

A Schwimer Of Hope

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-5 with 1 double (his 29th), 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, and 2 SBs (his 25th and 26th) against the Mets. Braun last swiped 2 bags in a game on May 13.

Batting 6th, Ryan Lavarnway was 2-4 with 1 double (his 1st) and 1 RBI against the Royals. Lavarnway's 1st career double was nearly his 1st career HR; he hit it off the top of the wall.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 double (his 25th) against the Yankees. Valencia has 5 extra base hits in his last 6 games.

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

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

In his MLB debut, Michael Schwimer went 3 innings and gave up 1 run on 2 hits, 0 BBs, and 4 Ks. Schwimer struck out the side in his 2nd inning of work. Roy Halladay wasn't able to pitch deep into the game like he normally does because of a rain delay. Enter Michael Schwimer to pick up the slack. That's a pretty good debut.

John Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Cardinals.

Scott Feldman pitched 4 2/3 innings and gave up 5 runs on 8 hits, 1 BB, and 3 Ks against the White Sox. He took one for the team today, as starter Derek Holland only lasted 3 1/3 innings. Feldman had a groundball to flyball ratio of 11-5.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Kinsler Reaches 20/20 Again

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 3-4 with 2 HRs (his 19th and 20th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the White Sox. This is Kinsler 3rd career 20/20 season. Had he not gotten hurt back in 2008, he would have 4 of them under his belt.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 2 BBs, 1 HR (his 24th), 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored against the Mets.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 2 BBs, 1 HR (his 13th), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Yankees. This was Valencia's 1st long ball since July 23.

Batting 8th, Ryan Lavarnway was 2-3 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Royals.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Fuld Still Contributing

Batting 6th, Ryan Lavarnway was 1-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Royals. Here is Lavarnway's 1st MLB hit. Hopefully the 1st of many.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 double (his 31st) against the White Sox.

Pinch hitting, Sam Fuld was 1-1 with 1 run scored against the Mariners. Fuld scored the game-tying run in the 8th inning.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-2 with 1 run scored and 1 SB (his 24th) against the Mets. Braun was ejected in the 3rd inning for arguing balls and strikes.

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

Thursday, August 18, 2011

An Uneventful Debut

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 double (his 24th) and 1 run scored against the Yankees. Valencia has hit a double in 3 consecutive games.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 triple (his 4th) and 1 run scored against the Dodgers.

In his MLB debut batting 7th as a DH, Ryan Lavarnway was 0-4 against the Royals.

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

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit against the Blue Jays.

Youk Lands On DL, Lavarnway Called Up

Kevin Youkilis was placed on the 15-day DL with a back injury, and his replacement is none other than Ryan Lavarnway. The Red Sox just called Lavarnway up from AAA. Splitting time between AA and AAA this year, Lavarnway had a line of .293/.372/.559 for an OPS of .931 in 478 PAs. He hit 30 HRs, 21 doubles, drove in 85 runs, and scored 71 runs. With Youk sidelined and David Ortiz banged up, Lavarnway should get a lot of playing time in the coming weeks. He'll start tonight at DH, batting 7th.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Phillies Schwing For Schwimer

The Phillies just called up relief pitcher Michael Schwimer. Schwimer was terrific last year splitting time between AA and AAA. This year at AAA, he's been even better with a 9-1 record, 10 saves, a 1.88 ERA, 1.075 WHIP, 6.7 H/9, 0.5 HR/9, 3.0 BB/9, 11.6 K/9, and 3.91 K/BB. He had 86 Ks in 67 innings. Sorry about the lame (and possibly inappropriate?) Wayne's World reference. It was the first thing that came to my head, and I'm feeling unfiltered, if that can be described as a feeling.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 double (his 23rd) and 1 run scored against the Tigers.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Dodgers.

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

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 against the Rays. It should be noted that Youk's back is still bothering him. For the moment, he is playing through the pain.

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

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Not Much Productivity Today

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 against the Dodgers.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 double (his 22nd) against the Tigers.

Batting cleanup in the 1st game of a doubleheader, Kevin Youkilis was 0-2 with 1 BB against the Rays.

Batting 2nd in the 1st game of a doubleheader, Sam Fuld was 0-4 against the Red Sox.

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

Monday, August 15, 2011

Ralph Branca, JML?

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 23rd), 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 23rd) against the Dodgers. Looks like that 30/30 season may still be within reach for Braun. After not even attempting to steal a base in July, Braun has swiped 4 bags in August.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 4-5 with 2 doubles (his 29th and 30th) and 3 runs scored against the Angels. Kinsler has hit 30 or more doubles in 3 of the last 4 seasons.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Tigers.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Orioles.

Jason Marquis is expected to be out 4-6 weeks with a broken right fibula.

In other news, it turns out Ralph Branca's mother was Jewish. Branca is famous or infamous for giving up the "shot heard round the world" to Bobby Thompson. Branca was also a 3-time All-Star with the Brooklyn Dodgers and won 21 games in 1947.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Marquis' Season Is Likely Over

Jason Marquis pitched 3 1/3 innings and gave up 1 run on 3 hits, 1 BB, and 2 Ks against the Mets. Marquis had been hit by a line drive and later hit Josh Thole with a pitch in the 4th inning, but both players went down. Marquis had to leave the game and has been diagnosed with a fractured right leg and is likely out for the season. Really a shame. He hadn't pitched well for the Diamondbacks up to this point, but it looked like he was about to turn that around with this start.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 17th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Mariners.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Pirates.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 HBP and 1 run scored against the A's.

John Grabow picked up his 3rd win of the season. He pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run (0 earned) on 1 hit and 1 K against the Braves.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Youk With More Back Issues

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 2 doubles (his 27th and 28th) and 3 RBIs against the A's.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 SB (his 22nd) against the Pirates.

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

Pinch hitting, Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Yankees.

Kevin Youkilis sat out another game because of his stiff back.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 2 runs on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 1 K against the Rangers. Kinsler drove in both runs off Breslow with his 2-run double in the 9th inning.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Braun Halfway To 300

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 HR (his 22nd), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Pirates. The bomb to right was Braun's 150th career long ball.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 2-3 with 1 run scored against the Indians.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the A's.

Kevin Youkilis was a late scratch with a stiff back.

Scott Feldman pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit, 1 BB, and 1 K against the A's.

John Grabow pitched 2 innings and gave up 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits and 1 K against the Braves.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Fuld Rewarded With More Playing Time

Batting 7th, Sam Fuld was 1-4 with 1 double (his 17th) against the Royals. Fuld hasn't played as much since rookie sensation Desmond Jennings was recalled. I'm guessing today's start was a direct result of last night's heroics.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit against the Blue Jays.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Elation At The Trop

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-3 with 2 BBs, 1 HR (his 18th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Mariners.

Batting 7th, Sam Fuld was 2-2 with 3 BBs, 1 triple (his 5th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Royals. Fuld drove in the tying-run in the 9th inning with his triple and scored the game-winning run on an overthrow. Very exciting finish at The Trop.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 double (his 21st), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Red Sox.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 BB, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 21st) against the Cardinals. Braun's 21 SBs are a career-high.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 against the Twins.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and 1 K against the Blue Jays.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Pure, Unadulterated Joy

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 17th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Mariners. Kinsler scored the game-winning run in the 9th inning.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 run scored against the Red Sox.

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

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-5 against the Cardinals.

Jason Marquis received a no decision against the Astros. Marquis last just 4 innings and gave up 7 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Ike Expected To Undergo Microfracture Surgery

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Ike Davis will wait another month before his left ankle is reevaluated. If Ike hasn't made sufficient progress by then, he will undergo microfracture surgery.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Mariners.

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

Sunday, August 7, 2011

A Rather Unspectacular Day

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-2 with 2 BBs, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Indians.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Yankees.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-5 against the Astros.

Pinch hitting, Danny Valencia was 0-1 against the White Sox.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

The Slump Isn't Quite As Epic Now

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB, 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 21st) against the Indians.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 30th), and 1 run scored against the Yankees.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-5 with 2 runs scored against the Astros.

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

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

John Grabow pitched 2 innings and gave up 1 run on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 1 K against the Reds.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Feldman Picks Up The Slack

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 28th), 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 20th) against the Astros. This is the 2nd 20/20 season of Braun's career.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 26th), 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 20th) against the Indians. This is Kinsler's 4th season where he has stolen 20 or more bases.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 against the Yankees.

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

Scott Feldman pitched 3 1/3 innings and gave up 1 run on 1 hit, 1 BB, and 3 Ks against the Indians. Rangers starter Derek Holland only lasted 1 2/3 innings.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 3 runs (0 earned) on 4 hits and 1 K against the Rays.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Fuld Joins The 20 SB Club

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Tigers.

Pinch hitting, Sam Fuld was 1-1 with 1 SB (his 20th) against the Blue Jays. Fuld joins Ryan Braun, Ian Kinsler, Shawn Green, Gabe Kapler, Elliott Maddox, and Buddy Myer as the only JMLs to steal 20 or more bases in a season. Fuld beat both Braun and Kinsler to 20 SBs this year. They're each stuck on 19.

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

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

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Kinsler's Epic Slump

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 double (his 27th) and 2 runs scored against the Cardinals.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 29th), and 1 run scored against the Indians.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-5 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Angels.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-4 against the Tigers. Kinsler is 1 for his last 30. Tomorrow, he'll face Brad Penny. He's gone yard twice in 7 career ABs against Penny. Power of positive thinking...

In his debut with the Diamondbacks, Jason Marquis picked up his 7th loss of the season. He lasted just 4 innings and gave up 8 runs (7 earned) on 10 hits, 1 BB, and 1 K against the Giants. His groundball to flyball ratio was 17-2, so it would appear he got somewhat unlucky.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Grabow Having A Forgettable Season

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 HR (his 16th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Indians. Youk has now hit 16 or more HRs in 5 consecutive seasons.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-5 with with 1 HBP, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Cardinals.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 against the Angels.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-4 with 1 BB against the Tigers.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 2 hits and 1 K against the Pirates.

Monday, August 1, 2011

A Misleading Last Name

I hate to burst your bubble, faithful readers, but as far as I know Paul Goldschmidt is NOT a member of the tribe. I am almost certain the Jewish Sports Review has already made an inquiry on this matter.

I know this isn't exactly a pick-me-upper, especially after the regrettable Kipnis revelation, but I've got to report the facts. Besides, we've still got some promising players in the upper minors who should be up sooner rather than later. So, keep checking the blog for updates on their status.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 triple (his 2nd) and 1 RBI against the Indians.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 double (his 26th) and 1 RBI against the Cardinals.