Feldman Pitches Well On The Big Stage

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Rays. The Rays won the 1st game of the ALDS. Game 2 will be played tomorrow.

Making his postseason debut, Scott Feldman pitched 3 scoreless innings on 2 hits and 4 Ks against the Rays.

An Exhilarating Finish To The Regular Season

Pinch hitting, Josh Satin was 1-2 with 1 run scored against the Reds.

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

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-2 with 2 BBs (1 IBB) against the Angels. Kinsler's Rangers will face Sam Fuld and the Rays in the ALDS on Friday.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-4 with 1 SB (his 33rd) against the Pirates. Jose Reyes got a bunt hit in his 1st AB and then took himself out of the game to preserve his average. Pretty gutless, if you ask me. Although Braun isn't the batting champ, I still think he is a viable MVP candidate. However, If Matt Kemp ends up winning, so be it. He also deserves it. Braun's Brewers will face the Diamondbacks in the NLDS on Saturday.

Pinch hitting, Sam Fuld was 0-0 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Yankees. Fuld drove in the 1st run for the Rays in the 8th inning when they were down 7-0 in what turned out to be an amazing comeback. I was upset when Joe Maddon pinch hit for Fuld with Dan Johnson in his next AB with 2 outs in the 9th inning. Ah, yeah, good call, Mr. Maddon. You have to wonder if this will bite the Yankees in the derriere later. They could have used Mo to close out the game. Instead, Joe Girardi elected to go with Cory Wade. Right now, I would say the Rays are a lot more dangerous than the Red Sox.

Batting 5th, Ryan Lavarnway was 0-5 against the Orioles. Pretty big collapse for the Red Sox. Sure could have used Youkilis down the stretch.

Michael Schwimer pitched 2 scoreless innings on 1 hit and 2 Ks against the Braves. Schwimer's Phillies will face the Cardinals in the NLDS on Saturday.

Kinsler & Lavarnway Share The Spotlight

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 3-5 with 1 HR (his 32nd), 1 double (his 34th), 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 30th) against the Angels. Kinsler is the 12th player in MLB history to ever have 2 or more 30/30 seasons. He's quietly had a terrific season, setting career-highs in games played, runs scored, HRs, extra base hits, total bases, BBs, and BB/K ratio.

Batting 6th, Ryan Lavarnway was 2-4 with 2 HRs (his 1st and 2nd), 4 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Orioles. This was a game of firsts for the young catcher. Lavarnway got his 1st career start at catcher, threw out his 1st baserunner, hit his 1st home run, had his 1st multi-HR game, had his 1st multi-RBI game, had his 1st multi-run-scoring game, and had his 1st game-winning hit. His solo shot in the 8th inning ended up being the game-winner for the Sox. Also, had he not gotten robbed of a bases-clearing double or triple by Nick Markakis in the 5th inning, he would have had 7 RBIs. Huge win for the Sox. Huge night for the rookie.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-2 with 2 BBs, 2 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 32nd) against the Pirates. Jose Reyes is hitting .336. Braun is hitting .335. Looks like the NL batting title will come down to the wire.

Batting 3rd, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 run scored against the Royals.

Pinch hitting, Josh Satin was 0-1 with 1 BB against the Reds.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Mariners.

Are You Ready For Some Baseball Postseason?!

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

Pinch hitting, Ryan Braun was 1-1 with 1 double (his 38th) and 1 RBI against the Pirates.

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

Batting 7th, Josh Satin was 0-2 with 1 HBP against the Reds.

Ryan Lavarnway caught for 1 inning against the Orioles.

Seal The Deal With One More Steal!

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 3-4 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 31st), 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored, and 2 SBs (his 28th and 29th) against the Mariners. Kinsler also attempted to swipe his 30th bag but was caught stealing for just the 3rd time all year. In fact, this is the 1st time he's been caught since April 15; he was 28 for 28 before finally getting caught again. The Rangers have 3 games left on their schedule, so theoretically Kinsler will have 3 more games to get that last steal for 30/30.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 HR (his 33rd), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Marlins.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 with 1 RBI against the Indians.

Pinch hitting, Josh Satin was 0-1 against the Phillies.

Dos Doubleheaders

Five years of Spanish on display for you. Clearly, it paid off.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 BB, 1 triple (his 6th), 1 double (his 37th), and 2 RBIs against the Marlins.

Batting 5th in the 1st game of a doubleheader against the Indians, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 2 runs scored. Batting 5th in the 2nd game, Valencia was 1-3 with 1 RBI.

Pinch hitting in the 1st game of a doubleheader against the Phillies, Josh Satin was 1-3. Batting 7th in the 2nd game, Satin was 0-3. He played 1st base in both games.

Pinch hitting, Ryan Lavarnway was 0-1 against the Yankees. Lavarnway also caught for 2 innings.

Scott Feldman picked up his 2nd win of the season. He pitched 4 innings and gave up 3 runs on 5 hits, 1 BB, and 4 Ks against the Mariners. His groundball to flyball ratio was 7-4.

In the 2nd game of a doubleheader against the Mets, Michael Schwimer pitched 1 scoreless inning on 2 Ks.

Craig Breslow pitched 2/3 of an inning on 1 hit and 1 K against the Angels.

Braun's Brewers Breaks Out The Bubbly

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 HR (his 32nd), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Marlins. Braun's bomb to center in the 8th was the game-winner for the Brewers and clinched the NL Central. Here he is laying out and doubling up Emilio Bonifacio at 1st. The guy does it all. If you'll recall, Braun also went yard in 2008 in a critical game down the stretch to catapult the Brew Crew into the playoffs.

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

6 Games, 3 SBs To Go

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 SB (his 27th) against the A's.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the Mariners. Valencia is 0 for his last 13.

Pinch hitting, Josh Satin was 0-1 against the Cardinals.

Sam Fuld was a late inning defensive replacement in right field against the Yankees.

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

Go For It, Kinsler

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 HR (his 30th), 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 26th) against the A's. Kinsler's HR in the 8th inning tied the game at 2 apiece. The Rangers would go on to win the game. This is the 2nd time Kinsler has hit 30 HRs in his career. The Rangers have 7 games left on their schedule. So unless he sits, Kinsler will have 7 games to swipe 4 bags to reach 30/30. Call me crazy, but that doesn't sound inconceivable.

Pinch hitting, Josh Satin was 1-2 with 1 double (his 1st) and 2 RBIs against the Cardinals. This was Satin's 1st extra base hit and also the 1st time he's driven anyone in. Maybe this will earn him a little more playing time in the coming days.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 with 1 BB against the Mariners.

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

Michael Schwimer pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit against the Nationals.

Grabow Prevails Over Braun

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

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-3 with 2 BBs and 1 run scored against the A's.

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

John Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Brewers. He got Braun to ground into a fielder's choice.

In the 1st game of a doubleheader against the Nationals, Michael Schwimer pitched 1 inning and gave up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 Ks.

A Case Of The Mondays

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Yankees.

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

Pinch hitting, Ryan Lavarnway was 0-1 in the 1st game of a doubleheader against the Orioles.

Youk's Return Uncertain

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-4 with 2 runs scored against the Reds.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 1 run scored against the Mariners.

Pinch hitting, Danny Valencia was 0-0 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Indians. Valencia still has the flu.

Kevin Youkilis sat out another game, and Terry Francona isn't sure when he'll return to the lineup.

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

MVP? He's Got My Vote

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-5 with 1 HR (his 31st), 4 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Reds. Braun has scored 101 or more runs 3 years in a row and has driven in 103 or more runs 4 years in a row.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Mariners.

Sam Fuld was used as a late inning defensive replacement in right field against the Red Sox.

30/30 A Reality For Braun

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 2 HRs (his 29th and 30th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Reds. Braun joins Shawn Green and Ian Kinsler in a pretty exclusive club. Braun has hit 30 or more HRs in 4 of his 5 seasons.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 against the Mariners. Kinsler has played in 145 games. That is new career-high for a season.

Danny Valencia was scratched from today's lineup because of the flu.

Kevin Youkilis sat out today. It has already been announced he'll sit out tomorrow as well.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings on 1 K against the Tigers.

Scott Feldman pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 K against the Mariners.

Michael Schwimer picked up his 1st loss of the season. He pitched 1 inning and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 BBs against the Cardinals.

Schwiming With The Sharks

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Indians.

Batting 5th, Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 against the Rays.

Pinch hitting, Ryan Lavarnway was 0-1 against the Rays.

Pinch hitting, Josh Satin was 0-1 against the Nationals.

In the 2nd game of a doubleheader against the Marlins, Michael Schwimer picked up his 1st win of the season (and his career). Schwimer pitched 1 scoreless inning on 2 Ks.

Grabow & Breslow In Rare Form Tonight

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-5 with 1 HR (his 29th), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Indians.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-5 with 1 RBI against the Royals.

Batting 5th, Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Blue Jays.

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

Batting 6th, Ryan Lavarnway was 0-3 with 1 RBI against the Blue Jays.

Batting 7th, Josh Satin was 0-3 against the Nationals.

Batting leadoff, Sam Fuld was 0-2 against the Orioles. Fuld left the game with a strained tendon in his wrist. He's considered day-to-day.

John Grabow pitched 2 scoreless innings on 1 hit and 1 K against the Reds.

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

Braun Shocks The Rox

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-5 with 1 HR (his 28th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Rockies. Braun's HR was a walkoff in the 11th inning. Braun has driven in 97 or more runs every year of his career.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-2 with 1 BB against the Royals.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-4 with 1 BB and 1 SB (his 25th) against the Indians. This is Kinsler's 2nd career 25/25 season.

Batting 5th, Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 with 1 HBP against the Blue Jays.

Ryan Lavarnway caught 1 inning against the Blue Jays.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings on 1 BB against the Angels.

Michael Schwimer pitched 1 scoreless inning on 2 hits against the Astros.

Braun Comes Through, Kinsler Locked In

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 3-5 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 24th) against the A's. That's 4 multi-hit games in a row. Kinsler is hitting .405 over his last 10 games. Looks like his bad luck and low BABIP (batting average on balls in play) is finally turning around. He'll have to pick up the pace on the basepaths if he wants to reach 30 SBs, though.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the Phillies. Braun drove in the game-winner off Vance Worley in the 7th inning.

Pinch hitting, Josh Satin was 1-1 with 1 run scored against the Cubs. Incidentally, Satin's hit was off John Grabow.

Pinch hitting, Ryan Lavarnway (recalled from AAA) was 0-1 against the Rays. Lavarnway also put on the gear for 1 inning.

Kevin Youkilis sat out his 3rd straight game. On top of his hip bursitis, he also has a hernia. The Red Sox have an off day tomorrow. Hopefully, the extra rest will do him some good.

Michael Schwimer pitched 1/3 of an inning on 1 K against the Brewers. I saw his appearance. He made Prince Fielder look silly with his off-speed pitches.

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

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

Clarification On Identification

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 33rd), and 2 runs scored against the A's. Over his last 9 games, Kinsler has 11 RBIs and scored 15 runs.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-5 with 1 double (his 36th) and 1 run scored against the Phillies.

Batting cleanup, Danny Valencia was 0-3 with 1 RBI against the Tigers.

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

Apparently, Dylan Axelrod is not a JML. Ron Kaplan confirmed it at Kaplan's Korner.

However, it turns out Paul Goldschmidt is Jewish on his father's side but was raised as a Christian. For the record, that isn't the answer I got from the Jewish Sports Review when I inquired a few years ago.

Youkilis Has Bursitis

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 3-4 with 1 BB and 4 runs scored against the A's. Kinsler has scored a career-high 105 runs this season.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 triple (his 2nd), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Tigers.

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

Kevin Youkilis was flown back to Boston for an MRI on his sore left hip; he has bursitis. As of right now, he's considered day-to-day.

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

Ike Will NOT Need Ankle Surgery

Batting 5th, Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Blue Jays.

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

Pinch hitting in game 1 of a doubleheader against the Braves, Josh Satin was 0-1. Pinch hitting in game 2, Satin was 0-1.

Doctors have confirmed that Ike Davis will not require surgery on his left ankle. Davis has been relatively pain-free the last 2 weeks and has recently resumed baseball activities.

Enjoy The Ride, Axelrod Arrives On South Side

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-5 with 2 HRs (his 27th and 28th), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Rays. Wow. That's 7 HRs in 7 games. Again, wow. This is Kinsler's 3rd season where he has scored 101 or more runs.

Batting cleanup, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored against the White Sox.

Batting 5th, Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 HBP and 1 RBI against the Blue Jays.

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

Making his MLB debut with the White Sox, Dylan Axelrod pitched 2 scoreless innings on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 2 Ks against the Twins. According to Neil Keller, Axelrod is an MOT on his father's side. However, it should be noted he wasn't raised Jewish.

As far as his actual performance, he doesn't have overpowering stuff, but it looks like he can paint and has a decent changeup and slider. Splitting time between AA and AAA, Axelrod made 26 appearances and 24 starts. He was 9-3 with a 2.69 ERA, 1.069 WHIP, 7.5 H/9, 0.2 HR/9, 2.1 BB/9, 7.9 K/9, and 3.77 K/BB. He gave up just 126 hits in 150 2/3 innings and had 132 Ks. Definitely a control artist. It's doubtful the Sox will give him any starts this year (unless they shut down Jake Peavy), but in the future I could see him being a swingman and possibly getting a shot at cracking the rotation. Peavy is injury-prone and has 1 year left on his contract, Mark Buehrle is contemplating retirement, and I don't see the Sox being able to hang onto both John Danks and Gavin Floyd.

Yep, Home Run Binge

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 26th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Rays. Kinsler has hit 5 HRs in his last 6 games.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 2 BBs, 1 double (his 32nd), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Blue Jays.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-4 with 1 BB against the Cardinals.

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

John Grabow picked up his 1st loss of the year. He pitched 2 innings and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits, 1 BB (IBB), and 1 K against the Reds.

Not In My House, Zach Stewart!

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-5 with 1 HR (his 27th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Cardinals.

Batting 6th in the 1st game of a doubleheader against the White Sox, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored. Batting cleanup in the 2nd game, Valencia was 1-3 with 1 double (his 28th). Valencia's double broke up Zach Stewart's bid for a perfect game in the 8th inning.

Batting 5th, Kevin Youkilis was 0-4 with 1 BB against the Blue Jays.

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

Pinch hitting, Josh Satin was 0-1 against the Marlins.

Scott Feldman picked up his 1st loss of the year. He went 5 innings and gave up 4 runs on 4 hits, 4 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Rays.

Craig Breslow picked up his 3rd blown save of the year. He pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 1 K against the Royals.

A Proclivity For Productivity

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 3-5 with 1 HR (his 25th), 1 triple (his 4th), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Red Sox. Kinsler has 4 HRs, 8 RBIs, and 6 runs scored in his last 4 games.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-3 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 26th), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Astros.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 with 1 double (his 31st) and 1 run scored against the Rangers.

Batting 7th in his MLB debut, Josh Satin was 1-2 with 1 run scored against the Nationals. Here is Satin's 1st career hit.

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

Scott Feldman will make another spot start tomorrow against the Rays.

Michael Schwimer picked up his 2nd blown save of the season. He pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit, 3 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Marlins.

Valencia's Surprising Power

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 HR (his 15th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Angels. Most projections had Valencia in the 10-11 HR range before the season started. Not to toot my own horn, but I actually put him in the 12-16 range and said he was capable of approaching 20.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-5 with 1 run scored against the Astros.

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 0-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Red Sox.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-5 against the Rangers.

Time For A Home Run Binge?

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 1-4 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 24th), 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Red Sox. That ball was crushed. Kinsler has scored 96 or more runs in 4 of the 6 seasons he's played.

Batting 5th, Danny Valencia was 2-5 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 28th), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Angels.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-5 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored against the Astros. Braun drove in the game-winning run in the 7th inning. Braun has driven in and scored at least 91 runs in each of his 5 seasons.

Batting cleanup, Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 against the Rangers.

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

Satin Won't Be Sittin' In September

The Mets have called up Josh Satin from AAA. Satin will likely be used as a utility player, as he can play 3B, 2B, and 1B. At 26, Satin has certainly paid his dues and has been very good at every level in the minors. Splitting time between AA and AAA this season, he put up a line of .323/.411/.495 for an OPS of .906 in 564 PAs. He hit 12 HRs, 43 doubles, 2 triples, drew 71 BBs, drove in 76 runs, and scored 77 runs.

Ryan Kalish will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a bulging disc in his neck. The 23-year old outfielder missed most of the season with a torn labrum in his shoulder, and now he has this to contend with. Kalish was thought to be the heir apparent to J.D. Drew in right field for the Red Sox, but to be fair Josh Reddick has made a case for himself and this has obviously been a lost season for Kalish. Hopefully, he comes back strong in 2012 so we can see more of this and this.

Kinsler's Quiet Quest For Another 30/30 Season

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 2-3 with 1 BB, 2 HRs (his 22nd and 23rd), 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 23rd) against the Rays. I've been talking about Ryan Braun's legitimate shot at a 30/30 season seemingly all year, but Kinsler has quietly put himself in a position to have another one if he gets hot. At the very least, it looks like he's poised to have a 25/25 season, which is also quite rare.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-5 against the Cardinals.

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

Craig Breslow pitched 2 scoreless innings on 1 hit and 3 Ks against the Indians. Good to see Breslow finally have a dominant outing.