NLCS Update

Brad Ausmus and the Dodgers have been eliminated by the Phillies in 5 games. Ausmus didn't get any playing time in the series.

While there are no JMLs left in the postseason, there are some former members of the Tribe, and by that I mean there are some former Cleveland Indians...

At least we still have the Phil's GM to root for; Ruben Amaro Jr. may not have a Jewish-sounding name, but tell that to his dear old mum.

The Intangibles of Brad Ausmus

For those wondering how a guy with a career 75 OPS+ has managed to hang around for 17 seasons in The Bigs, here is an informative and insightful write-up on Brad Ausmus and the impact he's had on his teammates.

It also discusses how, more than any other position, the duties of a catcher cannot be quantified by metrics.

On This Date In 1974

Ken Holtzman hit a home run off Andy Messersmith in Game 4 of the World Series against the Dodgers.

On This Date In 1965

After declining to pitch in Game 1 of the World Series due to his observance of Yom Kippur, Sandy Koufax pitched the 2nd of back-to-back complete game shutouts on 2 days of rest in Games 5 and 7 against the Twins. Naturally, Koufax was named World Series MVP.

Top Plays of 2009

Top 10 Outfield Plays of 2009

1. Fuld crashes into fence to rob Ausmus

2. Kapler takes circuitous route

3. Fuld robs Manny

4. Braun lays out for one

5. Fuld dives in center

6. Braun shops at the Gap

7. Kapler comes out of nowhere

8. Fuld robs Pujols

9. Kapler throws a strike to second

10. Fuld crashes into the ivy

Top 10 Infield Plays of 2009

1. Kinsler ends game with an exciting play

2. Kinsler ranges to his right and makes a strong throw

3. Youk makes barehand play at third

4. Kinsler makes basket catch in foul territory

5. Kinsler reaching into the stands

6. Whitesell's nice grab in foul territory

7. Kinsler alertly doubles him up

8. Youk's diving snare

9. Kinsler's nifty flip to second

10. Youk's strong throw

Top 5 Infield Plays of 2009 (Pitchers)

1. Marquis makes athletic barehand throw to home

2. Feldman does his best Jeter impression

3. Marquis alertly gets the lead runner

4. Feldman's nice recovery

5. Grabow makes barehand underhand throw to first

ALDS Games 2 and 3/NLDS Game 3

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 double in Game 2 against the Angels. He was 0-4 in Game 3. The Angels swept the Red Sox and will face the Yankees in the ALCS. Overall, Youk was just 1 for 12 in the series. Not his finest October.

Brad Ausmus did not play in Game 3 against the Cardinals. The Dodgers swept the Cards and will play the winner of the Rockies-Phillies series in the NLCS.

Jason Marquis did not pitch in Game 3 against the Phillies. The Phillies are up 2-1 in the series.

Jim Tracy's decision to start Jason Hammel instead of Marquis didn't exactly work out. Hammel gave up 4 runs in 3 2/3 innings. Tracy also decided to use Jose Contreras instead of Marquis in the 6th inning, and Contreras gave up 1 run in his 1 inning of work. The Rockies ended up losing by 1 run. Kosher food for thought...

Update: Marquis did not pitch in Game 4. The Phillies beat the Rockies 3-1 in the NLDS. They will face Ausmus and the Dodgers in the NLCS. Will Ausmus get any playing time? We shall see.

On This Date In 2005

Brad Ausmus hit a home run with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th inning against the Braves in Game 4 of the NLDS to tie the game at 6 apiece and send it into extra innings. The Astros would go on to win the game in 18 innings (the longest game in postseason history).

Also On This Date In 1973...

Ken Holtzman pitched 11 innings and gave up 1 run on 3 hits, 1 BB, and 7 Ks against Mike Cuellar and the Orioles in Game 3 of the ALCS.