TWIJB

(This week in Jewish baseball)

Ian Kinsler (Texas Rangers) celebrated his 27th birthday on June 22. He enjoyed an 8-23 week with two doubles, three home runs, four RBI, and three stolen bases. With his combination of strength and speed, he has a chance to join the elite 30 HR/30 SB club. Jason Marquis (Colorado Rockies) came within an out of picking up his second complete game of the season, going 8.2 innings against the Pirates on June 20 to pick up his league-leading ninth win. Ryan Braun (Milwaukee Brewers) also had a good stretch, getting 10 hits in 30 at bats, including a 4-5 game on June 20. He had two homers and eight RBI during the span and is in the National League top 10 in six offensive categories

Kevin Youkilis (Boston Red Sox) has fallen into a bit of a slump, with just four hits in his last 21 at-bats (one homer, two RBI), dropping his batting average from .350 on June 11 to .316. He’s still among American League leaders in that category, as well as leading the way in on-base percentage.

Gabe Kapler (Tampa Bay Rays) had a run-scoring pinch-hit double and a sacrifice fly for another RBI in the Rays’ 10-6 win over the Mets on June 21.

Scott Feldman (Texas Rangers) dropped his second decision of the year when he allowed eight hits and five runs (including two homers) in six innings to the San Francisco Giants.

Scott Schoeneweis (Arizona Diamondbacks) gave up a lead-off home run — the only batter he faced — in a 4-3 loss to the Seattle Mariners on June 19.

John Grabow (Pittsburgh Pirates) blew a save against the Rockies on June 20. He allowed two hits, including a homer, and a walk, good for three runs in just one inning. He also tossed two scoreless innings earlier in the week.

Craig Breslow (Oakland Athletics) had a busy week: five appearances totaling 2.2 innings in which he allowed two hits, four walks, and two earned runs.

Brad Ausmus (Los Angeles Dodgers) made his regular Sunday appearance, going hitless in two at bats. (Guess he’s the Christian version of the Shabbos goy.)

Aaron Poreda (Chicago White Sox) made only his second appearance since his June 9 call-up, tossing a scoreless inning in his team’s 4-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on June 19.

Josh Whitesell (Arizona Diamondbacks) was optioned to AAA Reno when Tony Clark returned from the disabled list. In 20 games Whitesell batted .214 with no home runs and nine RBI.

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Kaplan’s Korner on Jews and Sports © 2009 New Jersey Jewish News

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