Derek Holland, A.J. Burnett top players for Friday, May 3

Rangers pitcher Derek Holland is Friday's Player of the Day. Holland threw eight shutout innings and struck out nine in the 7-0 win over the Red Sox.

Holland and Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez had identical 10.0 Box-Toppers game scores, but Holland was given the nod as Player of the Day by the strikeout tie-breaker—he had nine and Hernandez had seven.​

Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett is National League Player of the Day. Burnett gave up only one run over seven innings and struck out nine in the 3-1 win over the Nationals.​

Matt Holliday of the Cardinals is NL Batter of the Day. Holliday homered and went 3-for-4 in the 6-1 win over the Brewers.​

Drew Stubbs of the Indians is American League Batter of the Day. Stubbs hit a walk-off double in the bottom of the 10th inning and went 4-for-5 in the 7-6 win over the Twins.​

Holland receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Burnett receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Holliday and Stubbs receive 1.5 each for being top Batter of the Day in their league.

All of Friday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

503ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB10.0Rangers 0000000  Derek Holland (W, 2-2)8.060019
 10.0Mariners 0000000  Felix Hernandez (W, 4-2)8.050007
NL8.0Pirates 0000000  A.J. Burnett (W, 3-2)7.051119
 7.0Angels 0000000  Jason Vargas (W, 1-3)9.030023
BAT4.0Cardinals Matt Holliday LF433210  00.000000
 4.0Athletics 0000000  A.J. Griffin (W, 3-2)7.060014
 3.0Tigers 0000000  Drew Smyly (W, 2-0)2.000001
 3.0`Rays 0000000  Joel Peralta 1.000002
 2.2`Mets 0000000  LaTroy Hawkins 1.210002
 2.1Phillies 0000000  Jonathan Pettibone (W, 2-0)6.151103
 2.0Giants Buster Posey C312210  00.000000
 1.1Reds 0000000  J.J. Hoover (S, 1)0.100001
BAT1.0Indians Drew Stubbs CF514100  00.000000
 1.0Padres Yonder Alonso 1B412200  00.000000

` Denotes that the pitcher had a no-decision in the game and did not pick up a win or a save.

​

Box-Toppers takes early crack at picking All-Star teams

Is it too early to be voting on All-Stars for the midsummer classic?

Yes.

That said, voting is open at mlb.com and fans have already started to vote even though there is not enough evidence yet to reveal who the season's all-stars really are.​

Since it is not stopping fans, we won't let it stop us at Box-Toppers, either. We will take a look at who is leading in Box-Toppers points by position and in each league. We'll also choose pitchers, even though voters don't get to pick those.

And because the season is only a little more than a month old and there hasn't yet been enough baseball played to clearly determine top players, we'll look at our all-star teams in two different ways. We'll look at Box-Toppers point leaders so far through the young 2013 season. And we'll look at who is leading in Box-Toppers points for the combined 2012 and 2013 seasons.​

The lists for both teams are below.​

2013 SEASON   2012-13 SEASONS 
ALPLAYERTEAMBTP PLAYERTEAMBTP
First baseMoss, Brandon 2520oak al3 Napoli, Mike 2161bos al10.7
Second baseKendrick, Howie 2191ana al2.5 Cano, Robinson 2092nyy al6
ShortstopLowrie, Jed 2437oak al2.5 Hardy, J.J. 2071bal al8.2
Third baseCabrera, Miguel 1776det al5.7 Cabrera, Miguel 1776det al17.4
CatcherWieters, Matt 2643bal al3 Mauer, Joe 1869min al10.5
Outfield 1Raburn, Ryan 2340cle al3.5 Davis, Chris 2478bal al14
Outfield 2Davis, Chris 2478bal al2 Hamilton, Josh 2332ana al11.5
Outfield 3Willingham, Josh 2205min al2 Trout, Mike 2949ana al11
Designated hitterHafner, Travis 1650nyy al3.5 Butler, Billy 2330kc al11.2
Starting pitcher 1Buchholz, Clay 2363bos al7.1 Verlander, Justin 2112det al27.8
Starting pitcher 2Moore, Matt 2975tb al6.7 Darvish, Yu 3003tex al22.8
Starting pitcher 3Darvish, Yu 3003tex al6 Hernandez, Felix 2064sea al22.4
Starting pitcher 4Masterson, Justin 2462cle al4.7 Dickey, R.A. 1734tor al22.1
Middle relieverChen, Bruce 1170kc al2 Chen, Bruce 1170kc al8
Closing pitcherPerkins, Glen 2506min al3 Rodney, Fernando 1803tb al8
NL       
First baseCarpenter, Matt 2987stl nl2.5 LaRoche, Adam 1910dc nl9
Second baseEllis, Mark 1614lad nl2.5 Phillips, Brandon 1691cin nl11
ShortstopTulowitzki, Troy 2308col nl1 Tulowitzki, Troy 2308col nl6
Third baseFrazier, Todd 2929cin nl2.5 Freese, David 2710stl nl10.7
CatcherPosey, Buster 2745sf nl2 Posey, Buster 2745sf nl7.5
Outfield 1Harper, Bryce 3011dc nl4.9 Braun, Ryan J. 2300mil nl15
Outfield 2Gonzalez, Carlos 2460col nl4 Gonzalez, Carlos 2460col nl13.2
Outfield 3Bruce, Jay 2453cin nl3 Holliday, Matt 1836stl nl11.7
Starting pitcher 1Lynn, Lance 2992stl nl5.7 Kershaw, Clayton 2494lad nl25.8
Starting pitcher 2Kershaw, Clayton 2494lad nl5 Lynn, Lance 2992stl nl23.4
Starting pitcher 3Harvey, Matt 3075nym nl5 Gonzalez, Gio 2626dc nl21.7
Starting pitcher 4Maholm, Paul 2078atl nl4.7 Bumgarner, Madison 2753sf nl21.4
Middle relieverCasilla, Santiago 2301sf nl2 Casilla, Santiago 2301sf nl6
Closing pitcherChapman, Aroldis 2826cin nl2 Chapman, Aroldis 2826cin nl16
AL top playerBuchholz, Clay 2363bos al7.1 Verlander, Justin 2112det al27.8
AL top batterCabrera, Miguel 1776det al5.7 Cabrera, Miguel 1776det al17.4
NL top playerLynn, Lance 2992stl nl5.7 Kershaw, Clayton 2494lad nl25.8
NL top batterHarper, Bryce 3011dc nl4.9 Braun, Ryan J. 2300mil nl15

Red Sox, led by Clay Buchholz, top Box-Toppers team power rankings

​The Boston Red Sox have risen to the top spot in Box-Toppers team power rankings after being ranked third last week.

Red Sox players have accumulated the most Box-Toppers points for the season (24.6), followed by the St. Louis Cardinals (22.9). The Cards were also ranked second last week.

The Red Sox also have the best win-loss record in baseball at 20-8. The Cardinals are in a three-way tie for the best ​record in the National League. The Cards, the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies are all 17-11.

The Texas Rangers, last week's top team, fell to third place in Box-Toppers team rankings.​

The Red Sox are led by overall Box-Toppers points leader and starting pitcher Clay Buchholz, who has 7.1.​ Eleven different Red Sox have been named Player of the Game and have earned Box-Toppers points this season.

The Cardinals are led by pitchers Lance Lynn (5.7) and Adam Wainwright (4.0).​

502Top 10 TeamsPtsLast week rank
1Red Sox24.63
2Cardinals22.92
3Rangers22.41
4Nationals22.08
5Tigers20.9Not ranked
6Rockies19.76
7Orioles19.59
8Braves19.44
9Athletics18.79
10Reds18.75

Chris Tillman, Dan Haren top players for Thursday, May 2

Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman is Thursday's Player of the Day. Tillman pitched eight scoreless innings in the 5-1 win over the Angels.

Nationals pitcher Dan Haren is National League Player of the Day. Haren allowed only one run over eight innings in the 3-1 win over the Braves.​

Domonic Brown of the Phillies is National League Batter of the Day. Brown homered and went 3-for-4 in the 7-2 win over the Marlins.​

Note: Padres middle relief pitcher Joe Thatcher was Player of the Game in the 4-2 win over the Cubs. It has been more than five years since Thatcher was last top player in a game. He was last named Player of the Game on September 25, 2007. Thursday was the second time in his career he was named top player in a game.

Tillman receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Haren receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Brown receives 1.5 for being NL Batter of the Day. No American League batter was named Player of the Game, so no bonus points were given Thursday for AL Batter of the Day. 

All of Thursday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

502ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB6.0Orioles 0000000  Chris Tillman (W, 2-1)8.030023
 5.1White Sox 0000000  Hector Santiago (W, 1-1)5.121126
 5.1Tigers 0000000  Luke Putkonen (W, 1-0)2.100014
NL5.0Nationals 0000000  Dan Haren (W, 3-3)8.041114
BAT3.0Phillies Domonic Brown LF423200  00.000000
 1.1Padres 0000000  Joe Thatcher (W, 2-0)0.100001
 1.0Cardinals David Freese 3B312111  00.000000
 1.0Red Sox 0000000  Ryan Dempster (W, 2-2)6.041134

Zimmermann top player, Buchholz takes Box-Toppers points lead, in games from Wednesday, May 1

Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann is Wednesday's Player of the Day. Zimmermann threw eight shutout innings and struck out eight in the 2-0 win over the Braves.

Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz is American League Player of the Day. Buchholz pitched seven shutout innings ​and struck out eight in the 10-1 win over the Blue Jays. Buchholz earns 1.7 Box-Toppers points for AL Player of the Day and takes over as 2013 season leader in Box-Toppers points with 7.1, passing Rays pitcher Matt Moore, who has 6.7.

Kendrys Morales of the Mariners is American League Batter of the Day. Morales went 3-for-5 and drove in three runs in the 8-3 win over the Orioles.​

Angel Pagan of the Giants is National League Batter of the Day. Pagan went 2-for-4 with a home run in the 9-6 win over the Diamondbacks.​

Zimmermann receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Buchholz receives 1.7 for AL Player of the Day. Morales and Pagan receive 1.5 each for being top Batter of the Day in their league.

All of Wednesday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

​

501ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB14.0Nationals 0000000  Jordan Zimmermann (W, 5-1)8.020008
 13.0Cubs 0000000  Scott Feldman (W, 2-3)9.0322112
AL10.0Red Sox 0000000  Clay Buchholz (W, 6-0)7.020038
BAT3.0Mariners Kendrys Morales DH523301  00.000000
BAT3.0Giants Angel Pagan CF432212  00.000000
 3.0Mets Jordany Valdespin PH, CF211301  00.000000
 3.0Cardinals 0000000  Lance Lynn (W, 5-0)7.051125
 3.0Indians 0000000  Trevor Bauer (W, 1-1)5.010065
 2.0White Sox Alejandro De Aza LF422201  00.000000
 2.0Rockies Carlos Gonzalez LF312221  00.000000
 2.0Yankees Ben Francisco RF111110  00.000000
 2.0Royals 0000000  Bruce Chen (W, 2-0)2.020013
 1.0Angels Howie Kendrick 2B413101  00.000000
 1.0Twins Chris Parmelee RF412201  00.000000
 1.0Pirates Pedro Alvarez 3B412201  00.000000

Marlins' Kevin Slowey (8IP 1R 8K) is top player for Tuesday, April 30

Marlins pitcher Kevin Slowey is Tuesday's Player of the Day. Slowey gave up only one run and struck out eight over eight innings in the 2-1 win over the Mets.

Slowey left the game with the Marlins trailing 1-0, so was not eligible for the win. The Marlins scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth, winning the game on a walk-off wild pitch.

Yankees pitcher Hiroki Kuroda is American League Player of the Day. Kuroda threw seven shutout innings and struck out eight in the 7-4 win over the Astros.​

Rickie Weeks of the Brewers is National League Batter of the Day. Weeks went 3-for-5 with a homer and five RBIs in the 12-8 win over the Pirates.​

Ryan Raburn of the Indians is American League Batter of the Day. Raburn hit two homers while going 3-for-4 in the 14-2 win over the Phillies. Tuesday was the second straight day Raburn was Player of the Game. On Monday, he was overall Player of the Day.​

Slowey receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Kuroda receives 1.7 for AL Player of the Day. Weeks and Raburn receive 1.5 each for being top Batter of the Day in their league.

All of Tuesday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

430ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB10.0`Marlins 0000000  Kevin Slowey 8.041108
 9.0Dodgers 0000000  Hyun-Jin Ryu (W, 3-1)6.0322212
BAT7.0Brewers Rickie Weeks 2B433510  00.000000
AL7.0Yankees 0000000  Hiroki Kuroda (W, 4-1)7.040048
 6.0Tigers 0000000  Justin Verlander (W, 3-2)7.051128
 6.0Braves 0000000  Tim Hudson (W, 3-1)7.031126
 5.0Padres Carlos Quentin LF433301  00.000000
BAT5.0Indians Ryan Raburn RF433300  00.000000
 5.0`Giants 0000000  Madison Bumgarner 7.030012
 4.0Blue Jays Edwin Encarnacion 1B422400  00.000000
 4.0Royals 0000000  James Shields (W, 2-2)7.052217
 4.0Cardinals 0000000  Edward Mujica (S, 5)1.000003
 3.0Athletics Yoenis Cespedes CF412400  00.000000
 2.0Rangers Mitch Moreland 1B313110  00.000000
 0.0Orioles Chris Dickerson RF503202  00.000000

` Denotes that the pitcher had a no-decision in the game and did not pick up a win or a save.

​

Indians' Ryan Raburn (4-for-4, 2 HR) is top player for Monday, April 29

Ryan Raburn of the Indians, who went 4-for-4 and hit two home runs in the 9-0 win over the Royals, is Monday's Player of the Day.

Rockies pitcher Tyler Chatwood is National League Player of the Day. Chatwood threw six shutout innings in the 12-2 win over the Dodgers.​

Raburn receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Chatwood receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. No NL batter was named Player of the Game, so no bonus points were given Monday for NL Batter of the Day. 

All of Monday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:​

429ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB6.0Indians Ryan Raburn RF424400  00.000000
NL6.0Rockies 0000000  Tyler Chatwood (W, 1-0)6.050005
 6.0`Marlins 0000000  Tom Koehler 3.010015
 5.1Tigers 0000000  Max Scherzer (W, 3-0)7.1633010
 5.0Astros Carlos Corporan C524400  00.000000
 4.2Braves 0000000  Jordan Walden (W, 1-0)1.200003
 4.0Brewers 0000000  Yovani Gallardo (W, 3-1)7.032125
 3.1`Athletics 0000000  Brett Anderson 5.131125
 3.1Cubs 0000000  Kevin Gregg (S, 4)1.100002
 3.0Giants 0000000  Jean Machi (W, 1-0)1.000002
 2.0Mariners 0000000  Joe Saunders (W, 2-3)9.042212
 2.0Reds 0000000  Mat Latos (W, 2-0)6.050034

` Denotes that the pitcher had a no-decision in the game and did not pick up a win or a save.

​

Dodgers' Kershaw (12K 8IP) tops players for Sunday, April 28

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is Sunday's Player of the Day. Kershaw struck out 12 over eight shutout innings in the 2-0 win over the Brewers.

Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma is American League Player of the Day. Iwakuma struck out eight over six innings in the 2-1 win over the Angels. Though Iwakuma was Player of the Game, he left the game with the Mariners trailing 1-0 and was not eligible for the win.​

Giancarlo Stanton of the Marlins is National League Batter of the Day. Stanton hit two homers and went 3-for-3 in the 6-4 win over the Cubs.​

Miguel Cabrera of the ​Tigers is American League Batter of the Day. Cabrera went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in the 8-3 win over the Braves.

Kershaw receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Iwakuma receives 1.7 for AL Player of the Day. Stanton and Cabrera receive 1.5 each for being top Batter of the Day in their league.

All of Sunday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

428ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB16.0Dodgers 0000000  Clayton Kershaw (W, 3-2)8.0400012
 14.0Reds 0000000  Tony Cingrani (W, 2-0)6.0200111
AL10.0`Mariners 0000000  Hisashi Iwakuma 6.031008
BAT7.0Marlins Giancarlo Stanton RF333410  00.000000
 6.0Pirates 0000000  Jeff Locke (W, 3-1)7.030024
 4.0Padres Alexi Amarista CF332211  00.000000
 4.0Phillies 0000000  Cole Hamels (W, 1-3)6.021168
BAT3.0Tigers Miguel Cabrera 3B422301  00.000000
 3.0Rays Matt Joyce RF331220  00.000000
 3.0Royals Mike Moustakas 3B121130  00.000000
 3.0Twins 0000000  Kevin Correia (W, 3-1)8.060012
 3.0`Yankees 0000000  Phil Hughes 6.072219
 2.0`Royals 0000000  Bruce Chen 3.032004
 2.0Athletics 0000000  Jerry Blevins (W, 1-0)1.000001
 1.0Red Sox Daniel Nava RF432001  00.000000
 0.0Diamondbacks Gerardo Parra CF, LF422000  00.000000

` Denotes that the pitcher had a no-decision in the game and did not pick up a win or a save.

​

Rays' Matt Moore takes over Box-Toppers points lead; is top player for Saturday, April 27

Rays ​pitcher Matt Moore, who is Saturday's Player of the Day, takes over as season leader in Box-Toppers points.

Moore struck out nine over six innings in the 10-4 win over the White Sox. Moore receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day and now has 6.7 points for the season, passing Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish (6.0 points).

​Bryce Harper of the Nationals is National League Player of the Day. Harper went 2-for-3 with a homer in the 6-3 win over the Reds.

Omar Infante of the Tigers is American League Batter of the Day. Infante went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer in the 7-4 win over the Braves.​

Harper receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Infante receives 1.5 for being American League Batter of the Day,

All of Saturday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

​

427ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB9.0Rays 0000000  Matt Moore (W, 5-0)6.031119
 6.0Mariners 0000000  Felix Hernandez (W, 3-2)8.052117
 6.0Royals 0000000  Ervin Santana (W, 3-1)7.060005
BAT4.0Tigers Omar Infante 2B423300  00.000000
 3.0Yankees Travis Hafner DH412400  00.000000
NL3.0Nationals Bryce Harper LF322210  00.000000
 3.0Cubs 0000000  Travis Wood (W, 2-1)6.032215
 2.0Padres Yonder Alonso 1B523210  00.000000
 2.0Brewers Carlos Gomez CF523202  00.000000
 2.0Twins Josh Willingham LF422201  00.000000
 2.0Pirates Russell Martin C422200  00.000000
 2.0Red Sox David Ortiz DH302310  00.000000
 2.0Diamondbacks 0000000  J.J. Putz (W, 2-0)1.000001
 1.0Orioles Nate McLouth LF513200  00.000000
 1.0Phillies Domonic Brown LF512301  00.000000

Sanchez, Zimmermann top players for Friday, April 26

Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez, who struck out 17 Braves, is Friday's Player of the Day. Sanchez also gave up no runs, one walk and five hits in eight innings in the 10-0 win.

Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, who threw a one-hit, complete game shutout against the Reds, is National League Player of the Day. Zimmermann struck out four and gave up only one walk in the 1-0 win.​

David Ross of the Red Sox is American League Batter of the Day. Ross hit two home runs and went 4-for-4 in the 7-3 win over the Astros.​

Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs is National League Batter of the Day. Rizzo hit two home runs and went 3-for-4 and drove in all the Cubs' runs in the 4-2 win over the Marlins.​

Sanchez receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Zimmermann receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Ross and Rizzo receive 1.5 each for being top Batter of the Day in their league.

All of Friday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

​

426ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB19.0Tigers 0000000  Anibal Sanchez (W, 3-1)8.0500117
NL11.0Nationals 0000000  Jordan Zimmermann (W, 4-1)9.010014
 10.0Phillies 0000000  Kyle Kendrick (W, 2-1)9.030015
 9.0Orioles 0000000  Wei-Yin Chen (W, 2-2)8.020025
 9.0Cardinals 0000000  Lance Lynn (W, 4-0)7.021139
 7.0Yankees 0000000  David Phelps (W, 1-1)4.021129
 6.0Rangers 0000000  Justin Grimm (W, 2-0)7.050004
BAT5.0Red Sox David Ross C434200  00.000000
BAT5.0Cubs Anthony Rizzo 1B423400  00.000000
 4.2Dodgers 0000000  Ronald Belisario (W, 2-2)1.200003
 3.0Padres 0000000  Andrew Cashner (W, 1-1)6.051115
 1.0Rockies Jordan Pacheco 1B423000  00.000000
 1.0White Sox Tyler Greene 2B412201  00.000000
 0.0Angels Hank Conger C411201  00.000000

Top players: Darvish, Buchholz lead 2013 season list

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish leads all players in Box-Toppers points about a month into the 2013 season.​

Darvish, who earned 2.0 Box-Toppers points each of the three times he was named Player of the Day, ​has 6.0 points for the season.

Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz ranks second with 5.4 points.​

Pitcher Matt Harvey of the Mets leads among all National League players with 5.0 points.​

Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers leads among American League batters with 4.2 points.  Bryce Harper of the Nationals leads among NL batters with 3.2 points.​

Individual player standings were last posted on Box-Toppers on April 12, when Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw led all players with 3.0 points. Kershaw, who still has 3.0 points, has slipped to eighth place among NL pitchers.​

What are those numbers after players' names?

​

2013 LEADERS   
 OVERALL LEADERSPOSTEAMPTS
1Darvish, Yu 3003pi sptex al6
2Buchholz, Clay 2363pi spbos al5.4
3Harvey, Matt 3075pi spnym nl5
4Maholm, Paul 2078pi spatl nl4.7
5Masterson, Justin 2462pi spcle al4.7
6Moore, Matt 2975pi sptb al4.7
7Cabrera, Miguel 17763bdet al4.2
8Gonzalez, Gio 2626pi spdc nl4
9Wainwright, Adam 2150pi spstl nl4
10Lynn, Lance 2992pi spstl nl3.7
     
 AL PITCHERS   
1Darvish, Yu 3003pi sptex al6
2Buchholz, Clay 2363pi spbos al5.4
3Masterson, Justin 2462pi spcle al4.7
4Moore, Matt 2975pi sptb al4.7
5Dickey, R.A. 1734pi sptor al3
6Sale, Chris 2806pi spchi al3
7Iwakuma, Hisashi 3048pi spsea al3
8Lester, Jon 2173pi spbos al3
9Perkins, Glen 2506pi cpmin al3
10Johnson, Jim 2417pi cpbal al3
     
 AL BATTERS   
1Cabrera, Miguel 17763bdet al4.2
2Moss, Brandon 25201boak al3
3Wieters, Matt 2643cabal al3
4Napoli, Mike 21611b cabos al2.5
5Lowrie, Jed 2437ssoak al2.5
6Hafner, Travis 1650dh phnyy al2.5
7Davis, Chris 24781b lf dh rfbal al2
8Fielder, Prince 20291bdet al2
9Cano, Robinson 20922bnyy al2
10Butler, Billy 23301b dhkc al1.5
     
 NL PITCHERS   
1Harvey, Matt 3075pi spnym nl5
2Maholm, Paul 2078pi spatl nl4.7
3Gonzalez, Gio 2626pi spdc nl4
4Wainwright, Adam 2150pi spstl nl4
5Lynn, Lance 2992pi spstl nl3.7
6Corbin, Patrick 3027pi spari nl3.7
7Miller, Shelby 3134pi spstl nl3.7
8Kershaw, Clayton 2494pi splad nl3
9Bailey, Homer 2324pi spcin nl3
10Villanueva, Carlos 2241pi spchi nl3
     
 NL BATTERS   
1Harper, Bryce 3011lfdc nl3.2
2Gonzalez, Carlos 2460lfcol nl3
3Bruce, Jay 2453rfcin nl3
4Braun, Ryan J. 2300lfmil nl2.5
5Carpenter, Matt 29872b lf 1b rfstl nl2.5
6Frazier, Todd 29293bcin nl2.5
7Cuddyer, Michael 1826rf phcol nl2.5
8Ellis, Mark 16142blad nl2.5
9Posey, Buster 2745casf nl2
10Francisco, Juan 29523batl nl2

Rangers top Box-Toppers team power rankings

The Texas Rangers have jumped to the top spot in Box-Toppers team power rankings after being ranked seventh last week.​

The Rangers have the most Box-Toppers points for the season (20.4), followed by the St. Louis Cardinals (18.9). The Cards, the National League top team, jumped from fifth place last week.

The Rangers are tied with the Red Sox (ranked third in Box-Toppers points) for best American League record at 15-7. The Cards have the third-best record in the NL at 13-8. ​

The Atlanta Braves, last week's top team, fell to fourth place in the Box-Toppers rankings this week, though they still hold the best record in the NL at 15-6.​

The Rangers are led by overall Box-Toppers points leader and starting pitcher Yu Darvish, who has 6.0 points. Eleven different Rangers have been named Player of the Day and have earned Box-Toppers points this season.​

The Cardinals are led by pitchers Adam Wainwright (4.0 Box-Toppers points), Lance Lynn (3.7) and Shelby Miller (3.7).​

​

425Top 10 TeamsPtsLast week rank
1Rangers20.47
2Cardinals18.95
3Red Sox18.43
4Braves17.41
5Reds16.78
6Rockies16.04
7Athletics15.72
8Nationals14.99
9Orioles14.5Not ranked
10Diamondbacks14.410

Gio Gonzalez, giving up 1 hit, is top player for Thursday, April 25

Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez is Thursday's Player of the Day. Gonzalez gave up only one hit—a solo homer—over eight innings and struck out seven in the 8-1 win over the Reds.

Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz is American League Player of the Day. Buchholz struck out 10 over 7 2/3 innings in the 7-2 win over the Astros.​

Nick Markakis of the Orioles is American League Batter of the Day. Markakis went 2-for-4 and drove in two runs in the 10-2 win over the Athletics.​

Nate Schierholtz of the Cubs is National League Batter of the Day. Schierholtz homered and went 2-for-4 in the 4-3 win over the Marlins.​

Gonzalez receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Buchholz receives 1.7 for AL Player of the Day. Markakis and Schierholtz receive 1.5 each for being top Batter of the Day in their league.

All of Thursday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

425ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB10.0Nationals 0000000  Gio Gonzalez (W, 2-1)8.011127
 7.0`Dodgers 0000000  Hyun-Jin Ryu 7.031138
AL5.2Red Sox 0000000  Clay Buchholz (W, 5-0)7.2622210
 4.1Mariners 0000000  Brandon Maurer (W, 2-3)6.170016
 4.0Pirates 0000000  Justin Wilson (W, 2-0)2.000002
 3.0Yankees 0000000  Mariano Rivera (S, 7)1.000002
 3.0Royals 0000000  Tim Collins (W, 1-0)1.000002
BAT2.0Orioles Nick Markakis RF422200  00.000000
 2.0White Sox 0000000  Chris Sale (W, 2-2)7.042247
 2.0Diamondbacks 0000000  Trevor Cahill (W, 1-3)5.041046
BAT1.0Cubs Nate Schierholtz RF422100  00.000000
 1.0Rangers 0000000  Joe Nathan (S, 7)1.010001

` Denotes that the pitcher had a no-decision in the game and did not pick up a win or a save.

​

New Box-Toppers leader Darvish tops players for Wednesday, April 24

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish is Wednesday's Player of the Day and takes over the season lead among players in Box-Toppers points.

Darvish struck out 11 over six innings in the 11-3 win over the Angels. He earns 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day and now has 6.0 points for the season, passing previous leader Matt Harvey of the Mets with 5.0 points. This is the third time Darvish has been named Player of the Day this season.

Mat Latos of the Reds is National League Player of the Day. Latos pitched seven shutout innings in the 1-0 win over the Cubs.​

Brandon Laird of the Astros is American League Batter of the Day. Laird homered and doubled twice and went 3-for-4 in the 10-3 win over the Mariners.​

Jordany Valdespin of the Mets is National League Batter of the Day. Valdespin hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 10th to beat the Dodgers 7-3. Harvey, who had been leading in Box-Toppers points until Wednesday, started the game for the Mets and struck out seven over six innings. ​

Latos receives 1.7 Box-Toppers points for being named NL Player of the Day. Laird receives 1.5 points for AL Batter of the Day. Valdepsin receives 1.5 points for NL  Batter of the Day.

All of Wednesday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

​

424ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB12.0Rangers 0000000  Yu Darvish (W, 4-1)6.0300211
 11.1Rays 0000000  Alex Cobb (W, 3-1)8.130017
NL6.0Reds 0000000  Mat Latos (W, 1-0)7.040014
 5.0Padres 0000000  Edinson Volquez (W, 1-3)7.050003
BAT4.0Astros Brandon Laird 1B413400  00.000000
BAT4.0Mets Jordany Valdespin PH, CF211400  00.000000
 4.0Rockies 0000000  Matt Belisle (W, 1-1)2.000002
 4.0Red Sox 0000000  Andrew Bailey (S, 5)1.000003
 3.0Blue Jays0000000  Casey Janssen (S, 6)1.000002
 2.0Tigers Jhonny Peralta SS312210  00.000000
 2.0Diamondbacks Gerardo Parra PR, LF111100  00.000000
 2.0`White Sox 0000000  Nate Jones (H, 2)2.000011
 2.0Pirates 0000000  Jason Grilli (S, 9)1.000001
 1.2Cardinals 0000000  Jaime Garcia (W, 2-1)5.241113

` Denotes that the pitcher had a no-decision in the game and did not pick up a win or a save.

​

Wainwright, Colon top players for Tuesday, April 23

Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright is Tuesday's Player of the Day. Wainwright pitched 8 1/3 shutout innings and struck out nine in the 2-0 win over the Nationals.

Athletics pitcher Bartolo Colon is American League Player of the Day. Colon pitched seven shutout innings and struck out seven in the 13-0 win over the Red Sox.​

Mark Ellis of the Dodgers is National League Batter of the Day. Ellis hit two homers and went 4-for-5 in the 7-2 win over the Mets.​

Howie Kendrick of the Angels is American League Batter of the Day. Kendrick hit two homers, including a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ​11th, to beat the Rangers, 5-4.

Wainwright receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Colon receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Ellis receives 1.5 points for NL Batter of the Day. Kendrick receives 1.5 points for NL  Batter of the Day.

All of Tuesday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

423ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB11.1Cardinals 0000000  Adam Wainwright (W, 4-1)8.150019
AL10.0Athletics 0000000  Bartolo Colon (W, 3-0)7.030017
 8.0Pirates 0000000  Jeff Locke (W, 2-1)6.020026
 5.1`Cubs 0000000  Carlos Villanueva 8.132226
BAT5.0Dodgers Mark Ellis 2B524401  00.000000
 4.1`Diamondbacks 0000000  Patrick Corbin 7.162207
BAT4.0Angels Howie Kendrick 2B523400  00.000000
 4.0Twins 0000000  Glen Perkins (S, 6)1.000003
 3.0Yankees 0000000  David Robertson (W, 1-0)1.000002
 3.0Astros 0000000  Jose Veras (S, 2)1.000002
 2.0Marlins Rob Brantly C503400  00.000000
 2.0Braves Juan Francisco 3B522301  00.000000
 2.0Orioles 0000000  Jim Johnson (S, 8)1.010002
 2.0Braves 0000000  Craig Kimbrel (S, 8)1.010002
 2.0Brewers 0000000  Jim Henderson (S, 5)1.000012

` Denotes that the pitcher had a no-decision in the game and did not pick up a win or a save.

​

Rays' Moore (9K, 2H, 8IP) is top player for Monday, April 22

Rays pitcher Matt Moore is Monday's Player of the Day. Moore allowed only two hits over eight innings and struck out nine in the 5-1 win over the Yankees.

Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller is National League Player of the Day. Miller struck out eight over 6 2/3 innings in the 3-2 win over the Nationals.​

MIke Napoli of the Red Sox is American League Batter of the Day. Napoli hit a grand slam and went 2-for-4 in the 9-6 win over the Athletics.​

Jay Bruce of the Reds is National League Batter of the Day. Bruce homered and doubled and drove in three runs in the 5-4, 13-inning win over the Cubs.​

Moore receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Miller receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Napoli receives 1.5 points for AL Batter of the Day. Bruce receives 1.5 points for NL  Batter of the Day.

All of Monday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

422ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB10.0Rays 0000000  Matt Moore (W, 4-0)8.021139
 9.0Mariners 0000000  Felix Hernandez (W, 2-2)6.050019
BAT5.0Red Sox Mike Napoli 1B422502  00.000000
NL4.2Cardinals 0000000  Shelby Miller (W, 3-1)6.242228
 2.2Phillies 0000000  Raul Valdes (W, 1-0)0.200002
BAT2.0Reds Jay Bruce RF522312  00.000000
 2.0Brewers Ryan Braun LF412302  00.000000
 2.0Giants Buster Posey C412300  00.000000
 2.0Rangers 0000000  Tanner Scheppers (W, 2-0)2.010001
 2.0Orioles 0000000  Jim Johnson (W, 1-1)1.000001
 2.0`Indians 0000000  Vinnie Pestano (H, 4)1.000001

` Denotes that the pitcher had a no-decision in the game and did not pick up a win or a save.

​

Gee, Grimm top players for Sunday, April 21

Mets pitcher Dillon Gee is Sunday's Player of the Day. Gee pitched 5 2/3 shutout innings and struck out six in the 2-0 win over the Nationals.

Rangers pitcher Justin Grimm is American League Player of the Day. Grimm struck out nine over six innings in the 11-3 win over the Mariners.​

Eric Kratz of the Phillies is National League Batter of the Day. Kratz hit a three-run homer and went 2-for-4 ​in the 7-3 win over the Cardinals.

No AL batter was named Player of the Game, so no bonus points were awarded Sunday for AL Batter of the Day. It was a pitching-dominated day Sunday, as only two batters were named Players of the Game in the 16 games played.​

Gee receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Grimm receives 1.7 for AL Player of the Day. Kratz receives 1.5 points for NL  Batter of the Day.

All of Sunday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive 1.0 Box-Toppers point:

​

421ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB5.2Mets 0000000  Dillon Gee (W, 1-3)5.230036
 5.0Giants 0000000  Barry Zito (W, 3-1)7.050014
AL5.0Rangers 0000000  Justin Grimm (W, 1-0)6.062119
 5.0Rays 0000000  Roberto Hernandez (W, 1-3)6.031137
 4.0Royals 0000000  Ervin Santana (W, 2-1)7.062207
 4.0Reds 0000000  Logan Ondrusek (W, 1-0)1.000003
 4.0Royals 0000000  Greg Holland (S, 5)1.000003
BAT3.0Phillies Erik Kratz C422300  00.000000
 3.0Angels 0000000  Jerome Williams (W, 1-0)3.020002
 3.0Twins 0000000  Glen Perkins (S, 5)1.000002
 3.0Brewers 0000000  Jim Henderson (S, 4)1.000002
 3.0Diamondbacks 0000000  Heath Bell (W, 2-0)1.000002
 2.1Blue Jays 0000000  Brett Cecil (W, 1-0)1.110002
 2.0Pirates 0000000  Jason Grilli (S, 7)1.000012
 1.0Dodgers Mark Ellis 2B411302  00.000000
 1.0`Indians 0000000  Joe Smith (H, 2)1.020002

` Denotes that the pitcher had a no-decision in the game and did not pick up a win or a save.

​

Richards, Lynn top players for Saturday, April 20

Angels pitcher Garrett Richards is Saturday's Player of the Day. Richards pitched seven shutout innings and struck out eight in the 10-0 win over the Tigers.

Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn is National League Player of the Day. Lynn gave up only one hit and no runs, striking out eight over seven innings in the 5-0 win over the Phillies.​

Jason Giambi of the Indians is American League Batter of the Day. Giambi went 2-for-4, homered and drove in five runs in the 19-6 win over the Astros.​

Bryce Harper of the Nationals is NL Batter of the Day. Harper homered twice while going 3-for-3 and driving in three runs in the 7-6 win over the Mets.​

Richards receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Lynn receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Giambi receives 1.5 points for AL Batter of the Day. Harper receives 1.5 points for NL  Batter of the Day.

All of Saturday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive one Box-Toppers point:

420ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB13.0Angels 0000000  Garrett Richards (W, 1-0)7.020008
NL11.0Cardinals 0000000  Lance Lynn (W, 3-0)7.010038
 9.0Rays 0000000  Jeremy Hellickson (W, 1-1)7.030016
 8.2Giants 0000000  Tim Lincecum (W, 2-0)6.240028
 8.1`Yankees 0000000  Hiroki Kuroda 7.131117
 7.0Pirates 0000000  James McDonald (W, 2-2)6.021149
BAT6.0Indians Jason Giambi DH432520  00.000000
BAT6.0Nationals Bryce Harper LF333310  00.000000
 6.0Rockies 0000000  Jorge De La Rosa (W, 2-1)6.020024
 5.0Orioles Manny Machado 3B423400  00.000000
 5.0`Twins 0000000  Vance Worley 7.051127
 5.0Rangers 0000000  Derek Lowe (W, 1-0)4.000001
 4.0Orioles J.J. Hardy SS221311  00.000000
 3.0Red Sox Daniel Nava LF, RF211310  00.000000
 3.0`Reds 0000000  Bronson Arroyo 8.062216
 1.0Brewers Martin Maldonado 1B312110  00.000000

` Denotes that the pitcher had a no-decision in the game and did not pick up a win or a save.

​

Darvish, W. Rodriguez top players for Friday, April 19

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish is Friday's Player of the Day. Darvish pitched seven shutout innings and struck out 10 in the 7-0 win over the Mariners.

Pirates pitcher Wandy Rodriguez is National League Player of the Day. Rodriguez gave up only one hit over seven innings in the 6-0 win over the Braves.​

Darvish and Rodriguez had identical 11.0 Box-Toppers games scores. But that tie was broken in Darvish's favor because he had more strikeouts.

Peter Bourjos of the Angels is American League Batter of the Day. Bourjos went 3-for-4 with three RBI in the 8-1 win over the Tigers.​

Ryan Braun of the Brewers is NL Batter of the Day. Braun hit a three-run home run in the 5-4 win over the Cubs.​

Note: Mets pitcher Matt Harvey takes over the lead in Box-Toppers player points for the season so far. Harvey threw seven innings and struck out seven and was Player of the Game in the 7-1 win over the Nationals. With the additional 1.0 Box-Toppers point, Harvey now has 5.0 for the season, passing Braves pitcher Paul Maholm (4.7).

Darvish receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Day. Rodriguez receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Bourjos receives 1.5 points for AL Batter of the Day. Braun receives 1.5 points for NL  Batter of the Day.

All of Friday's other Players of the Game (listed in the chart below) receive one Box-Toppers point:

419ScoreTeamBATTERSABRHRBIBBSO--PITCHERSIPHRERBBSO
MLB11.0Rangers 0000000  Yu Darvish (W, 3-1)7.0300310
NL11.0Pirates 0000000  Wandy Rodriguez (W, 2-0)7.010005
 8.0`Giants 0000000  Madison Bumgarner 6.0422010
 7.1Rockies 0000000  Jhoulys Chacin (W, 3-0)6.130015
 5.0Mets 0000000  Matt Harvey (W, 4-0)7.041137
 5.0Phillies 0000000  Roy Halladay (W, 2-2)7.022226
BAT3.0Angels Peter Bourjos CF413300  00.000000
 3.0Astros J.D. Martinez LF111200  00.000000
 3.0`Marlins 0000000  Kevin Slowey 6.041114
 2.0Rays Ben Zobrist RF422200  00.000000
BAT2.0Brewers Ryan Braun LF311310  00.000000
 1.0Yankees Vernon Wells LF522200  00.000000

` Denotes that the pitcher had a no-decision in the game and did not pick up a win or a save.

​

Top players: Velander, Kershaw atop 2012-13 lists

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is the top-ranked player in Box-Toppers points since the start of the 2012 season.

Verlander has 26.8 Box-Toppers points in that span, 24.8 in 2012 and 2.0 so far in 2013.​

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw leads among all National League players with 23.8 points (20.8 in 2012 and ​3.0 in 2013).

Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers leads among American League batters with ​15.9 points (11.7 in 2012 and 4.2 in 2013). Cabrera's strong performance so far this season has moved him to the top spot from third place on this list at the start of the season, passing both Adrian Beltre of the Rangers and Chris Davis of the Orioles.

Ryan Braun of the Brewers is NL's top batter with 12.5 points, all scored in 2012.​

The player with the most points so far in 2013 is Paul Maholm of the Braves with 4.7 points. ​He has moved up to eighth place among NL pitchers for 2012-13, with 15.4 points.

The combined two season totals for players gives a better, more accurate picture of where they stand, especially early into the new season.

What are those numbers after players' names?

​

2012-2013 LEADERS   
 OVERALL LEADERSPOSTEAMPTS
1Verlander, Justin 2112pi spdet al26.8
2Kershaw, Clayton 2494pi splad nl23.8
3Dickey, R.A. 1734pi sptor al22.1
4Strasburg, Stephen 2736pi spdc nl21.4
5Hernandez, Felix 2064pi spsea al20.4
6Gonzalez, Gio 2626pi spdc nl19.7
7Lynn, Lance 2992pi spstl nl19.7
8Bumgarner, Madison 2753pi spsf nl19.4
9Darvish, Yu 3003pi sptex al18.8
10Scherzer, Max 2588pi spdet al18.7
     
 AL PITCHERS   
1Verlander, Justin 2112pi spdet al26.8
2Dickey, R.A. 1734pi sptor al22.1
3Hernandez, Felix 2064pi spsea al20.4
4Darvish, Yu 3003pi sptex al18.8
5Scherzer, Max 2588pi spdet al18.7
6Sale, Chris 2806pi spchi al17.7
7Sabathia, C.C. 1492pi spnyy al17.1
8Kuroda, Hiroki 2401pi spnyy al16.4
9Weaver, Jered 2178pi spana al15.4
10Shields, Jamie (James) 2157pi spkc al14.7
     
 AL BATTERS   
1Cabrera, Miguel 17763bdet al15.9
2Davis, Chris 24781b lf dh rfbal al14
3Beltre, Adrian 11413btex al13
4Hamilton, Josh 2332cf lfana al11.5
5Butler, Billy 23301b dhkc al11.2
6Trout, Mike 2949cf rf lfana al11
7Mauer, Joe 1869ca dhmin al10.5
8Moss, Brandon 25201boak al10
9Rios, Alex 1989rfchi al9.9
10Napoli, Mike 21611b cabos al9.2
     
 NL PITCHERS   
1Kershaw, Clayton 2494pi splad nl23.8
2Strasburg, Stephen 2736pi spdc nl21.4
3Gonzalez, Gio 2626pi spdc nl19.7
4Lynn, Lance 2992pi spstl nl19.7
5Bumgarner, Madison 2753pi spsf nl19.4
6Medlen, Kris 2596pi spatl nl18
7Chapman, Aroldis 2826pi cpcin nl16
8Maholm, Paul 2078pi spatl nl15.4
9Latos, Mat 2644pi spcin nl15.4
10Kimbrel, Craig 2825pi cpatl nl15
     
 NL BATTERS   
1Braun, Ryan J. 2300lfmil nl12.5
2Gonzalez, Carlos 2460lfcol nl12.2
3Holliday, Matt 1836lfstl nl11.7
4Phillips, Brandon 16912bcin nl11
5Kemp, Matt 2151cflad nl10
6Freese, David 27103bstl nl9.7
7McCutchen, Andrew 2637cfpit nl9.5
8Uggla, Dan 21582batl nl9.5
9Wright, David 19113bnym nl9.5
10Hill, Aaron 20562bari nl9