Padres' Despaigne tops players for Friday, Sept. 19; Athletics' Lester rises to 10th in Box-Toppers rankings

Shawn Plank September 20, 2014

Padres pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne is Friday’s Player of the Day, while Athletics pitcher Jon Lester rises to 10th place in Box-Toppers player rankings.

In addition Friday, Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw’s chances were diminished for breaking the single-season record for Box-Toppers points. While Kershaw earned a win, he did not earn Player of the Game. And while he holds a commanding lead among players in Box-Toppers points for the season (with 30.5) he is now less likely to break the all-time single-season record of 33.7 set by Randy Johnson in both 2000 and 2002. More on Kershaw’s chances to break the record.

Despaigne pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out six, in the 5-0 win over the Mets.

Lester rose to 10th place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning American League Player of the Day honors Friday. (See the updated top 10 player list on the home page.) Lester struck out seven over seven innings, allowing one run, in the 3-1 win over the Phillies. He earns 1.7 Box-Toppers points for being AL Player of the Day, giving him 16.4 for the season. He ranks sixth among AL pitchers.

Michael Cuddyer of the Rockies is National League Batter of the Day. Cuddyer hit a grand slam and went 3-for-5 with three runs and seven RBIs in the 15-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

David Ortiz of the Red Sox is AL Batter of the Day. Ortiz hit two home runs and went 3-for-5, driving in three runs, in the 5-3 win over the Orioles.

Notable: Cardinals pitcher John Lackey became the 53rd player to earn 10.0 or more Box-Toppers points this season after he earned Player of the Game honors Friday. Lackey (7.2IP R 5K W in the 2-1 win over the Reds) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 10.7 for the season. He ranks 43rd among all players and 19th among NL pitchers.

Despaigne receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Lester receives 1.7 for AL Player of the Day. Cuddyer and Ortiz each receive 1.5 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.

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Box-Toppers tracks who most helps their team win the most games. Using standard box score statistics, Box-Toppers uses a simple formula to determine a Player of the Game for each Major League Baseball game played. That player is the person who contributed most to his team’s win. Players earn Box-Toppers points for being named Player of the Game and can earn bonus points for being Player of the Day or top player or batter in their league for the day.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    919
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    10.0
    Padres
    Odrisamer Despaigne (W, 4-7)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    2
    0
    0
    1
    6
  

    BAT
    8.0
    Rockies
    Michael Cuddyer   RF
    5
    3
    3
    7
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    6.0
    Mets
    Zack Wheeler (W, 11-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    5
    0
    0
    2
    7
  

    
    5.0
    Dodgers
    A.J. Ellis   C
    4
    3
    2
    4
    1
    2
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    AL
    5.0
    Athletics
    Jon Lester (W, 16-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    5
    1
    1
    2
    7
  

    
    4.2
    Cardinals
    John Lackey (W, 3-2)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.2
    6
    1
    1
    0
    5
  

    
    4.2
    Yankees
    Adam Warren (S, 3)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.2
    0
    0
    0
    0
    3
  

    BAT
    3.0
    Red Sox
    David Ortiz   DH
    5
    2
    3
    3
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Tigers
    Ian Kinsler   2B
    5
    2
    3
    3
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Mariners
    Dustin Ackley   LF
    4
    3
    2
    2
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Rangers
    Dan Robertson   RF
    3
    2
    2
    2
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Twins
    Oswaldo Arcia   RF
    4
    1
    3
    2
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.2
    White Sox
    Zach Putnam (S, 6)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    0.2
    1
    0
    0
    0
    2
  

    
    1.0
    Pirates
    Russell Martin   C
    4
    1
    1
    3
    0
    2
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Nationals
    Adam LaRoche   1B
    3
    1
    1
    2
    1
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

Kershaw earns win, but chances diminish to break Box-Toppers single-season points record

Shawn Plank September 19, 2014

Kershaw's 2014 starts
Here are Clayton Kershaw's starts for 2014. BTP/gm indicates how many Box-Toppers points he earned in each game (2.0 for overall Player of the Day, 1.7 for NL Player of the Day, 1.0 for top Player of the Game and 0.0 if he did not earn Player of the Game honors.





  
    

    Start
    BTP
/gm
    Result
  

    1
    Mar 22, 2014
    2.0
    W
  

    2
    May 6, 2014
    1.0
    W
  

    3
    May 11, 2014
    0.0
    ND
  

    4
    May 17, 2014
    0.0
    L
  

    5
    May 23, 2014
    2.0
    W
  

    6
    May 28, 2014
    0.0
    L
  

    7
    Jun 2, 2014
    1.7
    W
  

    8
    Jun 8, 2014
    1.0
    W
  

    9
    Jun 13, 2014
    1.0
    W
  

    10
    Jun 18, 2014
    2.0
    W*
  

    11
    Jun 24, 2014
    2.0
    W
  

    12
    Jun 29, 2014
    1.7
    W
  

    13
    Jul 4, 2014
    1.7
    W
  

    14
    Jul 10, 2014
    2.0
    W
  

    15
    Jul 20, 2014
    0.0
    ND
  

    16
    Jul 26, 2014
    2.0
    W
  

    17
    Jul 31, 2014
    1.0
    W
  

    18
    Aug 5, 2014
    0.0
    ND
  

    19
    Aug 10, 2014
    1.0
    W
  

    20
    Aug 16, 2014
    0.0
    L
  

    21
    Aug 21, 2014
    1.7
    W
  

    22
    Aug 27, 2014
    2.0
    W
  

    23
    Sep 2, 2014
    2.0
    W
  

    24
    Sep 8, 2014
    1.0
    W
  

    25
    Sep 14, 2014
    1.7
    W
  

    26
    Sep 19, 2014
    0.0
    W
  

* No-hitter
BTP: Box-Toppers points

Clayton Kershaw’s chance to break the single-season Box-Toppers point record took a hit Friday, even though his team won the game and he earned his 20th win of the season.

Most BTP single season
Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers now has the sixth-best single season in Box-Toppers history (dating back to 1995). He has 30.5 Box-Toppers points in 2014. The single-season record of 33.7 was set twice by Randy Johnson of the Diamondbacks in 2000 and 2002.





  
    Rank
    Player
    Team
    Pos
    Year
    BTP
  

    1
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2000
    33.7
  

    1
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2002
    33.7
  

    3
    Pedro Martinez
    Red Sox
    pi sp
    2000
    33.5
  

    4
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    1999
    31.5
  

    5
    Pedro Martinez
    Red Sox
    pi sp
    1999
    31.4
  

    6
    *Clayton Kershaw
    Dodgers
    pi sp
    2014
    30.5
  

    7
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2001
    29.4
  

    8
    Pedro Martinez
    Red Sox
    pi sp
    2002
    28.8
  

    9
    Curt Schilling
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2002
    28.4
  

    10
    Roger Clemens
    Blue Jays
    pi sp
    1997
    27.4
  


* Current season

BTP: Box-Toppers points

Kershaw failed to earn Player of the Game honors in the Dodgers’ 14-5 win over the Cubs. While he leads the Majors in Box-Toppers points with 30.5, his chances to break Randy Johnson’s all-time single-season record of 33.7 (set with the Diamondbacks in 2000 and 2002) seem greatly diminished. With likely only one start remaining this season, the most he can earn is 2.0 more Box-Toppers points (for being Player of the Day in his next start), which would give him 32.5 for the season.

There is an outside chance Kershaw could squeeze two more starts into the Dodgers’ final eight games of the season, pitching one of the starts on short rest. If so, Kershaw may still have a chance to pass Johnson’s single-season record, but only if he earns at least National League Player of the Day honors (worth 1.7 Box-Toppers points each) in both starts.

While Kershaw earned the win—his 20th of the season—it was the first time this season in which he failed to earn at least Player of the Game honors when he earned the win. He pitched five innings and gave up seven hits and three runs (all earned), walked three and struck out nine. His Box-Toppers game score Friday was −2.

Player of the Game was catcher A.J. Ellis, who homered twice and went 2-for-4, scoring three times and driving in four runs. He had the high Box-Toppers game score among Dodgers players of +5. It is the first time this season Ellis has earned Player of the Game honors. Ellis earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point. More on Friday's games.

Kershaw has made 26 starts this season and earned Player of the Game honors in 19 of them—all his previous wins. Of the 19 times he earned Player of the Game, he was NL Player of the Day five times and overall Player of the Day eight times.

Kershaw’s 30.5 Box-Toppers points ranks sixth among the highest Box-Toppers points recorded in a single season (going back to 1995 when Box-Toppers record keeping began). Only two other players have earned at least 30 Box-Toppers points in a single season—Johnson (who did it three times—in 1999, 2000 and 2002) and Pedro Martinez of the Red Sox (who did it twice—1999 and 2000).

Kershaw leads players in Box-Toppers points; Indians' Kluber takes AL pitching lead

Shawn Plank September 19, 2014

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw still leads all players in Box-Toppers points. Meanwhile, there is a new leader this week among American League pitchers—Corey Kluber of the Indians.

Top players
Through Thursday, Sept. 18





  
    

    OVERALL LEADERS
    POS
    TEAM
    BTP
  

    1
    Kershaw, Clayton 2494
    pi sp
    lad nl
    30.5
  

    2
    Bumgarner, Madison 2753
    pi sp
    sf nl
    22.6
  

    3
    Kluber, Corey 3200
    pi sp
    cle al
    22.1
  

    4
    Scherzer, Max 2588
    pi sp
    det al
    21.1
  

    5
    Hernandez, Felix 2064
    pi sp
    sea al
    19.8
  

    6
    Cueto, Johnny 2400
    pi sp
    cin nl
    19.4
  

    7
    Sale, Chris 2806
    pi sp
    chi al
    17.4
  

    8
    Price, David 2593
    pi sp
    det al
    17.1
  

    9
    Wainwright, Adam 2150
    pi sp
    stl nl
    17.0
  

    10
    Richards, Garrett 3042
    pi sp
    ana al
    15.7
  

    
    
    
    
    
  

    
    AL PITCHERS
    POS
    TEAM
    BTP
  

    1
    Kluber, Corey 3200
    pi sp
    cle al
    22.1
  

    2
    Scherzer, Max 2588
    pi sp
    det al
    21.1
  

    3
    Hernandez, Felix 2064
    pi sp
    sea al
    19.8
  

    4
    Sale, Chris 2806
    pi sp
    chi al
    17.4
  

    5
    Price, David 2593
    pi sp
    det al
    17.1
  

    6
    Richards, Garrett 3042
    pi sp
    ana al
    15.7
  

    7
    Lester, Jon 2173
    pi sp
    oak al
    14.7
  

    8
    Kazmir, Scott 1947
    pi sp
    oak al
    14.1
  

    9
    Hutchison, Drew 3038
    pi sp
    tor al
    14.0
  

    10
    Shields, James 2157
    pi sp
    kc al
    13.7
  

    
    
    
    
    
  

    
    AL BATTERS
    POS
    TEAM
    BTP
  

    1
    Abreu, Jose 3308
    1b
    chi al
    15.5
  

    2
    Cabrera, Miguel 1776
    1b
    det al
    12.5
  

    3
    Donaldson, Josh 3144
    3b
    oak al
    10.5
  

    4
    Jones, Adam 2347
    cf
    bal al
    10.5
  

    5
    Cruz, Nelson 2224
    dh lf
    bal al
    8.5
  

    6
    Encarnacion, Edwin 2098
    1b dh lf
    tor al
    8.0
  

    7
    Carter, Chris 2828
    dh
    hou al
    8.0
  

    8
    Cespedes, Yoenis 3008
    lf
    bos al
    8.0
  

    9
    Seager, Kyle 3031
    3b
    sea al
    8.0
  

    10
    Pujols, Albert 1438
    dh 1b
    ana al
    7.5
  

    
    
    
    
    
  

    
    NL PITCHERS
    POS
    TEAM
    BTP
  

    1
    Kershaw, Clayton 2494
    pi sp
    lad nl
    30.5
  

    2
    Bumgarner, Madison 2753
    pi sp
    sf nl
    22.6
  

    3
    Cueto, Johnny 2400
    pi sp
    cin nl
    19.4
  

    4
    Wainwright, Adam 2150
    pi sp
    stl nl
    17.0
  

    5
    Greinke, Zack 1871
    pi sp
    lad nl
    15.5
  

    6
    Strasburg, Stephen 2736
    pi sp
    dc nl
    14.7
  

    7
    Arrieta, Jake 2738
    pi sp
    chi nl
    13.7
  

    8
    Teheran, Julio 3176
    pi sp
    atl nl
    13.4
  

    9
    Hamels, Cole 2135
    pi sp
    phi nl
    12.4
  

    10
    Fister, Doug 2688
    pi sp
    dc nl
    12.4
  

    
    
    
    
    
  

    
    NL BATTERS
    POS
    TEAM
    BTP
  

    1
    Tulowitzki, Troy 2308
    ss
    col nl
    11.6
  

    2
    Ozuna, Marcell 3190
    cf
    fla nl
    8.0
  

    3
    Freeman, Freddie 2887
    1b
    atl nl
    7.7
  

    4
    Posey, Buster 2745
    ca
    sf nl
    7.5
  

    5
    Holliday, Matt 1836
    lf
    stl nl
    7.5
  

    6
    Duda, Lucas 2818
    1b
    nym nl
    7.5
  

    7
    Yelich, Christian 3334
    lf
    fla nl
    7.5
  

    8
    Gonzalez, Adrian 2193
    1b
    lad nl
    7.2
  

    9
    Upton, Justin 2411
    lf
    atl nl
    7.2
  

    10
    Howard, Ryan 2040
    1b
    phi nl
    7.2
  

BTP: Box-Toppers points 

Kershaw now has 30.5 Box-Toppers points to lead all players and still has a chance to break the single-season record of 33.7 Box-Toppers points, recorded twice by Randy Johnson of the Diamondbacks in 2000 and 2002. With perhaps two starts remaining—including one Friday against the Cubs—Kershaw would need to earn at least National League Player of the Day for both games (worth 1.7 points each) to pass Johnson.

Kluber takes the lead in Box-Toppers points among AL pitchers—he now has 22.1 and passes Max Scherzer of the Tigers (21.1), who had led the category since early July. Scherzer was Box-Toppers AL pitcher of the year in 2013 with 18.1 points. Kluber currently ranks third among all players in Box-Toppers points.

Jose Abreu of the White Sox still leads AL batters in Box-Toppers points with 15.5. He had been the only batter in the overall top 10 until this week, when he fell to 12th place.

Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies still leads National League batters in Box-Toppers points with 11.6. Tulowitzki will have played in just over half the season’s games (91) and is out for the season recovering from hip surgery. None of the top 10 NL batters scored Box-Toppers points this week.

Note: This is the next-to-last (and also penultimate) Box-Toppers player ranking report of the season. Rather than the regular Friday player ranking report next week, the final player ranking report will come after the season’s final games Sunday, Sept. 28, probably on Monday, Sept. 29. Or thereabouts.

What are those numbers after players' names?

Both Los Angeles teams hold top two spots in Box-Toppers team rankings

Shawn Plank September 19, 2014

Both Los Angeles teams are in the top two spots in Box-Toppers team rankings this week.

The Angels continue to lead all teams with 121.2 Box-Toppers points and the Dodgers move from third to second with 115.2 points.

Top 10 teams
Here are Box-Toppers' Top 10 teams, through the games of Thursday, Sept. 18. The column BTP shows the number of Box-Toppers points players on the team have accumulated so far this season. The column BTP/wk shows have many points teams have accumulated in the past week.





  
    918
    Teams
    BTP
    BTP
/wk
    Last 
wk
rank
  

    1
    Angels
    121.2
    4.5
    1
  

    2
    Dodgers
    115.2
    5.4
    3
  

    3
    Athletics
    111.9
    2.0
    2
  

    4
    Orioles
    109.4
    9.5
    7
  

    5
    Cardinals
    109.1
    5.0
    4
  

    6
    Tigers
    106.9
    4.5
    6
  

    7
    Giants
    106.3
    3.7
    5
  

    8
    Nationals
    104.0
    5.5
    8
  

    9
    Blue Jays
    98.0
    1.0
    9
  

    10
    Mariners
    94.9
    3.0
    10
  

BTP: Box-Toppers points

The Angels are led by pitcher Garrett Richards, who has 15.7 Box-Toppers points and is out for the season with a torn knee tendon. Richards still ranks 10th among all players and sixth among AL pitchers. Pitcher Matt Shoemaker has the most Box-Toppers points among active Angels players, with 11.7. He ranks 19th among AL pitchers.

The Angels also have baseball’s best winning percentage (.621).

The Dodgers remain the top National League team and pass the slumping Oakland Athletics, who move from second to third with 111.9 Box-Toppers points. The Dodgers are led by overall Box-Toppers points leader, pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who has 30.5 points. Pitcher Zack Greinke has the second-most Box-Toppers points among Dodgers players—15.5, ranking fifth among NL pitchers.

The Dodgers have the second-best winning percentage in the NL (.569), behind the Washington Nationals (.579). The Nationals have 104.0 Box-Toppers points and rank eighth among all teams, fourth among NL teams.

The Baltimore Orioles are the hottest team of the past week, picking up 9.5 Box-Toppers points, giving them 109.4 for the season and rising from seventh to fourth place in team rankings.

Last week’s lowest-ranked team, the Texas Rangers, rose one spot in team rankings to 29th, moving the Boston Red Sox back down to the 30th and final spot. The Red Sox have 62.2 Box-Toppers points. The Rangers have 66.0.

Note: This is the next-to-last (and also penultimate) Box-Toppers team ranking report of the season. Rather than our regular Friday team ranking report next week, we'll hold off a couple of days for the end of the season and have the final team ranking report coming Monday, Sept. 29. Or thereabouts.

Mariners' Felix Hernandez, top player for Thursday, Sept. 18, rises to 5th in Box-Toppers player rankings

Shawn Plank September 19, 2014

Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez is Thursday’s Player of the Day and rises to fifth place in Box-Toppers player rankings.

Hernandez pitched seven scoreless innings, striking out 11 and allowing three hits, in the 3-1 win over the Angels. Hernandez earned no decision because he left when the game was a scoreless tie.

He earns 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day, giving him 19.8 for the season, moving from sixth to fifth place in Box-Toppers player rankings. (See the updated top 10 player list on the home page.) He ranks third among American League pitchers, behind Corey Kluber of the Indians (22.1) and Max Scherzer of the Tigers (21.1).

Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole is National League Player of the Day. Cole struck out seven over seven innings in the 3-2 win over the Red Sox.

Willin Rosario of the Rockies is NL Batter of the Day. Rosario hit a walk-off, two-run homer and went 4-for-5, driving in three runs, in the 7-6 win over the Diamondbacks.

Jake Smolinski of the Rangers is AL Batter of the Day. Smolinksi went 4-for-5, scoring once and driving in one run, in the 7-2 win over the Athletics. This was Smolinski’s Box-Toppers debut, the first time he has earned Player of the Game honors. He is the 3,424th player to debut in Box-Toppers since record keeping began in 1995. He made his Major League debut July 7 and was playing in his 13th game.

Hernandez receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Cole receives 1.7 for AL Player of the Day. Rosario and Smolinski each receive 1.5 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.

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    918
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    13.0
    `Mariners
    Felix Hernandez
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    3
    0
    0
    2
    11
  

    
    8.1
    `Indians
    Danny Salazar
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.1
    5
    1
    1
    1
    9
  

    
    7.2
    `Yankees
    Shane Greene
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.2
    3
    0
    0
    2
    6
  

    NL
    4.0
    Pirates
    Gerrit Cole (W, 10-5)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    6
    2
    2
    0
    7
  

    BAT
    3.0
    Rockies
    Wilin Rosario   C
    5
    1
    4
    3
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Padres
    Alexi Amarista   SS
    3
    2
    2
    2
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Cardinals
    Sam Freeman (W, 2-0)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    0
    0
    0
    0
    2
  

    
    2.0
    Dodgers
    Andre Ethier   PH
    1
    1
    1
    1
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Nationals
    Gio Gonzalez (W, 9-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    6
    2
    2
    0
    5
  

    BAT
    1.0
    Rangers
    Jake Smolinski RF
    5
    1
    4
    1
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

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

Indians' Carrasco tops players for Wednesday, Sept. 17; Cards' Wainwright maintains 9th place in Box-Toppers player rankings

Shawn Plank September 18, 2014

Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco is Wednesday’s Player of the Day, while Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright scored to maintain his ninth-place spot in Box-Toppers player rankings.

Carrasco pitched a complete game, two-hit shutout, striking out 12 and walking one, in the 2-0 win over the Astros. Carrasco becomes the 51st player this season with 10.0 or more Box-Toppers points. He earns 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day, giving him 10.7 for the season. He ranks 45th among all players and 23rd among American League pitchers.

Wainwright earned Player of the Game honors Wednesday to remain in ninth place in Box-Toppers player rankings. (See the updated top 10 player list on the home page.) Wainwright (CG 0R 7H 7K W in the 2-0 win over the Brewers) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 17.0 for the season. He ranks fourth among National League pitchers.

Justin Morneau of the Rockies is NL Player of the Day. Morneau homered and went 3-for-4, scoring twice and driving in six runs, in the 16-2 win over the Dodgers.

Steve Pearce of the Orioles is AL Batter of the Day. Pearce hit two home runs, going 2-for-3 with four RBIs, in the 6-1 win over the Blue Jays.

Notables: Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels rose to 26th place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Wednesday. Hamels (7IP R 9K W in the 5-2 win over the Padres) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 12.4 for the season. He ranks ninth among NL pitchers.

Marlins pitcher Steve Cishek rose to 51st place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Wednesday. Cishek (1IP 0R K Sv in the 4-3 win over the Mets) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 10.0 for the season. He ranks 22nd among NL pitchers and is the 52nd player this season with 10.0 or more Box-Toppers points.

Carrasco receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Morneau receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Pearce receives 1.5 for being AL Batter of the Day.

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

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    917
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    18.0
    Indians
    Carlos Carrasco (W, 8-5)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    9.0
    2
    0
    0
    1
    12
  

    
    10.0
    Angels
    C.J. Wilson (W, 13-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    1
    0
    0
    3
    7
  

    NL
    7.0
    Rockies
    Justin Morneau   1B
    4
    2
    3
    6
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    7.0
    Cardinals
    Adam Wainwright (W, 19-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    9.0
    7
    0
    0
    2
    7
  

    
    7.0
    Royals
    Yordano Ventura (W, 13-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    3
    1
    1
    2
    7
  

    
    6.0
    Phillies
    Cole Hamels (W, 9-7)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    7
    1
    1
    1
    9
  

    
    6.0
    Braves
    Alex Wood (W, 11-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    5
    1
    1
    1
    8
  

    BAT
    5.0
    Orioles
    Steve Pearce   RF, 1B
    3
    2
    2
    4
    1
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Twins
    Danny Santana   CF
    5
    3
    3
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Giants
    Brandon Crawford   SS
    4
    2
    4
    1
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Pirates
    Ike Davis   1B
    4
    2
    2
    3
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.2
    Rangers
    Robbie Ross Jr. (W, 3-6)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.2
    0
    0
    0
    0
    1
  

    
    2.0
    Yankees
    Brandon McCarthy (W, 7-4)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    4
    2
    2
    1
    4
  

    
    2.0
    Cubs
    Kyle Hendricks (W, 7-2)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    7
    1
    1
    0
    4
  

    
    2.0
    Marlins
    Steve Cishek (S, 37)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    0
    0
    0
    0
    1
  

Indians' Kluber passes Scherzer for Box-Toppers lead among AL pitchers; Cubs' Arrieta tops players for Tuesday, Sept. 16

Shawn Plank September 17, 2014

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber, Tuesday’s American League Player of the Day, takes the season lead among AL pitchers in Box-Toppers points.

Kluber passes Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer, who had led AL pitchers since July 3. Kluber earns 1.7 Box-Toppers points for being AL Player of the Day, giving him 22.1 for the season. Scherzer has 21.1.

Kluber struck out 14 over seven innings, allowing one run, in the 4-2 win over the Astros. He ranks third among players in Box-Toppers points. (See the updated top 10 player list on the home page.)

Meanwhile, Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta is Tuesday’s Player of the Day. Arrieta pitched a complete game, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and allowing just one walk, in the 7-0 win over the Reds.

Arrieta earns 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day, giving him 13.7 for the season. He ranks 18th among all players and seventh among National League pitchers.

Wilmer Flores of the Mets is NL Batter of the Day. Flores homered twice and went 3-for-4, scoring three times and driving in six runs, in the 9-1 win over the Marlins.

Mike Zunino of the Mariners is AL Batter of the Day. Zunino doubled and went 2-for-3, scoring twice and driving in two runs, in the 13-2 win over the Angels.

Notable: Nationals pitcher Tanner Roark became the 50th player with 10.0 or more Box-Toppers points this season after earning Player of the Game honors Tuesday. Roark (7IP 0R W in the 3-0 win over the Braves) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 10.0 for the season. He ranks 50th among all players and 22nd among NL pitchers.

Arrieta receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Kluber receives 1.7 for AL Player of the Day. Flores and Zunino each receive 1.5 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.

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    916
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    20.0
    Cubs
    Jake Arrieta (W, 9-5)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    9.0
    1
    0
    0
    1
    13
  

    AL
    10.0
    Indians
    Corey Kluber (W, 16-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    7
    1
    1
    2
    14
  

    BAT
    8.0
    Mets
    Wilmer Flores   2B
    4
    3
    3
    6
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    7.0
    `Twins
    Ricky Nolasco
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.0
    5
    0
    0
    1
    5
  

    
    6.0
    Nationals
    Tanner Roark (W, 14-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    5
    0
    0
    0
    4
  

    
    5.0
    Pirates
    Charlie Morton (W, 6-12)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    5.0
    4
    0
    0
    2
    6
  

    
    4.0
    Rockies
    Corey Dickerson   LF
    4
    2
    2
    4
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.2
    Giants
    Jake Peavy (W, 6-4)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.2
    5
    1
    1
    1
    4
  

    BAT
    3.0
    Mariners
    Mike Zunino   C
    3
    2
    2
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Padres
    Alexi Amarista   SS
    4
    1
    3
    2
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Orioles
    Jimmy Paredes   3B
    3
    2
    2
    1
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Rays
    Wil Myers   PH, RF
    0
    0
    0
    2
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    White Sox
    Eric Surkamp (W, 2-0)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    0
    0
    0
    1
    2
  

    
    1.0
    Brewers
    Hector Gomez   PR, 3B, 2B
    2
    1
    1
    1
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Rangers
    Neftali Feliz (S, 10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    0
    0
    0
    0
    0
  

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

Padres' Andrew Cashner (2-hit shutout) tops players for Monday, Sept. 15

Shawn Plank September 16, 2014

Padres pitcher Andrew Cashner, who pitched a two-hit shutout, is Monday’s Player of the Day. Cashner also walked one and struck out seven in the 1-0 win over the Phillies.

Astros pitcher Collin McHugh is American League Player of the Day. McHugh struck out seven over 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run, in the 3-1 win over the Indians. McHugh earns 1.7 Box-Toppers points for being AL Player of the Day, giving him 11.8 for the season. He ranks 30th among all players and 17th among AL pitchers.

Mark Trumbo of the Diamondbacks is National League Batter of the Day. Trumbo hit a grand slam and went 2-for-4, driving in five runs, in the 6-2 win over the Giants.

Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers is AL Batter of the Day. Cabrera homered and doubled, going 3-for-5 with three runs in the 8-6 win over the Twins. Cabrera earns 1.5 Box-Toppers points for being AL Batter of the Day, giving him 12.5 for the season. He ranks 23rd among all players and second among AL batters, behind Jose Abreu of the White Sox (15.5 Box-Toppers points).

Notables: Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg rose to 14th place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Monday. Strasburg (7IP 0R 7K W in the 4-2 win over the Braves) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 14.7 for the season. He ranks sixth among NL pitchers.

Angels pitcher Matt Shoemaker rose to 33rd place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Monday. Shoemaker (7.2IP R 5K W in the 8-1 win over the Mariners) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 11.7 for the season. He ranks 19th among AL pitchers.

Adam Jones of the Orioles becomes the 49th player (and only the fifth batter) with 10.0 or more Box-Toppers points this season after earning Player of the Game honors Monday. Jones (3-4 R BI in the 5-2 win over the Blue Jays) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 10.5 for the season. He ranks 46th among all players and fourth among AL batters.

Cashner receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. McHugh receives 1.7 for AL Player of the Day. Trumbo and Cabrera each receive 1.5 for being top Batter of the Day in their league.

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

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    915
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    13.0
    Padres
    Andrew Cashner (W, 4-7)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    9.0
    2
    0
    0
    1
    7
  

    
    9.0
    Nationals
    Stephen Strasburg (W, 12-11)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    5
    0
    0
    0
    7
  

    AL
    7.2
    Astros
    Collin McHugh (W, 10-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.2
    5
    1
    0
    0
    7
  

    
    5.2
    Angels
    Matt Shoemaker (W, 16-4)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.2
    5
    1
    1
    0
    5
  

    BAT
    4.0
    Dbacks
    Mark Trumbo   1B
    4
    1
    2
    5
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    4.0
    `Cubs
    Travis Wood
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    3
    0
    0
    3
    4
  

    
    3.2
    `Rays
    Alex Colome
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.2
    6
    0
    0
    1
    4
  

    
    3.0
    Dodgers
    Justin Turner   PH
    1
    1
    1
    2
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    `Marlins
    Chris Hatcher (H, 5)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    0
    0
    0
    0
    2
  

    BAT
    2.0
    Tigers
    Miguel Cabrera   1B
    5
    3
    3
    1
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Royals
    Norichika Aoki   RF
    4
    1
    4
    0
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Orioles
    Adam Jones   CF
    4
    1
    3
    1
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

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

Kershaw, top NL player for Sunday, Sept. 14, becomes only 3rd player in 20 seasons with 30 Box-Toppers points

Shawn Plank September 15, 2014

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, Sunday’s National League Player of the Day, becomes only the third player in the past 20 years to earn 30 Box-Toppers points in a single season.

Most BTP single season
Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers now has the sixth-best single season in Box-Toppers history (dating back to 1995). He has 30.5 Box-Toppers points in 2014 and has a chance to break the single-season record of 33.7 set twice by Randy Johnson of the Diamondbacks in 2000 and 2002.





  
    Rank
    Player
    Team
    Pos
    Year
    BTP
  

    1
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2000
    33.7
  

    1
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2002
    33.7
  

    3
    Pedro Martinez
    Red Sox
    pi sp
    2000
    33.5
  

    4
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    1999
    31.5
  

    5
    Pedro Martinez
    Red Sox
    pi sp
    1999
    31.4
  

    6
    *Clayton Kershaw
    Dodgers
    pi sp
    2014
    30.5
  

    7
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2001
    29.4
  

    8
    Pedro Martinez
    Red Sox
    pi sp
    2002
    28.8
  

    9
    Curt Schilling
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2002
    28.4
  

    10
    Roger Clemens
    Blue Jays
    pi sp
    1997
    27.4
  


* Current season

BTP: Box-Toppers points

Kershaw, who earned 1.7 Box-Toppers points, now has 30.5 for the season and with possibly two starts remaining, still has a chance to break the single-season record for Box-Toppers points of 33.7, set twice by Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson in 2000 and 2002.

If Kershaw has two starts remaining, he would need to earn at least NL Player of the Day in both starts—worth 1.7 points each—to pass Johnson’s record. He could have as many as 34.5 total points if he is Player of the Day (earning 2.0 points each) in both starts.

Kershaw joins Johnson and Pedro Martinez as the only players who have earned 30 or more Box-Toppers points since Box-Toppers record keeping began in 1995. Johnson scored 30 three times (1999, 2000 and 2002) and Martinez did it twice with the Red Sox (1999 and 2000). So Sunday marked only the sixth time in 20 seasons that a player has passed the 30-point threshold.

Kershaw earned his 1.7 points Sunday by striking out nine over eight innings, allowing two runs, in the 4-2 win over the Giants. Kershaw extends his overall lead in Box-Toppers points for the season (see the updated top 10 player list on the home page), with 7.9 points more than the second-place player, Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner (22.6 Box-Toppers points).

With points earned Sunday, Kershaw moves from seventh to sixth place on the Box-Toppers “all-time” single-season points list, passing the 29.4 Randy Johnson earned in 2001 with the Diamondbacks.

Meanwhile, Rays pitcher Chris Archer is Sunday’s Player of the Day. Archer struck out nine over seven innings, allowing one run, in the 6-5, 10-inning win over the Blue Jays. Archer earned no decision because after he left, the Blue Jays tied the game before the Rays went ahead in the top of the 10th inning.

Archer earns 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day, giving him 11.4 for the season. He ranks 32nd among all players and 18th among American League pitchers.

Xander Bogaerts of the Red Sox is AL Batter of the Day. Bogaerts homered and went 3-for-4, scoring twice and driving in four runs, in the 8-4 win over the Royals.

Neil Walker of the Pirates is NL Batter of the Day. Walker homered and went 3-for-4, scoring twice and driving in two runs, in the 7-3 win over the Cubs.

Notables: Athletics pitcher Jon Lester rose to 13th place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Sunday. Lester (6IP 0R 7K W in the 4-0 win over the Mariners) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 14.7 for the season. He ranks seventh among AL pitchers.

Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann rose to 26th place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Sunday. Zimmermann (6.2IP 0R 5K W in the 3-0 win over the Mets) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 12.0 for the season. He ranks ninth among NL pitchers.

Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel rose to 43rd place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Sunday. Keuchel (7IP R W in the 6-1 win over the Angels) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 10.7 for the season. He ranks 21st among AL pitchers.

Archer and Keuchel on Sunday both passed 10.0 Box-Toppers points for the season. They are the 47th and 48th players this season with 10.0 or more Box-Toppers points.

Archer receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Kershaw receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Bogaerts and Walker each receive 1.5 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.

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    914
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    8.0
    `Rays
    Chris Archer
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    3
    1
    1
    3
    9
  

    BAT
    5.0
    Red Sox
    Xander Bogaerts   SS
    4
    2
    3
    4
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    NL
    5.0
    Dodgers
    Clayton Kershaw (W, 19-3)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.0
    7
    2
    2
    1
    9
  

    
    5.0
    Astros
    Dallas Keuchel (W, 11-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    3
    1
    1
    1
    4
  

    
    5.0
    Twins
    Trevor May (W, 3-4)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    5
    3
    3
    0
    10
  

    
    5.0
    Athletics
    Jon Lester (W, 15-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    4
    0
    0
    4
    7
  

    
    4.2
    Nationals
    Jordan Zimmermann (W, 12-5)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.2
    6
    0
    0
    1
    5
  

    
    4.2
    Cardinals
    Marco Gonzales (W, 3-2)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    5.2
    4
    1
    1
    4
    9
  

    
    4.2
    `Orioles
    Chris Tillman
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.2
    5
    1
    1
    1
    6
  

    
    4.0
    Rangers
    Luis Sardinas   2B
    5
    2
    3
    4
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    BAT
    3.0
    Pirates
    Neil Walker   2B
    4
    2
    3
    2
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Brewers
    Matt Garza (W, 8-8)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    4
    1
    1
    3
    6
  

    
    2.0
    Tigers
    J.D. Martinez   LF
    3
    1
    2
    2
    1
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Dbacks
    Zeke Spruill (W, 1-1)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    3.0
    1
    0
    0
    1
    1
  

    
    2.0
    Marlins
    Steve Cishek (S, 35)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    1
    0
    0
    1
    3
  

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

White Sox' Quintana tops players for Saturday, Sept. 13; Dodgers' Greinke rises to 11th in Box-Toppers rankings

Shawn Plank September 14, 2014

White Sox pitcher Jose Quintana is Saturday’s Player of the Day, while Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke rises to 11th place in Box-Toppers player rankings.

Quintana struck out 13 over seven innings, allowing one run and three hits, in the 5-1 win over the Twins.

Greinke rose to 11th place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning National League Player of the Day honors Saturday. Greinke pitched six scoreless innings in the 17-0 win over the Giants. Greinke earns 1.7 Box-Toppers points for being NL Player of the Day, giving him 15.5 for the season. He ranks fifth among NL pitchers.

Ian Desmond of the Nationals is NL Batter of the Day. Desmond doubled and went 3-for-4, scoring twice and driving in three runs, in the 10-3 win over the Mets.

Avisail Garcia of the White Sox is American League Batter of the Day. Garcia homered and went 2-for-4, scoring twice and driving in three runs, in the 7-6 win over the Twins.

Quintana receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Greinke receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Desmond and Garcia each receive 1.5 for being top Batter of the Day in their league.

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

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    913
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    13.0
    White Sox
    Jose Quintana (W, 8-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    3
    1
    1
    2
    13
  

    
    12.0
    Angels
    Jered Weaver (W, 17-8)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    4
    1
    1
    1
    12
  

    NL
    7.0
    Dodgers
    Zack Greinke (W, 15-8)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    4
    0
    0
    0
    5
  

    
    5.0
    Royals
    Jeremy Guthrie (W, 11-11)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.0
    3
    1
    0
    1
    2
  

    BAT
    4.0
    Nationals
    Ian Desmond   SS
    4
    2
    3
    3
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    4.0
    `Athletics
    Sonny Gray
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.0
    5
    2
    2
    2
    7
  

    
    4.0
    Cardinals
    Shelby Miller (W, 10-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    5
    1
    1
    0
    5
  

    
    4.0
    Reds
    David Holmberg (W, 1-1)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    2
    1
    1
    2
    4
  

    
    3.0
    Dbacks
    Mark Trumbo   1B
    5
    2
    3
    3
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    BAT
    3.0
    White Sox
    Avisail Garcia RF
    4
    2
    2
    3
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Blue Jays
    Adam Lind   1B
    3
    1
    2
    3
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.1
    Phillies
    Kyle Kendrick (W, 9-12)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.1
    7
    1
    1
    1
    6
  

    
    2.1
    Yankees
    Shane Greene (W, 5-3)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    5.1
    7
    2
    2
    1
    9
  

    
    2.0
    Cubs
    Felix Doubront (W, 2-1)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    4
    0
    0
    1
    1
  

    
    1.1
    `Rangers
    Spencer Patton (H, 1)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    0.1
    0
    0
    0
    0
    1
  

    
    1.0
    Tigers
    Alex Avila   C
    3
    1
    1
    2
    1
    2
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

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

Orioles' Norris tops players for Friday, Sept. 12; Giants' Bumgarner rises to 2nd in Box-Toppers rankings

Shawn Plank September 13, 2014

Orioles pitcher Bud Norris is Friday’s Player of the Day, while Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner rises to second place in Box-Toppers player rankings.

Norris pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out 10 in the 5-0 win over the Yankees.

Bumgarner rose from third to second place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning National League Player of the Day honors Friday. (See the updated top 10 player list on the home page.) Bumgarner pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out nine in the 9-0 win over the Dodgers. Bumgarner earns 1.7 Box-Toppers points for being NL Player of the Day, giving him 22.6 for the season. He is also second place among NL pitchers, trailing overall Box-Toppers points leader Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers (28.8 Box-Toppers points). Bumgarner passes American League leader Max Scherzer of the Tigers (21.1 Box-Toppers points) on the player rankings list.

Kole Calhoun of the Angels is AL Batter of the Day. Calhoun went 3-for-4, scoring three times and driving in two runs, in the 11-3 win over the Astros.

Jordy Mercer of the Pirates is NL Batter of the Day. Mercer went 3-for-5 and drove in three runs in the 7-3 win over the Cubs.

Notables: Tigers pitcher David Price maintained his eighth-place spot in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Friday. (See the updated top 10 player list on the home page.) Price (7.2IP R 7K W in the 7-2 win over the Indians) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 17.1 for the season. He ranks fifth among AL pitchers.

Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright rose to ninth place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Friday. (See the updated top 10 player list on the home page.) Wainwright (8IP R 8K W in the 5-1 win over the Rockies) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 16.0 for the season. He ranks fourth among NL pitchers.

Wainwright had led all players in Box-Toppers points several times this season, as late as June 28. However, he only scored 2.0 Box-Toppers points in July and none in August and on Aug. 30, fell out of Box-Toppers top 10 list. With this Player of the Game honor Friday, he rejoins the top 10 list, pushing out Jose Abreu of the White Sox (15.5 Box-Toppers points), who had been the only batter on the list.

Norris receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Bumgarner receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Calhoun and Mercer each receive 1.5 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.

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    912
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    12.0
    Orioles
    Bud Norris (W, 13-8)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    3
    0
    0
    2
    10
  

    NL
    11.0
    Giants
    Madison Bumgarner (W, 18-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    3
    0
    0
    2
    9
  

    
    11.0
    Rays
    Nate Karns (W, 1-0)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    2
    0
    0
    2
    8
  

    
    8.0
    Cardinals
    Adam Wainwright (W, 18-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.0
    6
    1
    1
    0
    8
  

    
    5.0
    `Orioles
    Kevin Gausman
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    7
    0
    0
    2
    7
  

    
    4.2
    Tigers
    David Price (W, 14-11)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.2
    8
    1
    1
    0
    7
  

    BAT
    4.0
    Angels
    Kole Calhoun   RF
    4
    3
    3
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    4.0
    Mariners
    James Paxton (W, 6-2)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    4
    2
    1
    3
    8
  

    
    3.0
    `Rangers
    Derek Holland
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    8
    1
    1
    0
    6
  

    
    3.0
    `Phillies
    Ken Giles
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    0
    0
    0
    0
    2
  

    
    1.2
    `Brewers
    Kyle Lohse
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.2
    5
    2
    2
    2
    6
  

    BAT
    1.0
    Pirates
    Jordy Mercer   SS
    5
    0
    3
    3
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Mets
    Juan Lagares   CF
    3
    1
    2
    1
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Red Sox
    Jemile Weeks   2B
    3
    2
    2
    0
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    0.0
    Padres
    Yasmani Grandal   1B
    4
    1
    2
    1
    0
    2
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

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

Pujols rises from 10th to 7th on Box-Toppers 'all-time' career points list

Shawn Plank September 12, 2014

Albert Pujols of the Angels rose from 10th to seventh place on the “all-time” career Box-Toppers points list this past week.

Pujols, who was American League batter of the day twice in the past week, picked up 3.0 Box-Toppers points, increasing his career Box-Toppers points total from 164.3 to 167.3. In the process, he passed three players on the all-time top list:

Top 10 players 'all-time'
Here are Box-Toppers' Top 10 'all-time' players (record keeping began in 1995). The list includes four players who are currently active in the Majors. One, Manny Ramirez, who plays and coaches in the Minor Leagues. Another player, Alex Rodriguez, is serving a drug suspension in 2014. The list also includes five retired players.

    Player
    Pos
    Team
    BTP
  
    1
    Randy Johnson
    pi sp
    
    278.8
  
    2
    Pedro Martinez
    pi sp
    
    244.8
  
    3
    Curt Schilling
    pi sp
    
    194.1
  
    4
    Alex Rodriguez
    3b dh
    susp
    179.3
  
    5
    CC Sabathia
    pi sp
    Yankees
    173.3
  
    6
    Roy Halladay
    pi sp
    
    170.7
  
    7
    Albert Pujols
    dh 1b
    Angels
    167.3
  
    8
    Manny Ramirez
    lf dh
    Cubs
    167.2
  
    9
    Johan Santana
    pi sp
    Orioles
    166.6
  
    10
    Roger Clemens
    pi sp
    
    164.8
  
susp-Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees has been suspended for the 2014 season.

BTP: Box-Toppers points

• Retired pitcher Roger Clemens (164.8 Box-Toppers points, now in 10th place).

• Pitcher Johan Santana, currently on the disabled list with the Orioles (166.6 Box-Toppers points, now ranked ninth).

• Left fielder/designated hitter Manny Ramirez, currently a minor league player/coach for the Cubs (167.2 Box-Toppers points, now at number eight).

Pujols also moved from third to second among all batters, passing Ramirez. He now trails only overall batting leader, Alex Rodriguez (179.3 Box-Toppers points), currently suspended from baseball under the performance enhancing drug policy.

The only currently active, non-suspended player ahead of Pujols on Box-Toppers career top 10 list is Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, who is in fifth place with 173.3 Box-Toppers points.

Box-Toppers record keeping began in 1995.

Kershaw maintains overall Box-Toppers points lead, race for top AL pitcher tightens

Shawn Plank September 12, 2014

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw maintains his dominant lead among all players in Box-Toppers points, but the race for most points among American League pitchers is tightening up.

Top players
Through Thursday, Sept. 11





  
    

    OVERALL LEADERS
    POS
    TEAM
    BTP
  

    1
    Kershaw, Clayton 2494
    pi sp
    lad nl
    28.8
  

    2
    Scherzer, Max 2588
    pi sp
    det al
    21.1
  

    3
    Bumgarner, Madison 2753
    pi sp
    sf nl
    20.9
  

    4
    Kluber, Corey 3200
    pi sp
    cle al
    20.4
  

    5
    Cueto, Johnny 2400
    pi sp
    cin nl
    19.4
  

    6
    Hernandez, Felix 2064
    pi sp
    sea al
    17.8
  

    7
    Sale, Chris 2806
    pi sp
    chi al
    17.4
  

    8
    Price, David 2593
    pi sp
    det al
    16.1
  

    9
    Richards, Garrett 3042
    pi sp
    ana al
    15.7
  

    10
    Abreu, Jose 3308
    1b
    chi al
    15.5
  

    
    
    
    
    
  

    
    AL PITCHERS
    POS
    TEAM
    BTP
  

    1
    Scherzer, Max 2588
    pi sp
    det al
    21.1
  

    2
    Kluber, Corey 3200
    pi sp
    cle al
    20.4
  

    3
    Hernandez, Felix 2064
    pi sp
    sea al
    17.8
  

    4
    Sale, Chris 2806
    pi sp
    chi al
    17.4
  

    5
    Price, David 2593
    pi sp
    det al
    16.1
  

    6
    Richards, Garrett 3042
    pi sp
    ana al
    15.7
  

    7
    Kazmir, Scott 1947
    pi sp
    oak al
    14.1
  

    8
    Hutchison, Drew 3038
    pi sp
    tor al
    14.0
  

    9
    Lester, Jon 2173
    pi sp
    oak al
    13.7
  

    10
    Shields, Jamie (James) 2157
    pi sp
    kc al
    13.7
  

    
    
    
    
    
  

    
    AL BATTERS
    POS
    TEAM
    BTP
  

    1
    Abreu, Jose 3308
    1b
    chi al
    15.5
  

    2
    Cabrera, Miguel 1776
    1b
    det al
    11.0
  

    3
    Donaldson, Josh 3144
    3b
    oak al
    10.5
  

    4
    Jones, Adam 2347
    cf
    bal al
    9.5
  

    5
    Cruz, Nelson Ramon 2224
    dh lf
    bal al
    8.5
  

    6
    Encarnacion, Edwin 2098
    1b dh lf
    tor al
    8.0
  

    7
    Carter, Chris 2828
    dh
    hou al
    8.0
  

    8
    Cespedes, Yoenis 3008
    lf
    bos al
    8.0
  

    9
    Seager, Kyle 3031
    3b
    sea al
    8.0
  

    10
    Pujols, Albert 1438
    dh 1b
    ana al
    7.5
  

    
    
    
    
    
  

    
    NL PITCHERS
    POS
    TEAM
    BTP
  

    1
    Kershaw, Clayton 2494
    pi sp
    lad nl
    28.8
  

    2
    Bumgarner, Madison 2753
    pi sp
    sf nl
    20.9
  

    3
    Cueto, Johnny 2400
    pi sp
    cin nl
    19.4
  

    4
    Wainwright, Adam 2150
    pi sp
    stl nl
    15.0
  

    5
    Greinke, Zack 1871
    pi sp
    lad nl
    13.8
  

    6
    Strasburg, Stephen 2736
    pi sp
    dc nl
    13.7
  

    7
    Teheran, Julio 3176
    pi sp
    atl nl
    13.4
  

    8
    Fister, Doug 2688
    pi sp
    dc nl
    12.4
  

    9
    Collmenter, Josh 2863
    pi sp
    ari nl
    12.0
  

    10
    deGrom, Jacob 3343
    pi sp
    nym nl
    12.0
  

    
    
    
    
    
  

    
    NL BATTERS
    POS
    TEAM
    BTP
  

    1
    Tulowitzki, Troy 2308
    ss
    col nl
    11.6
  

    2
    Ozuna, Marcell 3190
    cf
    fla nl
    8.0
  

    3
    Freeman, Freddie 2887
    1b
    atl nl
    7.7
  

    4
    Posey, Buster 2745
    ca
    sf nl
    7.5
  

    5
    Holliday, Matt 1836
    lf
    stl nl
    7.5
  

    6
    Duda, Lucas 2818
    1b
    nym nl
    7.5
  

    7
    Yelich, Christian 3334
    lf
    fla nl
    7.5
  

    8
    Gonzalez, Adrian 2193
    1b
    lad nl
    7.2
  

    9
    Upton, Justin 2411
    lf
    atl nl
    7.2
  

    10
    Howard, Ryan 2040
    1b
    phi nl
    7.2
  

BTP: Box-Toppers points 

Kershaw picked up 1.0 Box-Toppers point over the past week and now has 28.8, the seventh-highest single-season total since Box-Toppers record keeping began in 1995. With possibly three starts left in the season, Kershaw has a chance of breaking the “all-time” single season record of 33.7 set by Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson in 2000 and 2002.

Kershaw leads second-place National League pitcher Madison Bumgarner of the Giants by 7.9 Box-Toppers points. Bumgarner has 20.9 for the season.

The race for top American League pitcher is getting tighter. Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer still leads with 21.1 Box-Toppers points, but Indians pitcher Corey Kluber, who has picked up 3.0 points in the past week, now has 20.4, only 0.7 points behind. Scherzer has led AL pitchers since the July 3 player rankings report, but in the past four weeks has only earned 1.0 Box-Toppers point, while Kluber has picked up 5.0 in that time.

Jose Abreu of the White Sox still leads AL batters in Box-Toppers points with 15.5. He ranks 10th among all players and is the only batter among the top 10.

There is a new number two NL batter: Marcell Ozuna of the Marlins has 8.0 Box-Toppers points, passing Freddie Freeman of the Braves (7.7). Freeman has been in second place among NL batters since the May 1 player rankings report and has not earned any Box-Toppers points since June 28.

What are those numbers after players' names?

Los Angeles Angels, hottest team of week, extend lead in Box-Toppers team rankings

Shawn Plank September 12, 2014

The Los Angeles Angels have extended their lead atop Box-Toppers team rankings and were the hottest team of the past week.

Angels players have accumulated 116.7 Box-Toppers points this season, including 9.0 during the past week, more than any other team.

Top 10 teams
Here are Box-Toppers' Top 10 teams, through the games of Thursday, Sept. 11. The column BTP shows the number of Box-Toppers points players on the team have accumulated so far this season. The column BTP/wk shows have many points teams have accumulated in the past week.





  
    911
    Teams
    BTP
    BTP
/wk
    Last 
wk 
rank
  

    1
    Angels
    116.7
    9.0
    1
  

    2
    Athletics
    109.9
    2.5
    2
  

    3
    Dodgers
    109.8
    5.7
    3
  

    4
    Cardinals
    104.1
    3.0
    4
  

    5
    Giants
    102.6
    5.5
    6
  

    6
    Tigers
    102.4
    3.0
    5
  

    7
    Orioles
    99.9
    4.5
    7
  

    8
    Nationals
    98.5
    4.5
    8
  

    9
    Blue Jays
    97.0
    5.0
    9
  

    10
    Mariners
    91.9
    3.5
    10
  

BTP: Box-Toppers points

The Oakland Athletics remain the second place overall team with 109.9 Box-Toppers points and the Los Angeles Dodgers, third in team rankings, remain the top National League team, with 109.8 Box-Toppers points.

The Angels leading player, pitcher Garrett Richards, who has 15.7 Box-Toppers points, is out for the season with a torn knee tendon. Richards still ranks ninth among all players and sixth among AL pitchers. The next-highest rated Angels player is pitcher Matt Shoemaker, with 10.7 Box-Toppers points. He ranks 19th among AL pitchers.

The Angels also have baseball’s best winning percentage (.623).

The Dodgers, the top NL team, are led by overall Box-Toppers points leader, pitcher Clayton Kershaw (28.8) and pitcher Zack Greinke (13.8 Box-Toppers points, who ranks fifth among NL pitchers).

The Dodgers have the second-best winning percentage in the NL (.568), behind the Washington Nationals (.572). The Nationals have 98.5 Box-Toppers points and rank eighth among all teams, fourth among NL teams.

Last week’s lowest-ranked team, the Boston Red Sox, rose one spot from 30th to 29th place, with 59.7 Box-Toppers points. The Texas Rangers are now the lowest-ranked team with 59.5 Box-Toppers points.

Pirates' Liriano tops players for Thursday, Sept. 11; trio of Box-Toppers top 10 players earn points

Shawn Plank September 12, 2014

Pirates pitcher Francisco Liriano is Thursday’s Player of the Day, while three pitchers in Box-Toppers player rankings top 10 also earned Player of the Game honors Thursday.

Liriano pitched eight scoreless innings and struck out 12 in the 4-1 win over the Phillies. Liriano earns 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day, giving him 10.1 for the season. He ranks 45th among all players and 21st among National League pitchers. He is the 46th player this season with 10.0 or more Box-Toppers points.

The three pitchers among Box-Toppers top 10 who earned Player of the Game honors Thursday are Corey Kluber of the Indians, Johnny Cueto of the Reds and Chris Sale of the White Sox. (See the updated top 10 player list on the home page.)

Kluber becomes the fourth player this season with 20.0 or more Box-Toppers points after earning Player of the Game honors. Kluber (8.1IP 2R 7K W in the 8-2 win over the Twins) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 20.4 for the season. He maintains his spot in fourth place in Box-Toppers player rankings and is second among American League pitchers. He now trails AL pitching leader Max Scherzer of the Tigers (21.1 Box-Toppers points) by only 0.7 points.

Cueto maintained his spot in fifth place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors. Cueto (8IP 0R 7K W in the 1-0 win over the Cardinals) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 19.4 for the season. He ranks third among NL pitchers.

Sale moves up from eighth to seventh place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning AL Player of the Day honors. Sale pitched eight scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out nine, in the 1-0 win over the Athletics. Sale earns 1.7 Box-Toppers points for being AL Player of the Day, giving him 17.4 for the season. He ranks fourth among AL pitchers.

Chris Young of the Yankees is AL Batter of the Day. Young hit a walk-off three-run homer and went 2-for-4, scoring twice, in the 5-4 win over the Rays.

Anthony Rendon of the Nationals is NL Batter of the Day. Rendon hit a two-run homer and went 3-for-5, scoring twice, in the 6-2 win over the Mets.

Liriano receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Sale receives 1.7 for AL Player of the Day. Young and Rendon each receive 1.5 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.

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    911
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    14.0
    Pirates
    Francisco Liriano (W, 5-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.0
    4
    0
    0
    2
    12
  

    AL
    13.0
    White Sox
    Chris Sale (W, 12-3)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.0
    2
    0
    0
    2
    9
  

    
    11.0
    Reds
    Johnny Cueto (W, 18-8)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.0
    3
    0
    0
    1
    7
  

    
    11.0
    Indians
    T.J. House (W, 3-3)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    4
    0
    0
    0
    8
  

    
    7.0
    Brewers
    Mike Fiers (W, 6-2)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    5.0
    3
    0
    0
    3
    8
  

    
    5.2
    Giants
    Jake Peavy (W, 5-4)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    5.2
    6
    1
    1
    0
    8
  

    
    3.1
    Indians
    Corey Kluber (W, 15-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.1
    8
    2
    2
    0
    7
  

    BAT
    3.0
    Yankees
    Chris Young   LF
    4
    2
    2
    3
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.1
    `Angels
    Cory Rasmus
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    3.1
    2
    1
    1
    0
    3
  

    BAT
    2.0
    Nationals
    Anthony Rendon   3B
    5
    2
    3
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Red Sox
    Will Middlebrooks   3B
    4
    2
    2
    1
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

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

Royals' James Shields tops players for Wednesday, Sept. 10, rises to 16th in Box-Toppers player rankings

Shawn Plank September 11, 2014

Royals pitcher James Shields is Wednesday’s Player of the Day. Shields pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out eight, in the 3-0 win over the Tigers.

Shields earns 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day, giving him 13.7 for the season. He ranks 16th among all players and 10th among American League pitchers.

Braves pitcher Aaron Harang is National League Player of the Day. Harang struck out nine over seven innings, allowing one run, in the 6-2 win over the Nationals.

Brian McCann of the Yankees is AL Batter of the Day. McCann homered and went 2-for-3, scoring twice and driving in three runs, in the 8-5 win over the Rays.

Matt Clark of the Brewers is NL Batter of the Day. Clark homered and went 1-for-2, driving in two runs, in the 4-1 win over the Marlins. This was Clark’s Box-Toppers debut, the first time he has earned Player of the Game honors. He is the 3,411th player to debut in Box-Toppers since record keeping began in 1995. He made his Major League debut Sept. 2 and was playing in his sixth game.

Notable: Blue Jays pitcher Drew Hutchison rises to 13th place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Day honors Wednesday. Hutchison (6.1IP R 10K W in the 11-1 win over the Cubs) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 14.0 for the season. He ranks eighth among AL pitchers.

Shields receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Harang receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. McCann and Clark each receive 1.5 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.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    910
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    12.0
    Royals
    James Shields (W, 14-7)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    2
    0
    0
    1
    8
  

    
    9.1
    Blue Jays
    Drew Hutchison (W, 10-11)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.1
    4
    1
    1
    1
    10
  

    NL
    9.0
    Braves
    Aaron Harang (W, 11-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    6
    1
    0
    0
    9
  

    
    7.0
    Dodgers
    Dan Haren (W, 13-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    4
    0
    0
    1
    5
  

    
    6.0
    Orioles
    Wei-Yin Chen (W, 15-4)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    3
    1
    1
    0
    4
  

    
    5.1
    Mets
    Rafael Montero (W, 1-3)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    5.1
    3
    0
    0
    4
    7
  

    BAT
    4.0
    Yankees
    Brian McCann   C
    3
    2
    2
    3
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    `Astros
    Darin Downs (H, 10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    2.0
    0
    0
    0
    1
    2
  

    
    3.0
    Reds
    Aroldis Chapman (S, 32)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    0
    0
    0
    0
    2
  

    
    2.2
    `Giants
    Ryan Vogelsong
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.2
    2
    0
    0
    5
    3
  

    BAT
    2.0
    Brewers
    Matt Clark   1B
    2
    1
    1
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Angels
    Efren Navarro   PH
    1
    0
    1
    2
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    `White Sox
    Chris Bassitt
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    5
    1
    1
    2
    5
  

    
    2.0
    Pirates
    Mark Melancon (S, 28)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    0
    0
    0
    0
    1
  

    
    1.0
    Tigers
    J.D. Martinez   LF
    3
    1
    1
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

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

Mets' deGrom tops players for Tuesday, Sept. 9; Athletics' Donaldson is 3rd-ranked AL batter, Marlins' Ozuna is 2nd-ranked NL batter

Shawn Plank September 10, 2014

Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom is Tuesday’s Player of the Day and rises to 26th place in Box-Toppers season player rankings.

deGrom pitched eight scoreless innings and struck out nine in the 2-0 win over the Rockies . He earns 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day, giving him 12.0 for the season. He ranks 10th among National League pitchers.

Astros pitcher Collin McHugh is American League Player of the Day. McHugh allowed two hits and one run over eight innings in the 2-1 win over the Mariners. He earns 1.7 Box-Toppers points for being AL Player of the Day, giving him 10.1 for the season. He is the 44th player this season with 10.0 or more Box-Toppers points. He ranks 45th among all players and 21st among AL pitchers.

Josh Donaldson of the Athletics is AL Batter of the Day. Donaldson doubled and went 5-for-6, scoring twice and driving in four runs, in the 11-2 win over the White Sox. Donaldson earns 1.5 Box-Toppers points for being AL Batter of the Day, giving him 10.5 for the season. He is the 45th player this season with 10.0 or more Box-Toppers points. He ranks 42nd among all players and third among all AL batters, behind Jose Abreu of the White Sox (15.5 Box-Toppers points) and Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers (11.0 Box-Toppers points).

Devin Mesoraco of the Reds is NL Batter of the Day. Mesoraco homered and went 2-for-3, scoring three times and driving in three runs, in the 9-5 win over the Cardinals.

Notable: Marcell Ozuna of the Marlins rose to second place among National League batters after earning Player of the Game honors Tuesday. Ozuna (HR 3-3 2R 2BI in the 6-3 win over the Brewers) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 8.0 for the season. He ranks 73rd among all players and is second to NL batting leader Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies (11.6 Box-Toppers points).

deGrom receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. McHugh receives 1.7 for AL Player of the Day. Donaldson and Mesoraco each receive 1.5 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.

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    909
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    14.0
    Mets
    Jacob deGrom (W, 8-6)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.0
    3
    0
    0
    0
    9
  

    
    12.0
    Giants
    Yusmeiro Petit (W, 5-3)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    9.0
    4
    1
    1
    0
    9
  

    AL
    8.0
    Astros
    Collin McHugh (W, 9-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.0
    2
    1
    1
    0
    4
  

    BAT
    5.0
    Athletics
    Josh Donaldson   3B
    6
    2
    5
    4
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    BAT
    5.0
    Reds
    Devin Mesoraco   C
    3
    3
    2
    3
    2
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    4.0
    Orioles
    Alejandro De Aza   LF
    4
    2
    3
    3
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    4.0
    Marlins
    Marcell Ozuna   CF
    3
    2
    3
    2
    2
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    4.0
    Phillies
    Freddy Galvis   SS
    3
    3
    3
    1
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    4.0
    Blue Jays
    Munenori Kawasaki   PH, 2B
    1
    2
    1
    2
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Rays
    James Loney   1B
    4
    1
    3
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Angels
    Collin Cowgill   LF
    4
    1
    2
    3
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Nationals
    Adam LaRoche   1B
    3
    1
    2
    2
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Twins
    Oswaldo Arcia   RF
    4
    1
    2
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Padres
    Jedd Gyorko   2B
    4
    1
    2
    2
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Tigers
    J.D. Martinez   LF
    3
    1
    1
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

Blue Jays' Stroman tops players for Monday, Sept. 8; Kershaw continues quest toward Box-Toppers single-season record

Shawn Plank September 9, 2014

Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman is Monday’s Player of the Day, while Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw keeps his chances alive to break Box-Toppers’ single-season points record.

Most BTP single season
Randy Johnson is the all-time leader in Box-Toppers points in a single season—he scored 33.7 twice, in 2000 and 2002. Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers rose into a tie for seventh place on the "all-time" list Monday (he now has 28.8). And with two or three likely starts remaining, he has a chance to break Randy Johnson's record for most Box-Toppers points in a season.





  
    Rank
    Player
    Team
    Pos
    Year
    BTP
  

    1
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2000
    33.7
  

    1
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2002
    33.7
  

    3
    Pedro Martinez
    Red Sox
    pi sp
    2000
    33.5
  

    4
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    1999
    31.5
  

    5
    Pedro Martinez
    Red Sox
    pi sp
    1999
    31.4
  

    6
    Randy Johnson
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2001
    29.4
  

    7
    Pedro Martinez
    Red Sox
    pi sp
    2002
    28.8
  

    7
    *Clayton Kershaw
    Dodgers
    pi sp
    2014
    28.8
  

    9
    Curt Schilling
    Dbacks
    pi sp
    2002
    28.4
  

    10
    Roger Clemens
    Blue Jays
    pi sp
    1997
    27.4
  


* Current season

BTP: Box-Toppers points

Stroman pitched a three-hit, complete game shutout, striking out eight, in the 8-0 win over the Cubs. He earns 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day, giving him 12.7 for the season. He ranks 20th among all players and 12th among American League pitchers.

Kershaw meanwhile solidified his dominant lead among all players in Box-Toppers points (see the updated top 10 player list on the home page) and now has the seventh-best single-season Box-Toppers points total of “all-time,” after earning Player of the Game honors Monday. Kershaw (8IP 8K W in the 9-4 win over the Padres) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 28.8 for the season.

Kershaw is now 4.9 Box-Toppers points behind the all-time single-season record of 33.7 points set twice by Randy Johnson of the Diamondbacks—in 2000 and 2002.

With less than three weeks remaining in the season, Kershaw likely has two or three starts remaining. If he only starts two more games, the most he can earn is 4.0 Box-Toppers points (by being overall Player of the Day twice) and would end 0.9 points short of the record. But if he has three starts remaining, he has a chance to break the record if he is Player of the Day twice and at least Player of the Game once. In his 24 starts this season, he has failed to earn Box-Toppers points in only six starts.

While Kershaw’s 28.8 Box-Toppers points is now tied with the 28.8 points earned by Pedro Martinez of the Red Sox in 2002, there are now only two different names ahead of Kershaw on the “all-time” single-season list—Martinez and Johnson. Between 1999 and 2002, the two pitchers produced the seven highest single-season Box-Toppers point totals of “all-time”—Box-Toppers record keeping began in 1995.

If Kershaw earns 1.2 more Box-Toppers points, it will only be the sixth time a player has reached 30.0 Box-Toppers points in a season.

Pirates pitcher Jeff Locke is National League Player of the Day. Locke struck out nine over seven innings, allowing one run, in the 6-4 win over the Phillies.

Albert Pujols of the Angels is AL Batter of the Day. Pujols hit a three-run homer and went 3-for-5, scoring three times and driving in three runs, in the 12-3 win over the Indians. This is the second time in three days Pujols has earned AL Batter of the Day honors. Earning 1.5 Box-Toppers points, Pujols now has 7.5 points for the season and ranks 10th among AL batters, moving ahead of teammate Mike Trout. Trout also has 7.5 points this season, but Pujols edges him out on the AL batter top 10 list because he has more points over the past two seasons—11.5 vs. 11.0.

There is no NL Batter of the Day Monday because no NL batter earned Player of the Game honors.

Notables: Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez maintained his sixth-place spot in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Monday. (See the updated top 10 player list on the home page.) Hernandez (6IP 0R 8K ND in the 4-1 win over the Astros) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 17.8 for the season. He also maintains his third-place spot among AL pitchers.

Nationals pitcher Doug Fister rises to 23rd in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Monday. Fister (7IP 0R W in the 2-1 win over the Braves) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 12.4 for the season. He ranks eighth among NL pitchers.

Stroman receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Locke receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Pujols receives 1.5 for being AL Batter of the Day,

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

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    908
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    14.0
    Blue Jays
    Marcus Stroman (W, 10-5)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    9.0
    3
    0
    0
    0
    8
  

    NL
    11.0
    Pirates
    Jeff Locke (W, 7-4)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    3
    1
    1
    0
    9
  

    
    8.0
    Cardinals
    Shelby Miller (W, 9-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    3
    0
    0
    0
    4
  

    
    7.0
    Dodgers
    Clayton Kershaw (W, 18-3)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.0
    3
    3
    1
    2
    8
  

    
    5.0
    Nationals
    Doug Fister (W, 13-6)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    2
    0
    0
    3
    3
  

    
    5.0
    `Mariners
    Felix Hernandez
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    5
    0
    0
    4
    8
  

    BAT
    4.0
    Angels
    Albert Pujols   DH
    5
    3
    3
    3
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    White Sox
    Tyler Flowers   C
    4
    2
    3
    2
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.2
    `Mets
    Jon Niese
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.2
    8
    1
    1
    1
    7
  

    
    2.0
    Tigers
    Nick Castellanos   3B
    4
    2
    2
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Marlins
    Steve Cishek (S, 33)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    0
    0
    0
    0
    1
  

    
    1.1
    Orioles
    Miguel Gonzalez (W, 9-7)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.1
    6
    0
    0
    3
    4
  

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

Indians' Carlos Carrasco (8.2IP 0R 4H 8K) tops players for Sunday, Sept. 7

Shawn Plank September 8, 2014

Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco is Sunday’s Player of the Day. Carrasco pitched 8 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and striking out eight, in the 2-0 win over the White Sox.

Adrian Gonzalez of the Dodgers is National League Player of the Day. Gonzalez hit two three-run homers in the 7-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Nelson Cruz of the Orioles is AL Batter of the Day. Cruz hit two home runs and tripled, going 4-for-5, driving in seven runs, in the 7-5, 11-inning win over the Rays.

Notable: Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers rises to 31st place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Sunday. Cabrera (HR 2-4 2R 3BI in the 6-1 win over the Giants) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 11.0 for the season. He ranks second among AL batters, behind Jose Abreu of the White Sox (15.5 Box-Toppers points).

Carrasco receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Gonzalez receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Cruz receives 1.5 for being AL Batter of the Day.

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

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    907
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    12.2
    Indians
    Carlos Carrasco (W, 7-4)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    8.2
    4
    0
    0
    0
    8
  

    BAT
    8.0
    Orioles
    Nelson Cruz   DH
    5
    2
    4
    7
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    NL
    6.0
    Dodgers
    Adrian Gonzalez   1B
    4
    2
    2
    6
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    6.0
    Rangers
    Derek Holland (W, 1-0)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    6
    0
    0
    0
    5
  

    
    6.0
    Rockies
    Franklin Morales (W, 6-7)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    4
    0
    0
    2
    6
  

    
    5.0
    Angels
    Howie Kendrick   2B
    4
    2
    3
    4
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    4.0
    Marlins
    Brad Hand (W, 3-6)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    5
    0
    0
    0
    3
  

    
    3.0
    Pirates
    Neil Walker   2B
    5
    3
    3
    2
    0
    2
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Tigers
    Miguel Cabrera   1B
    4
    2
    2
    3
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Mets
    Curtis Granderson   RF
    3
    2
    2
    2
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    3.0
    Blue Jays
    R.A. Dickey (W, 12-12)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    6
    1
    1
    0
    4
  

    
    3.0
    Nationals
    Drew Storen (S, 2)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    0
    0
    0
    0
    2
  

    
    2.1
    Astros
    Jose Veras (W, 4-0)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.1
    2
    0
    0
    0
    3
  

    
    2.0
    Cardinals
    Jhonny Peralta   SS
    5
    2
    3
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Royals
    Wade Davis (S, 2)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.0
    1
    0
    0
    0
    2
  

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

Indians' Kluber tops players for Saturday, Sept. 6, ranks 4th in Box-Toppers player rankings

Shawn Plank September 7, 2014

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber, Saturday’s Player of the Day, ranks fourth in Box-Toppers season player rankings.

Kluber pitched a complete game, allowing one run and five hits and striking out eight, in the 3-1 win over the White Sox. Kluber earns 2.0 Box-Toppers points, giving him 19.4 for the season. He maintains his fourth place spot in Box-Toppers player rankings. (See the updated top 10 player list on the home page.) He ranks second among American League pitchers, behind Max Scherzer of the Tigers (21.1 Box-Toppers points).

Pirates pitcher Francisco Liriano is National League Player of the Day. Liriano pitched six scoreless innings and struck out nine in the 5-0 win over the Cubs.

Albert Pujols of the Angels is AL Batter of the Day. Pujols homered and doubled, going 3-for-5, scoring three times and driving in three runs, in the 8-5 win over the Twins.

Buster Posey of the Giants is NL Batter of the Day. Posey homered and went 3-for-3, scoring twice, in the 5-4 win over the Tigers.

Notables: Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto maintained his fifth-place spot in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Saturday. (See the updated top 10 player list on the home page.) Cueto (7IP R 8K W in the 2-1 win over the Mets) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 18.4 for the season. He ranks third among NL pitchers.

Rays pitcher Drew Smyly rises to 17th place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Saturday. Smyly (6IP R 8K ND in the 3-2 win over the Orioles) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 13.4 for the season. He ranks ninth among AL pitchers.

Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu rises to 29th place in Box-Toppers player rankings after earning Player of the Game honors Saturday. Ryu (6.2IP 9K ND in the 5-2 win over the Diamondbacks) earns 1.0 Box-Toppers point, giving him 11.4 for the season. He ranks 11th among NL pitchers.

Kluber receives 2.0 Box-Toppers points for being Player of the Day. Liriano receives 1.7 for NL Player of the Day. Pujols and Posey each receive 1.5 for being top Batter of the Day in their league.

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

Box-Toppers watches the daily performances of selected star players and Box-Toppers points leaders. To see how they performed, click here.

Top player from each game

Listed from highest to lowest Box-Toppers game score

  
    906
    Score
    Team
    Player
    AB
    R
    H
    BI
    BB
    K
    
    IP
    H
    R
    ER
    BB
    K
  

    MLB
    11.0
    Indians
    Corey Kluber (W, 14-9)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    9.0
    5
    1
    0
    0
    8
  

    NL
    10.0
    Pirates
    Francisco Liriano (W, 4-10)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    3
    0
    0
    2
    9
  

    
    6.0
    `Rays
    Drew Smyly
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.0
    4
    1
    1
    2
    8
  

    
    5.0
    Reds
    Johnny Cueto (W, 17-8)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    6
    1
    1
    2
    8
  

    BAT
    4.0
    Angels
    Albert Pujols   1B
    5
    3
    3
    3
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    4.0
    Pirates
    Mark Melancon (W, 3-4)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    2.0
    1
    0
    0
    0
    3
  

    
    3.2
    `Dodgers
    Hyun-Jin Ryu
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.2
    7
    2
    2
    1
    9
  

    BAT
    3.0
    Giants
    Buster Posey   1B
    3
    2
    3
    1
    1
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.1
    Braves
    David Carpenter (W, 6-3)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    1.1
    0
    0
    0
    0
    1
  

    
    2.0
    Mariners
    Kyle Seager   3B
    5
    2
    3
    2
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    2.0
    Rockies
    Michael McKenry   C
    4
    2
    2
    2
    2
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.1
    Red Sox
    Clay Buchholz (W, 7-8)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    6.1
    4
    2
    2
    2
    5
  

    
    1.0
    Yankees
    Martin Prado   2B
    4
    2
    3
    0
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Athletics
    Josh Reddick   RF
    4
    1
    2
    2
    0
    0
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Cardinals
    Oscar Taveras   RF
    3
    1
    1
    2
    0
    1
    
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
  

    
    1.0
    Phillies
    A.J. Burnett (W, 8-15)
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    
    7.0
    6
    1
    1
    2
    4
  

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

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Tracking who most helps their teams win the most games, based on box score stats. A method to measure & compare baseball's top players.