Diamond Dust: Power Players Edition, V.3.0

The All Star game was one to remember. I would like to put forth a notion that no one should be allowed on the field if they are unable to play. Why have Kazmir in the bullpen if they do not want him to pitch? If the game counts (as they have told us continually), these guys have to act like it. Credit to Clint Hurdle for throwing his guy for three innings before bringing in Brandon Webb.

The Not-So Crappy Cardinals have come out swinging in the second part of the season in sweeping the lowly Padres in impressive manner, coming from behind to win each of the games. None were more dramatic than Aaron Miles' walk-off grand slam in yesterday's 9-5 victory. The time has come to shut down Jason Isringhausen, as he blew a two run ninth inning lead yesterday. Troy Glaus is currently the hottest hitter o the planet. After a loss to the Phillies on July 10, Glaus was hitting .256. Since then his average has shot to .284 over 7 games. During this stretch, he has gone 17-29 with 12 runs scored, 4 doubles, 5 home runs, 9 RBIs, and has only struck out 3 times. More importantly, during this stretch, the Cards are 6-1, winning their last 5. The team will be tested this week, starting a four game set at home against the similarly hot Brew Crew and three this weekend against the Mets. And now for power players:

Top Bats:

1. Lance Berkman (1)-.342 (2)/22 HR (8t)/73 RBI (4)/.438 OBP (3)/.638 SLG (1)/30 2B (2)/15 SB (13t)
2. Josh Hamilton (2)-.309 (10)/21 HR (3t)/95 RBI (1)/.365 OBP (22)/.545 SLG (6)/24 2B (24t)
3. Albert Pujols (5)-.359 (2)/18 HR (20t)/55 RBI (30t)/.472 OBP (1)/.611 SLG (2)/21 2B (35t)/14 games missed
4. Chipper Jones (3)-.373 (1)/18 HR (20t)/53 RBI (33t)/.469 OBP (2)/.607 SLG (3)/12 games missed
5. Ian Kinsler (NR)-.328 (1)/14 HR (24t)/5 RBI (12t)/.389 OBP (9)/.533 SLG (9t)/34 2B (2)/24 SB (5t)

Guys to keep an eye on: Chase Utley (4), Dan Uggla, Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Ryan Braun, Ryan Ludwick, Carlos Quentin, Jermain Dye, Milton Bradley

Top Arms:

1. Cliff Lee (2)-13-2 (1)/2.29 ERA (1)/110 K (7)
2. Edinson Volquez (1)-13-3 (2t)/2.49 ERA (1)/129 K (4)
3. Francisco Rodriguez (NR)-44 IP/2.25 ERA/45 K/40-43 SVO (1)
4. Brad Lidge (NR)-41 IP/1.10 ERA/56 K/21-21 SVO (5)
5. Tim Lincecum (4)-11-3 (5t)/2.79 ERA (4)/143 K (1)

Guys to keep an eye on: Justin Duchsherer, Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Ben Sheets, Carlos Zambrano, Roy Halladay, JOe Saunders, Ervin Santana