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Introducing Baseball's Jewish All-Stars of 2009

Ari Kramer

Senior Analyst Written on September 26, 2009

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CHICAGO - JULY 03: Ryan Braun #8 of the Milwaukee Brewers at bat against the Chicago Cubs during their MLB game on July 3, 2009 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

For some annoying reason, a slideshow's introduction must be at least 300 characters, so I will provide you all with a fun fact to fill space.

Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2002, Adam Greenberg spent three seasons in the minors before getting called up in July 2005. Debuting as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning against the Marlins, Greenberg got plunked.

The 5'9" outfielder never saw action again, and, to this day, has one career plate appearance and an on-base percentage of 1.000.

Without further ado, Baseball's Jewish All-Stars of 2009.

Starting Pitcher: Scott Feldman

ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 30: Pitcher Scott Feldman #39 of the Texas Rangers throws against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 30, 2009 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

After three rough big league seasons, Feldman emerged for the Texas Rangers in 2009. His 17 wins are tied with Justin Verlander's and Felix Hernandez's for second-most in the American League and his 3.90 ERA is a career-best.

Starting Pitcher: Jason Marquis

DENVER - SEPTEMBER 08: Starter Jason Marquis #21 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Cincinnati Reds at Coors Field on September 8, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

A first-time National League All-Star in 2009, Marquis has posted a 15-12 record and a 3.98 ERA. The 30-year-old veteran will have a chance of improving his 0-2 postseason record with the soon to be playoff-bound Rockies.

Relief Pitcher: Craig Breslow

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 27: Craig Breslow #56 of the Oakland Athletics pitches to the Seattle Mariners at the Oakland Coliseum on May 27, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Breslow got off to a rough start with the Twins, but he has been extremely reliable in the Oakland bullpen since being claimed off waivers.

In 56 games as an Athletic, the Yale alum is 6-5 with a 2.66 ERA and 0.967 WHIP.

Relief Pitcher: John Grabow

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 23: John Grabow #43 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 23, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The Cubs defeated the Dodgers 3-1. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Grabow has had a great season. Not only is he 3-0 with a 3.10 ERA, but he also got out of Pittsburgh.

Unfortunately, his future World Series odds are still low as a Chicago Cub.

Catcher: Brad Ausmus

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 22: Brad Ausmus #12 of the Los Angeles Dodgers plays against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium on August 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Somehow, Ausmus has hung around the big leagues into his 40's.

The 40-year-old veteran catcher has hit .301 in 33 games with the Dodgers and still provides impeccable defense behind the plate.

First Baseman: Kevin Youkilis

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 21: Kevin Youkilis #20 of the Boston Red Sox reacts during the game against the Kansas City Royals on September 21, 2009 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Obnoxious but talented, Youkilis made his second All-Star game appearance in 2009.

His .304 batting average and 25 home runs have allowed Boston to close in on another post-season berth.

Second Baseman: Ian Kinsler

NEW YORK - AUGUST 27: Ian Kinsler #5 of The Texas Rangers rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the New York Yankees during their game on August 27th, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx Borough of New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Kinsler may have taken a step down in batting average, but what he lost in contact he gained in power.

Entering Sunday, the second baseman had 30 dingers and 83 runs batted in.

Outfielder: Gabe Kapler

Kapler is only hitting .237, but his .327 on-base percentage is near the league average. The 33-year-old also has seven homers and 30 RBI.

Outfielder and MVP: Ryan Braun

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: National League All-Star Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers bats during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old Braun already has 100 career home runs after knocking 29 out of the park this season. Hitting .312, Braun also sports a .993 fielding percentage.

Rookie of the Year: Aaron Poreda

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Aaron Poreda of the Chicago White Sox poses during photo day at the White Sox spring training complex on February 20, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Highly touted pitching prospect Aaron Poreda posted a 2.92 ERA in 13 games with the White Sox and Padres.

Begin Slideshow

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written on September 26, 2009 Rankings/List

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