Triple Milestone Update
September 21, 2009 by Bill Gilbert · 1 Comment
With two weeks remaining in the 2009 regular season, the Division and Wild Card races appear to all be pretty well settled. This may result in greater attention to some personal accomplishments by players.
Only four players are currently on target to reach the triple crown milestones of a .300 batting average, 30 home runs and 100 RBIs and only one is a sure bet. Eight others are close enough to have a chance.
National League Players on Target – .300-28-92 on 9/21
Albert Pujols, St. Louis (.328-47-128) – He’s in. May hit 50 HR for first time.
Ryan Braun, Milwaukee (.312-29-102) – Needs one more home run.
Derrek Lee, Chicago Cubs (.303-33-103) – Should make it.
American League Players on Target – .300-28-92
Miguel Cabrera, Detroit (.332-30-92) – Needs some RBIs.
National League Players Who Are Close – .290-26-87
Prince Fielder, Milwaukee (.299-40-128) – Batting average is borderline.
Chase Utley, Philadelphia (.294-31-91) – Likely to fall short.
Ryan Zimmerman, Washington (.290-30-97) – Needs some hits.
Carlos Lee, Houston (.305-26-96) – May fall short on home runs.
American League Players Who Are Close -.290-26-87
Joe Mauer, Minnesota (.374-28-88) – Short on RBIs.
Adam Lind, Toronto (.298-30-104) – Batting average is the key.
Kendry Morales, Los Angeles Angels (.298-30-98) – Mired in deep slump.
Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees (.292-37-118) – Coming on strong.
Despite failing to get a victory on Sunday night, Adam Wainwright (18, 193, 2.59) is still on target to reach the pitchers triple crown milestones of 20 wins, 200 strikeouts and an ERA under 3.00.
As a Cub fan, one of the few bright spots this year has been watching Derrek Lee have an All Star season after being nothing like an All Star in the first half. Great hitter, who found his groove again after making us wonder if he ever would.