Mike Cameron is in the hunt for another 20/20 season, despite missing 25 games due to suspension.

In this week’s Labor Day weekend edition of NL Grumblings, for a change of pace we’ll focus on veteran players that still remain productive for their respective teams and are showing no signs of slowing down.  Don’t get out the rocking chairs for these guys just yet, but I bet they can remember when a loaf of bread was a buck and a gallon of gas was the same price.

Washington Nationals – Aaron Boone

This journeyman still has what it takes to get the job done in the clutch.  The Nationals defeated the Atlanta Braves 8-4 on Sunday.  Boone helped his team sweep the Braves with an eighth inning 3-run homerun to put them ahead in the game.  In limited action this year, Boone has been very productive coming off the bench.  He has six homeruns and 25 RBI’s while batting .254 in 84 games.  Recently manager Manny Acta said, “He is not only productive on the field, but he is very productive in the clubhouse.  He is a high-character guy with experience. He has been in winning situations with the Yankees, Indians and Reds. He has great sense of humor. He is one of those guys you really want to have around for those younger guys."  He will always be Aaron “Bleeping” Boone to me, a die-hard Red Sox fan, but you can’t deny that he is clutch and continues to command playing time in pressure situations.

St. Louis Cardinals - Troy Glaus

Everyone touts Glaus for his offensive prowess over the years, but this year you can really see his commitment to defense at the hot corner.  Who can deny this year’s numbers - 21 homeruns, 85 RBI’s and a .271 average?  But you may be surprised about his defense this year.  For the most part, the scouting report on Glaus is accurate. He's not an acrobat, and he's not exceptionally fast. But he's been extremely sure-handed, comes in on balls extremely well, and is quick in his reactions.  Glaus has only made six errors this year with a .983 fielding percentage and should be in the running for the Gold Glove.

Philadelphia Phillies - Matt Stairs

This recently acquired left-handed batter should prove beneficial for the fighting Phillies down the stretch.  Stairs is hitting .250 with 11 homeruns and 44 RBI this year.  He is from Canada and was very reluctant to leave the Toronto Blue Jays.  However, he does see the light at the end of the tunnel because the Phillies are right in the hunt this year.  Stairs has no World Series rings to show. This is his 11^th team to date.  He should be used to battle some of the tough right-handed pitchers in the NL East.

New York Mets - Pedro Martinez

I still have this connection to Martinez.  If I had my way he still would be a member of the Red Sox, but in all honesty he will always be a Red Sox.  Martinez has bounced back from the disabled list and had some impressive outings with the first place Mets.  His ERA is 5.07 and his record is 5-3, with 67 K’s.  His frail frame has stood the test of time.  His physique was always questioned, but critics could not deny his powerful arm and wits to fool batters.  Martinez is coming up on a few milestones, which are reachable for next year.  He has 3097 career strikeouts thus far.  He can pass Curt Schilling (3117) and Bob Gibson (3118) for 13^th all-time strikeout leader.  He could pass Fergie Jenkins (3193) for 12^th all-time.  Martinez is also 3 away from reaching 20 shutouts in his career. 

Milwaukee Brewers - Gabe Kapler

Kapler is batting .301 with 7 Homeruns, 37 RBI’s and three stolen bases.  Kapler has been a very capable fourth outfielder for the Brewers this year.  His late inning hitting has been timely this year in both pinch-hitting situations and last minute starts.  Kapler spent last season as a Class A manager in Boston's farm system after walking away from the game at 32.

Mike Cameron

Cameron continues to play at a high level as he reaches his mid-thirties.  His season thus far has been very productive.  He’s batting .261, 24 Homeruns and 64 RBI’s with 16 SB’s.  I’ve always liked the way he plays the game, which is hard and gritty.  Cameron is always in the hunt for 20+ homers/20+stolen bases and that should be accomplished again this season.