and a love of the printed word. He soon co-founded the landmark and still-thriving City Lights Bookstore and publishers, issuing not only his own work but also the first printing of Allen Ginsberg's iconic poem "Howl" and many other works by writers who became known as Beat and others. Ferlinghetti has been poet laureate of San Francisco, received numerous awards both literary and civic, had his paintings widely exhibited and printed and, nearing 90 years of age, is about as famous as a poet can be in these times.

In other words, Ferlinghetti should need no introduction. That he still might, to the vast majority of Americans who rarely, if ever, read poetry, is part of the lamentable background to his latest book. It has been argued that thea .969 OPS.

Carlos Carrasco, SP, Indians

In his first six appearances since returning from the DL on July 6, he was 5-0 with a 1.99 ERA, 42 strikeouts, four walks and .241 opponent average.

Daniel Murphy, 2B, Nationals

He’s heating up, as he had at least one hit in 15 of his past 19 games, going 24-for-59 (.407) with three homers, 15 RBIs, a stolen base and a 1.098 OPS.

Big Whiffs

Yuli Gurriel, 1B, Astros

Entered Friday night with just six hits in his first 47 at-bats (.128) in his first 11 games after the break. He has no homers, two RBIs, one run, four strikeouts and a .271 OPS in that span.

Shane Bieber, SP, Indians

Allowed 21 earned runs over five starts (27 innings) last month while going 2-2 with a 7.00 ERA,