Monthly Archives: April 2013

Maybe A Managerial Trade Between The Angels And Dodgers Would Shake Things Up!

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Friday Apr.19/2013

The Los Angeles clubs will surpass the New York Clubs for combined Payroll in 2013.  The Dodgers will spend between 225-250 Million and the Angels will spend in the range from 150-175 Million.  I have predicted a Freeway World Series for 2013 based on the talent for both clubs.  With a slow start for each club (LAA 4 - 10 and  LAD 7 - 8)  Perhaps they should consider trading skippers

The Los Angeles clubs will surpass the New York Clubs for combined Payroll in 2013. The Dodgers will spend between 225-250 Million and the Angels will spend in the range from 150-175 Million. I have predicted a Freeway World Series for 2013 based on the talent for both clubs. With a slow start for each club (LAA 4 – 10 and LAD 7 – 8) Perhaps they should consider trading skippers.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

It is no secret to anyone out there that I predicted the California Freeway Series for the Fall Classic this year.  At the  10 % clip of the regular season, I am not going to confuse anyone with the Amazing Kreskin.

I still have faith that the LA Angels will start tearing it up soon. plus the Dodgers will begin to play to their own water level.

Both clubs have amassed too much talent to be wallowing in the bowels of mediocrity for too long.

I thought entered my brain this morning as I worked.  One of the many things I am able to do working at nights is think about the game of baseball

Then it came to me… Trade Mike Scioscia to the Dodgers for Don Mattingly!!

Don Mattingly Post Game comments on Carlos Quentin:

Mike Scioscia speaks on Jered Weaver and Josh Hamilton:

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 19, 2013

Photo: ESPN.com

Photo: ESPN.com

On today’s episode, I make a plea to the many eccentric billionaires who listen to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast:

Please buy the Miami Marlins! You get to be a famous rich big shot in Miami, and if you are even competent, fans will love you.

Troy Tulowitzki, Yovani Gallardo, Matt Wieters and R.A. Dickey owned baseball on April 18, 2013.



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Giants Farm System Update

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Friday April. 18, 2013

The Augusta Greenjackets are the official low-A team for the San Francisco Giants

The Augusta Greenjackets are the official low-A team for the San Francisco Giants.

By Jon Schifferle ( Giants Correspondent – visit his own personal website here.)  

It seems that we are probably far enough into the season to start looking at the farm system and start making some assumptions about players at their new levels.  While it is definitely too early to make big judgments on players, it is always fun to speculate, isn’t it?  

For this article, I will take a look at players at Low-A Augusta, and will look at the other teams later on.  I won’t go over every single player, or else this series of articles could be 20 pages long.  For now I will just take on top prospects and potential breakout candidates.  Let’s take a look into the Giants Low A team to start:

Joan Gregorio Highlights:

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 18, 2013

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Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast was taped during the San Jose Giants and Stockton Ports game played at San Jose Municipal Stadium on April 17, 2013.

The Ports won 7-2. It wasn’t a very good game.

I talked a little baseball, shared some memories, made some observations and bumped into comedian Garret Gonzales.

The G-Man is a San Jose native and Giants fans and had some clear points of view about where his heart lies in baseball and thoughts about mascots.

Check out Garret’s album on iTunes and he will be appearing on CBS later this year.

Wade Davis, James Loney, A.J. Burnett and Zack Cozart owned baseball on April 17, 2013.



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Is Tim Lincecum As Bad As We All Think?

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Thursday April.18, 2013

Lincecum had a better 2nd half in 2012 - with a 7-5 record and a 3.83 ERA.  It was still a little too late to bestow  Bochy with faith as the teams  1st or 2nd best starter heading into the 2012 playoffs.  Lincecum pitched well out of the Bullpen in the World Series run

Lincecum had a better 2nd half in 2012 – with a 7-5 record and a 3.83 ERA. It was still a little too late to bestow Bochy with faith as the teams 1st or 2nd best starter heading into the 2012 playoffs. Lincecum pitched well out of the Bullpen in the World Series run.  While he is still 1 – 0 on the year, the former 2 time NL Cy Young Winner has yielded a National League high 12 Walks – while sporting a 5.63 ERA in 3 Games Started and 16 innings Pitched.  His WHIP is also a bloated 1.563.  These numbers are far above his Career ERA of 3.34 and his WHIP of 1.235.  He may be better off to pitch out of the Bullpen.

By Jon Schifferle ( Giants Correspondent – visit his own personal website here.) 

Is Tim Lincecum as Bad as we all Think?

This most simple answer is no he isn’t.  While his 5.63 ERA through his first few starts this season aren’t exactly inspiring, there are some definite things that we can take away from his starts.

In his start against Colorado, his line of 6 IP, 4H, 6ER, 4BB, 7 SO, 1 HR is nothing to get excited about, but he did do a really good job of recovering form the bad inning to make it 6 Innings.

Another thing to look at was his line without that bad second inning, which to remind everyone, had a pretty costly error in it.  5IP, 2H, ER, BB, 6K’s.  Now that looks a lot more like the old Tim Lincecum, doesn’t it?

Tim Lincecum Highlights:

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The Rays Need To Call Up Wil Myers Pronto!

2 And A Hook Podcast Talks About Calling UP Wil Myers – 25 Minute Mark

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Thursday Apr.18/2013

Myers ascended onto the PCL scene last year and ripped out 24 HRs in just 99 Games at Omaha. The Rays will be counting on him for their offensive future for many years to come. The club has featured a futile attack with the bats - hitting for a 3 Slash Line of .204//284/.588. They have scored only 39 Runs - while allowing 59 Runs through 13 Games.

Myers ascended onto the PCL scene last year and ripped out 24 HRs in just 99 Games at Omaha. The Rays will be counting on him for their offensive future for many years to come. The club has featured a futile attack with the bats – hitting for a 3 Slash Line of .204//284/.588. They have scored only 39 Runs – while allowing 59 Runs through 13 Games.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

First off, I wanted to say that I completely respect the Tampa Bay Rays – and especially am an avid supporter of the head office – including GM Andrew Freidman.  I will get to all of this in this article.

It is time to call up Wil Myers to the big club! 

The club is mired in a slow start at 4 – 9 and are already 5 Games Behind the AL East Division Leaders ‘Boston Red Sox.

The team traded away Veteran Pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to Kansas City in order to acquire the top hitting prospect.

Here is why the time makes sense.

Service time for Super 2 Arbitration Status and Free Agency Year aside, this clubs current offense is abysmal despite having great pitching ability.

Wil Myers Highlight Reel:

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 17, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-04-17 at 6.21.52 PM

On today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I look at the negative things in our life that we can express as fans in a healthy way. Also, the James Shields and Wade Davis trade for Wil Myers doesn’t look so stupid right now.

Mike Napoli, Derek Holland, Alexi Amarista and Homer Bailey owned baseball on April 16, 2013.



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Yankees Week Two – Getting Right in Cleveland + A Triple Play = 4 – 1

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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Week Two for the New York Yankees was a far more fun ride than Opening Week.  An offensive outpouring in Cleveland followed by taking 2 out of 3 from Baltimore has left the Yankees within striking distance of 1st place in a very strange AL East.  Now the Yankees enter the second half of April within striking distance of 1st place in a very strange AL East.

Week Two for the New York Yankees was a far more fun ride than Opening Week. An offensive outpouring in Cleveland followed by taking 2 out of 3 from Baltimore has left the Yankees within striking distance of 1st place in a very strange AL East. Now the Yankees enter the second half of April within striking distance of 1st place in a very strange AL East.

By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent):

In baseball, a momentum turn can be a slight thing.  A player getting a seeing eye single through the infield that turns him from slumping to streaking. A pitcher getting a lucky hop that turns a rally into a double play.

For this Yankees team, the momentum turn seems to have been C.C. Sabathia‘s gem against the Tigers on a Sunday afternoon.  

The Yankees used that 7 Inning performance to jump-start the second week of the season. In almost every regard, Week Two was the anti-thesis of Week One.

After Sabathia dominating the Tigers’ line-up and the Yankees getting after Detroit ace Justin Verlander, the Yankees headed to Cleveland where it was either raining or the Yankees were scoring runs.

After Opening Week, the 11 and 14 runs scored in the first two nights in Cleveland allowed the fan base to breathe easy.  This run shed some light on an issue I wanted to look at this week.  

Before the season got under way, my pre-season piece focused on the Vernon Wells trade and keeping the faith in a Yankees front office.  

The line-up’s ability to score runs has been largely based on the performance of their veteran acquisitions in the off-season (and the fact that Robinson Cano is absolutely an offensive superstar).

Pronk Cometh:

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Down On The Farm – New York Yankees Update

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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Almonte is showing his stuff at Triple-A, Particularly, his plate patience is something to keep an eye on and may land him in the Bronx sooner than originally expected.

Almonte is showing his stuff at Triple-A, Particularly, his plate patience is something to keep an eye on and may land him in the Bronx sooner than originally expected. In Scranton, Zolio Almonte has begun to separate himself from Melky Mesa as the more advanced outfield prospect.  The Most exciting thing about Almonte is how he is managing Triple A Pitchers  He Has worked out 10 Walks – while putting up a very impressive .512 OBP.

By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent): 

Yankees Report From Down on the Farm:

As of the writing of this paragraph, Almonte had worked another two Walks to further improve that On Base Percentage.  The ability to control the strike zone and force pitchers to throw strikes may be the most important factor in promoting a ball player.  

In the pre-season, we talked briefly about Almonte as a potential replacement for an injured Curtis Granderson.  While Vernon Wells has obviously filled the ranks of the Yankee Outfield, should there be regression from Wells or further injury, Almonte is beginning to show himself as a real option to get Major League At-Bats.

Zolio Almonte HRs:

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Can The Blue Jays Weather The Jose Reyes Injury?

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Wednesday Apr.17/2013

Anthopoulos is about as prudent a man as you will find.  He is all smiles in this press conference, but he knows what is at stake.  He has deemed that the "time is now" for the Blue Jays to go for it all, and convinced his bosses to risk hundreds of millions of dollars.  If the team he has assembled does not compete, for any reason, he may be out of a job.  He is not the kind of guy who puts his feet up and becomes content.  His focus right now is on eliminating any causes for concern from the 2013 Blue Jays as possible, because they do still exist, despite the recent mania.

Anthopoulos is about as prudent a man as you will find. He is all smiles in this press conference, but he knows what is at stake. He has deemed that the “time is now” for the Blue Jays to go for it all, and convinced his bosses to risk hundreds of millions of dollars. If the team he has assembled does not compete, for any reason, he may be out of a job. The team has had a mediocre start at 6 – 7 in the tough AL East – and have lost their prime Leadoff Man for 3 months.  Going the extra mile to add depth in the franchise may enable the club to stay in contention until Jose Reyes comes back in July.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Jose Reyes was the best player acquired over the winter by the Toronto Blue Jays.  He was supposed to be the Leadoff Hitter, provide speed and flash the glove at the Short Stop position.

The 30 Year Old was doing just that before going down in a heap at Second Base over the weekend stealing a bag.

Incredibly, the guy almost was injured even weeks doing the very same thing just a few weeks back.

Brett Lawrie was activated from the Disabled List last night.  The initial plan was to maybe play him at Second Base, with Jose Bautista moving back to Third Base.  This would put Maicer Izturis at Shortstop, with relegating Emilio Bonifacio to Right Field.

Jose Reyes Injury:

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 16, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-04-17 at 12.43.37 AM

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I ask Is Mike Scioscia‘s job safe? Are the Angels making a stupid lineup decision? It sure looks that way.

Also, Bronson Arroyo, Ryan Zimmerman, Kevin Correia and Joe Mauer owned baseball on April 15, 2013.



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The Rockies Record Is Misleading

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Tuesday Apr.16/2013

The Coors field Effect is still alive and well for Pitchers and Hitters.  19 out of the 20 years, the Rox have led the Major Leagues in Home Batting Average.  Last year, position hitters (1-8) hit for a .315. Batting Average.  This season will be no different.  The team played at Coors Field and Miller Park during week 1, pasting the Brewers and the Padres.  The team will host 16 of the next 22 games in Denver - and will need to make some hay.

Last year, position hitters (1-8) hit for a .315. Batting Average at home. The team played at Coors Field and Miller Park during week 1, pasting the Brewers and the Padres . Week 2 saw the Giants sweep them at AT and T Park, before they returned the favor to San Diego at Petco Park.  The team will host 16 of the next 22 games in Denver – and will need to make some hay because they haven’t played well on the road in the past few years .

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner and Rockies Correspondent):

If you take a look at the Standings in the NL West, you would see that the Colorado Rockies are among 4 teams over .500 right now.  They are tied with the Arizona DiamondBacks at 8 – 4 – and 1 game behind the defending World Series Champion Giants.

Judging by a lot of other publications placing the Rockies so high on their MLB Rankings, I am guessing these place do not give out much credence to Strength of Schedule.  at http://www.mlb.com – the club is listed #9 on the Power Rankings.

The Rockies are 6 – 0 this year already versus the hapless San Diego Padres and 2 – 1 versus the Milwaukee Brewers ( a team that is 3 – 8 itself and not looking so great).  The Rockies played the San Francisco in a 3 game set at AT and T Park – and were swept, surrendering 23 Runs Scored, while only scoring 9 Runs themselves.

2013 Rockies Commercial:

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The Boston Tragedy: Baseball Will Be There To Heal

April.16/2013

There will not be pictures, stats or promotional items on this post.  There will not be tags or descriptions. This is as serious of an article as I may ever write in this world.  If you have found yourself reading this.. Than  thank – you.

Yesterday I was tweeting about the Boston Red Sox game after working all night,  and was unaware of what had transpired on the streets of the Boston Marathon finish line.

I was taken aback by the circumstances and reflected.

On Patriots Day of 2012, I watched a game in Boston at Fenway Park as part of my streak.  In the 2 hours after the game, I made my way to the Boston Airport via the T – Train – and through the very area that was effected by the explosions last year.

Through my journey to the airport – I must have met about 100 people who were involved in the race of the Boston Marathon.  I can’t get these peoples images out of my head since I learned of this tragedy yesterday.  Most of them were carrying out their passion of life.

A lot of them had come in just for the day in order to raise money for charity, before resuming their life right after they ran the marathon.  It inspired me that people flew in just for the day – ran the marathon – only to fly right back to wherever they lived.  It is a testament to their spirit, and the same could be said for the thousands who participate in this event every year.

I am praying that all of these people and everyone else that was near this Boston area.

I can’t escape the fact, that if I were in Boston yesterday, I would have been in the direct area!  It kind of changes your perspective on life.

As the night progressed, I was listening to XM MLB Home Plate Radio while I worked. It helped make me feel better that people around the game of baseball were sending out their support to the city of Boston.

It goes to show you how news media can spread out so fast around the World – as I listened to people dealing with this news through the channels of baseball.

We are all so fortunate to live in a part of the World where we have the freedom to enjoy travel, baseball and the historical places all over North America.

Boston is a beautiful city – with some of the most passionate people living in it.  I rate this city very high.  Having been there to see the spirit of the surroundings last year – it is unfathomable to me that someone would do something evil to the celebration.

Just as we have seen since the inception of baseball, over 150 + Years ago – the evil of the World tries to dampen our feeling secure, and those people who perpetrate these such acts are cowards.  It is their full intention to wreck everyone’s quality of life, including the attack of the passions we care for that come from a result of these freedoms.

We can’t stand for this!  We must continue to fight for our beliefs and quality of life – while not let these hooligans think they have won by their actions against us.

Baseball will be there to help heal the Nation as it always has.  In times of War in the 20th Century, baseball was an escape for the people.  In the recent attacks of 9/11 in the City of New York – what was more inspirational for the country than President Bush firing a Strike at Yankee Stadium!

I am not saying that baseball is the only way to heal for the people in this matter. Chances are – you are reading this post because you love the game.  I am thinking that you would also use the National Pastime as an escape to heal your frame of mind right now – just as baseball fans have done for decades.

Major League Baseball has always shined in times like this by leading the way.  Being part of daily life, during the season, brings normalcy back to a fan’s daily routine and establishes that everything will be alright.

We are allowed to carry a heavy heart – while sending out support to those who need it most.

Fans of Baseball are incredible.  We should all thank the sport for being a catalyst – in helping us all communicate towards a common bond – when times are particularly tough for any occurrence of tragedy.

From going to every city that has a baseball teams several times over, it is amazing to me how this game unites strangers, people from different religions, race and gender to share a common love for the game by being a fan.  That was another thing that was too bad about this happening on Jackie Robinson Day yesterday.

So we should all work towards this unfortunate tragedy by taking #42’s approach to adversity to when he was alive.  Quoting from one of his sayings “Life is not as important as the impact it has on other lives”.

Take some time today to tell everyone around that you love them and that they mean the world to you.  Reach out and help someone today (even if it is tough on you to so – or even if they are a complete stranger).

Pay if forward to humanity.  If they ask you why you are doing this.. To quote a friend I made through my baseball travels – “Explain to them to that world could just use a random act of kindness.”

We will not forget what happened in Boston ever, but lets show that the baseball community can take the negative – and turn it into at least something positive.

When you are watching or reading about baseball, remember how lucky we all are to have such an beautiful sanctuary, where we can lose ourselves from the evils of the outside world.

I will conclude this blog by posting the Field Of Dreams scene with James Earl Jones (why baseball is so important to the fabric of our being), followed by a few inspirational songs from our favorite baseball movies.  Whenever I am not feeling so great, I find listening to these songs makes me feel better.

Inspirational Songs

Mets And Harvey Looking Great So Far

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Tuesday April 16, 2013 

Matt Harvey with his stellar outings so far this season may have just become the New York Mets "ace". Harvey is now 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA. Harvey has pitched 22 innings only given up 6 hits and 2 runs. " src="https://mlbreports.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/matt-harvey.jpg" width="604" height="408" /> Matt Harvey with his stellar outings so far this season may have just become the New York Mets "ace". Harvey is now 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA. Harvey has pitched 22 Innings - only given up 6 hits and 2 runs. Not only has Harvey now become the Mets ace, the team is now winning games on a consistent basis. Winning is contagious and with Harvey pitching like he is the other pitchers want to try to match his performance every time they take the rubber. Harvey will be looking for an extension after this season as he is making the minimum of $499,000.

Matt Harvey with his stellar outings so far this season may have just become the New York Mets “ace”. Harvey is now 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA. Harvey has pitched 22 Innings – only given up 6 Hits and 2 uns. “Matt Harvey with his stellar outings so far this season may have just become the New York Mets “ace”. Harvey is now 3-0 – with a 0.82 ERA. Harvey has pitched 22 Innings – only given up 6 hits and 2 runs. Not only has Harvey now become the Mets ace, the team is now winning games on a consistent basis. Winning is contagious and with Harvey pitching like he is the other pitchers want to try to match his performance every time they take the rubber. Harvey will be looking for an extension after this season as he is making the minimum of $499,000.

By Ryan Ritchey (Baseball Writer): 

The Mets are off to 7-4 start – and the pitching is proving to be a huge factor so far this season.

Matt Harvey is leading the charge with three wins and an 0.82 ERA. He also has 25 Strikeouts in only 22 Innings! He is showing everyone that he wants to be an “ACE” on this staff.

He is Arbitration Eligible after this season and should be expecting a huge paycheck if he keeps pitching like he is right now. Mets have a bright future with Harvey and that is always a great thing for a franchise.

New York Mets 2013 Preview- MLB Network:


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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 15, 2013

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Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I discuss Jackie Robinson Day and ask to pay tribute to Larry Doby, the second pioneer to break the color barrier.

I quote an article by Kim Geralds of The Oakland Press.



Also, Michael McKenry, Paul Maholm, Austin Jackson and Clay Buchholz owned baseball on April 14, 2013.

The podcast was recorded before the events in Boston took place.



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MLB (R) Weekly Power Rankings – Week 2

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Monday Apr.15/2013

Billy Beane has pick- pocketed some of the best power hitting prospcects from other clubs that may just need a chance to prove their metal with some big league At - Bats.  His club has roared out of the gates - leading in most offensive and defensive categories so far.  The team has put up a 80 - 40 Record since starting last year 23 - 32.

Billy Beane has seen his club roar out of the gates – leading in most offensive and defensive categories so far. This year’s team is 9 – 4 (Leading the AL West) – and have put up a 81 – 40 Record since starting last year 23 – 32.  The Tigers seem to be the only toxic for the franchise.  The Athletics at least played in front of decent crows at 0.co Coliseum  on Saturday drawing 35K – with the team trying to go for a 10th straight win.  Justin Verlander stopped the streak.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Well, the Atlanta Braves are the toast of the MLB right now, Prince Fielder is the hottest hitter on the planet, John Buck is doing his best  Johnny Bench impersonation – while Chris Davis is giving new definition to the nickname   ‘Crash’.

The Mets and Rockies have had the biggest ‘Cupcake Schedules’ thus far in the Major Leagues – and I am still not buying stock in these teams.

The Angels pulled out a couple of wins versus the Houston Astros to end the week 5 – 8 (You guys are supposed to beat Houston whenever  you play them this year!

The Yankees rode a 4 – 1 week among a schedule that was blown apart by weather induced cancellations in Cleveland, to climb the standings.

To quote Joe Pesci in (‘ My Cousin Vinny” when Fred Gwynne tells him he is in contempt of court) in response to Jose Reyes being injured.  “There is a f—— surprise!

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The Atlanta Braves Are The Best Team In The National League

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Monday, April.15/2013

The Braves have roared out of the gate during the 2013 MLB Season, with a baseball best 11 - 1, including a convincing sweep of the Washington Nationals over the weekend.  This has been done without long time player Chipper Jones retiring - and Brian McCann being on the shelf for the 1st part of the season

The Braves have roared out of the gate during the 2013 MLB Season, with a baseball best 11 – 1, including a convincing sweep of the Washington Nationals over the weekend. This has been done without long time player Chipper Jones retiring – and Brian McCann being on the shelf for the 1st part of the season.

Jake Dal Porto (Baseball Writer)

At 11-1, the Atlanta Braves can seemingly do no wrong. Fresh off a sweep of the Washington Nationals, the Braves can make a very good case regarding their status as the best team in the NL.

That spot was occupied by the Nationals in the preseason chatter. And I wouldn’t blame the pundits who circled them as the NL’s best team.

After all, they fixed their leadoff spot woes with the addition of Denard Span, further improved their bullpen with Rafael Soriano and probably most importantly, started the season with an improved Bryce Harper. On paper, they had minuscule flaws.

The Brothers Upton Both HR to win the game!:

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Triple Play Podcast Ep #4 – Week 2 MLB Breakdown

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Sunday, April.14/2013

The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month.  Each show will be about 1 hour

The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour

By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com)

On this weeks episode we talk with James Acevedo of the Bench Warmers show  and mlbreports.com’s 2 and A Hook podcast. We run down the past present and future of baseball’s Evil Empire and James gives us his Mt Rushmore of greatest Yankees.

In the Around the Horn segment JP Hoornstra of the LA News Group fills us in on the goings on in La La Land’s baseball universe.

Finally we put it to you Padres, Rays, Rockies, Marlins, Nationals, Astros, D’Backs fans we don’t think they deserve a Mt Rushmore , convince us otherwise and tweet us why Best submission wins a Big Ticket T-Shirt.

Click on The Video Player/or Download to your favorite listening is right after the READ THE REST OF THE ENTRY – or past the Triple Play Podcast Logo. Read the rest of this entry

Miami Marlins Outfielder Austin Kearns Hospitalized

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Sunday, April 14th, 2013

Austin Kearns has been hospitalized for an irregular heart rate.

Austin Kearns has been hospitalized for an irregular heart rate.

By Sam Evans (Marlins Correspondent): 

A few hours before the Marlins took on the Phillies Sunday afternoon, the news broke that Austin Kearns was being taken to the hospital for an irregular heartbeat. Kearns, 32, has been said to be doing just fine. Nonetheless, anytime an athlete still in their prime has heart problems it is a scary reminder of what can happen.

The injury-plagued Marlins now have two of their Outfielders, Kearns and Giancarlo Stanton, unable to play for the time being. For a team that is already struggling to be even close to mediocre, this is another defeating blow. Kearns will be hospitalized overnight as doctors attempt to figure out just what happened. 

The Austin Kearns Story:

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Rays Say No Time To Panic: It Has Just Been 10 Games

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Sunday, Apr.14/2013

Ben Zobrist has quietly tuned into one of the best all around players in the game.  He has finished in the top for WAR in 3 of the 4 years - including 1st in 2011 and 2nd in 2009.  At Age 31, Zobrist goes into a contract year.    Ben Zobrist has been a big bright spot for the Rays this season. Zobrist who continues this season with his musical chairs role on the team has not let his bat cool down 10 games into the season. Rays fans need not worry this early. With only 10 games played in the young season now is not the time to start throwing in the towel and saying that GM Andrew Friedman and his staff have lost their touch.

Ben Zobrist has quietly tuned into one of the best all around players in the game. He has finished in the top for WAR in 3 of the 4 years – including 1st in 2011 and 2nd in 2009. At Age 31, Zobrist goes into a contract year. Ben Zobrist has been a big bright spot for the Rays this season. Zobrist who continues this season with his musical chairs role on the team has not let his bat cool down 10 games into the season. Rays fans need not worry this early. With only 10 games played in the young season now is not the time to start throwing in the towel and saying that GM Andrew Friedman and his staff have lost their touch.

By Jake Bullington (Rays Correspondent): 

Ben Zobrist aside, the Rays have started this season with a four and six record and are currently in last place in the American League East division, but this is not cause for concern.

Sure David Price does not have his first win of the season and has an ERA up to almost six ( 5.82 to be exact), but the Rays are not worried so why should we be.  

The club started at 0 – 6, before making the playoffs in 2011, so there is no way Joe Maddon will hit the panic button in 2013.

David Price Highlights 2012 – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised:

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Angels Two Week Review: The (Mostly) Bad And The (Somewhat) Good

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Sunday, April.14, 2013

Albert Pujols kicked off the 2012 year by struggling brutally for the 1st 6 weeks. This year the man is off to a hot start - and can't be faulted for the teams failures so far. The Active Leader for Batting Average at .325 is back to his MVP form. The most telling stat the he is in the Zone is his Walks to Strikeout Rate being 11 - 3.  The 33 Year old is also the Active Leader for OPS among players at 1.022.

Albert Pujols kicked off the 2012 year by struggling brutally for the 1st 6 weeks. This year the man is off to a hot start – and can’t be faulted for the teams failures so far. The Active Leader for Batting Average at .325 is back to his MVP form. The most telling stat the he is in the Zone is his Walks to Strikeout Rate being 11 – 3. The 33 Year old is also the Active Leader for OPS among players at 1.022.

By Josh Jones (Angels Correspondent): 

For the second consecutive season the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have come out of the gates at an utterly slow pace. The 2013 version of the Angels followed in the footsteps of the 2012 team which started 6-14 and found themselves failing to dig themselves out of the April hole when it came down to making the playoffs.

The 2013 Angels have actually started worse than their 2012 campaign, posting a meager 3-8 record through 11 games. If it wasn’t for Albert Pujols’ 2 -run Double which gave the Halos a walk-off victory a few hours ago, this team would have been 2-9 and looking at the worst record to start the season in franchise history.

LA Angels Preview – They haven’t lived up to the Hype yet:

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Rickie Weeks’ Impact On The 2013 Milwaukee Brewers

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Sunday April 14, 2013

Rickie Weeks had a rough 2012 campaign, only hitting .230. He still managed, though, to slug 21 HR and knock in 63 runs.

Rickie Weeks had a rough 2012 campaign, only hitting .230. He still managed, though, to slug 21 HR and knock in 63 runs.

Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer):

2012 was a long year for Rickie Weeks and the Milwaukee Brewers. Even after Prince Fielder left to sign with the Detroit Tigers, fans had high hopes for the 2012 season. Ryan Braun, Rickie Weeks, and upcoming First Baseman Mat Gamel were all set to bring the Brewers back to the playoffs.

Unfortunately Gamel started the season and suffered a torn ACL, which caused him to miss the rest. Braun was caught up in a steroid scandal that threatened to suspend him but never did. Luckily Braun was not suspended and had a very good season.

Weeks, on the other hand, had a horrific first half of the year. The Brewers wound up just four games over .500 at 83-79 and finished third in the NL Central. Brewers’ fans hope that 2013 will be different.

Rickie Weeks 2012 Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is advised:

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 14, 2013

42-movie

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I review the movie 42.

I also look at the famous moment when Pee Wee Reese put his arm around Jackie and wonder if it ever really happened.



Also, Prince Fielder, Jon Lester, Adam Wainwright and Wilin Rosario owned baseball on April 13, 2013.



Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

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Phillies Back To .500 After Chase Continues Hot Streak

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Saturday April 13, 2013

Chase Utley has seen a great start to the 2013 Season - after being hurt for most of the 2012 year.  He clubbed the Game Winning RBI in yesterday's 3 - 1 decision over the Phillies.  The Second Baseman is in the last year of his contract and would stand to benefit from a season put up like his 1st 10 games.

Chase Utley has seen a great start to the 2013 Season – after being hurt for most of the 2012 year. He clubbed the Game Winning RBI in yesterday’s 3 – 1 decision over the Phillies. The Second Baseman is in the last year of his contract and would stand to benefit from a season put up like his 1st 10 games. His 2013 – 3 Slash Line is .316/372/1.004 so far – with 2 Home Runs, 2 Doubles, 2 Triples and 10 RBI.  If the club could see Ryan Howard join Utley’s production, we are talking about a vaunted Philadelphia lineup sure to impose its will on its opposition again!

By Chris Creighton (Phillies Correspondent via http://www.warrroomphilly.com – visit the website here

No one has ever questioned Chase Utley‘s hands. The knees, maybe, but never the hands and he most certainly put them to good use at the most crucial time in last night’s Extra – Inning affair in Miami. Turns out, the knees are just fine, too!

Batting with one out and the score tied 1-1, the Phillies’ resident speedster, Ben Revere, smoked a 10th Inning single to right field off of the Marlins 6’11” giant, Jon Rauch. After a pop-out by Jimmy Rollins, it was Utley’s turn to slay Goliath with Revere still on first.

With the count full and Revere running on the pitch, Utley drilled a chin-high pitch over the First Baseman’s head for a laser down the line.

Revere could have moonwalked home from third as the ball rolled deep into the corner of cavernous Marlins Park. Utley hustled the hit into a sliding triple and after Ryan Howard was Intentionally Walked, Chase scored on a Michael Young single up the middle. 

Chase Utley Speaks About playing a full season in 2013:

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 13, 2013

Tommy Hanson


On today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I talk about the parity in the American League and why the Angels resemble a little league team.


Also, Andrew McCutchen, Shelby Miller, Justin Maxwell and Justin Masterson owned baseball.


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Sean Marshall Injury: Has It Created A Chink In The Armor?

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Saturday April 13,  2013

Sean Marshall was acquired by the Reds in Dec of 2011 in a trade with the Chicago Cubs. In 74 games and 61 Innings Pitched, in 2012 he struckout 74 batters and carried a 2.51 ERA.  He is a guy good for 75-80 Appearances and a mid 2.00 ERA.  Outstanding numbers for a relief pitcher looking to lock down holds for the later inning guys.

Sean Marshall was acquired by the Reds in Dec of 2011 in a trade with the Chicago Cubs. In 74 games and 61 Innings Pitched in 2012 – he Struckout 74 batters and carried a 2.51 ERA. He is a guy good for 75-80 Appearances – and a mid 2.00 ERA. Outstanding numbers for a Relief Pitcher looking to lock down holds for the later Inning guys.  The Reds are happy that they have Chapman back in the Bullpen to solidify the Relief Core – plus shorten games,  but who will take over in the 7th Inning Role while the LHP is out?

By Matt Steinmann (Reds Correspondent):

Injuries, as we know are part of the game. Every team will have to overcome them, some more than others. In Cincinnati, the Reds are already dealing with their second key injury.

Left Fielder, Ryan Ludwick went down on Opening Day after doing his best Pete Rose impression into Third Base, resulting in a torn labrum. He won’t be back anytime soon.

Now, Reliever Sean Marshall is on the mend, placed on the 15 Day Disabled List  this past Wednesday with shoulder tendonitis.

Sean Marshall Interviewed after the Trade to the Reds Last Year:

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Interview With Cleveland Indians Prospect – Bryson Myles

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Saturday, April.13/2013

a miles bryson 2

By Brooke Robinson (MLB Reports Reporter):

Outside of the Cleveland Indians’ circles, the name Bryson Myles isn’t very well-known… yet. But to those in the organization and from his native Dallas/Fort Worth area, his name brings a ton of excitement.

Myles was a 6th Round Draft pick of the 2011 Amateur Draft by the Indians.  He was scouted from Stephen F. Austin University, where he led the nation in Stolen Bases in 2011 with 53.

He spent his first professional season with short season Mahoning Valley where he produced a .302/.394/.401 Batting Line.

In his first full season in 2012 with the Lake County Captains, the Outfielder had 20 Doubles to go with his 20 Stolen Bases for the season – and was ranked 15th prospect in the Indians Prospect Insider handbook.  

Bryson Miles 2012 Highlights:

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An American Hobby: Baseball Memorabilia – Nap Lajoie’s 1933 Goudey Gum Card

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Saturday, April.13, 2013

Nap Lajoie

Nap Lajoie

By Lee Edelstein (‘Baseball Memorabilia Enthusiast’ – visit his website here)

MLB Reports:  We are pleased to present you with Baseball Author Lee Edelstein as the newest writer with us at the Reports.  Lee will be providing us with great stories about baseball memorabilia on a regular basis.

MLB Reports

An American Hobby

Blog 9

Nap Lajoie

Napolean Lajoie’s career spanned twenty-one years, 1896-1916. He hit over .350 in ten of those seasons (.421 in 1901) and wound up #18 All-time with a lifetime Batting Average of .338.

Lajoie is #14 in hits with 3,243 and, for you sabremetric fans, he is #17 in Career WAR. Lajoie was considered to be the consummate Infielder of his day. He was the first Second Baseman inducted into the Hall of Fame.

For much of his career, Lajoie’s primary challenger for best hitter in the American League was Ty Cobb. Their rivalry peaked in 1910 when Hugh Chalmers of the Chalmers Automobile Company announced he would give one of his new Model 30 automobiles to the batting champions of the National and American Leagues.

This was a heady and unusual offer. In that era, newspapers paid scant attention to individual records and players who ballyhooed their accomplishments were unpopular with their teammates.

Nap Lajoie and the Top 10 Hitters Of ALL – Time:

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 12, 2013

I recorded today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast in the parking lot of Trader Joe’s. Don’t ask. I hate bean ball wars and brawls in baseball. And I let me feelings known to all the shoppers today. Meanwhile Manny Machado, A. J. Griffin, Bryce Harper and Sergio Romo owned baseball on April 11, 2013. Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

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Athletics 8 Game Win Streak Is Nothing New To Pattern Formed Since Last Year

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Friday, Apr.12/2013

Oakland Athletics' Jed Lowrie has made Billy Beane look like a genius once again - with clubbing 16 hits, (8 of the Extra Base Variety), Scoring 10 Runs and Walking 6 times so far in the teams 8 - 2 start.  He has an OPS of 1.258 thus far.

Oakland Athletics’ Jed Lowrie has made Billy Beane look like a genius once again – with clubbing 16 hits, (8 of the Extra Base Variety), Scoring 10 Runs and Walking 6 times so far in the teams 8 – 2 start. He has an OPS of 1.258.  He was acquired from the Houston Astros in a February trade which sent Chris Carter the other way.  The man can play several defensive positions well.  He is due for Arbitration at the end of this season, before becoming a Free Agent in 2015.  Beane doesn’t seem to make a bad move these days.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Hands up.. How many people would have thought that the Oakland Athletics would start the 2013 season with the best record in the Major Leagues so far?

Of course this website is not surprised at all.  Jonathan Hacohen (Website Founder and current Oakland A’s Correspondent) wrote a brilliant piece in the 1st week of July/2012 – breaking down Billy Beane‘s new MoneyBall Philosophy here.

I have to admit something right now..  I had not seen the movie “MoneyBall” even by this time.  Yes…brutal and I was kicking myself for not seeing it before hand.

After the movie, I did some digging and was extremely flabbergasted with what I found about Beane’s magic.  I wrote a Roster Tree for the Hitters and Pitchers in the organization.  I studied every single transaction to back track how each of the current member of the team had arrived in an Oakland uniform.  You can find that 2 part series here.

Can the Oakland A’s Do it Again in 2013 Preview:

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