Monthly Archives: September 2013
The Tampa Bay Rays Starting Pitching Is Not As Strong As It Was In 2012: They Miss James Shields!
The Tampa Bay Rays came into 2013 off of a great 2012 campaign. They finished third in the East but they did end the season with 90 wins. Doing so, they were expected to win the American League East this season. Picking up Wil Myers from the Royals for James Shields was a huge move for them. Was it a mistake now that we look back and the Rays pitching is falling apart without Shields’ 200 innings? Tampa has many teams nipping at their heels for the 2nd Wild Card Spot in New York (2.5 Games back), Baltimore (3.0 Games Back), Cleveland (3.5 Games Back) and the Kansas City Royals are 4.5 Games Back. They must correct their pitching for the final 3 weeks.
Ryan Ritchey (Featured Baseball Columnist): Follow @baseballaddicts
Follow @mlbreportsThe Tampa Bay Rays rely on their pitching and defense more than any aspect of the game. Having great young pitchers is what they live by, and it has worked for their team.
But, it has been the complete opposite in 2013.
Injuries to multiple guys in the rotation has set them off track and now have to catch up to the Red Sox in the division. David Price and Matt Moore are the studs of their staff, but David Price struggled early and also went on the Disabled List along with Moore.
It is going to take a lot for them to win the division, but there is always the Wild Card, and when you are in the playoffs you never know what can happen.
Alex Cobb Hit In Head By Line Drive: Parental Guidance Advised!
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.5th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
Shane Victorino homered, stole a base and drove in the game winning run in the 10th inning as the Red Sox won a mind boggling 9-8 thriller against the Yankees.
Todd Frazier homered twice and finished going 3-4 as the Reds topped the Cardinals, 6-2.
Miguel Gonzalez gave the Orioles 7 innings 4 hit, 1 run ball, getting the decision as the Birds topped the White Sox, 3-1.
With no dominating starting pitching in the National League, Brad Ziegler closed out the Diamondbacks victory against the Giants and kept their thin playoff hopes alive.
They all owned baseball on September 5, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
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To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 5, 2013
AP Photo/Chris Carlson
You know that friend that you have that is getting harder and harder to defend?
For me, that is Dusty Baker.
I talk about the insanity of Mr. Baker today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
David Ortiz, Matt Adams, Jarrod Parkerand Dillon Geeall owned baseball on September 4, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
The MLB BallPark Pass-Port Is An Absolute Must Purchase For Those Planning To See All 30 Stadiums!
The Ballpark Pass-Port is quickly becoming the favorite item among Ballpark Chasers, to chronicle their life goal to see all 30 Major League Parks (Costs $59.95). You are able to receive the stamps kit for a small additional price of $8.95. At around $73 USD all combined – with Shipping and Handling. it will contain one of the biggest memento’s ever for a Ballpark Chaser’s best bucket list wish ever. Not only that, but the price of shipping is the same all around North America. There is not too many entities that do that for Canadians – and $4 Shipping in America is a bargain! Even if you just go to a few games per year, it will be there for you as a keepsake vault forever.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner) Follow @mlbreports
I have done some crazy ballpark road trips over the last 5 years.
For those that haven’t read any of my previous posts, or know the story, maybe because you are at our site for the 1st time, please head to https://mlbreports.com/gwr-tracker-1/ .
In those pages, I list all of my World Record Attempt Chases. I have chronicled my streaks each time, with a book binder of evidence, filled with loose leaf paper, complete with signatures from parks officials for validation towards Guinness Book Of World Record Chases.
You see when I go to a ballpark for one of these said trips, I need to stay for the complete game, 1st to last pitch. I also need for a staffer at each park, or verified witness, to sign that I was present for what I said I was.
What I have handed into the fine folks at Guinness World Record each time after, was ample evidence to be the record holder, however I was blown away by what I could do now using the BallPark Pass-Port Book – when I learned of its uniqueness.
All 30 of the MLB Parks have stickers for their home parks, whether you want to stamp yourself in, or have a team official do it for you in any of the 30 cities, this is a great way to have the proper validation that you were indeed at the park. With the 2013 MLB Season ending soon, and 2014 MLB schedule being released in a week or so, this is a great gift idea for a ballpark fan at Christmas Upcoming!
Is A Chief Needed For The Braves Young Rotation?
At first thought of Freddy Garcia stepping anywhere near the hill to start a playoff game, may have fans cringe at the thought, but keep in mind of his prior playoff pedigree. In a spot start or a pinch, the wily veteran chucker may be up for the challenge. The 36 Year Old from Venezuela, holds a 6 – 3 record – with a 3.28 ERA in 10 Post Season Game Starts, and in particular was 3 – 0, with a 2.14 ERA for the 2005 World Champion White Sox. Could he channel some of his experience for Atlanta if called upon?
By Bob McVinua (Special Guest Braves Writer – visit his website here): Follow @tomahawkchop95
Freddy Garcia, nicknamed the “chief” has recently been called up from the minor leagues to add some relief to the Atlanta bullpen.
At first I was very skeptical of the move and didn’t really see it as being anymore then an inexpensive way to eat up innings down the stretch while the team sits on a large division lead.
Then when Garcia began to see minor league action and couldn’t seem to get anyone out I became even more convinced that this deal wouldn’t amount to anything.
Well we all know how quickly things can change in Major League Baseball and today’s zeros can become tomorrow’s hero’s in the blink of an eye.
Freddy Garcia hurls a SO versus the Nationals 5/30/2013
The Athletics Have Blasted Their Way Back To The Top Of The AL West Standings, But How Far Can They Go?
The A’s have been hanging around the top of the AL West all season long, and have been blasting their way back to the top. With players like Coco Crisp, Jed Lowrie, Brandon Moss and Alberto Callaspo leading the way of late, they are poised to make a run for not only the division but maybe the American league Pennant.
By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @DanWanser
Follow @mlbreports
The Oakland Athletics have been considered contenders to win the American League West the entire season, but now that the season is coming to an end they are blasting their way to the top in an attempt to overtake the Texas Rangers.
With key players doing their job offensively, Pitchers doing their job well and keeping the team in games, and a pretty easy schedule going down the stretch they have all the components to make a stretch run.
Oakland’s 2012-2013 season Highlights:
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.4th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Matt Adams came off the bench and became the first Cardinals player ever to hit two extra inning home runs in the same game. Both game St. Louis the lead and the second one was the eventual game winner in the 16th, topping the Reds 5-4.
David Ortiz delivered 3 hits including 2 of the 8 Red Sox homers. His second home run was career hit humber 2,000 as Boston clobbered Detroit in a 20-4 laugher.
Dillon Gee pitched 7 terrific innings, letting up 1 run and 4 hits and got the 5-2 victory for the Mets over the first place Braves.
Jarrod Parker did his job in a divisional showdown against Texas. He pitched 6 innings letting up just 5 hits and 2 runs while walking none, giving the A’s the chance to run up the score in an 11-4 blow out that put Oakland back into a first place tie.
They all owned baseball on September 4, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 4, 2013
Warner Brothers Pictures
Who is the Hall of Famer who used steroids? And what should Arte Moreno do instead of moving the Angels?
Those topics and more, today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Andrew McCutchen, Homer Bailey, Jon Lesterand Ben Zobristall owned baseball on September 3, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Jeter Passes Eddie Collins For 10th On The ALL – Time Hit List: Next Up – Paul Molitor – Only 4 Hits Away!
I am sure that Derek Jeter will attempt to play in 2014 – regardless of how this season ends up. #2 has a Player Option for $8 MIL in 2014. It would behoove he and the club if Jeter exercises it. After he led the MLB in hits last year with 216, he is sitting on just 11 knocks in 2013 – due to 3 DL stints and just 49 AB. The Yanks are hoping that Jeter can provide them a spark towards a 2013 playoff spot. The worst the team has ever done in his 19 year career, is finish 87 -74 in 2000 (still won the WS). The only time the club missed the playoffs – was in 2008, when they were 89 – 73.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner) Follow @mlbreports
This season has to have been the most mentally grueling campaign for EL Capitan. Jeter has fought through several injuries, DL stints, and seen his teammates struggle for the 1st time in 5 years.
Despite all of that, Derek Jeter smacked two base hits last night (including his 3315th) – to pass Eddie Collins for 10th on the ALL – Time Hit List (If you are on mlb.com). It was just the Shortstops 11th hit on the year.
Next on the list is long time Brewer great, and Baseball Hall of Famer Paul Molitor at 3319 Career hits sitting 9th. With any luck, Jeter will pass this legend by the week’s end.
Derek Jeter’s only HR this year
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.3rd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Morry Gash
Andrew McCutchen homered, singled and walked, scoring 3 of Pittsburgh’s 4 runs, as the Pirates clinched at least a .500 season, beating Milwaukee in a 4-3 thriller.
Ben Zobrist reached base 4 times and drove in 2 with a double, helping end the Rays losing streak by pounding the Angels, 7-1.
Homer Bailey was magnificent over 7 two hit shutout innings, striking out 8 and walking just one, leading the Reds in a tight 1-0 win against division rival St. Louis.
Jon Lester won a tense pitchers duel in Fenway, pitching 7 innings of one run ball. He struck out 9 while not walking a single batter as the Red Sox held on to the 2-1 victory over the Tigers.
They all owned baseball on September 3, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 3, 2013
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, the topic is sitting in the front row. They are good seats, but understand the rules and the etiquette of sitting there.
Mat Latos, Andre Ethier, Erick Aybar and Doug Fister all owned baseball on September 2, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE .
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Texas Rangers: Different Year Than 2012, Or Same Result?
Yu Darvish, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, and Jurickson Profar are just a few of the great players up and down their roster. Last season they lost the American League West to the Oakland Athletics on the last day of the season. Will the same happen this season, or will their be a different result? With 25 Games left to play, and identical 79 – 58 records in the AL West, The A’s and the boys from Arlington are embattled in a tightly Division Race in 2013.
Ryan Ritchey (Featured Baseball Columnist): Follow @baseballaddicts
Follow @mlbreportsThe 2012 season didn’t end as planned for the Texas Rangers. They had a five game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the American League West with nine games remaining and lost the division. It was crushing for the team and the fans.
Losing the division put them in a one game playoff with the Baltimore Orioles. Coming off the shock of losing the division, the Rangers lost to the Orioles 5-1 at home.
Will this season be the same for the Rangers, or will there be a different result? Here are three reasons why it could be the same and three why it could be different…
Yu Darvish Dominates Diamondbacks with 14 K’s:
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.2nd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Andre Ethier went 3-4 with three runs scored and three batted in. He homered, walked and hit a pair of doubles, leading the first place Dodgers past the Rockies, 10-8.
Erick Aybar hit a 2 run homer that broke open a tight ball game. He would finish the game going 2-4 with a homer, triple and 4 RBI as the Angels blew out the Rays, 11-2.
Mat Latos threw a critical complete game, 4 hit, 2 run victory. He stymied the Cardinals and gave the Reds a 7-2 victory that kept them in the Central race .
Doug Fister came into Fenway Park and shut out the Red Sox over 7 no run, 4 hit innings. The Tigers won the potential ALCS preview by a score of 3-0.
They all owned baseball on September 2, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 2, 2013
MLB.tv
There is no day off for The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast… not even on Labor Day.
The lost careers of Joba Chamberlain and Daniel Bard plus September’s post season chase is the topic for the day.
This is the video made in 2011 about finishing the season on Labor Day.
Brett Oberholtzer, J. J. Hardy, Zack Greinke and Hunter Penceand A. J. Burnett all owned baseball on September 1, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
The Safeco Field Guide For Canadians (Or People Traveling From Vancouver) + Exemptions Between USA – Canadian Borders
The Mariners have one of the gem stadiums in all of baseball right now. It is too bad the team on the field has not been that great – in what has been a brutal decade. The club sees thousands of fans yearly heading down from B.C. Canada. If you don;t know the rules and have a game plan, it can be a grueling and costly trip. We are here to help arm you with the best economical way how to arrive there, with savings to time and effort.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner) Follow @mlbreports
Going through the border is never easy. Doing this while also attending a MLB baseball game makes it that more challenging,
In the next two weeks, I will write a guide for travelers going from the Border to Washington State (via White Rock B.C.) – to also going to a multitude of parks from 2 different crossing (via Ontario: Sarnia or Niagara Falls).
As a Canadian myself, I have pulled off these maneuvers dozens of time. There is an art to it.
Today we are going to talk about heading down to Seattle.
Safeco Field
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.1st) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo: Pat Sullivan
Brett Oberholtzer threw a complete game, 2 hit shutout that was scoreless until the bottom of the 8th inning. The Astros squeaked past the Mariners, 2-0.
J. J. Hardy turned the Yankees/Orioles game around with one swing of his bat. A 3-1 Yankee lead turned into a 4-3 Baltimore advantage. It sparked the 7 run outburst as the Birds won in the Bronx, 7-3.
Zack Greinke threw 7 solid innings, letting up 2 hits, 1 run and striking out 7 Padres. He earned his 14th win for the Dodgers, 2-1.
Hunter Pence homered, doubled and singled, knocked in a pair and scored three times as the Giants topped the Diamondbacks, 8-2.
They all owned baseball on September 1, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 1, 2013
AP Photo/Duane Burleson
It is THE SUNDAY REQUEST on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
@sullybaseball I’m gonna toss a few at you: should Miguel Cabrera be more concerned about the Triple Crown or his health for the postseason
— Yokorick (@Yokorick) August 31, 2013
If you aren’t following the races in the NL Central and AL Wild Card and West, then you are really missing out.
Lots of Tiger talk today, plus Magic Numbers
Ivan Nova, Brandon Phillips, Omar Infante and A. J. Burnett all owned baseball on August 31, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Reds One And Done In 2013?
The Reds had high expectations coming into this 2013 season and things haven’t gone according to plan. Between injuries and many other things, the Reds sit in third place in the National League Central. Ryan Ludwick has finally made his return to the lineup in the last week or so but even he isn’t tearing up opposing pitching. Todd Frazier and Zack Cozart have had below average seasons at the plate and it has hurt the Reds in the clutch. The Reds are leading the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second Wild Card spot but they need to get hot going into, what will most likely be a one game playoff.
Ryan Ritchey (Baseball Writer): Follow @baseballaddicts
Follow @mlbreportsComing out of last season’s meltdown in the first round of the playoffs against the Giants, you would have thought the Reds would want revenge this season.
It has been the complete opposite. This team doesn’t have any drive and are always playing with zero enthusiasm.
Injuries to Johnny Cueto, Ryan Ludwick and Sean Marshall have really hurt them this season. It has put pressure on other guys to do things they have never done in their career.
For the most part it has been good, but then again there are times where they just seemed inexperienced and it comes back to hurt them.
JJ Hoover has gone from awful at the beginning of the season, to great in the middle, and now back to awful. He is in a role he has never been in before so you can’t blame it all on him.
In the last week and a half he has given up two Grand Slams in big situations, one to Paul Goldschmidt and the other to Allen Craig. Granted they are both MVP candidates, but you can’t give up Grand Slams in the situations that he did so.
Brandon Phillips Goes Off On Reporter: Parental Guidance Advised! Explicit Language!
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.31st) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Ivan Nova kept the Yankees playoff hopes alive by throwing a complete game 3 hit shutout against the Orioles for a final score of 2-0.
Omar Infante smacked a pair of home runs while driving in 5 runs. He led the Tigers past fading divisional rival Cleveland, 10-5
A. J. Burnett let up only 1 run and 4 hits, getting the 7-1 victory over St. Louis and propelled the Pirates into first place.
Brandon Phillips answered his critics by being a single short of the cycle. He finished going 3-5 with 3 runs scored and 2 batted in, leading the Reds in their 8-3 win over the Rockies.
They all owned baseball on August 31, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
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