Monthly Archives: October 2013

The Detroit Tigers Roster Tree Part 1: How All Of The Hitters Were Acquired

It is tough to believe that someone once wanted to trade Miguel Cabrera.  The Marlins were so desperate to rid themselves of the Dontrelle Willis contract, that they unloaded Miguel Cabrera as part of a package for 5 different players in return from Detroit.  It will go down as one of the worst trades in MLB History by the time it is all said and done.  Cabrera has evolved into the best Right Handed Batter in this generation.  He only gets better each year that passes by.

It is tough to believe that someone once wanted to trade Miguel Cabrera. The Marlins were so desperate to rid themselves of the Dontrelle Willis contract, that they unloaded Miguel Cabrera as part of a package for 5 different players in return from Detroit. It will go down as one of the worst trades in MLB History by the time it is all said and done. Cabrera has evolved into the best Right Handed Batter in this generation. He only gets better each year that passes by.

How All Of The Tigers Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Detroit Tigers  – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching.  It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.

Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.

If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.

For the 2nd part of the Roster Tree for the Tigers: The Pitchers – click here

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

Miguel Cabrera 2013 Highlights Before The All – Star Break – Mature Lyrics

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 24, 2013

Photo: Matt Stone - Boston Herald

Photo: Matt Stone – Boston Herald

It is the first anniversary of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast. Show #366 and the beginning of Year #2.

And the Red Sox took game 1 of the World Series in a way that almost felt TOO easy.

David Ortiz and Jon Lester received full WOO’s.

Carlos Beltran received 1/2 WOO’s.

Confused what a WOO is? An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.

An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 24, 2013

New ‘SullyMetric’: Who Owns the World Series (WOWS) – Explanation and Tally for Game 1

 (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

It might be time for a new ‘SullyMetric.’

In the regular season, I had “Who Owns Baseball?” aka WOB. The explanation is here.

In essence it was the player and pitcher of the day from both leagues. Whomever won the day the most over the year led the league in WOB.

Then the post season came about and thus was born “Who Owns October?” aka WOO. A full explanation is here.

The player and pitcher who each winning team gets a WOO. If someone on the losing team has an admirable performance (I’m looking at YOU, Justin Verlander), then they would receive 1/2 a WOO.

But the World Series is different. People complain that postseason stats and World Series stats are combined, resulting in Bernie Williams and David Ortiz‘s stats dwarf Mickey Mantle‘s and Babe Ruth‘s because of the additional rounds.

So in my Twitter feed came this suggestion from one of my most loyal readers and listeners.

You got it. “Who Owns the World Series?” or WOWS.

I am going to continue to keep track of WOO to see who has the best tally for the entire Postseason.

But it is also time to keep a separate list for the World Series. Will the leader of WOO also lead WOWS?

There is only one way to find out… keep track like a maniac!

From October 23rd’s games:

Receiving 1 WOWS:

Jon Lester was brilliant, pitching shutout ball into the 8th. He finished with 7 2/3 scoreless innings, walking 1 and striking out 8 and let up just 5 hits and got the 8-1 win for the Red Sox over the Cardinals in Game 1 of the World Series.

David Ortiz launched one homer and was robbed of a grand slam. In all he drove in 3 as Boston clobbered St. Louis 8-1.

Receiving 1/2 WOWS:

Carlos Beltran gave the Cardinals their lone highlight when he caught David Ortiz’s home run and kept an early Red Sox lead from getting out of hand. He had to leave the game and eventually the Cardinals did collapse, 8-1.

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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For WS Game #1 October 23, 2013

 (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

Jon Lester was brilliant, pitching shutout ball into the 8th. He finished with 7 2/3 scoreless innings, walking 1 and striking out 8 and let up just 5 hits and got the 8-1 win for the Red Sox over the Cardinals in Game 1 of the World Series.

David Ortiz launched one homer and was robbed of a grand slam. In all he drove in 3 as Boston clobbered St. Louis 8-1.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Carlos Beltran gave the Cardinals their lone highlight when he caught David Ortiz’s home run and kept an early Red Sox lead from getting out of hand. He had to leave the game and eventually the Cardinals did collapse, 8-1.

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Don Mattingly Would Be Perfect For The Nationals Or Tigers MGR Positions: Dodgers Skipper Is Still In Limbo

Don Mattingly has a Managerial Record of 260 -225 (.536) in his 1st 3 years as Dodgers Skipper.  Among the totals in this year - was that he guided the club to a 62 - 30 record during the last 92 Games this year.  The Dodgers were knocked out the NLCS Round versus the Cardinals

Don Mattingly has a Managerial Record of 260 -225 (.536) in his 1st 3 years as Dodgers Skipper. Among the totals in this year – was that he guided the club to a 62 – 30 record during the last 92 Games this year. The Dodgers were knocked out the NLCS Round versus the Cardinals.  Mattingly’s $1.4 Vesting Option was picked up by that accord of being in the final 4 this season.  The Dodgers are only offering the one year of 2014, and Mattingly believes he has done a great enough job to earn a multi-year deal.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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The Dodgers are making a mistake in not signing Don Mattingly to a multi – year deal.  If you actually sit back and think about what he was able to do is a miracle this year.

Matt Kemp was 50% of himself – and also missed half of the year.

Hanley Ramirez played at an MVP caliber for the time he was in there, problem was – missed 74 games.

Carl Crawford was great, but he missed 45 Games.

Yasiel Puig came up – with 60 Games already taken off of the year.

Zack Greinke missed 2 months after Carlos Quentin charged him.

Brandon League was abysmal early as a Closer.

The 3rd base/Shortstop position featured an opening day of Luis Cruz and Justin Sellers.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 23, 2013

Screen shot 2013-10-23 at 8.22.29 AM

Today is show number 365 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

That’s right, I’ve been doing this for a whole year without taking a day off.

In this episode, I take a look at the World Series and make a connection to Red Sox and Cardinals fans and Gwyneth Paltrow and Anne Hathaway.

Trust me, it makes sense.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 23, 2013

Screen shot 2013-10-23 at 8.27.43 AM

Where Will Brian Wilson End Up?

Brian Wilson has a great comeback bid in the 2013 campaign.  When you add up his Appearances in the regular season - and playoffs, he threw 19.2 IP - in which he entered 24 Games, and only gave up 1 ER in the process.  Good for a cumulative 0.47 ERA.  He also has yet to yield an ER in 17.2 Post Season Career Innings.  Boston, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers should be his top suitors this winter.

Brian Wilson has a great comeback bid in the 2013 campaign. When you add up his Appearances in the regular season – and playoffs, he threw 19.2 IP – in which he entered 24 Games, and only gave up 1 ER in the process. Good for a cumulative 0.47 ERA. He also has yet to yield an ER in 17.2 Post Season Career Innings. Boston, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers should be his top suitors this winter.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Perhaps nobody is happier than Brian Wilson, that Tim Lincecum resigned in San Francisco for 2 YRs/$35 MIL.  While I think that is a bit of an overspend, it was what the Free Agency Market is dictating.

Having said this, the Relief Core of Pitchers available on the open market is quite interesting.

It is my contention, that Brian Wilson has the best value out there for clubs.

Forget about ‘lets wear my hat at a 45 degree angle’ Fernando Rodney, who was a world beater in 2012, before he almost cost the Rays a playoff spot in 2013.

Grant Balfour has a good case for a big raise, however he will be 36 years old in a few months.  My guess is Billy Beane will find a way for him to sign a short term deal anyway.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 22, 2013

AP

AP

The merry go round of managerial openings is in full swing. Will that mean a return of Dusty Baker and Ozzie Guillen? And where will Don Mattingly end up?

And why can’t Kevin Kennedy, Bob Brenly, Willie Randolph nor Chris Chambliss get a job?
It is a managerial focused episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 22, 2013

BBA Awards 2013

As a member of the BBA, MLB Reports chooses the following for each award:

 

Please enter your choice for the Connie Mack Award: *

The Connie Mack Award is given to the top manager each year.

 
AL:  John Farrell, BOS – NL:  Clint Hurdle, PIT
 

Please enter your choice for the Willie Mays Award: *

The Willie Mays Award is given to the top rookie each year

 
AL:  Wil Myers, TB – NL:  Yasiel Puig, LAD

Please enter your choice for the Goose Gossage Award: *

The Goose Gossage Award is given to the top reliever each year.

AL:  Koji Uehara, BOS NL:  Craig Kimbrel, ATL

Please enter your choice for the Walter Johnson Award: *

The Walter Johnson Award is given to the top pitcher each year.

AL: Max Scherzer, DET – NL:  Clayton Kershaw, LAD

Please enter your choice for the Stan Musial Award: *

The Stan Musial Award is given to the top player each year.

AL:  Mike Trout  NL: Paul Goldschmidt

“Hard Cheddar” Weekly Segment 1: The Toronto Blue Jays Of The NL East?

The Blue have pretty much been a mediocre franchise in the league for the last 20 years.  After winning back to back World Series in 1992 and 1993, the club has some expensive and talented pieces, however like so many of the 'god awful' teams have shown us recently, maybe the club should tanked it for 7 - 10 years in order to stockpile Grade A level talent through the MLB Amateur Draft?

The Blue Jays have pretty much been a mediocre franchise in the league for the last 20 years. After winning back to back World Series in 1992 and 1993, the club has had some expensive and talented pieces, yet like so many of the ‘god awful’ teams have shown us recently, maybe the club should have tanked it for 7 – 10 years in order to stockpile Grade A level talent through the MLB Amateur Draft?  Toronto has been caught in the middle of a building a team through the Draft, but never seem to be bad enough to receive high enough picks to select ultimate fortune changers for the organization.  Maybe they should try another way..  Lets talk about that today.

By ‘Special Guest  Blue Jays Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

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“Hard Cheddar” – with Steve Cheeseman

Regardless if you’re a casual fan, or die hard Toronto Blue Jay fan, many things come into mind with regard to what should happen next after a terrible 2013 season.  

Do Media/Cable giant Roger’s need to spend more money?  Should they rebuild from the draft?  Should they rent older, experienced players on short term deals?  

How about a shift from the American League to the National League?

For the start of the 2013 season, the Houston Astros made the move from the NL to the west division of the AL.  This was to equally balance the two leagues to contain 15 teams in each.

In terms of performance, it didn’t help.  The 2012 NL Astros finished the season with a 55-107 record, which was good for last in all of Major League Baseball.  

Montreal’s OIympic Stadium will host a Blue Jays Exhibition Game in 2014

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“Stoking The Fire” Week 2: The MLB Should Change The 2 – 3 – 2 Format In The Playoffs!

MLB is the only sport having a best of 7 series  that the home advantage is not given to the team with the best record in the league.

MLB is the only sport having a best of 7 series that the home advantage is not given to the team with the best record in the league.  Even worse is the 2 – 3 – 2 format!

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter

I hate the 2 – 3 – 2 format for the ALCS/NLCS plus the World Series Formats. 

To me it is complete lunacy that a team with a far better record in the regular season has to play 3 of their first 5 games on  the road in the LCS matchups.

Oh.. yeah, if your league wins the ALL – Star Game in July, you also have to go on the road for 3 of the 1st 5 games…Don’t even get me started on that topic.  Another time and another rant for that cupcake. 

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 21, 2013

b_strong_blue

With no ball game yesterday nor today, I talk Red Sox fandom with fellow transplanted New Englander Maura A. Smith.

We discussed why 2013 is already one of our favorite teams, thoughts on the Fox announcers, remembered when being a Red Sox fan wasn’t cool, watching 2004 while living in New York and putting Jimmies on our Ice Cream.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 21, 2013

MLB Playoff Predictions: Who Will Win The 2013 World Series?

Boston will be at a slight offensive advantage at Busch Stadium for Games #3. #4 and #5 - with losing Napoli out of the lineup - if John Farrell decides to have David Ortiz face all of the Cards Right Handed Starting Pitchers.  Despite that fact, I can't ignore the clutch playoff performers that the Boston club have for this series.  The Cards team has fought injuries and used their system brilliantly to get this far, but I think they fall just short in the World Series.

Boston will be at a slight offensive advantage at Busch Stadium for Games #3. #4 and #5 – with losing Napoli out of the lineup – if John Farrell decides to have David Ortiz face all of the Cards Right Handed Starting Pitchers. Despite that fact, I can’t ignore the clutch playoff performers that the Boston club have for this series. The Cards team has fought injuries and used their system brilliantly to get this far, but I think they fall just short in the World Series.

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

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The last thing I wanted to be in my 2013 ALCS Prediction was right.  I am a New York Yankees fan, but I have to give it up to the Boston Red Sox.

Much like the 2001 New York Yankees made the World Series after 9/11, how could any begrudge the city of Boston having something to rally around like this?

This matchup will feature the winner laying claim to team of the time frame of 2004 – 2013.  No one will contest the Yankees were the best team in the MLB from 1996 – 2003. 

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Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win Game #1

Fenway Park is not just a place - it is a community around the ballpark.  This fence also made the Stadium Journey's top 10 quirks of baseball.  Boston will have home field advantage for the World Series - since the AL won the ALL - Star Game in 2013.  If it makes anybody feel any better, the Red Sox had the best record in baseball this season anyway.

Fenway Park is not just a place – it is a community around the ballpark. This fence also made the Stadium Journey’s top 10 quirks of baseball. Boston will have home field advantage for the World Series – since the AL won the ALL – Star Game in 2013. If it makes anybody feel any better, the Red Sox had the best record in baseball this season anyway.  The Red Sox will face the St. Louis Cardinals in the Fall Classic for the 3rd time (St. Louis won in 1967, and Boston won in 2004).  The winner will emerge as the only team in the MLB – to have won 3 World Series in the last 10 years.  Boston would be 3 out of 10, and the Cardinals would be 3 Titles in 7 years.  Pic by http://www.ballparkreviews.com

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

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Odds To Win the World Series Today:

Boston Red Sox -145

St. Louis Cardinals +125

Ortiz Slams the Red Sox back into a tie (Credit FOX)

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Mr. Fielder’s Name Might Be Prince, But He Is No King Of The Playoffs!

In 39 games for his Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs.  This Playoff stretch of 11 Games in 2013 - there were no big flies and not even a solitary RBI.  Fielder had 9 Hits out of 40 AB (.225) with just one Double.fans, we cannot blame Prince Fielder for wanting to play everyday. When you are going through personal issues, you may like to keep busy to stay away from the negative. You just have to wonder that if Fielder didn’t have an active consecutive games streak, would Leyland have rested him already. The bat points towards yes.

In 39 games for his Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs. This Playoff stretch of 11 Games in 2013 – there were no big flies and not even a solitary RBI. Fielder had 9 Hits out of 40 AB (.225) with just one Double.fans, we cannot blame Prince Fielder for wanting to play everyday. When you are going through personal issues, you may like to keep busy to stay away from the negative. You just have to wonder that if Fielder didn’t have an active consecutive games streak, would Leyland have rested him down the stretch when they had a commanding lead over the rest of the AL Central?. The bat points towards yes.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

I am still amazed that the Boston Red Sox won the ALCS.  I mean they were leading Game #2  5 – 1 in the Bottom of the 8th, and the Red Sox players had a collective Batting Average – not much higher than their wives watching the game.

Cue in David Ortiz‘s Grand Slam HR to tie the game – and pesto, the fortunes of the Boston club were soon changed with a win in the 9th.

The Red Sox only managed to squeak a HR from Mike Napoli in Game #3 to top Justin Verlander.  They had another crazy Grand Slam HR hit against them by Shane Victorino in the Bottom of the 8th in Game #6 to seal their playoff fate

I am also at a loss for words, that throughout the ALCS/NLCS, that Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, Adam Wainwright and Max Scherzer failed to win a game this round, yet other than Kershaw’s poor performance in Game #6 of the NLCS, these Cy Young Pitchers were virtually unhittable, but couldn’t win buy some run support.

Then there is Prince Fielder.  I have been friends with Chuck Booth for 20 years, and he nailed it perfectly with the Reports in their coverage on this guy for the 2013 year.

Prince Fielder 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental guidance is advised.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 20, 2013

Photo by John Wilcox. Boston Herald

Photo by John Wilcox. Boston Herald

The Red Sox are going to the World Series!

Lots to talk about Game 6, including why me listening to my son talk about dinosaurs was critical.

Also, when Jim Leyland took Max Scherzer out of the game, I tweeted this:

I wasn’t wrong.

All that and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Shane Victorino and Brandon Workman  received full WOO’s.

Max Scherzer and Victor Martinez received 1/2 WOO’s.

Confused what a WOO is? An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.

An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 20, 2013

Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 19, 2013 Games

Photo: John Tlumacki - Boston Globe Staff

Photo: John Tlumacki – Boston Globe Staff

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

Shane Victorino clubbed a go ahead, come from behind, series rocking, head exploding grand slam in the 7th inning that not only will earn him a free meal all throughout New England, but propelled the Red Sox into the World Series with their 5-2 Game 6 victory over the Tigers.

Brandon Workman may not have received a win, hold or save. But he got 5 critical outs, with the help of some horrific base running by the Tigers and a pickoff. The Tigers did not add any insurance runs and the Boston bats went to work, winning 5-2.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Victor Martinez drove home 2 runs and seemed to give the Tigers a much needed lead and hope to force a game 7. It did not work out, however and the Red Sox triumphed, 5-2.

Max Scherzer once again baffled the Red Sox hitters, pitching into the 7th, giving up just 4 hits and striking out 8. He got a hard luck loss as the Tiger bullpen failed him again, 5-2.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 19, 2013

 (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

The Cardinals beat the Dodgers and freed up my afternoon.
Sick of St. Louis? Too bad. They are going to be around for a while.
That and more on today’s Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Michael Wacha and Carlos Beltran  received full WOO’s.

Nobody received 1/2 WOO’s.

Confused what a WOO is? An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.

An updated WOO tally can be found HERE
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 19, 2013

Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 18, 2013 Games

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

Carlos Beltran went 3-4, driving in a pair and scoring another propelling the Cardinals to a 9-0 win over the Dodgers, clinching the NL Pennant.

Michael Wacha threw 7 shutout innings to earn his second win over the Dodgers and earn NLCS MVP honors.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

No Dodger earned a 1/2 WOO.

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Wishful Thinking Part 2: Chicago White Sox Style: They Sign Jose Abreu

"Rick Hahn made his first major move as White Sox GM yesterday when he signed 26 year old Cuban defector Jose Abreu to a 6 year $68 million contract. While most are surprised that the White Sox were able to sign Abreu, most are also happy with the signing. So fans are hoping that, along with Avisail Garcia, Abreu can be one of the Sox cornerstones for years to come.

“Rick Hahn made his first major move as White Sox GM yesterday when he signed 26 year old Cuban defector Jose Abreu to a 6 year $68 million contract. While most are surprised that the White Sox were able to sign him, most are also happy with the signing. So fans are hoping that, along with Avisail Garcia, Abreu can be one of the Sox cornerstones for years to come.  Chicago had their worst year in a long time this 2013 season, and this move is good in that it did not cost the franchise anything but money on the payroll.

By ‘White Sox Correspondent’ Brian Madsen  

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter  

I love Paul Konerko. I love Frank Thomas. These two White Sox first basemen are whom we as fans will compare the recently signed Jose Abreu to, as we should.

Don’t compare him to Yoenis Cespedes, or Yasiel Puig, just because they are also from Cuba. He’s the direct replacement for Paul Konerko, just as the longest reigning White Sox player was the replacement for Frank Thomas.

I assumed Rick Hahn would wait until after the postseason was completed to begin the White Sox revamp going into the 2014 season.

Well, the World Series hasn’t even begun, and Hahn managed to sign the biggest free agent hitter available to a 6 year, $68 million contract. This is also the biggest contract given to an international free agent in the history of MLB.

Good start? Some say no, but many say yes. Abreu was very sought after, desired by many MLB clubs. We, as Sox fans, knew of the White Sox interest in him once it was announced that he was soon going to be made available as a free agent.

But, I don’t think many of us thought he would sign here. Boston maybe. Yankees? Rangers? All distinct possibilities. No way the White Sox get him.

Then, you started hearing rumblings that White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo, also a native of Cuba, knows Jose Abreu, and even played with him on a couple Cuban teams.

Could he be whispering in the Cuban players ear about coming to Chicago? Maybe. Was the $ the main contributing factor in Abreu signing with the White Sox? More than likely.

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The Disaster That Was The Blue Jays 2013 Season: State Of The Union

Following the 2012 Major League Baseball season, Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopolous made some noticeable moves, to seemingly re-invent Canada’s team.  Jay’s fans everywhere were ecstatic and pumped for the upcoming season, thinking that playoff baseball would finally return to Canada after 20 long seasons.

Following the 2012 Major League Baseball season, Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos made some noticeable moves, to seemingly re-invent Canada’s team. Jay’s fans everywhere were ecstatic and pumped for the upcoming season, thinking that playoff baseball would finally return to Canada after 20 long seasons.

By ‘Special Guest  Blue Jays Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

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Another Season, Another Disaster.

The off-season started with a boom, with the signings of Maicer Izturis (3 yr-$9 million), and Melky Cabrera (2 yr-$16million).  This was followed by acquiring hard throwing Esmil Rogers from Cleveland.  

They weren’t done yet.

On November 14th, Anthopoulos completed a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins, receiving pitchers  Josh Johnson  (2-time All-Star)and Mark Buehrle (4-time All-Star), short-stop Jose Reyes (4-time All-Star, 2011 NL Batting Champion),   catcher John Buck,  utility man Emilio Bonifacio, and $8 million in cash in exchange for pitcher Henderson Alvarez, short-stop Yunel Escobar, catcher Jeff Mathis, and prospects.  

It was a steal.  Toronto then sent John Buck and prospects to the New York Mets, for reigning NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, catcher Josh Thole and a prospect.   

Odd makers out of Las Vegas named the Toronto Blue Jays as the favorites to win the 2013 World Series.  Too good to be true right? Pretty much.

Munenori Kawasaki – See You Tomorrow

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 18, 2013

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The ALCS and the NLCS seem to be heading to a collision course with Game 7.

And the Red Sox have stumbled across a difference making closer.

That and more on today’s Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Koji Uehara and Mike Napoli received full WOO’s.

Jose Iglesias and Anibal Sanchez received 1/2 WOO’s.

Confused what a WOO is? An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.

An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 18, 2013

Having A Great DH Can Mean Winning The AL Pennant: For Other Teams – The Position Is A Waste!

David Ortiz has been the quintessential DH in the AL over the last 11 years.  Boston is in contention perenially because he put up great #s compared to his competition.

David Ortiz has been the quintessential DH in the AL over the last 11 years. Boston are perennial contenders because he put up great #s compared to his competition.  Ortiz had a great 2013 campaign – where he 3 Slashed .309/.395./.959 – with 30 HRs and 103 RBI in just 137 Games Played.  Ortiz is .292/.390/.962 in 11 Years with Boston, with 373 HRs and 1191 RBI.  The Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 and 2007 with him at DH, and are looking to win again this year.

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

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Watching the 2013 season, something really resonated with me while watching the American League:  ‘Where have all the great designated hitters in MLB gone?’  

It is surprising to me that teams haven’t figured out that having a dominant DH in the league could mean the difference in winning the AL pennant or not.

I also believe that players should be moved their earlier than in their mid 30’s.  If they can’t play the field at all, or are not superior at offense, they should be made to Pinch-hit in the NL. 

It seemed only a few years ago that every team had a bopper capable of hitting .300 with 30 HR’S and 100 RBI’s.  Upon further investigation, I found out some interesting facts.

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Mike Napoli Is A Clutch Performer In The Post Season – And Is Potentially Earning A Nice New Contract!

Mike Napoli agreed to a 1 YR/$13 MIL deal prior to the 2013 season.  While he struggled at various times in the regular season, he still Slashed for .259/.360/.842 - with 23 HRs and 92 RBI.  It was his 6th straight season with 20+ HRs - and his 498 2013 ABs - still have left him without ever reaching 500 AB in any of his seasons.

Mike Napoli agreed to a 1 YR/$13 MIL deal prior to the 2013 season. While he struggled at various times in the regular season, he still Slashed for .259/.360/.842 – with 23 HRs and 92 RBI. It was his 6th straight season with 20+ HRs – and his 498 2013 ABs – still have left him without ever reaching 500 AB in any of his seasons.  The man averages a HR for every 16.38 AB in his Career. (169 HRs in 2768 AB). He will turn 32 on Oct.31/2013.

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

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If you have followed this website for very long, you will realize that we have made some great prognostications from the time of its inception.

We called the emergence of the Oakland A’s half way through the campaign last year.  We also called Adam Dunn to be the bargain of the 2012 season.

We also stated that the Tigers would make the 2012 World Series.

We said the Dodgers were going to go nuts and spend like there was no tomorrow, probably make the World Series, sign Zack Greinke.

We called every aspect of the New York Yankees season this year, including trading for Mark Reynolds, Vernon Wells and for Alfonso Soriano to thrive back in pinstripes.

Then there was the predicting of Yasiel Puig, Yoenis Cespedes, Mike Trout and Wil Myers at the verge of breaking out.

Previous Owner Jonathan Hacohen also predicted the emergence of Mike Napoli in 2011, and thoroughly admonished the Blue Jays for trading him – after having the Catcher for about a week.

Mike Napoli Game #5 HR 2013 ALCS

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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 17, 2013 Games

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

Mike Napoli hit one of the longest homers you will ever see to straight away center field. He finished a triple shy of the cycle, scored twice and drove in a run for the Red Sox 4-3 nail biter in Detroit.

Koji Uehara continued his dominance of Tigers batters. He faced 5 batters, retired them all including a pair of strikeouts as he slammed the door shut in Boston’s 4-3 win.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Jose Iglesias singled, scored a run and made a remarkable circus catch on an Ortiz pop fly, giving the Tigers a chance in their 4-3 loss to Boston.

Anibal Sanchez was not his no hitter self. But he cut his walks down to zero and let up only 3 earned runs in his 6 innings of work. He kept the Tigers in the game but they couldn’t catch Boston, 4-3.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 17, 2013

p-533498-1989-world-series-battle-of-the-bay-mlb-baseball-patch-oakland-a-s-san-fra-bjp-es-85192-0225

I remember the 1989 World Series earthquake, 24 years after it happened, and its aftermath.

That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Doug Fister, Adrian Gonzalez, Zack Greinke and Austin Jackson received full WOO’s.

Matt Holliday and Jacoby Ellsbury received 1/2 WOO’s.

Confused what a WOO is? An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.

An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 17, 2013

Brian Wilson Has Earned Himself Some $$$ With His 2013 Showing: And Is The Best Relief Pitcher Left In The Playoffs!

From 2008-2011, Brian Wilson was one of the top closer in the Majors with 163 Saves.  He Saved 48 Games with a 1.81 ERA only 3 years ago in  2010 for the World Champ Giants.  He went through TJ Surgery for a 2nd time in April of 2012 - who will give him a chance in 2014, by signing the pending Free Agent?

From 2008-2011, Brian Wilson was one of the top closers in the Majors with 163 Saves. He Saved 48 Games with a 1.81 ERA only 3 years ago in 2010 for the World Champ Giants. He went through TJ Surgery for a 2nd time in April of 2012.  He has since made an awesome comeback with the Dodgers, only giving up 1 ER in his Dodgers 24 Appearances, including 6 Scoreless frames in the 2013 playoffs.  Who will give him a chance in 2014, by signing the pending Free Agent?  Dodgers fans are hoping he stays.

Hunter Stokes (Featured Baseball Columnist): 

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I am big Brian Wilson fan.  Part of me was devastated when the Giants won the World Series in 2012, because he was not on the team.

I was happy to learn that he bid his time this season, made sure he was fully healed up from his 2nd Tommy John Surgery, and made a triumphant return with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He could have rushed back in the spring, signed with another club, and tried haphazardly to work through his pitching in game action, however the man knows his body tweaks.

Brian Wilson as Captain Highlander on George Lopez Show

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Wishful Thinking – Chicago White Sox Style!

2013 was, by far, one the worst years for the Chicago White Sox, but one of many in a long run of disappointments for the organization. Teams in major markets should have contending on the field regularly. The Sox have a ways to go in order to shore up their poor farm system, and put home grown talent on the field.

2013 was, by far, one the worst years for the Chicago White Sox, but one of many in a long run of disappointments for the organization. Teams in major markets should have contending on the field regularly. The Sox have a ways to go in order to shore up their poor farm system, and put home grown talent on the field.

By ‘White Sox Correspondent’ Brian Madsen 

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As much as I enjoy watching the MLB postseason, it’s a constant reminder of my favorite team’s failures.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy watching Juan Uribe hit a game winning HR, sending the Dodgers to the NLCS.

I just wish that was MY team headed to the League Championship Series.

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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 16, 2013 Games

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

 

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

Doug Fister kept the Red Sox from rallying all game. He went 6 innings and despite letting up 8 hits, only surrendered 1 run and got the decision in the Tigers’ 7-3 victory.

Adrian Gonzalez crushed a pair of homers, collected 3 hits in all and sparked the offense for LA, 6-4 over the Cardinals.

Zack Greinke kept the Dodgers from elimination after wiggling out of early trouble. He pitched 7 innings, let up only 6 hits and 2 runs and got the win, 6-4 over St. Louis.

Dropped to the 8th spot, Austin Jackson got on base 4 times with a pair of walks and a pair of hits. He scored a run, drove in 2 and stole a base, sparking the Tigers 7-3 win over the Red Sox.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Jacoby Ellsbury collected four hits and missed the cycle by a homer, scored and drove in a run, one of the few bright lights for the Red Sox in their 7-3 loss to Detroit.

Matt Holliday got 3 hits, including a double, scored and drove in a run and gave the Cardinals hope to clinch. St. Louis fell just short, 6-4 to Los Angeles.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers Roster Tree: How All Of The Hitters Were Acquired

Andre Ethier finished 6th in NL MVP Voting during the 2009 season. It has been his best year to date. He hit 31 HRs, added 106 RBI, 76 XBH Overall and scored 92 Runs.  He won a Silver Slugger Award for his efforts.  Ethier was acquired through a chain of transactions that goes all the way back to when the team drafted Mike Piazza (who was traded for Gary Sheffield), who was traded for

Andre Ethier finished 6th in NL MVP Voting during the 2009 season. It has been his best year to date. He hit 31 HRs, added 106 RBI, 76 XBH Overall and scored 92 Runs. He won a Silver Slugger Award for his efforts. Ethier was acquired through a chain of transactions that goes all the way back to when the team drafted Mike Piazza (who was traded for Gary Sheffield), who was traded for Andrew Brown from Atlanta, (who was later flipped for Milton Bradley from Cleveland, before lA turned around and traded Bradley to the A’s for Andre Ethier.)

How All Of The Dodgers Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Los Angeles Dodgers – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching.  It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.

Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.

If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

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