Monthly Archives: November 2013
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 30, 2013
The Nationals want DC to pay for a new roof? The Nats should be more worried about paying for a deeper roster!
If they emulate the Red Sox and Cardinals, they should have a great 2014.
It is a Washington-centric episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
“Hard Cheddar” With Steve Cheeseman – My BBHOF Ballot

The members of the BBWAA will vote on the BBHOF ballot in January of 2014, A player that is still on the ballot, needs to receive 75% of the vote in order to make in the Hall. A player needs receive 5% of the votes in order to remain on the list of players eligible for the next year.
“Hard Cheddar” – with ‘Special Guest Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @cheeseman_s
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Hello baseball fans. I apologize for being away so long, as my career outside of sports writing has kept me busy these last few weeks.
With that being said, let’s get going. Since the end of the 2013 season, there are many things that crossed my mind.
However, for whatever reason, one of the things that has me extremely interested if the hall of fame ballot.
New names on this year’s ballot include Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas. In my mind these guys deserve to be in the hall of fame.
Big Hurt Highlights
The Best Teams In The MLB From 1980 – 2017: The Biggest Question Is, Who Owns 2015 – 2017 Mark? Early Favorite Lends 2 Cubs With 3 Straight LCS Appearances, 1 World Series

With 3 straight LCS appearances and 1 World Series – the Cubs can lay claim to the best team from 2015 – 2017. If Houston were to win the 2018 World Series, they could be turned back to the 2015 – 2016 stretch, however Chicago can advance the years if they are able to go farther than the Stros this campaign
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
There is only so much one can read in an article, otherwise I would make these lists up from the turn of the 20th century.
As I became older and discovered ways to research the history of the game, my knowledge and curious mind grew for more information.
I have studied and read baseball stat books and breezed through the odd Bill James novel.
If I ever take a break from writing or baseball park chasing, I may find some time down the road to watch the 9 part PBS documentary that Ken Burns did on baseball’s history.
Cards State Of The Union – Fall 2013: John Mozeliak + STL Brass Are Baseball’s Best ‘Rounders’

The Cardinals are the model NL Franchise, having gone to 8 out of the last 13 NLCS Matchups. They also stand to benefit that the highest revenue teams in the MLB like New York, Boston, Los Angles (x2), Detroit, Texas and San Francisco do not reside in their Division. Their team has been run the best in the MLB for over a decade. At a just north of a $115 MIL payroll, they slightly hover over the Reds for highest team salary in the NL Central. if the Cards continue to display “Rounding techniques” in player acquisitions, they will keep contending every year with the other big boys across baseball. When you add the fact that the brass knows how to run a club like the Oakland A’s and Tampa Bays Rays do, but also have money to spend, then you can see how dangerous this organization has been since 2000.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
What is not to like about this team?
The club has appeared in 4 World Series in the last decade, 8 NLCS series since the turn of the millennium, and now with brilliant drafting and trades, the club is in outstanding position to keep it up for the next decade.
While I hated the fact they recently signed Jhonny Peralta, I understand the move because it was so smart.
This franchise addressed their two top needs this offseason, without surrendering any of their top young Pitching prospects, or even Oscar Taveras for that matter.
Did I also mention that when Carlos Beltran signs somewhere else – the club receives another pick?
Michael Wacha Tosses 8.2 IP Of No – Hit Ball 9/24/13
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 29, 2013
While reading through the book Billy Ball by Billy Martin (and Phil Pepe), I stumbled across an interesting passage.
Evidently Billy Martin and I had similar ideas of how to set up a batting order… one where common sense triumphs of conventional wisdom.
I recorded today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast next to a swimming pool.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 28, 2013
This Thanksgiving, I salute Sparky Anderson on the anniversary of his firing and talk a little Jack Morris and the Hall of Fame debate.
Gather the family around the computer, folks. It is a very Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Thanksgiving.
To read my tribute to Hall of Famer Turkey Stearnes, click here.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 27, 2013
It is important to be negative and to consolidate our hate. Brian McCann is my least favorite player and he’s a Yankee! Hooray! And the Diamondbacks continue being phony tough.
Lots of reasons to be negative on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
AL East Around The Horn – Hot Stove Talk

Boston better snap out of their post season celebrations long enough to tend to their own Free Agents. The longer they wait to sign Mike Napoli. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Stephen Drew and Jacoby Ellsbury, the longer the odds will be for the club to resign them. Ellsbury is likely gone, and Drew could also be replaced with Bogaerts/Middlebrooks, however their Catcher and First Base scenario’s need to be addressed. Other than A.J. Pierzynsnki, there is not a backstopper left on the FA market that would be equal or greater than Salty. As for Napoli, there is not many 1B with power on the market, and I can’t see them bringing in James Loney or Justin Morneau.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
The Yankees should still covet Carlos Beltran as their #1 target. As far as length goes, who cares if he wants a 4th year. What all of a sudden you care about employing a 40 year old?
The Red Sox better watch themselves for their inactivity. There are not many Catchers on the open market right now, and all of a sudden Jarrod Saltalamacchia is growing in value.
Also, don’t count out the Seattle Mariners making a pitch for Mike Napoli. He is one of those guys who can transcend lineups with big swings.
The M’s can boost attendance with some early season wins – and have money to spend
Mike Napoli Highlights 2013 – Mature Lyrics so parental guidance is advised
The Braves Will Be Paying The B.J. Upton Deal For Years – Not Just Money Either!

The Brothers Upton both were acquired last year’s offseason by the Atlanta Braves. This was a risk for the organization, and while Justin played extremely well in condensed pockets, B.J. Upton is quickly establishing himself as one of the worst contracts ever signed in Major League Baseball history, a .184/.268/.557 – with 9 HRs and 26 RBI is simply abysmal. The Braves brass should have sent him to the Winter Leagues, to correct his problems. The younger brother is still on the hook for 4 more years – and $60 MIL. Not only is the franchise jaded towards signing another Free Agent this winter to a similar deal, they have lost their 2 longest tenured players in Brian McCann and Tim Hudson.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It is a not a shock the Braves are shying away from the Free Agency thus far in the winter. After all, the franchise spent the most they ever had for B.J. Upton last offseason, only to have been served a train wreck in 2013.
Honestly, besides the 1st month, and a torrid stretch in August, Justin Upton wasn’t far off the power production of his older brother in the other 4 months of play.
If it weren’t for the Chris Johnson add in that deal (Braves savior), plus his subsequent Batting Average race for the NL lead, this would be an even graver subject.
The last line was not an indictment on the Braves and D’Backs trade, rather just that Johnson helped make up for the lack of production from B.J. Upton.
We all know overall Justin Upton made the same numbers as were likely projected. That trade is yet to be determined, but adding Johnson was a nice little move.
B.J. Upton – rare good game in 2013
Brian Wilson And The Detroit Tigers: A Better Fit Than You Think

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 – who will give him a chance in 2014, by signing the pending Free Agent? Tigers fans are hoping that he is the answer to the ailing Relief Core in Detroit.
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter: Follow @Mlbreports
Not the Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.
The other Brian Wilson, the crazy one with the creepy beard.
Some Detroit fans will remember him from one of his tantrums at Comerica Park. He went ballistic on a water cooler after blowing a save back in July of 2011.
Sad to report, the water cooler never recovered.
Brian Wilson loses it on watercooler
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 26, 2013
It is Episode Number 400 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast! As I reached that big number, I think about some other baseball numbers that we may never see passed.
And I share why I think someone will have back to back no hitters and pass Joe DiMaggio’s hitting streak.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Detroit Tigers State Of The Union Part 1: What Will The Offense Look Like In 2014?

Despite losing to Boston in the American League Championship Series, the Detroit Tigers had a respectable season in 2013 finishing the Regular Season with a solid record of 93-69, 24 games above .500 and AL Central Winners. To top that off, they also beat the Oakland Athletics in 5 games to advance past the ALDS .
By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @DanWanser
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Moving into 2014, the Detroit Tigers look to have a season which takes them past the ALCS where their 2013 run ended, and potentially all the way to the Fall Classic in November which was just outside their grasp.
The Tigers have made it to the ALCS for 3 straight years, and will attempt to be the 1st franchise since the Yankees made it to 4 consecutive League Championships from 1998 – 2001 in the American League next campaign.
With great players on the diamond everyday like Miguel Cabrera, newcomer Ian Kinsler, and Right Fielder Torii Hunter, Detroit is poised to make another deep playoff run not only in the upcoming season, but in many years to come.
Looking back at the 2013 lineup, there isn’t much that needs to be changed so here’s what I think their 2014 starters will look like.
2013 Detroit Tigers Pump-Up Video:
White Sox Offseason: Looking For Success In 2014

Rick Hahn made his first major move as White Sox GM. when he signed 26 year old Cuban defector Jose Abreu to a 6 year $68 million contract ;;st month. 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.
By ‘White Sox Correspondent’ Brian Madsen Follow @brianm731
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Rumors are flying. This team wants that guy. That team wants this guy. The Major League Baseball GM Meetings in Orlando have come and gone.
The Winter Meetings in January are on the horizon. Trades have been proposed. Some trades have already been made. Ideas have been shared. Laughs have been had. Who’s going where?
Fans of every MLB team want answers all of these questions regarding their respective favorite team.
Sometimes, one team’s move directly affects a given move of their competitor. It’s uncanny how it can happen, without it being glaringly obvious.
Garcia Hits Another Double
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 25, 2013
Jhonny Peralta signed a gigantic contract after being suspended for PEDs. Should there be a bigger punishment for PED users? Do we really want one?
Those questions and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
LA Dodgers 2014 Full Year Schedule On 1 Page Post (Updated Nov.24, 2013 – Majority Home Game Times Revealed)
Los Angeles Dodgers 2014 Full Year Schedule On 1 Page Post
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Saturday Mar. 22/2014
Dodgers @ Dbacks TBD
Sunday Mar. 23/2014
Dodgers @ Dbacks TBD
Monday Mar.31/2014
Dodgers @ Padres TBD
Tuesday April.01/2014
Dodgers @ Padres TBD
Wednesday April.02/2014
Dodgers @ Padres TBD
Thursday April.03/2014
Off Day
Friday April.04/2014
Giants @ Dodgers 1:10 (Dodger Stadium Season Opener)
Saturday April.05/2014
Giants @ Dodgers 6:10
Sunday April.06/2014 Read the rest of this entry
San Francisco 2014 Year Schedule On 1 Page Post (Updated Nov.24, 2013 – Majority Home Game Times Revealed)
San Francisco Giants 2014 Full Year Schedule On 1 Page Post
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Times are all local when the game starts
Monday Mar.31/2014
Giants @ Dbacks 6:40 PM
Tuesday April.01/2014
Giants @ Dbacks 6:40 PM
Wednesday April.02/2014
Giants @ Dbacks 6:40 PM
Thursday April.03/2014
Giants @ Dbacks 12:40 PM
Friday April.04/2014
Giants @ Dodgers 1:10 PM
Saturday April.05/2014
Giants @ Dodgers 6:10 PM
Sunday April.06/2014
Giants @ Dodgers TBD Read the rest of this entry
Brian McCann Signing Proves The Yankees Are Not Thinking About A Rebuild: Try A Reload!

The near 30 Year old McCann has clubbed 20+ HRs in 7 of his 8 seasons, including smacking 20 in 2013 – in just 356 AB. His Career 3 Slash is .277/.350/.823. McCann could also be used as a DH by the team to maximize his AB. McCann will be the best offensive Catcher in the Bronx since the days of Jorge Posada. Each one of the Yankees dynasty’s at World Series Titles have had great Catchers. New York has set themselves up nicely for the 2014 year. They must now wait on the Alex Rodriguez hearing before they can set how much money they can spend next campaign.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For those people who thought the Yankees were going to begin a rebuild project in the Bronx, forget about it.
This is the 27 time World Series Champions way of saying, “we intend to be around for a long time.”
The Yankees will still try to come under the $189 Luxury Tax Threshold, but that doesn’t mean they wont finagle around it with the Free Agents they bring in for next year.
Brian McCann was just the 1st strike. Count on them bringing back Robinson Cano, and at least 2 Starting Pitchers.
Brian McCann Highlights
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 24, 2013
It is THE SUNDAY REQUEST on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
@sullybaseball I’d like to hear your take on “East Coast Bias”…
— Daryl Spitzer (@yacitus) November 22, 2013
Sure there is some East Coast Bias.
It might not be as strong as you would think. And it may also be somewhat justified.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 23, 2013
Today The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast looks at Chicago… a big market city that certainly isn’t acting like one with their baseball teams.
Both stink. The White Sox have hope. The Cubs have a long term rebuilding… REALLY long term.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Dissecting The Peter Bourjos For David Freese Deal

Peter Bourjos was moved into CF – and the LA Angels then shifted Mike Trout over to LF, based on the range of Bourjos as an OF. He is fast, and has shown that he can be a catalyst in a lineup. His best year was in 2011, where he played a full season, 3 Slashing .271/.327/.765 – with 12 HRs, an AL leading 11 – 3B, 26 – 2B – and added 32 SB. The Cardinals will have him patrol CF with them in St. Louis. Bourjos has 3 years left of Arbitration, while Freese only has 2 years left. The Angels also swapped their top OF prospect in the deal – for help in Reliever (but trending down) Fernando Salas.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
It is funny how the complexion of a team can change with one deal. For right now, I want to be on record as saying I hate the deal that the Angels made yesterday for David Freese.
The deal came down to Peter Bourjos being sent to St. Louis with Randal Gruchuk (or Grichuck as baseballreference.com lists him as – for David Freese and Reliever Fernando Salas.)
I had thought all along (same with this website) that these two clubs should be trading partners.
But we were thinking of a heavy deal containing Mark Trumbo and Erick Aybar, for potentially Matt Adams, David Freese and/or a Starting Pitcher from the bountiful nest of the Cardinals Staff.
Peter Bourjos Inside The Park HR
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 22, 2013
Not all conspiracy theories are crazy. And A-Rod’s paranoia might not be unfounded.
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I discuss the Alex Rodriguez conspiracy and other potentially true schemes.
Also I wish my wife a happy birthday.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
MLB Player Profile: How Valuable Has Ben Zobrist Been To The Rays?

Ben Zobrist has quietly tuned into one of the best all around players in the game of baseball. He has finished in the top for WAR in 3 of the last 5years – including 1st in 2011 and 2nd in 2009. Zobrist, 32, who continued this season with his musical chairs defensive role on the team this year, has two years left on his current contract, and will be a Free Agent at the end of the 2015 season. It was the summer of 2006, that the brass traded Aubrey Huff for the young player. Zobrist has played 1500+ Innings in 4 different defensive positions for the franchise (SS/2B/RF/LF – and it helps Joe Maddon bring in favorable platoon matchups for several other lineup spots). He has a career 3 Slash of .263/.354/.789 in 8 seasons for Tampa.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Picture how bad the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were when the Houston Astros traded Ben Zobrist with Mitch Talbot to the Tampa Bay Rays for Aubrey Huff and cash on July.12/2006.
The team was in the 8th season out of 9 years of under .500 ball. The guy he was traded for had great offensive acumen, and was the franchise leader in several career categories as he departed the door.
Zobrist had an auspicious beginning with the Rays, struggling during the 2006 – 2007 years. His OPS numbers for those years were .572 and .391 respectively.
Joe Maddon was not as worried as others were about the 6th Round Drat Pick of the Houston Astros back in 2004,because the guy would be a Maddon type of player.
Ben Zobrist 2 Part Interview
National Car Rental, Alamo And Enterprise All Have The Best Car Rental Programs Part 1

National Car Rental’s Free Days has saved me thousands of dollars over the years – and I plan on seeing all 30 MLB Parks again in 2015 based on the rewards I receive for the next 18 months from them.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
A year ago I started writing a travel blog series, and I think it is time to resurrect some of those concepts, and apply some of the updated version to the advice I gave.
Just a quick history lesson.
I own an independent Courier business that requires me to log between 3000 – 4000 Miles a month. At the end of my first 6 years in operation from 2001 – 2007, I was almost in a position of losing money.
Cars I used for business would break down too often, I needed the right fleet insurance on many cars, and the quality of car I could buy was just not conducive to what I went through on a daily basis.
I was spending between 12 – 14 hours a month at the auto garage, and countless of other hours worrying about every mechanical feature of any of the cars I owned.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 21, 2013
Dissecting The Prince Fielder For Ian Kinsler Trade

In 39 games for Fielder’s Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs. This recent 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. With this trade – it is a great chance for the big man to redeem himself in a hitter friendly ballpark, and a great lineup also surrounding him. Texas has put up 370 wins in the last 4 years. The Rangers will pick up $138 of the $168 MIL contract that Fielder is due from 2014 – 2020. Where will the Rangers play him defensively? More important will be to sit him down and ask him to relinquish his consecutive streak, and to lose some weight in going forward. Fielder brings a career 3 Slash of .286/.387/.916 – with 285 HRs and 870 RBI carried over his 9 years in the Major Leagues for the Tigers and Brewers.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
After having a late phone call chat with our “Chief Writer” Hunter Stokes, I officially welcomed him to the world of being a sportswriter.
Hunter wrote an awesome piece on the Rangers State Of The Union yesterday. In the article found here, he explained that Jon Daniels needs a power bat, and must address the Jurickson Profar/Elvis Andrus situation.
Well, no more than 6 hours later, Daniels pulled off the trade for the big lugging 1B, and now we will have to add a part 2 to yesterday’s feature article.
I like the move for the AL West resident’s. Prince Fielder‘s Left Handed Bat will be a most welcomed addition to the foray in Texas.
Prince Fielder 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance Is Advised
You must be logged in to post a comment.