Monthly Archives: November 2013

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 30, 2013

legendaryauctions.com

legendaryauctions.com

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.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 30, 2013

“Hard Cheddar” With Steve Cheeseman – My BBHOF Ballot

The members of the BBWAA will vote on the BBHOF ballot in January of 2014,

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 

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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

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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):

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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.

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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.  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 do well in player acquisitions, they will keep contending every year in the NL.

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):

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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

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 29, 2013

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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.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 29, 2013

AL West Hot Stove Roundup – Around The Horn

Grant Balfour maybe perfectly situated to change teams in the AL West from the Oakland Athletics to the Seattle Mariners.  The PAC NW club could use a guy stopper - to mop up games from a great young pitching staff.  in 2013, Balfour has nailed down 62 Saves in the last season and a half, and has carried a great ERA in the 2.50 range - with a WHIP slightly above 1.  If Seattle is willing to pay about 3 YRs/$33 - 36 MIL, then the Aussie could be headed their way.

Grant Balfour maybe perfectly situated to change teams in the AL West from the Oakland Athletics to the Seattle Mariners. The PAC NW club could use a guy stopper – to mop up games from a great young pitching staff. in 2013, Balfour has nailed down 62 Saves in the last season and a half, and has carried a great ERA in the 2.50 range – with a WHIP slightly above 1. If Seattle is willing to pay about 3 YRs/$33 – 36 MIL, then the Aussie could be headed their way.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Seattle Mariners:  Jack Z. and the brass have some money to spend, will there be any takers??  Mike Napoli, Jacoby Ellsbury, Nelson Cruz, Shin-Soo Choo should all be on the offensive list.

On the Pitching side, Bronson Arroyo is the kind of Innings eater that could favor your Bullpen.  Fernando Rodney or Grant Balfour could close games for you as I don’t think Joe Nathan or Brian Wilson are coming.

Go big with your Free Agent signings, even if it is one or 2 players.

Jacoby Ellsbury 2013 Highlights

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 28, 2013

1978 Topps #401 Anderson MG

1978 Topps #401 Anderson MG

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.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 28, 2013

Oakland A’s State Of The Union – Trust In Billy Beane To Find A Gem This Winter – Just Not Cruz!

Billy Beane saw his 2013 squad reel in their 2nd straight AL West Title.  The team will be hard pressed to do it again in 2014, but don't ever count out the A's.  It has been a quiet winter thus far, with just signing Nick Punto, and exercising options on Coco Crisp and Brett Anderson. What acquisition does the MoneyBall GM have up his sleeve this time around?

Billy Beane saw his 2013 squad reel in their 2nd straight AL West Title. The team will be hard pressed to do it again in 2014, but don’t ever count out the A’s. It has been a quiet winter thus far, with just signing Nick Punto, and exercising options on Coco Crisp and Brett Anderson. What acquisition does the MoneyBall GM have up his sleeve this time around?  I don’t think he will dip into the FA Market for a big name, but certainly a guy or two that can help his ballclub.

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

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Nelson Cruz is a sought after Free Agent for power, but it is my humble opinion that the A’s will just not fork out that type of money required to land his services.

Already, the club is projected to give out contracts that will estimate to in the $50 – $55 MIL range once some of their guys head to Arbitration like Seth Smith, Josh Reddick, Brandon Moss, Jed Lowrie, Jerry Blevins and John Jaso.

The franchise will likely see Bartolo Colon and Closer Grant Balfour also leave the nest from their 2013 Pitching Rotation.

Billy Beane hasn’t really been that busy in Free Agency, as he only  signed Utility Infielder Nick Punto for a 2 YR/$5.5 MIL deal, and he exercised the Team Options on Coco Crisp and Brett Anderson.

Cespedes 2013 Highights

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 27, 2013

USA Today Sports

USA Today Sports

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.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 27, 2013

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

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): 

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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

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The Braves Will Be Paying The B.J. Upton Deal For Years – Not Just Money Either!

The Brothers Upton both were acquired in the offseason by the Atlanta Braves.  This was a risk for the organization, and while Justin played extremely well in condensed pockets, Upton is quickly establishing himself as one of the worst contracts ever signed in Major League Baseball.  a .184/.268/.557 - with 9 HRs and 26 RBI is simply abysmal.  The Braves brass should send him to the Winter Leagues, to correct his problems.

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):

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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

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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.

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)

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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

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Stoking The Fire – Week 7: Bullet Version Of Free Agent Signings + Trades This Winter

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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2014 Winter Transactions

Dodgers Sign SP Dan Haren -1 YR/$10 MIL: Great Depth move for the probable 2014 NL West Division champs!

Rays Sign C Jose Molina – 2 YRs/$4.5 MIL: Great Defensive Catcher, club doesn’t spend a ton either.

Cards Sign SS/OF – Jhonny Peralta 4 YRs/$52 MIL: Hate the PED aspect of this – smart deal for Cards.

Angels Sign RP – Joe Smith 3 YRs/$15.75 MIL: The club still needs 4 more relievers and 3 starters.

Yankees Sign C – Brian McCann 5 YRs/$85 MIL (6th Year Option at $15 MIL):  Great early strike for the Bombers!

Angels and Cards Trade OF Peter Bourjos for 3B David Freese: is Jerry DiPoto high?  Fight at the trainers table next year.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 26, 2013

400

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.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 26, 2013

Detroit Tigers State Of The Union Part 1: What Will The Offense Look Like In 2014?

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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)   

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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:

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White Sox Offseason: Looking For Success In 2014

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. 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  

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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

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 25, 2013

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 25, 2013

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):

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):

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

Enough With PED Users Being Rewarded! Peralta Signs For 4 Years With St. Louis

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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For those fans that may not think about it very much, every time a PED user is gaining an advantage with the crap they are ingesting or shooting them, they are talking away another guys opportunity to make the big leagues.

The Cardinals signed Jhonny Peralta to a 4 YR/$52 MIL deal yesterday.  I am not certainly not faulting the St. Louis for conducting business the way they have to.  They are just following the rules.

What I am choked about is how an offender of the drug policy, can just resume his career, and double his last contract with no real consequences.

It is absurd on so many levels…

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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 big runs at World Series Titles have had great Catchers.

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):

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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

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 24, 2013

Sporting News

Sporting News

It is THE SUNDAY REQUEST on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Sure there is some East Coast Bias.
It might not be as strong as you would think. And it may also be somewhat justified.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 24, 2013

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 23, 2013

ChicagoNow.com

ChicagoNow.com

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.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 23, 2013

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.

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): 

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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

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 22, 2013

Noah K. Murray/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Noah K. Murray/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

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.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 22, 2013

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.  He has finished in the top for WAR in 3 of the 4 years - including 1st in 2011 and 2nd in 2009.  . Zobrist who continues this season with his musical chairs role on the team has not let his bat cool down ays 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 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):

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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

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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.

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):

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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.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 21, 2013

Photo: CSN Bay Area - Elsa/Getty Images North America

Photo: CSN Bay Area – Elsa/Getty Images North America

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I break down the Ian Kinsler for Prince Fielder shocking blockbuster. The Rangers infield is set but the Tigers cut bait with Prince before he will inevitably break down.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 21, 2013

Dissecting The Prince Fielder For Ian Kinsler Trade

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. With this trade to Texas 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 Slah of .286/.387/.916 - with 285 HRs and 870 RBI carried over his 9 years in the Major Leagues for the Tigers and Brewers.

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):

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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

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 20, 2013

New York Daily News

New York Daily News

It takes a great effort to make Alex Rodriguez look like a sympathetic figure.

Give Bud Selig credit for making that effort!

A nice impromptu rant fills today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 20, 2013

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