Monthly Archives: January 2014

As Washington Fans Return To Baseball, Remember That OBP Equals Time Of Possession

With a brutal season of football just put recently behind them, many fans in the DC will look to baseball to stoke their fire in sports.  The Nationals are still a favorite to win the NL East.  With NFL fans hating the complexities of the MLB game, this blog gives a simile of a concept adaptation.

With a brutal season of football just put recently behind them, many fans in the DC will look to baseball to stoke their fire in sports. The Nationals are still a favorite to win the NL East. With NFL fans hating the complexities of the MLB game, this blog gives a simile of a concept adaptation.  It boggles my mind why more analysts do not try and use parallel’s between the two sports to attract more football fans to the MLB brand.

By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): 

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When baseball fans huddle together and complain about the masses one of the biggest complaints about Washington DC’s sports fan base is that there are too many football fans.

That they view baseball through the football colored glasses of a short season and reactionary moves.

A player has a bad week or two to start the season and it is time to get rid of them, or a pitcher has a bad inning and it is time for the manager to come get them.

The type of responses to baseball that a baseball fan wouldn’t have.

Anthony Rendon’s Sac Fly

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 8, 2014

Marc Serota, Jamie Squire and  Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Marc Serota, Jamie Squire and
Chris Trotman/Getty Images

It is the Hall of Fame election episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas and Tom Glavine are all in (seen here in some of their more obscure uniforms.)

Biggio was left off and some people left Benitez on.

The Morris debate is over but the need for a unanimous entry remains.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 8, 2014

The Cleveland Indians Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) 2014

The Indians hosted the Wild Card Play in Game for the right to play Boston in the ALDS, but were ultimately ousted by the Tampa Bay Rays.  Now minus several pieces from last years team, they turn to their franchise depth in hopes of another playoff birth in 2014,

The Indians hosted the Wild Card Play in Game for the right to play Boston in the ALDS, but were ultimately ousted by the Tampa Bay Rays. Now minus several pieces from last years team, they turn to their franchise depth in hopes of another playoff birth in 2014.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert)

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The Indians had a triumphant and surprising year in 2013.  They blasted their way out of the gate led by Mark Reynolds and Jason Kipnis and Justin Masterson.

Halfway through the year, renaissance pitching from Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir helped jump into the foray among all the best AL clubs.

This club took advantage of a cupcake schedule – in order to reel off a 10 game winning streak to tend the campaign.

For those people who failed to see what a tough May.15 – June.15 schedule they had, in which they played almost all of the Division leaders across the board in the MLB, being all over .500 teams.

Because of that stretch, they deserved the late season ease of sked.

Jason Kipnis Highlight Reel 2013

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The Chicago Cubs Should Pass On Tanaka

The Chicago Cubs are currently in the running for Masahiro Tanaka, the best pitcher in Japan over the last few years. In fact, near the end of this week he will be visiting Chicago to speak with both the Cubs and White Sox about his future employment, possibly with one of these teams. However the Cubs are currently on a path set for building, and shouldn’t put themselves in a position to throw off those plans by acquiring someone who’s ready for a “win now” type of team.

Chicago Cubs: Just Let Tanaka Go

By Robert Villarreal (MLB Reports Cubs Writer)

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Let me start by saying this: I have never seen Masahiro Tanaka play but from the footage I’ve seen I’d love to see him in Cubbie blue. 

He’s an incredible talent; So good in fact that once Yu Darvish left for America and the Major Leagues, he automatically became the best pitcher currently in Japan.

There are only 17 more days left in Tanaka’s 30-day signing period, with multiple teams anxiously awaiting a shot at the next pitching phenom.

However it would be in the Cubs best interest to pass on Tanaka at this time, no matter how incredible that argument may seem right now.

Read the rest of this entry

The Los Angeles Dodgers Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) 2014

Puig slowed down a shade from his torrid 1st month pace - however still slashed .319/.392/.925 - with 19 HRs, 42 RBI. 66  Runs Scored and 122 Hits in just 434 AB.  He has in the 2nd YR of a 7 YR/$42 MIL contract in his pocket, and that may be the bargain of ALL - Time if he continues these type of numbers all the way throughout his length of the deal.  Puig finished in 2nd for NL Rookie of The Year Voting, and placed 15th in NL MVP balloting as well.

Puig slowed down a shade from his torrid 1st month pace – however still slashed .319/.392/.925 – with 19 HRs, 42 RBI. 66 Runs Scored and 122 Hits in just 434 AB for the 2013 year. He has now in the 2nd YR of a 7 YR/$42 MIL contract in his pocket, and that may be the bargain of ALL – Time if he continues these type of numbers all the way throughout his length of the deal. Puig, 23,  finished in 2nd for NL Rookie of The Year Voting, and placed 15th in NL MVP balloting as well.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert)

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The Los Angeles Dodgers had a rollercoaster 2013 campaign.  After a late season 2012 trade, the club went on a spending bonanza to enter the 2013 year.

In late May. it looked bleak. The franchise wanted to fire Don Mattingly, Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez were battling various injuries, and the club was 23 – 32.

Enter Yasiel Puig with his historic 1st month, and the team then went on a torrid pace at that hadn’t been done in nearly 60 years.

The crux of this crestwave, was a 42 – 8 stretch that saw the club bypass all 4 Division foes, putting a stranglehold on the NL West once and for all.

Dodgers own the West

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 7, 2014

The Sporting News

The Sporting News

I will do a lot of things to get more listeners to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast. I will even say some things that could be considered inflammatory.

But one thing I will NOT do is be deliberately dishonest simply to get attention.

That’s exactly what writer Ken Gurnick did in his desire to have his name everywhere after NOT voting for Greg Maddux on his Hall of Fame ballot.

His public reason is nonsensical and the only real reason is a childish “Look at Me” grab for attention.

It may have worked, but I won’t do it myself.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 7, 2014

Atlanta Braves Payroll in 2014 + Contracts Going Forward Part 1

It would be one thing if B.J. Upton were the only player on the Braves who had an abysmal season.  When you add the injuries and the season of Dan Uggla to Upton worst year of his career, it is actually amazing this team ended with 96 Wins.  With the club losing Brian McCann, Paul Maholm and Tim Hudson, they will need Upton and CO. to rebound for the team to contend again in 2014.  Upton has to get back to 20/20 years for powers and steals, and at least hit to 85% of his career 3 slash - to justify the contract doled out by the Atlanta Braves.  Uggla must correct his vision problems and get back to raking again.  These 2 guys are the #2 and #3 paid guys on the squad in 2014 behind Justin Upton.

It would be one thing if B.J. Upton were the only player on the Braves who had an abysmal season. When you add the injuries and the season of Dan Uggla to Upton worst year of his career, it is actually amazing this team ended with 96 Wins. With the club losing Brian McCann, Paul Maholm and Tim Hudson, they will need Upton and CO. to rebound for the team to contend again in 2014. Upton has to get back to 20/20 years for powers and steals, and at least hit to 85% of his career 3 slash – to justify the contract doled out by the Atlanta Braves. Uggla must correct his vision problems and get back to raking again. These 2 guys are the #2 and #3 paid guys on the squad in 2014 behind Justin Upton.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert)

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The ‘Tomahawk Choppers’ have 2 players that are killing them for Free Agent signings this winter.

B.J. Upton is only in the 2nd year of his 5 YRs/$75 MIL – and underachieving Dan Uggla  is still on the  books for 2 more years.

Between these 2 gentleman, they will bring down $26.25 MIL in 2014.  The Braves are hoping for more than under the ‘Mendoza Line’ Batting Averages – and an occasional big fly.

The Braves are also headed to Arbitration with Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward and Craig Kimbrel.  This is certainly bound to cost the organization a pretty penny.

In fact, those 3 players will likely exceed the amount of the B.J Upton and Uggla contracts.

Craig Kimbrel 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics Parental Guidance Is Advised:

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Texas Rangers Payroll in 2014 + Contracts Going Forward Part 1

Darvish has provided Texas with ace-like material ever since coming over from Japan.  At his current $10 MIL a year salary, this gives the club a bunch of financial freedom to sign other long term deals.  Darvish finished 2nd in AL CY Young Voting with a 13 - 9 record, a 2.83 ERA and a league leading 277 SO in his 209.2 IP worth of work in 2013.  Darvish's high posting bid was not part of his salary, or converted towards the total team payroll

Darvish has provided Texas with ace-like material ever since coming over from Japan. At his current $10 MIL a year salary, this gives the club a bunch of financial freedom to sign other long term deals. Darvish finished 2nd in AL CY Young Voting with a 13 – 9 record, a 2.83 ERA and a league leading 277 SO in his 209.2 IP worth of work in 2013. Darvish’s high posting bid was not part of his salary prior to 2012, or converted towards the total team payroll.  Texas is lucky his yearly hit is so low – as the team already has $116 MIL towards the Luxury Tax Threshold before Arbitration Players are paid in the next couple of weeks.  The Rangers could still potentially sign more guys to raise this figure even more.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert)

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This is part 1 of our 2 part payroll piece we will do for each club.   The Rangers are entering with the heavy payroll clubs in the game of MLB.

Their salaries after Arbitration Eligibles are paid, could range anywhere from $125 – $140 MIL, and even higher if they are able to land another Free Agent Pitcher or hitter.

They have spoken loud with the checkbook.  With 370 wins over the last 4 seasons, and 4 straight 90+ win campaigns, the Rangers are hoping to cash in with the 2014 squad.

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

Yu Darvish Highlights Mature Lyrics So parental guidance is advised

By the time this offseason ends, the Rangers may have acquired the two best players for it.  Placing Choo at the top of the lineup - as the OBP machine that he ends, followed by Adrian Beltre hitting 3rd - and Prince Fielder 4th, all of a sudden the Texas Rangers are looking like their vintage "offensive" selves.  Based on this, go and pick up their World Series ODD win at +1100 (3rd favorite in the AL) anywhere you can as they should be the favorite.  Choo signed for a 7 Year Deal worth $130 MIL this winter

By the time this offseason ends, the Rangers may have acquired the two best players for it. Placing Choo at the top of the lineup – as the OBP machine that he ends, followed by Adrian Beltre hitting 3rd – and Prince Fielder 4th, all of a sudden the Texas Rangers are looking like their vintage “offensive” selves. Based on this, go and pick up their World Series ODD win at +1100 (3rd favorite in the AL) anywhere you can as they should be the favorite. Choo signed for a 7 Year Deal worth $130 MIL this winter. It is an annual average contract of $18.43 MIL, but the man will only pocket $14 MIL for his services in 2014 and 2015 as well..

Texas Rangers Payroll in 2014 – 2016

POS  Name  LG  XP  AGE 2014 2015 2016
SP1- Yu Darvish ML 0 x $10,000,000 $10,000,000 $10,000,000
SP2- Derek Holland ML 3 27 $5,400,000 $7,400,000 $10,000,000
SP3- Matt Garza ML 3 30 FA
SP4- Martin Perez ML 3 22 $750,000 $1,000,000 $2,900,000
SP5- Matt Harrison ML 6 28 $8,000,000 $13,000,000 $13,200,000
SP6- Nicholas Tepesch ML 0 25 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3 ARB1
SPS- Alexi Ogando ML 6 30 ARB1 ARB2 ARB3
RHMR-
LHMR- Michael Kirkman ML 5 27 NON-ARB3 ARB1 ARB2
RHSU- Jason Frasor ML 5 36 $1,750,000 FA
RHSU- Tanner Scheppers ML 1 26 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3 ARB1
RHSU- Chaz Roe ML 6 27 NON-ARB1 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3
RHSU- Shawn Tolleson ML 1 25 NON-ARB3 ARB1 ARB2
LHSU- Robert Ross ML 2 24 NON-ARB3 ARB1 ARB2
LHSU- Joseph Ortiz ML 3 23 NON-ARB1 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3
CL- Cory Burns ML 2 26 NON-ARB1 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3
CL- Joakim Soria ML 3 30 $5,500,000 $7,000,000
CL- Neftali Feliz ML 5 25 ARB2 ARB3 FA
13 $21,400,000 $28,400,000 $26,100,000
POSITION PLAYERS LEV MiL AGE 2014 SALARY 2015 SALARY 2016 SALARY
C- Geovany Soto ML 7 30 $3,050,000 FA
1B- Prince Fielder ML 3 29 $24,000,000 $24,000,000 $24,000,000
2B- Jurickson Profar ML 1 20 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3 ARB1
SS- Elvis Andrus ML 4 25 $6,750,000 $15,250,000 $15,250,000
3B- Adrian Beltre ML 4 34 $17,000,000 $18,000,000 $16,000,000
LF- Mitchell Moreland ML 4 28 ARB1 ARB2 ARB3
CF- Shin-Soo Choo ML 7 31 $14,000,000 $14,000,000 $20,000,000
RF- Alex Rios ML 5 32 $13,000,000 $13,500,000
DH- Lance Berkman ML 4 37 FA
C- J.P. Arencibia ML 4 27 $1,800,000 ARB2 ARB3
C- Robinson Chirinos ML 10 29 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3 ARB1
1B-
3B-
UTL-
UTL-
OF- Leonys Martin ML 0 25 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3 ARB1
OF- Engel Beltre ML 4 24 NON-ARB1 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3
OF- Nelson Cruz ML 11 33 FA
OF- Michael Choice ML 1 24 NON-ARB1 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3
10 $79,600,000 $84,750,000 $75,250,000
Prince Fielder was signed to a 9 YR/$214 MIL contract before the start of the 2013 season.  He is not Slugging as much as his Brewers days, however his OBP is just slightly lower in the regular season.  Fielder has a chance to have a Hall of Fame Career.  If he can bring a World Series to Detroit, he will enhance his chances.  The Big man has to step up in 2014, or the team may fail to capitalize on the World Series Caliber team they have built over the last half a dozen years.

Prince Fielder was signed to a 9 YR/$214 MIL contract before the start of the 2012 season. He is not Slugging as much as his Brewers days, however his OBP is just slightly lower in the regular season. Fielder has a chance to have a Hall of Fame Career. If he can bring a World Series to Texas, he will enhance his chances. The Big man has to step up in 2014, or the team may fail to capitalize on the World Series Caliber team they have built over the last half a dozen years.  After a few years with Detroit, that club will be on the hook to the big man for $76 MIL out of the deal, leaving Texas to pay $138 MIL over the 7 seasons he is signed with the club.

Note From Chuck Booth:

You guys are all in for a treat.  Jeff Kleiner has developed a site (prosportsrosters.comthat covers all organizational affiliates in the Minors for all of the Major League Baseball Clubs. 

We are going to combine efforts to bring you the best look at salaries, current 25 Man Player Rosters and Depth Charts for all 30 teams. 

Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective. 

If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.

In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball.  He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job. 

Jeff updates this page below on a daily basis.  After you click on it….Bookmark it.  There is a 3 year salary forecast and stats not listed here on this page.  Jeff updates these pages daily and these changes include any Roster moves!

Authors for this post:

Jeff Kleiner:  “I have been a sports fan since the first Baseball game I went to at Comisky Park in Chicago in 1959, when baseball for me turned from black and white to color.

I have attended or watched thousands of games, always paying attention to statistics, rosters and salaries of all professional sports.

Luckily I had the advantage of watching WGN TV and seeing hundreds of games in the 60’s. Collecting Baseball Cards and then later dealing them gave me an extra sense of the sport, both good and bad.”

For all of your Salaries, Roster and Depth Charts for all 4 Major Sports (entire organization – Minors and Majors) click here or Follow Me on twitter 

prosportsrosters.com is the best source for following entire organizations in all 4 Major Sports

prosportsrosters.com is the best source for following entire organizations in all 4 Major Sports.

Chuck Booth – Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner and author of the Fastest 30 Ballgames:   To learn more about my  “The Fastest 30 Ballgames Book” and how to purchase it, click here .

You can also follow my Guinness Book of World Record Successful Bid to see all 30 MLB Park in 23 Days – click here

I am happy to be part of such an awesome Magazine-Style Baseball Website and am looking forward to talking to all of the fans of the MLB. 

You can reach me on Twitter here

Chuck At Arlington April.11/2012

Chuck At Arlington April.11/2012

Please e-mail me  at: mlbreports@gmail.com with any questions and feedback.   To subscribe to our website and have the Daily Reports sent directly to your inbox, click here and follow the link at the top of our homepage.

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The Boston Red Sox Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)

Jackie Bradley can go a long way to help BoSox fans forget about the departure of Jacoby Ellsbury.  Known as a patient batter with tonnes of speed, and exceptional fielding, Bradley taking the next leap up to the MLB on  a permanent basis would do wonder for the Red Sox in 2014.

Jackie Bradley can go a long way to help BoSox fans forget about the departure of Jacoby Ellsbury. Known as a patient batter with tonnes of speed, and exceptional fielding, Bradley taking the next leap up to the MLB on a permanent basis would do wonder for the Red Sox in 2014. At 23, he has a Career Minor League 3 Slash of .297/.404/.876

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert)

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It has come time for us to flip the calendar at the MLB Reports and shift gears into all of our 2014 season previews.

Each of the 30 MLB teams will have a organizational depth chart blog, a payroll blog, and 1 or 2 State of the Union Pieces from this day – all the way until the 1st day of MLB play this campaign.

We start of with the defending World Series Champions, the Boston Red Sox.

Jackie Bradley Jr. and Xander Bogaerts Are Future Superstars

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 6, 2014

Photographer: Andy Hayt/San Diego Padres/Getty Images

Photographer: Andy Hayt/San Diego Padres/Getty Images

Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast is a salute to Jerry Coleman.

The man did so many things with his life as a baseball player, a soldier and an announcer and reached the pinnacle in all of them.

His was a life worth celebrating.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 6, 2014

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 5, 2014

Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated


It is THE SUNDAY REQUEST on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

With a super crowded ballot, your pal Sully thinks that 5 new members of the Hall of Fame will join Bobby Cox, Joe Torre and Tony LaRussa in Cooperstown this summer.

That isn’t necessarily good news for Jack Morris.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 5, 2014

Some MLB Teams Need To Place Their Starting Times For The Majority Of Their Schedules Earlier

The Rays are always at the bottom for attendance in the Major Leagues, so it boggles my mind how they can't have their game times for the next year up that quick.  Weather is never a factor at all, and they have no geographical MLB teams remotely close to them.  The Royals and the Padres are also teams that do not post their times early enough - while sagging at the gates.

The Rays are always at the bottom for attendance in the Major Leagues, so it boggles my mind how they can’t have their game times for the next year up that quick. Weather is never a factor at all, and they have no geographical MLB teams remotely close to them. The Royals and the Padres are also teams that do not post their times early enough – while sagging at the gates.

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

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I am a big fan of the MLB posting their schedules  so early compared to other sporting entities.  However with this being said, there are several teams who have not completed their start times for the majority of their home ballparks 2014 campaign yet.

My question is, why the hell not?

In an economy starving for our entertainment dollar, what is the hold up? 

Look I am all for the quirks in the variances for each club based on ESPN Sunday night baseball, heck, even coordinating with the other geographical rivals in your area, to have the most potential ticket buyers head through the wickets at your turnstiles.

As of right now, the Tigers, Astros, Rays, Angels, Red Sox, Rangers, Padres, Indians, Royals, Braves, and White Sox have not posted these. Read the rest of this entry

Updated Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series As Of Right Now:

The Blue Jays were the odds on favorite to win the World Series in 2013 among oddsmakers.  After a failure of a season, these guys are still placing way too much faith in the team.  To have them listed as tied with the Rays for the 12th best odd to win the World Series is a joke.  Stay away from this bet.  The odd should be +3000 - and not +1800.  Toronto is listed as tied for the 3rd favorite in the AL East, behind Boston and New York respectively.  It could really be another last place finish in the Division for the Canadian franchise.

The Blue Jays were the odds on favorite to win the World Series in 2013 among oddsmakers. After a failure of a season, these guys are still placing way too much faith in the team. To have them listed as tied with the Rays for the 12th best odd to win the World Series is a joke. Stay away from this bet. The odd should be +3000 – and not +1800. Toronto is listed as tied for the 3rd favorite in the AL East, behind Boston and New York respectively. It could really be another last place finish in the Division for the Canadian franchise.

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

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The top 12 clubs have opened up a little lead on all of the guys tied for 14th, which includes the Royals and Indians (more of a longshot, but +300 and +200 more respectively.

The Dodgers continue to be the current leaders to take home the prize.  If they are able to land Masahiro Tanaka for any reason, their +700 will be even lower.

I still think the Rangers are a bit of a bargain at +1100. They are behind Boston and Detroit in the AL leaderboard.

I would wait for to place a bet on the Boston Red Sox, if you are so inclined, because they are said to be out of the running.  Since this is the case, whomever shall acquire the NPB superstar, their odds will lower – and Boston may rise after.

The AL East is reigning supreme in this with 4 of the top 12 spots being positioned by them.  The worst Division is the AL Central who only possess 1 member in the top 12.

The Yankees were +1500 last week, and now have moved up to +1400 with the A’s and the Braves.

Again, if they are to bring Tanaka in the fold, I believe they will blow the luxury tax out of the water next year.  If you want to bet this club to win, I suggest you do so now.

Next to the totals, I have weighed in on what I think the odd should be. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 4, 2014

Photo Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports


Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast looks at the Orioles.

What should they do? Why is signing Quinton Berry a good sign? And why they should be the lab for my bullpen experiment.

They’ve already listened to me about the smiling bird hat.

To subscribe to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast on iTunes, click HERE.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 4, 2014

Wheeling Games In Scenarios (5, 6, 7 and 8 contests: Gambling 101)

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

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Last time we talked about wheeling 2, 3 and 4 contests of anything respectively.

For 2 games, there are 4 possible outcomes, for 3 games there are 8 possible outcomes – and for four games there are 16 possible outcomes.

Today, I tackle 5 games, 6 games, 7 games and 8 games.  These totals carry possible outcomes of 32, 64, 128 and 256 variances.

Realistically, you can use any of these to accommodate fundraiser options.

Yes all of us love the 1 – 9, up and down the board for a Superbowl pick (or grey cup up in Canada.  For these, there are only 81 possible outcomes.

For Part 1 of Wheeling Games (2, 3 and 4) click here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Reports Hall Of Fame Predictions: Class Of 2014 Players

The deadline of December 31st has come and gone for The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). Members were asked to submit no more than 10 names of players they "deem" worthy of induction towards this year's National Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony set for July.

The deadline of December 31st has come and gone for The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). Members were asked to submit no more than 10 names of players they “deem” worthy of induction towards this year’s National Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony set for July.

By Patrick Languzzi (Cooperstown Correspondent)

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Results are scheduled to be announced on January 8th.

Players must receive at least 75 percent of the votes in order to be inducted by a voting body of roughly over 500 eligible writers.

There are many player names worthy of discussion, however, few will see enshrinement, now or ever.

Greg Maddux Tribute:

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 3, 2014

Photo: Tom Kaminski / WCBS 880

Photo: Tom Kaminski / WCBS 880

My dear friend Ritch Duncan (who you can follow on Twitter HERE) pointed out that every New York sports team kind of stinks now.

Whichever New York sports team rebuilds and puts together a fun, young, hungry elite team will capture the heart of the city for a new generation of sports fans.

That team will help end the deep freeze of New York sports.

That is the topic for today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 3, 2014

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 2, 2014

JETER HAYES

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I talk about the greatest moment of every baseball year: The moment a team wins it all and stands alone as the kings of baseball.

My fascination with the ending of the baseball year and how it is celebrated is something I can discuss for hours. Today I do so for a little more than 20 minutes.

And yes, I talk about that picture above of Charlie Hayes and Derek Jeter making the final out of the 1996 World Series.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 2, 2014

Ortiz Is Almost Done Playing: Who Will Be The Next Great DH Among The AL Clubs??

David Ortiz has been the quintessential DH in the AL over the last 11 years.  Boston is in contention perennially because he put up great #s compared to his competition.  With all of the teams imploring several employees to scouting staffs - trying to find advantages to bring to Major League Lineups - why aren't teams focusing on the DH position more.  Ortiz has been a full time DH since joining the Red Sox, and has been instrumental in the club bringing home 3 World Series Titles.  In fact, the only time the team has struggled in the last decade, was if "Big Papi" is hurt or struggling.

David Ortiz has been the quintessential DH in the AL over the last 11 years. Boston is in contention perennially because he put up great #s compared to his competition. With all of the teams imploring several employees to scouting staffs – trying to find advantages to bring to Major League Lineups – why aren’t teams focusing on the DH position more. Ortiz has been a full time DH since joining the Red Sox, and has been instrumental in the club bringing home 3 World Series Titles. In fact, the only time the team has struggled in the last decade, was if “Big Papi” is hurt or struggling.

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

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There is no doubt in my mind that the Red Sox has won 3 World Series Titles in the last 10 years because they have had the quintessential DH in the American League.

While other teams have used the position as a rest stop for aging players, or stop-gap measure for players with defensive faulty, clubs have not seemed to have stressed emphasis on the slot in the lineup.

My question is why?  With everyone always searching for an edge in today’s game, you have one sitting right in front of you, that equates to over 600 AB a year.

David Ortiz (Post Season Heroics 2013)

Read the rest of this entry

Wheeling Games In Scenarios (2, 3 and 4 contests: Gambling 101)

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

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Here is the 1st installment of Gambling 101.  Again, these kind of numbers I am about to throw can be used in a multitude of different things.

Some people I have taught wheeling to have used them for charity events, office pools, or just pure fun if in Vegas or Canada.

I want to say that ‘gambling’ is always based on the house beating you.  Like Robert DeNiro says is Casino “There is a reason they build these huge extravagant building in Las Vegas, the house always wins” Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 1, 2014

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

It is the first episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast for 2014.

I suggest New Year’s Resolutions for all 30 teams.

To subscribe to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 1, 2013