Monthly Archives: March 2014
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 31, 2014
AP
It is opening day!
That’s one of the happiest days of the year for any fan of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Of course this being opening day, the Dodgers already have three games in the books. On today’s episode, I come up with another Opening Day concept.
It could be a great idea based on one of the WORST ideas MLB ever had: The Baseball Network.
Andrew Cashner, Chris Denorfia and Hyun-Jin Ryu all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball. Read the rest of this entry
Texas Rangers Roster For 2014: State Of The Union
Prince Fielder’s 2013 – 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.457) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.527. The man has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB in the playoffs either. Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career. Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to be an AL MVP Candidate for the Rangers in 2014. I expect him to return to the 40+ HR plateau, drive in well over 100+ RBI – and lead his team to a World Series Appearance this year. Fielder will be in Texas for the next 7 years, and the Rangers only have to pay $20 MIL per year, with Detroit eating $4 MIL each season as part of the trade that saw Ian Kinsler go to Motown.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Stay Alive Until Re-Inforcements Arrive
The Texas Rangers bolstered their 2014 offensive lineup with 2 new .400+ OBP Players.
Shin-Soo Choo (.423 OBP in 2013, and a Career .389 OBP), and Prince Fielder (.362 OBP, but was .400 OBP+ in 4 out of the last 5 years and .389 OBP for his lifetime) – will be front and center into the Rangers new lineup.
These gentlemen will be surrounded by Adrian Beltre, Elvis Andrus and Alex Rios as guys to help offset their walk totals.
This is not an indictment of the 3 right handed hitters either though, Beltre is a .312 hitter for Texas during his 3 campaigns, while Alex Rios and Andrus should hit anywhere from .280 to .290 this year.
You add Andrus’s speed with Leonys Martin – and these two guys could swipe 40+ bags each. Even Alex Rios thieved 16 Bags in 2013 – and Choo had 20 SB yet again. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (March 30) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images
Chris Denorfia got a pair of hits, drove in the go ahead run and an insurance run and made a nice running catch in right field, leading the Padres to a come from behind 3-1 win over Los Angeles.
Andrew Cashner looked sharp as San Diego’s opening day starter. He went 6 innings, letting up a single run, 4 hits and struck out 5. He got a no decision as the Padres beat the Dodgers 3-1.
Hyun-Jin Ryu deserved better than a no decision. In his second start of the season, the Dodger left hander threw 7 scoreless innings, surrendering just 3 hits and 3 walks, striking out 7. The bullpen coughed up the lead and the Padres won 3-1. But Ryu earned a 1/2 WOB.
They owned baseball on March 30, 2014.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found HERE.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Could The Toronto Blue Jays Turn Into The Canada Blue Jays + Play In Montreal And Vancouver As Well?
Olympic Stadium was a building catastrophe from the get go. It was a contributing factor of the Expos leaving Montreal. Having said that, it would have been really cool if the North America opener were to have been opened in Montreal, with this past series with Toronto and the New York Mets. Instead it was just an exhibition. At least the Canadian park has hosted regular season MLB games unlike the Sydney Cricket Ground. Will another city other than Toronto ever host a regular season game again?
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I must be out of my mind right?
Having the Toronto Blue Jays play in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver during a regular season – and re-brand the club to a national team in the MLB? But stop and think about this for a minute.
The club just drew almost 100K total fans for the 2 exhibition games in Quebec on Mar.28 and Mar.29/2014.
This just reaffirmed my stance of last week. I admonished the MLB for not starting the season with this series in Montreal.
Having thought about it further this weekend, I came up with a new idea. Why not play some games in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver – and name the club the Canada Blue Jays? Read the rest of this entry
Colorado Rockies State Of The Union For 2014
This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter. You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you. 2007 was one of their days in the sunshine. 2014 may see them at least make the postseason for the 1st time since 2009. With a 20 – 1 odd for the club to win the NL west, the value is there for a longshot pick – should you be allowed to gamble on this chance.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Colorado Rockies brass were a busy bunch in the 2013 winter, heading into the 2014 year. They have picked up several solid players for the upcoming campaign.
I simply hate that this club plays in the NL West with the Dodgers and Giants.
This year, just like any in recent memory, will depend heavily on whether the team can keep Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki.
When both are clubbing it, this 3 – 4 punch may be the best in baseball now that Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera have been separated. Read the rest of this entry
San Diego Padres State Of The Union For 2014
The Padres have not made the playoffs since 2006, and have only authored 2 winning seasons in the last 7 years. It is not from a lack of the coach, rather the NL West has far superior talent, while the San Diego franchise has been trying to replenish the farm, went through an ownership change, and now the team needs to make some decisions this offseason, that will shape the fortunes of the club for the next several years. I think the Pad Squad are in the mid 60’s wins range by the time it is all said and done this year.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
This season could get real ugly for the Padres in 2014.
As of right now, here are the injuries the team has endured for Spring Training.
Cameron Maybin is out till mid to late April with ruptured biceps tendon. Josh Johnson will miss a month with a strained right forearm, Corey Luebke is gone for the year with his 2nd Tommy John Surgery, and Joe Wieland also had an elbow surgery.
Among the latest issues, Carlos Quentin is doubtful for the opener today with a sore knee, Catcher Yasmani Grandal is questionable, recovering from knee surgery – while Chase Headley (strained right calf) and Chris Denorfia (sore right shoulder) are probable for tonight’s North American MLB Opener. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 30, 2014
Christinne Muschi/The Globe
It is The Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
@sullybaseball how cool would the AL East be w/Sox,Yanks,Orioles,Jays, #MontrealExpos? Lots of rivalries there! #movetheraystoMontreal #MLB
— Mike (@Boston_Braves) March 30, 2014
That is an interesting idea for potential rivalries in the AL East.
And the bar for an improved baseball situation in Montreal is kind of LOW!
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Miami Marlins 2014 Preview Part 2: The Pitchers
By Nicholas Rossoletti (Lead Baseball Columnist): Follow @nross56
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Earlier in the month, we touched on the Miami Marlins and their offense going into the 2014 season here.
The Miami offense has talent, but I believe it will be a frustrating lineup to follow due in large part to the team’s tendency to strike out a lot. The pitching staff has the potential to also be a frustrating unit to follow during the season.
While there is an elite player at the top of this rotation, the body of the staff lacks another stopper or really anyone to put any real faith in as a legit No. 2 or 3 starter at this point. Read the rest of this entry
Philadelphia Phillies State Of The Union For 2014
The club was one of the premiere franchises from 2007 – 2011, with 5 straight NL East Titles, 2 World Series Appearances, and taking home the big prize in 2008. The Phightins have been battling old age, the injury bug, plus the management not knowing whether to pull the plug on the core talent of this squad – or to give it one more go at it. Charlie Manuel was finally the fall guy last year when he was let go from his managerial duties. Ryne Sandberg had the team playing better to end the year, but has had issues already with Veteran players. Will it be enough for the organization to back him beyond this season. Will the franchise play good enough for another kick at the can in 2014? .
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Last year was the 1st losing campaign for the Fightins in over a decade. It was a mediocre season to be sure, and followed the 3rd straight year of regression.
Since Ryan Howard went down in a heap of pain during the 2011 playoffs, it has ravaged through the fans perception of the club.
2013 wasn’t going to end nicely, however the aging veteran Chase Utley gave the brass and fanbase a nice exiting thought by inking a 2 YR deal.
Ryan Howard has not recovered to his former status, and now makes $25 MIL year. Read the rest of this entry
All 290 MLB Interleague Games Schedule In 2014 With Start Times
Photo Ctedit – Eddie Bultman
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The ballpark franks are cooking, the beer should be cold, and lets hope the weather cooperates in all of your game journeys at the parks.
We will be updating the Interleague results all year on a widget at our website.
Some of the MLB fans don’t like American League Vs National League Games in Regular Season, and we not only like it at our site, we embrace it and wish there was more of it.
Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here Read the rest of this entry
Official Home Openers (With Local Times) At All 30 MLB Parks In 2014
The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedules, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The ballpark franks are cooking, the beer should be cold, and lets hope the weather cooperates.
30 MLB Park Rankings – According to a Fan
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 29, 2014
Nick Laham – Getty Images
Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast is recorded at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
This is a city where lots of people gamble. There are safe gambles and risky ones.
Is signing Miguel Cabrera to a long term deal a risky one? Read the rest of this entry
Current Odds To Win Each MLB Division 2014
This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter. You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you. 2007 was one of their days in the sunshine. 2014 may see them at least make the postseason again. With a 20 – 1 odd for the club, the value is there for a longshot pick. I mean the Dodgers could always run into injuries as well.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The season is upon us this weekend for real.
The LA Dodgers have a chance to do some serious damage with the North America Opener versus the San Diego Padres, as part of a 3 game series.
If they win 2 out of 3 in that set, this will go a long way in burying the San Diego team early.
In the NL West, since LA is 2 – 0 already, the Rockies are now paying 20 – 1 odds to win the Division.
While I am not saying this will happen, the value is there.
Also I can’t believe how the injuries have not effected the odds on the Tigers. Read the rest of this entry
What Miguel Cabrera’s New Contract Means To The Tigers And Him
Miguel Cabrera‘s new 8 YR/$248 MIL contract extension comes days after the club couldn’t come to terms with reigning AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.
The numbers are mind boggling.
He breaks the ALL – Time record for Average Annual Contract per year is at $31 MIL AAV (from 2016 – 2023), and also he is owed the most dollars at any given time by a contract at $292 MIL for the years of 2014 – 2023.
This man is the best pure offensive player in the game, and has only become better with age, but a lot of people are worried about the back end of this deal.
I fully understand that. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 28, 2014
Today is the sneakiest episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
I went to Cashman Field in Las Vegas, wanting to record outside the home of the Las Vegas 51s.
But I saw a door was open and I decided I was going to sneak into the stadium. How far would get into the stadium before security stops me. Read the rest of this entry
Seattle Mariners State Of The Union For 2014 Part 2 – The Hitters:
All of the baseball world in the PAC NW will want to see nothing but great production from Cano in Seattle. He may have a great year with the new club, however the management has not armed him with many dependable offensive talents. I fully expect the Second Baseman to hit .300/.400./.500 this season, but I think his HRs will be in the low 20’s (if not teens,) and his Doubles will be high. I am not sure he will crack 100 RBI either. Get used to it Cano. This is the 1st season of a 10 YR/$240 MIL deal. He has a career 3 slash of .309/.355/.504, but you can bet he will be walked a ton this year as opposing teams bypass the biggest threat on Seattle’s team.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I wonder what was promised to Robinson Cano once he inked that 10 YR/$240 MIL, or he was just so ecstatic about the cash he failed to ask the question.
I am just kidding. You know I love ya Cano…and that I am a Yankees fan…and bought 20 sets of game tickets at Safeco this year – primarily because you are on the team.
Actually, the 2B stated a few weeks ago that he is not pleased with the state of the current squad. I can’t say I blame him.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 27, 2014
Still at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas recording The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
I went to the sports book and made another World Series bet. But which long shot has the best chance?
The Blue Jays or the Angels? Read the rest of this entry
MLB 2014 Bold Predictions Including Awards Categories
Prince Fielder’s 2013 – 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.819) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.916. The man also has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB in the postseason. for the last 2 years of 2012 and 2013. Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career. Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to an AL MVP for the Rangers. He is capable of putting up monster numbers in Texas, and should enjoy hitting at ‘The BallPark In Arlington” 81` times a year.
By Jordan Gluck (Prospects/Baseball Operations Correspondent) Follow @JGluck777
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Since everyone else was making their predictions for the upcoming seasons, I am throwing down my picks too. But first there are some categories to rifle through 1st.
AL MVP:
Prince Fielder
More Tommy John Surgeries By The Numbers + Who Is the 1st $100 MIL Pitcher To Go Down With It? + A Scherzer Angle?
Yes Max Scherzer wrapped up the AL Cy Young with a most impressive season in 2013, but with TJ surgery becoming so common place with today’s chuckers, who would want to risk that kind of jack for a pitcher one throw way from being sidelined for 12 – 14 months? In my view it was a mistake not to accept the $$.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 – Credit to Bill Chuck For the Idea: Follow @billyball
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I think Max Scherzer should have taken the contract offer the Tigers threw his way this past weekend. Reports say it was in the Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke range of 6 YRs/$144 – $147 MIL.
So now that the reigning AL Cy Young Winner didn’t take the deal, he must hope to replicate his 2013 campaign, or at least come some where near it.
Do I think he could make more on the open market, potentially yes. But for a guy who has never been under a 3 ERA in any one given year, that is a tall order.
Also keep in mind his arm could sideline him with an injury at any point, so there is an inherent risk to not taking the deal.
One of out every 3 Major League Pitchers will go undergo Tommy John Surgery.
If you don’t think this procedure is an epidemic, go follow our ALL – Time TJ Surgery Tracker here.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 26, 2014
Fleer
Today’s Sully Baseball Daily Podcast was recorded at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
I make a plea to the Houston Astros, one that I have been making for a few years now:
Retire J. R. Richard’s number.
There is now a Facebook page for the purpose of getting the Astros attention. Click HERE to see it.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 25, 2014
FROM THE MGM GRAND HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS… IT IS THE SULLY BASEBALL DAILY PODCAST!
No Seriously.
I’m in Vegas.
And in my hotel, I talk about my regrets of picking the Rangers and the unusual championships won by Mike Scioscia and Ozzie Guillen
The Seattle Mariners State Of The Union For 2014 Part 1: Winter Deals + Pitchers
Felix Hernandez has been the face of the Seattle Mariners since 2009 when he won 19 games for the Mariners. He followed up with a CY Young season in 2010. The last 3 years, he has gone 39 – 33, with a lowe 3 ERA, but finished 4th in Cy Young Voting in 2012, and was one of the frontrunners to win the 2013 AL Cy Young – before the team shut him down for the rest of the year in Sept (still finished 8th in Voting). Hernandez sports a 110 – 86 record with a 3.20 ERA for his 9 year career. Expect nearly 16 – 18 wins this year with a near 3 ERA. The Mariners have only had 2 winning seasons out of the time “King Felix has been on the team. A start at Safeco Field for the team by him is worth about 10K fans extra. Photo: Chris Carlson – AP
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
A decade of frustration has set in after the clubs best stretch of success proceeded if from the time Ken Griffey Jr. arrived, until longtime MGR. Lou Piniella left the fold in 2003.
That was the last season the Mariners were sniffing around a playoff spot.
Back then, attendance was nearly 40K per game at Safeco, and you see tailgate parties, and the smell of garlic wafted through the surrounding area of the park.
In 2012, the club hit an all time low in attendance for the new stadium, and it wasn’t much better in 2013. Seattle drew just over 20,000 fans per game.
Something had to be done. Other than games that brought tonnes of excitement, and the King’s Court Section for Felix Hernandez home outings, there wasn’t much for the teams fanbase to be happy about with the home team.
Angels State Of The Union For 2014: A Hot Start Is Paramount For Success
The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West. The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. But with AL West rivals all having significant injuries both to start the year and long-term for 2014, this has opened up the door for the start of the 2014 campaign at least. It is incumbent that their top guys stay injury free, and spend exactly no days on the DL, because they don’t have suitable replacements to step in. With poor starts to both of the last 2 years, this squad looks to break this trend this seasom.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Hunter Stokes (Our chief writer) wrote a piece that was picked up by MLB Trade Rumors blogroll, stating that Jerry DiPoto has done a poor job in constructing the current team based on the roster tree here.
I agree with him 100% on this, especially on the moves, the Bullpen not being 100% finished yet, the Starting Rotation too reliant on their top 2 pitchers – and we have had several of their fans take some jabs at us for going with these notions.
The club’s brass has had a better winter in 2013 going into 2014, then they had last year, however it still doesn’t alleviate the fact, this team can’t sustain one injury to any of their top players because of said moves to deplete their depth.
The Starting Staff is composed of 60% of youth that is not used to toting long innings in Garrett Richards, Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs.
The team has a lot of players that will strikeout a lot, so it is also important to receive key HRs at crucial times in the game.
The club will also lose 34 HRs worth of power they received from Mark Trumbo in 2013, but it was the right time to move him. Whether they received enough of a return is yet to be determined, but it also cut down the whiffs for 2014.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 24, 2014
(AP Photo/J Pat Carter)
As I stated on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I’m not a fan of starting the season on the other side of the planet.
But if we HAVE to do it, why not send the teams with the WORST attendance.
Minnesota Twins State Of The Union For 2014
The Minnesota franchise has been through predicament before. From 1987 – 1991, the club won World Series and was one of the best clubs in the timeframe, but this was followed by a losing stretch from 1993 – 2001. The Twins then reeled off 6 Division Titles, and built a new baseball park from that success. Now they have suffered 3 straight 90+ Loss seasons, and look to run into a 4th straight. The young pieces are there to turn this thing around in the next few years, however Miguel Sano went down to a season ending injury. while Alex Hicks and Oswaldo Arcia struggled in their Rookie Years. Byron Buxton, the top Baseball prospect is also going through a minor injury ailment to his left wrist. On a bright note, Kyle Gibson made the Starting Rotation.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Miguel Sano being hurt for the entire was a definite early downer to begin the spring. This team still has many young new core players, and have finally listed Kyle Gibson as a Starter in the Rotation in the #5 slot.
Oswaldo Arcia, Aaron Hicks and Byron Buxton may also provide a big splash to the franchise that is needed for many years moving forward.
You add in 3B Trevor Plouffe and SS/2B Brian Dozier possibly earning spots for the long-term, and the majority of their lineup with be made up from players from their early to mid – 20’s.
The year starts with Joe Mauer moving over to 1st, the departure of longtime veteran Justin Morneau, and 2 former players are trying to resurrect their careers with Minnesota.
Jason Kubel and Jason Bartlett are both back in the Twin Cities trying to make the squad. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 23, 2014
Picture by Brady Black
It is The Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast and it is a dandy that took TWO tweets to ask.
@sullybaseball would you rather have been drafted but only have a few cups of coffee at the majors, OR
— James Amyx (@fireman_walrus) March 19, 2014
@sullybaseball become the most popular baseball personality and have your own #1 radio talk show, OR be a GM for the team of your choice?
— James Amyx (@fireman_walrus) March 19, 2014 Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (March 22) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Dee Gordon collected 3 hits, scored twice, drove in a run and led the Dodgers to a 7-5 win over Arizona.
Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched 5 shutout innings, letting up only 2 hits and 1 walk and striking out 5 as he got the 7-5 win for LA over the D’Backs.
Mark Trumbo gave the Diamondbacks hope with two hits, both which produced runs, including a 2 run homer in the 9th. It came up short as the Dodgers won 7-5.
They owned baseball on March 22, 2014.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found HERE.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
OR SCROLL DOWN.
Atlanta Braves State Of The Union 2014: The Hitters
Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward are the future of this team. Having said that, Freeman has displayed a little bit more consistency in his play to start their Careers. In 1908 AB so far (about 3 full years), Freeman has a 3 Slash Line of .285/.355/.466 with 68 HRs and 280 RBI. 2013 saw him make his 1st ALL – Star Game, and finish 5th in NL MVP Voting by going .319/.396/.501 – with 23 HRs and 109 RBI despite missing 15 games.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Braves won 95 Games in 2013, and the NL East was a runaway by 9 games over Washington.
This was done even though of paltry numbers posted by Dan Uggla and B.J. Upton, and a half year with Jason Heyward hitting underneath the Mendoza Line.
The game changer for the offense was a surprise performance by 3B Chris Johnson, who contended for the NL Batting Title for the better part of the whole year.
Evan Gattis and Brian McCann also hit near 20+ HRs each for just about a seasons worth of Plate Appearances out of the Catchers position.
Justin Upton charged out of the gates in April with 12 HRs, and then after going cold in the next 3 months. bounced back in August to take a run at it again.
The younger brother to B.J., had stretches were he carried the club. Read the rest of this entry
Detroit Tigers State Of The Union 2014 – Part 2: The Pitchers
Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO. Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP. Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016. This doesn’t end all of the teams Relief woes, but it gives them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Here we go again. Bruce Rondon is out for the year with Tommy John Surgery, Joba Chamberlain is throwing at Minor Leaguer’s, and Anibal Sanchez is hurting.
No team had better Starting Pitching in the game of baseball than the Tigers in 2014, while I love their top 3 Starters again, I am worried about their depth in the rotation at the back end.
The Bullpen is a lot better at the Closer’s position with Joe Nathan.
Gone are Jose Veras, underrated Joaquin Benoit, Drew Smyly moves to the Rotation, and the ‘human dumpster fire’ Jose Valverde is also long removed from the relief core.
Added to the bringing in Nathan, the team also signed Chamberlain for 1 year, and added Ian Krol through the Doug Fister trade.
Among several returnees are Luke Putkonen, Phil Coke, Al Alburquerque, Jose Ortega and Evan Reed. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 22, 2014
Photo: Mark Kolbe – Getty Images
I slept through the Major League Baseball opener last night. So did most of Los Angeles.
That’s a problem.
Also the Dodgers better not get cocky about their role in Los Angeles’ hearts.
That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Clayton Kershaw and Scott Van Slyke added full WOB’s to their total.
Paul Goldschmidt added 1/2 a WOB.
For the updated tally of “Who Owns Baseball” on MLB Reports, Click HERE.
MLB Reports 
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