Monthly Archives: March 2014
Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Just to reset this, we will be bringing you this column once a week during the regular season.
This is worth paying attention to. Think of them as power rankings as put forth by the website.
For the love me, I can’t understand how the Red Sox have climbed to +850, while the Rays are sitting at +1800 for the WS. It also boggles my mind why bettors don’t take stock in Strength of Schedule. Read the rest of this entry
The Braves Continue To Step Up To The Plate In The Ervin Santana Signing
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It was a move that had to be done in my view. Atlanta has 60% of its Starting Rotation currently in the sick bay, or has questionable thoughts to whether it could pitch near Opening Day.
In the end it is a Win/Win situation for all above.
The Braves acquire a top end of the rotation guy, and it serves as great insurance, and Santana is able to play for a full season trying to re-establish his worth on next winter’s open market.
Sure Atlanta sacrifices a 1st RD pick, but they are still receiving the compensation Pick from the Yankees for the Brian McCann signing.
Santana flies right out the American League, and will look to pad his stats versus the likes of the Mets and Marlins this year, and to avoid the AL Beast, the only teams that were coveting him that he mutually was talking with Read the rest of this entry
St. Louis Cardinals State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
2013 was a stellar year for the Saint Louis Cardinals, just falling short of capturing the franchises 12th World Series title. Though St. Louis may have arguably lost their best offensive power hitter of 2013, Carlos Beltran, St. Louis is well armed and poised to return to the Fall Classic for the 2nd straight season an 5th Fall Classic Appearance since 2004. The franchise has also been to 8 NLCS’s since the turn of the millennium.
By Steven Hines (Guest Cardinals Writer view his website here): Follow @hinesis2nd
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Much like the offseason of a year ago, St. Louis made little moves. Despite little deals made, big changes are coming to the way this team operates in 2014.
Just because the Cardinals will look different does not mean you should expect less success than that of their World Series run of 2013.
In fact, expect the 2014 Cardinals to capture their 12th World Series Championship this season.
Bold prediction or reality, you decide. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 12, 2014
Chris Carlson / AP
Should PA announcers call out the balls and strikes?
And should Diamondback fans be worried that their team might make MORE dumb trades?
Those topics and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 11, 2014
Forget The DH, Forget The Pitcher Hitting, Lets Hit With 8! Also Teams Should Hit Best Players At The Top
Disagree with me all you want, but I think the MLB would be better served to have just 8 hitters hit in one rotation of the batting order. It is time to eliminate the DH and the pitcher both from hitting. Give the fans more of what they want, the most feared hitters in baseball potentially batting 70 – 80 times more a year. I also agree with Sully Baseball, that your best hitters should be afforded the most opportunities to contribute to your offense. This means hitting in the highest slot in the order they can based on OBP, Slugging and overall Run production.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 w/assist to “Lead Personality” Paul Sullivan (Sully) Follow @sullybaseball
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
(The 8 hitters in lineup concept is my idea solely, I am agreeing with Sully on his lineup relevance for his approach for 1 and 2 hitters) – CB
I was listening to an archived show I did with James Acevedo, on our inaugural “2 And A Hook Podcast” show last March.
We were talking about the Designated Hitter position weakening by the year, and the Pitcher not doing any justice at the plate either.
In the show, I haphazardly referred to “they should just hit with 8 hitters.”
I forgot about the whole thing soon after saying it last year, but now I haven’t stopped thinking about for the last hour of today.
Baseball writers often will tell you it is best to write what is fresh on your mind. Read the rest of this entry
Is Rushing Marcus Stroman A Good Idea? Anybody Remember A Young Roy Halladay?
Video by E. Tyler Bullock
By ‘Baseball Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @steveccheeseman
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Is Rushing Marcus Stroman a Good Idea?
Prime pitching prospect Marcus Stroman is the pride and joy prospect of the Toronto Blue Jays.
The 22 year old out of Medford, New York is front and centre with many media outlets heading into the spring training. Consider his age, and little professional experience under his hat. Why rush him?
Stroman was drafted 22nd overall in the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft, after finishing a college career at Duke where he set the school record for strikeouts with 290 (over 222.0 innings). Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 10, 2014
USA Today
It is a Grab Bag episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Little Leagues are getting screwed by MLB…
Alfonso Soriano should play first base…
Barry Bonds should admit SOMETHING…
And Mike Timlin holds a special place in my heart. Read the rest of this entry
San Francisco Giants State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Okay so it is an even year, so most fans in the Bay Area can only think of one thing…Another World Series ring right?
Come on, they won in 2010 and 2012, why not 2014?
The win in 2012 was a nice statistical oddity, but when you factor in that the hunger to win a World Series must dissipate a little bit when you have just cashed one in, then maybe another one can be achieved when the next year hits again.
The Giants went 76 – 86 in 2013, this is more of a stretch, for when they completed the 2011 campaign at 86 – 76 following their 1st World Series Title.
There is room for optimism though, from their top 7 hitters in the Batting Order, this team features some of the streakiest guys at the plate in the MLB. Read the rest of this entry
MLB’s 2014 Most Likely To Class…….
PED use or not, Stem Cell technology, and who knows what else has aided Colon’s body over the last 3 seasons of success. Yes he was 18 – 6, with a 2.65 ERA – finishing 6th in AL Voting, however the A’s went and paid someone else, and usually they are not wrong on guys. The 40 Year Old from Dominican Republic, is also a gigantic man who decimated his hamstring during a PFP out in 2011 with NYY. You have to think his lucky streak is numbered sooner or later – and especially on the basepaths in the NL hitting a few times a game.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Remember when you graduated, or just had a school yearbook, and one of the best features was a ‘Most Likely To‘ Section.
It could have been John is most likely to succeed at playing football, or Sally will make a fortune by selling her clothes fashions to Hollywood Diva’s.
Lets do this for the MLB 2014 as it sits.
The Most Likely To Hit The DL after running to 1st is Bartolo Colon. Read the rest of this entry
White Sox What Ifs: 2014
Jose Abreu signed the most lucrative contract for an international signee in MLB history – at 6 YRs/$68 MIL, before Tanaka eclipsed his deal (7 YRs/$155 MIL). He’ll more than likely start the 2014 season with the big club, rather than starting in the minors. He’ll spend most of his time at first base, with (more than likely) some occasional starts at DH.
By ‘White Sox Correspondent’ Brian Madsen Follow @brianm731
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Let’s play a game. Let’s play “White Sox What Ifs” 2014 version. And let’s assume that if 7 out of these 10 What Ifs come to fruition, our White Sox are going to the postseason in 2014. So let’s start….
(1.) What If Adam Eaton becomes the on-base machine it appears he could be so far in Spring Training? The White Sox haven’t had a lead-off hitter of his caliber since Scott Podsednik.
Not only can Eaton get on base with regularity, he can steal bases. He can stretch singles into doubles, and doubles into triples. He’s everything a lead off hitter should be. And he can bunt. Enough said.
Your mouth waters with just the above? Wait. He can play defense, unlike your beloved Scotty Pods (who also had the limp arm of an 8 year old). Eaton possesses similar daredevil-type maneuvers that Aaron Rowand possessed.
Though Rowand would often mis-judge fly balls and make up for it with above average speed in CF to make a great catch,
Eaton has the speed and instincts to make a great grab in front of him, to his left or right, and over the shoulder. Very excited! Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 9, 2014
Photo: Kevin Sullivan
It is The Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
@sullybaseball do you have a list of favorite baseball Parks? My top 1) PNC Park 2) Minute Maid Park 3) Camden Yards
— Alexander Gibson (@Astros_Alex) February 26, 2014
While sitting in the parking lot of a Target, I run down my favorite ballparks.
Surprisingly, Fenway did NOT come in first or second.
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San Diego Padres Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I am not going to beat up the Padres in this article. They have a tough division to contend with and need the new 2016 CBA to provide more of an equal playing field.
Here is some good news, the Padres only be losing 7 guys to Free Agency before the 2015 year, so if the young flock of talent can show some improvement, the future years look good.
Chase Headley, Chris Denorfia, Josh Johnson, Tim Stauffer, Huston Street, Seth Smith and Nick Hundley are up for the open market. Look for the franchise to trade most of these guys near the Trade Deadline. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 8, 2014
plotkinphotography.com
Comedian Clayton Fletcher (@claytoncomic) stops by to talk about the Orioles on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast. Somehow we keep talking about Dolph Lundgren. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 7, 2014
Current Odds Over/Under Wins For All 30 MLB Teams In 2014: Best Bets On The Board
The regular season over/unders have been updated yet again. While most of them are right in the realm of where they should be – about 20% of the numbers scream out for me to bet some cabbage on.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Yes these are my predictions for the current state of the MLB.
Right beside the wins and losses, is the over.under totals and odd.
Next to that will be whether that would make it Over/Under based on my selections.
If I think an odd is worthy of plunking down some pesos, I will highlight it. Read the rest of this entry
The Toronto Blue Jays State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
The SkyDome was opened in May of 1989. For the championship ERA, the club drew 4 Million fans each per year. In recent years, it was tough for the club to draw 2 Million fans. In 2013, with the promise of a new club mantra, based on Free Agent signings, the team held the best year to year attendance boost in 2013. If the Jays can’t spring out of the gate fast in 2014, I think the Walkup single game tickets will be tremendously affected negatively. Toronto has not made the playoffs since winning back to back World Series in 1992 and 1993, and only them and Kansas City hold that dubious honor since the Player Strike/Lockout ensuing seasons of 1994 – 1995.
By ‘Baseball Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @steveccheeseman
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Toronto Blue Jays have been a franchise in question for over 20 years. This floundering franchise has gone through 11 manager changes since winning the World Series in 1993 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.
2 of those managers in Cito Gaston and John Gibbons have been hired twice! The 2013 season was supposed to be the year the Jays went all the way.
GM Alex Anthopolous numerous moves acquiring major pieces to what was supposed to be a contending team.
R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Emilio Bonifacio, Maicer Izturis, Mark Buehrle, and Melky Cabrera. Despite these additions via trade or signing….same story, different season! Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 6, 2014
AP Photo/Rob Carr
Rick Ankiel is retiring after finishing one of the most unusual careers in baseball history.
What does our reaction to Rick Ankiel tell us about our real thoughts about performance enhancing drugs? A lot.
That is the main topic for today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
MLB 2014 Bold Division + Post Season Predictions, And Gambling Tips For Experts
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The 2014 season is quickly coming, and many people are putting together their yearly MLB Record predictions for both of the AL and NL.
One of the things people must remember to do, is to have their teams all equal 2430 wins. Since they are that many games in any given campaign (at least to start with before any cancellations are never played).
This is the 1st thing to look for.
Obviously every team should add to 162 games in the W – L columns of each squad.
Furthermore, you also have to account for the record in Interleague play between the AL in NL (this represents 290 games out of the 2430 game schedule.)
The AL and NL Records will also mirror reflect each other, as that determines a won – loss differential among the leagues.
If you played all games without interleague all teams would perfect match up even – even on the W-L when you added up all teams in the American League.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 5, 2014
Photo: Dr. Edith V. Sullivan
It is the 500th episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast. 500 straight days of talking baseball!
Today I look at the different ways to watch baseball, why traditional, sabermetric and casual fans shouldn’t argue and the big sand box that we can all enjoy this great game in. Read the rest of this entry
Los Angeles Dodgers State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
Clayton Kershaw agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension in the offseason – that will run through the years of 2014 – 2020 with the LA Dodgers. The deal is slated for an opt out clause after the 2018 season by Kershaw, when he will be only 30 years old. This is the greatest single Annual Average Salary ALL – Time of $30.7 MIL per annum, and is the 6th biggest contract ever in the history of the MLB. Last year was his most dominant to date, with a 16 – 9 record, an NL Leading 1.83 ERA and 232 SO. The about to be 26 Year Old, also nailed down his 2nd NL Cy Young win in 3 years, and the other year he was the runner up in that time frame. He may be the single most important player to any franchise in the National League. Kershaw is the 3 time reigning NL ERA champ.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Dodgers are beginning year 2 of potentially a half-dozen years of dominance. They have a team filled with ALL – Stars, superior Starting Pitching, and have deep pockets to seal the deal with necessary changes.
The NL West might be stronger this year with more competitive rosters from the D’Backs, Rockies and Giants, yet I still think the Dodger Blue will pulverize the competition, particularly in their own division.
Our Chief Writer Hunter Stokes wrote a great article on the Dodgers taking the 1st few series of the year not as seriously as the rest of the year here.
I fully agree with his stance, yet I don’t think it will make much of a difference.
Injuries aside this team is ready to take down the National League. Read the rest of this entry
Ian Kinsler Steps Over The Line: It Is Best To Say Nothing At Times Like These
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Ian Kinsler had himself a bad day yesterday, and in my mind he totally deserves it.
You only have to have a few smarts in your brain to realize that something wasn’t right in Texas for the last few years in how that team handled the Nolan Ryan situation – and some treatment of some of the departing players.
Kinsler was interviewed by a reporter and spoke that Rangers GM Jon Daniels is a “sleazeball” – and that he was wrong in the treatment in Michael Young and also in the handling of his own affairs, citing the request for a position trade, and the eventual trade to Detroit that happened over this past winter.
Okay, blasting Daniels is not very wise to do this to begin with, but you can almost understand that theory, because other players have left the franchise recently with much aghast. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 4, 2014
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America
Ian Kinsler needs to take media lessons from Derek Jeter. But at least he gave some life to a Tigers/Rangers rivalry.
That and my shaving habits on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast. Read the rest of this entry
Chris Duffy Contacts All MLB Teams: Will He Get A Second Chance?
Chris Duffy Looks for An MLB Opportunity
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
An interesting story broke out last week, as Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle wrote an article on Chris Duffy, A current independent ballplayer who has been searching for a chance to sign with a Major League team this spring.
During his senior season at the University of Central Florida, Duffy was nominated for the Golden Spikes Award, which is annually given to the country’s best amateur baseball player.
He was nominated among the likes of Bryce Harper (who won the award), Chris Sale, Drew Pomeranz, and Yasmani Grandal.
Unlike the other four nominees, Duffy was not a first-round draft pick and was unable to make it to the major leagues just yet. He fell to the 26th round, where the Philadelphia Phillies finally swooped him up.
Read the rest of this entry
The Dodgers On Field Management Should Be Showing As Much Urgency As The D’Backs For The 2014 MLB Opening Series!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I started talking about something in my Power Rankings yesterday and it festered with me all day until I decided to expand on the subject a little more today.
As I was listening to XM Radio explain that Kirk Gibson was going to start Patrick Corbin and Trevor Cahill in the 1st 2 games of the MLB Season in Australia, the Dodgers have been quiet to name a starter.
I wrote a few months back, that I would like to have seen them throw Clayton Kershaw for that opener, pitch versus the San Diego Padres a week later, and to conclude with the Dodger Stadium Opener.
We all know now that Zack Greinke won’t even be making the trip due to health concerns.
I understand that one fully, but don’t sit there and tell me that the 2 time NL Cy Young Winner is now going to throw in either of the 1st 2 games. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 3, 2014
Parker Brothers
The Yankees may have more money to spend than anyone. But if the future of free agency is any indication, they won’t pick up a major superstar via free agency.
That topic and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Okay, not much has changed in the last month.
They are about 20 unsigned Free Agents left in the open market pool, Baltimore inked Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez – and Chris Capuano is with the Red Sox, Paul Maholm replaces him LA for the 2014 campaign.
Of note of the things I am watching in Spring Training. The Dodger Blue is also experiencing many injuries – and Yasiel Puig showed up to camp overweight.
LA is talking about not sending Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke to Australia in a few weeks.
I can understand with the RHP because he was yanked after four pitches last week, but withholding your star ace from the season opener, and possibly the North America starter the following week. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 2, 2014
It is Sunday… time for The Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
@sullybaseball An analysis of how, or if Baseball should acknowledge the middle reliever; statistically, historically, currently. An idea…
— Michael Shure (@michaelshure) February 20, 2014
It is hard to quantify a middle reliever. They are look a good supporting actor in a movie. Really great ones make a difference, but they will never get the big bucks. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win Each Division In Major League Baseball 2014
The Rays have one of the 2 best Starting Pitcher staffs in the American league, and have averaged over 90 wins for the last 6 years. Bringing back Price, and having Myers and Archer for a full year should make the team even better in 2013. Keep in mind they have also added Heath Bell and Grant Balfour to anchor the Bullpen, an obvious upgrade over the inconsistent Fernando Rodney. They have been more consistent than the Red Sox and Yankees the last 2 years. As such should not be the 3rd favorite in the Division.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
We have gone through several weeks and months in the off year for gambling odds, and now with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks Opening MLB Series less than 3 weeks away, it is the Division Winners.
Much like my predictions are for the National League and the American League Winners, along with the World Series Winners, I love the Rays, Rangers and Giants for the value.
The worst dollars won for teams being favorites are the Tigers at -270, and Dodgers at -275. I am picking both of these teams to crush it this season, but I will not be wagering on the high favorites prices.
Like I have said before, the LA Dodgers are a couple of injuries away from opening up the NL West. Even the Arizona Diamondbacks at +650 are worth a stab. Read the rest of this entry
Miami Marlins State Of The Union Part 1: The Hitters Preview In 2014
By Nicholas Rossoletti (Lead Baseball Columnist): Follow @nross56
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The 2012 baseball season was filled with skeptical optimism by baseball supporters in South Florida.
Along with the opening of the new stadium, the Marlins seemed committed to the idea of contention as they spent money with reckless abandon.
In 2013, Miami opened the season with as much negative public relations as possible as they quickly dumped all the excess salary they had acquired in 2012 on the open market.
Overall, the short term roller coaster left a bitter taste with many fans. Read the rest of this entry
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