Monthly Archives: April 2014

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 15, 2015

WINSLOW TOWNSON/ASSOCIATED PRESS

WINSLOW TOWNSON/ASSOCIATED PRESS

 

There are almost TOO many topics for today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast..

Jackie Robinson Day, talking about Pie Traynor, Boston Strong, Mr. Rogers and the Angels?

All in a day’s podcast.

Dan Uggle, John Jaso, Lance Lynn, Roenis Elias, Albert Pujols, Miguel Montero and Hector Santiago all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

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With Moore Out For TJ Surgery – The Rays Should Hold Onto Price Through 2015

Matt Moore finished 17 - 4 with a 3.29 ERA in 2013, but was off to an even better start in the 1st half before he had some elbow soreness.  Losing this LHP will hurt the club, however the team was deep with Price, Archer and Cobb still manning the 1 - 3 slots in the rotation.  That was, until Cobb went down with an injury himself.  With the teams projected #2 Starter being down for the next 12 - 18 months from his very best, the franchise should not trade Price at any cost.

Matt Moore finished 17 – 4 with a 3.29 ERA in 2013, but was off to an even better start in the 1st half before he had some elbow soreness. Losing this LHP to TJ Surgery hurts the club, however the team was deep with Price, Archer and Cobb still manning the 1 – 3 slots in the rotation. That was, until Cobb went down with an injury himself.  The squad will have to weather the storm for a few months with some organizational players that might include the players: Erik Bedard, Nate Karns or Cesar Ramos. With the teams projected #2 Starter being down for the next 12 – 18 months from his very best, the franchise should not trade Price at any cost in 2014 and 2015..  Moore is under Team Control through the 2019 year, and when he comes back to the fold at 100% in 2015, hopefully the Rays will be vying for another postseason berth in the second half.

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

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Lets face it.  The Tampa Bay Rays have had an incredible run at it.  The Florida squad trails only the Yankees for wins since the start of the 2008 season in baseball.

The club has made it to the postseason 4 out of the last 6 years, and possess 5 out of 6 years with 90+ Wins.

All of this with a shoestring budget, and incredible use of stretching dollars on player talent.

Every year, Andrew Freidman finds a bargain Free Agent that becomes an ALL – Star once he dawns the blue and purple. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.14) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Yong Kim/Philly.com Staff Photographer

Yong Kim/Philly.com Staff Photographer

Dan Uggla homered twice including a one out, 9th inning, come from behind grand slam that stunned the Phillies and gave the Braves the lead in their bizarre 9-6 win.

Lance Lynn halted the Brewers winning streak with 7 masterful shutout innings. He let up just 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 11, getting the 4-0 win for the Cardinals.

John Jaso came off the bench to hit a dramatic 2 run homer that gave the A’s a 3-2 win in Anaheim.

Roenis Elias dominated the Rangers, pitching into the 7th, letting up just 1 run as the Mariners bats exploded to a 7-1 win..

They owned baseball on April.14, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014: 5 Best Value Plays

With injuries to the Pitching Staff mounting fast for the Rays, and now with them not paying out such a great odd, the value pendulum has swung back to pick either the Yankees at +900 or the Red Sox at +750 for the AL Pennant.  The Yankees just took 3 out of 4 from the Red Sox, have a better offense in this year's lineup, and have decent pitching.  Boston is the reigning champs - and will be part of the race before all is said and done.  Factor in major injuries to Texas, Oakland and the LA Angels early, and a horrid Tigers Bullpen so far, and these two rivals have the best value on the board.

With injuries to the Pitching Staff mounting fast for the Rays, and now with them not paying out such a great odd, the value pendulum has swung back to pick either the Yankees at +900 or the Red Sox at +750 for the AL Pennant. The Yankees just took 3 out of 4 from the Red Sox, have a better offense in this year’s lineup, and have decent pitching. Boston is the reigning champs – and will be part of the race before all is said and done. Factor in major injuries to Texas, Oakland and the LA Angels early, and a horrid Tigers Bullpen so far, and these two rivals have the best value on the board.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

The Rays are finally listed where they should be on the betting board.

3 teams start play today tied in the AL East in the Rays, Yankees and Jays.  Baltimore has struggled along with Boston.

I think it is way too early to shovel dirt on the Red Sox season.  While I think they may not take down another pennant, they are my 2nd favorite play in the AL Pennant Odd list for return.

The Yankees are my favorite odds pick right now with a +900 mark.

Yes they have injuries to old guys are their team, but the guys in the lineup can mash right now, and particularly at Yankee Stadium. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 14, 2014

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

 

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.., I talk about the Brewers and their surprise start.

Plus thoughts on instant replay and the A’s bullpen.

To see the blog post from January where I foresaw the Brewers improvement, click HERE.

Kyle Lohse, Scott Kazmir, Adrian Gonzalez, Alexei Ramirez, Charlie Morton, Corey Kluber, Gerardo Parra and  Ben Zobrist all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.13) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings Standings 2014

Photo By Rick Wood - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Photo By Rick Wood – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Kyle Lohse nearly threw a complete game, going 8 2/3 innings, letting up just 4 hits and 1 earned run, striking out 9 and walking none. He helped continue the Brewers 9 game winning streak with a 4-1 triumph over the Pirates.

Scott Kazmir dominated the Mariners with 6 innings of 2 hit shutout ball. He struck out 9 and walked none. While he didn’t get the win, he set up Oakland’s dramatic 3-0 victory.

Adrian Gonzalez homered in his 4th straight game, going 2-5 and drove in 3 as the Dodgers topped the Diamondbacks in Arizona (not Australia), 8-6.

Alexei Ramirez hit a 2 run, walk off, come from behind homer to give the White Sox a dramatic 4-3 win over the Indians.

They owned baseball on April.13, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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MLB Schedule Week 3: Apr.14 – Apr.20, 2014

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

Week 3

Monday April.14/2014 (9 games)

1.  Rockies @ Padres 10:10

2.  Mets @ D-Backs 9:40

3.  Athletics @ Angels 10:00

4.  Pirates @ Reds 7:10

5.  Mariners @ Rangers 8:05

6.  Rays @ Orioles 7:05

7.  Nationals @ Marlins 7:10

8.  Braves @ Phillies 8:05

9.  Cardinals @ Brewers 8:10

***NO Interleague on this Day (April.14) Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 3 MLB Baseball 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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A little rant before the power rankings this week

Well, another 7 days has passed in baseball for this year.

There are no more home openers, attendance is down, fans are scattering about their Easter business and the NFL Draft is around to swing its mighty sword on the sports landscape. Read the rest of this entry

HRs Streaks, Multiple HR Games + Top 5 HRs AL + NL IN MLB 2014 So Far: Through Games Apr.12

It was a slow start to the year for Adrian Gonzalez, but now he has hit a HR in 3 straight games, and is hitting for a 3 slash of .267/.333/.623 - with 4 HRs and 11 RBI through his 1st 45 AB.  His play this week is a big reason the Dodgers are back in 1st place heading into action today.

It was a slow start to the year for Adrian Gonzalez, but now he has hit a HR in 3 straight games, and is hitting for a 3 slash of .267/.333/.623 – with 4 HRs and 11 RBI through his 1st 45 AB. His play this week is a big reason the Dodgers are back in 1st place heading into action today.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different.  It is one of our many motto’s.

We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.

For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games.  Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.12) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings 2014

Ron Cortes/Philly.com Staff Photographer

Ron Cortes/Philly.com Staff Photographer

Jimmy Rollins went 3-5 and launched a walk off 10th inning homer to give the Phillies a 5-4 win over the Marlins.

Brian McCann homered twice, driving in 3 of the Yankees 7 runs as they topped the Red Sox 7-4.

Bud Norris threw 7 shutout innings, letting up just 5 Toronto hits. The bullpen blew his win but the Orioles would go on to win 2-1 in 12 innings.

Adam Wainwright pitched 7 strong, striking out 8 and walking none, earning the 10-4 St. Louis win over the Cubs.

They owned baseball on April.12, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 13, 2014

Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports

Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports

It is Sunday and time for the Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast..

Buyers remorse this early?
Nahhh. Even the teams that I picked that have injuries have plenty of time to make it back.

Plus I watch a long Mets and Angels game with my sons.

Jimmy Rollins, Brian McCann, Adam Wainwright, Bud Norris, Todd Redmond, Anthony Rendon, Matt Cain and Raul Ibanez all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 12, 2014

LITTLE LEAGUE

8 AM is too early to be starting a little league game. But today, a great thing happened even though my boy’s team lost.

That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Yu Darvish, Andrew Cashner, Grady Sizemore, Justin Upton, Johnny Cueto, Mike Aviles, Scott Feldman and Ryan Zimmerman all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.11) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings 2014

AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi

AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi

Andrew Cashner threw a complete game 1 hit shutout of the mighty Detroit Tigers, getting the 6-0 win for the Padres.

Justin Upton got on base 5 times and clubbed a game tying homer and a walk off hit, dominating the Braves’ dramatic 7-6 10 inning win over the Nationals.

Yu Darvish pitched amazingly well over 8 1 hit innings against the Astros. He struck out 9 and let up no runs. He got no decision but the Rangers won 1-0.

Grady Sizemore went 2-4 including a dramatic 3 run homer, giving the Red Sox a 4-2 win over the Yankees in the Bronx.

They owned baseball on April.11, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Houston Astros Roster Part 2 In 2014: How All Of The Pitchers Were Acquired

From 1992 - 2006, Houston was one of the best franchises in the games of baseball, not having one losing season in that time span.  They won 4 Division Titles, 8 2nd place finishes, and appeared in 6 playoffs.  After being swept in the 2005 World Series, the core got old, and the team waited too long to rebuild.  Once it was time, the management actually did a smart thing in totally gutting the entire franchise, in order to restock the Minor League System.  Three trades with the Phillies kickstarted the youth movement, trailing all the way to Brad Lidge, and ending with Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence.  2 out of the 3 have retired, and Pence now makes $18 MIL per year, which would be too much.

From 1992 – 2006, Houston was one of the best franchises in the games of baseball, not having one losing season in that time span. They won 4 Division Titles, 8 2nd place finishes, and appeared in 6 playoffs. After being swept in the 2005 World Series, the core got old, and the team waited too long to rebuild. Once it was time, the management actually did a smart thing in totally gutting the entire franchise, in order to restock the Minor League System. Three trades with the Phillies kickstarted the youth movement, trailing all the way to Brad Lidge, and ending with Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence. 2 out of the 3 have retired, and Pence now makes $18 MIL per year, which would be too much.

How All Of The Astros Pitchers Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The other day we talked about the hitters for the Astros and how they were acquired.

Today we delve into the Pitching Staff.  The Bullpen is compromised with some familiar names, that were Free Agent Signings.

A lot of the Starters were brought in by trade, or signed as Free Agents.

The biggest tree in the roster comes from Brett Oberholtzer, who was traded for in the deal with the Braves for Michael Bourn.

Philadelphia has made 3 deals for Brad Lidge, Hunter Pence and Roy Oswalt, that have left Houston stocked in the current makeup for the depth chart by subsequent deals.

Michael Bourn (with a few others) came over for the 2007 trade for the former Closer Lidge, and then was flipped to Atlanta for Oberholtzer and a package of players.

The other meaningful deal was Jarred Cosart and Jonathan Singleton brought into Houston for outgoing Hunter Pence.

One of the unfortunate deals the team did was for Miguel Tejada, but it certainly didn’t backfire as bad as it could have.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 11, 2014

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Goo on Michael Pineda’s hand!

Adam Jones might go postal on fans running on the field!

Ortiz got paid for a selfie!

Great silly controversies are in baseball, and those are better than SERIOUS controversies!

That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Victor Jose Abreu, Daniel Murphy, Dan Straily, Stephen Strasburg and Colby Rasmus all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

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Injuries In The MLB: Hamilton, Garcia + Moore Out Could Change Outlook For Clubs In 2014

Josh Hamilton had his worst year as a Major Leaguer in 2013 with a 3 slash of .250/.307/.432 - with 21 HRs and 79 RBI last year.  This campaign looked to have been better, with the OF hitting .444/.545/.741 through 27 AB.  Injuries just seem to happen for the man.  He underwent thumb surgery two days ago after jamming his hand trying to slide into 1st base.  His loss will be felt big by Los Angeles, and they may not be in position to contend by the time he comes back.  The Angels are at home for 6 games before a killer 9 game road trip at Detroit, Washington and New York.

Josh Hamilton had his worst year as a Major Leaguer in 2013 with a 3 slash of .250/.307/.432 – with 21 HRs and 79 RBI last year. This campaign looked to have been better, with the OF hitting .444/.545/.741 through 27 AB. Injuries just seem to happen for the man. He underwent thumb surgery two days ago after jamming his hand trying to slide into 1st base. His loss will be felt big by Los Angeles, and they may not be in position to contend by the time he comes back. The Angels are at home for 6 games before a killer 9 game road trip at Detroit, Washington and New York.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

The Angels Josh Hamilton is out for 6 – 8 weeks after sliding in head down to first base at Safeco Field on Apr.8.

I would never accuse the guy of being a slacker, but this was not a bright move at all.

Doesn’t he remember suffering a major injury when the Rangers had him barrel down on home plate a few years back.

It came on the heels of the man having a great start.  Nothing seems to go right for Hamilton to play a full healthy season.

The Angels needed this player, with Albert Pujols and Mike Trout hitting on all cylinders to put forth a competitive year.

This curbs the process down badly.

Josh Hamilton’s Injury – 2 Minute Mark

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Odds To Win The 2014 World Series – Updated For Week 2

Milwaukee just pulverized the Red Sox and Phillies in a 6 - 0 road trip - that featured a great offensive output from the lineup.  Braun is hitting, Gomez is looking to back up his 2013 campaign.  Jean Segura has not slowed down.  Mark Reynolds looks decent for some power at 1B, and Jonathan Lucroy and Aramis Ramirez have added torque as well.  The Pitching is performing well.  The Brew Crew hosts a pivotal weekend series against Division Rival Pittsburgh starting tonight in Miller Park.  They moved the most up the charts this week - but are still full value for a World Series odd this week nonetheless

Milwaukee just pulverized the Red Sox and Phillies in a 6 – 0 road trip – that featured a great offensive output from the lineup. Braun is hitting, Gomez is looking to back up his 2013 campaign. Jean Segura has not slowed down. Mark Reynolds looks decent for some power at 1B, and Jonathan Lucroy and Aramis Ramirez have added torque as well. The Pitching is performing well. The Brew Crew hosts a pivotal weekend series against Division Rival Pittsburgh starting tonight in Miller Park. They moved the most up the charts this week – but are still full value for a World Series odd this week nonetheless

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

The have and the have not’ s have started to dictate their positions in the game of baseball.

The Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Braves  and San Francisco Giants were the biggest movers and shakers up the leaderboard.

On the other side of the coin, bettors have lost faith in the Orioles, Reds, Angels, Phillies and Diamondbacks. 

At the end of the article, there will be the top 5 best and worst odds to wager on this week Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.10) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings 2014

Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

Jose Abreu launched a pair of homers and drove in 3 runs, leading the White Sox to a 7-3 victory over the Indians.

Daniel Murphy got on base 4 times with 3 hits (including a double) and a walk. He scored twice (including the go ahead run) and drove in 3 (including a key insurance run) as the Mets came from behind to top the Braves, 6-4.

Dan Straily pitched 7 strong innings, letting up just 3 hits and 1 run as the A’s cruised to a 6-1 victory in Minnesota.

Stephen Strasburg dominated the Marlins. He pitched into the 7th inning, letting up just 3 hits, 1 run and 1 walk while striking out an eye popping 12 batters. He got the 7-1 victory for the Nationals.

They owned baseball on April.10, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 10, 2014

The Harvard Sports Analysis Collection

The Harvard Sports Analysis Collection

 

It is time for Red Sox and Yankees! The rivalry is in a strange place right now but no doubt will pick up in intensity.

Also Jim Johnson is out as the closer and Tim Lincecum’s role is unclear.

That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Victor Martinez, Billy Hamilton, Mike Leake, Garrett Richards, Christian Yelich and Carlos Beltran all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.09) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings 2014

Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports

Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports

Victor Martinez reached base 4 times, drove in a pair including a 10th inning home run that put the Tigers ahead of the Dodgers for good, 7-6.

Billy Hamilton was magnificent in the Reds 4-0 victory over the Cardinals. He got three hits, including a triple, walked, stole a pair and scored twice. One of the runs was on a sacrifice fly hit just barely beyond the infield for the play of the season so far.

Garrett Richards threw 7 innings of 1 hit shutout ball and got the 2-0 win for the Angels in Seattle.

Mike Leake pitched 8 shutout innings, letting up just 4 hits and 1 walk, getting the 4-0 win for the Reds against St. Louis.

They owned baseball on April.9, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Houston Astros Roster In 2014 Part 1: How All Of The Hitters Were Acquired

The Astros decided to rebuild a few years ago  In doing so they traded away Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, at first, and then have since also traded Bud Norris, Jed Lowrie, Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes.  Many of the transactions have given the team many of its current roster today, with many of the players also with the organization - while hardly any of the departing guys are with the team that dealt for them.  Today is the 1st part of a 2 parter seeing how the current club was assembled by the Astros.

The Astros decided to rebuild a few years ago In doing so they traded away Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, at first, and then have since also traded Bud Norris, Jed Lowrie, Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes. Many of the transactions have given the team many of its current roster today, with many of the players also with the organization – while hardly any of the departing guys are with the team that dealt for them. Today is the 1st part of a 2 parter seeing how the current club was assembled by the Astros.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Houston Astros – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching. 

It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.

Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.

If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.

Sometimes pitchers will be in the hitters part of the write-up and vice versa.  This is simply done when one side of hitter or pitcher is dealt for each other.  Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 9, 2014

Stephen Dunn - Getty Images

Stephen Dunn – Getty Images

 

The National League Relief Pitcher Award is going to be named after Trevor Hoffman? I can not say I agree with that choice!

Also I tip my hat to Billy Hamilton and once again try to help Jim Johnson.

All on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Ryan Braun, Delmon Young, Tim Hudson, Chris Archer, Jose Altuva, Starlin Castro and Max Scherzer all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

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MLB Shutout Survivor 2014: 12 Teams Have Been Blanked, 18 Still Alive

The Pirates are the only NL Central team not to have been blanked yet in 2013,  Technically they scored 0 runs in the home opener through 9 Innings, but that was erased when Neil Walker hit a Walk off HR at PNC in extra innings,

The Pirates are the only NL Central team not to have been blanked yet in 2013, Technically they scored 0 runs in the home opener through 9 Innings, but that was erased when Neil Walker hit a Walk off HR at PNC in extra innings,

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

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In this post, which we are also going to feature in a Subpage at the site called ‘Shutout Survivor’, we will document who wins this race for all 30 MLB Teams, meaning we will state the date a teams gets Shutout for the 1st time of the year.

After the games on Apr.08, there are 12 teams taken out of this competition.  The AL still has 10 teams remaining in this and the NL has 8.  The NL Central only has Pittsburgh alive.

The AL Central only has seen Kansas City eliminated, while the AL West hasn’t lost a team since the A’s were blanked on Mar.31st.

Should be a great contest to see who can be the last team to score zero runs in a game,

BTW, Pittsburgh has gone though 9 innings in a game without scoring, but won the PNC opener Mar.31st vs the Cubs, essentially knocking them out with a walk off 1 – 0 victory via a HR.

Neil Walker WALK OFF HR – Opening Day PNC Park

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.08) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings 2014

Photograph by Chris Szagola , AP

Photograph by Chris Szagola , AP

Ryan Braun homered three times, driving in 7 runs and spoiling the Phillies home opener with a Brewers 10-4 victory.

Delmon Young went 3 for 6 with a 2 run homer, 2 RBI total and a pair of run scored, leading the Orioles 20 hit attack against the Yankees and a 14-5 victory.

Tim Hudson won the Giant’s home opener with an 8 inning performance, letting up just 2 earned runs and no walks against Arizona for a 7-3 final.

Chris Archer was masterful against the Kansas City Royals, throwing 7 shutout innings in just 91 pitches. He did not get the decision, but set up the Rays tense 1-0 win.

They owned baseball on April.8, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 8, 2014

MLB: Spring Training-New York Yankees at Minnesota Twins

On today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I just throw my hands up and give up.

There are things that make no sense to me that the Rockies, Reds and Yankees are doing. Listen to your pal Sully and stop making mistakes!!!

Troy Tulowitzki, Jackie Bradley Jr, Jason Vargas, Brayan Pena, Ben Zobrist and with his arm and bat Jordan Lyles all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Odds To Win The 2014 Divisions – With Full Breakdowns After 1 Week

The Yankees are leading the AL East, having won 4 of their last 5 games - after dropping 2 straight to begin the year.  As the listed #3 team in the division, their +275 odd is a nice bit of value, and it flies onto the radar of one the best bets of the week.

The Yankees are leading the AL East, having won 4 of their last 5 games – after dropping 2 straight to begin the year. As the listed #3 team in the division, their +275 odd is a nice bit of value, and it flies onto the radar of one the best bets of the week.  Of course they do have a tough schedule coming up in April – with 7 games versus Boston, 4 versus Tampa, and 3 game sets with the Angels and Mariners will not be a picnic either.  Still the team looks better than everyone thought with their pitching, and they can actually manufacture runs with new found team speed.  My gut would still be with Tampa or Boston to win out the AL East, but the value is just not there this week.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

We wake this morning to see the betting world has finally clued in the Tampa Bay Rays are a good team.  What is weird about this is that it comes off the heels of them losing their 2nd straight and falling to 4 – 4.

The Yankees are now favored 3rd in the AL East.  Even with Mark Teixeira going down to injury, I like this club.  For a change, they have finally been seeded 3rd in the Division – yet they are leading the AL Beast after week 1.

Boston showed many weaknesses versus the Milwaukee Brewers.  One of my things I also wrote about in their season preview is that they will miss Jacoby Ellsbury, and that no one in their OF will see 500+ AB.

Also worth mentioning is that the Jays are tied for the 13th best World Series odd at +2500, yet are listed as #4 in the AL East,  Stay away from this team in all directions for these odds.

Yankees Roll Call – Opening Day @ Yankee Stadium Apr.07, 2014

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Top 5 Home Run Hitters In MLB For 2014: AL/NL, HR Streaks + Multi HR Games

Mark Trumbo has homered in 4 straight games, which is halfway to the ALL - Time Record held by Don Mattingly, Ken Griffey JR and Dale Long.  Mattingly owns the aggregate total of 10 HRs hit for those 8 games.  Despite his efforts, the D'Backs enter today's game at 2 - 7.  Trumbo also leads the MLB with 5 HRs overall.

Mark Trumbo has homered in 4 straight games, which is halfway to the ALL – Time Record held by Don Mattingly, Ken Griffey JR and Dale Long. Mattingly owns the aggregate total of 10 HRs hit for those 8 games. Despite his efforts, the D’Backs enter today’s game at 2 – 7. Trumbo also leads the MLB with 5 HRs overall.  The slugger has 2 more years left of Arbitration Eligibility after the 2014, and will become a Free Agent in 2017.  He was acquired in a trade from the LA Angels that saw the D’Backs part with Starter Tyler Skaggs.  Arizona also sent OF Adam Eaton to the White Sox, and received Minor Leagues A.J. Shugel and Brandon Jacobs in the deal.  Chicago parted with Hector Santiago as well to LA.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different.  It is one of our many motto’s.

We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.

For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games.  Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post.

Kemp and Ramirez Both Hit 2 HRs 4 – 6 – 14

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.07) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings 2014

Justin Edmonds, Getty Images

Justin Edmonds, Getty Images

Jordan Lyles dominated the White Sox completely and in all ways. He pitched into the 7th inning, letting up 1 run and 5 hits over 6 2/3 innings. He also went 3-3 with a double and 2 runs batted in as the Rockies clobbered Chicago, 8-1.

Troy Tulowitzki contributed to the Colorado 8-1 blow out of the White Sox with a 3-3 performance. He doubled, homered and walked, missing the cycle by a triple.

Jackie Bradley Jr. had the second three hit game of his career. He drove in Boston’s first two runs and his bunt single led to a run scoring error. He would later score another run as he sparked the Red Sox 5-1 victory over the Rangers.

Jason Vargas pitched into the 9th inning, keeping the Rays off of the scoreboard until the final frame. He would finish with 8 plus innings, 4 hits and 1 walk, letting up only a solo homer as the Royals topped Tampa 4-2.

They owned baseball on April.7, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 7, 2014

San Jose Mercury News

San Jose Mercury News

 

How can I help Jim Johnson break his bad streak for the Oakland A’s?

I used the Force! My solution is Star Wars related.

It makes sense if you listen to today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Chris Sale, Alfredo Simon, Joe Mauer, Hanley Ramirez, David Murphy, Alex Wood, James Shields and Brandon Belt all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball. Read the rest of this entry

The Tigers Bullpen Has Had A Brutal Start For The 2014 Campaign

Even with his early season woes, 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.

Even with his early season woes, 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 in 2013, 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 past winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016. This doesn’t end all of the teams Relief problems, but it gave them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market. There is still plenty of work to do

By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent)

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The bats are rolling, the starters are clicking, and the bullpen is failing.

It’s no secret that the Detroit Tigers bullpen is struggling. Through the first five games of the season they have allowed 9 runs. To make it even worse, all 9 have come in the 9th inning.

That’s 9 runs on 18 hits through only 13.1 innings for the bullpen. To put that into a harsher perspective, the starters have given up 8 runs on 20 hits through 32.2 innings.

Yes, the bullpen has given up more runs and almost as many hits through less than half the innings. Read the rest of this entry