Monthly Archives: September 2014

All American League Teams Interleague Schedules For 2015

After 7 years of Interleague, the AL trailed the season series 4 - 3, and the overall games mark 853 - 833 (.506).  Since 2004 it has been 11- years straight of AL beatdowns, winning each campaign for Won - Loss record.

After 7 years of Interleague, the AL trailed the season series 4 – 3, and the overall games mark 853 – 833 (.506). Since 2004 it has been 11- years straight of AL beatdowns, winning each campaign for Won – Loss record.

2015 Interleague Schedules (Each Team 10 Home and 10 Away)

 

AL East

 

New York Yankees

Home:  vs NYM (3) FRI Apr 24 – Sun Apr 26, vs WSH (2)  Tues June 9 – Wed June 10,  vs MIA (2) Wed June 17 – Thu June 18, vs PHI (3) Mon June 22 – Wed June 24.

Away:  @ WSH (2) Tues May 18 – Wed May 19  @ MIA (2) Mon June 15 – Tues June 16,  @ ATL (3) Fri Aug 28 – Sun Aug 30, @ NYM Fri Sept 18 – Sun Sept  20.

Baltimore Orioles

Home: vs PHI (2) Mon June 15 – Tues June 16, vs WSH (3) Fri July 10 – Sun July 12, vs ATL (3) Mon July 27 – Wed July 29, vs NYM (2) Tues Aug 19 – Wed Aug 20

Away: @ NYM (2) Tues May 5 – Wed May 6, @ MIA (3) Fri May 22 – Sun May 24, @ PHI (2)  Wed June 17 – Thu June 18, @ WSH (3) Mon Sept.21 – Wed Sept 23. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Sept 10, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

James Shields pitched 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 walk and 8 strikeouts and propelled the Royals into first place by themselves by winning 3-0 in Detroit.

Aaron Harang threw 7 innings, allowing 1 unearned run, striking out 9 and walking none, giving the Braves a much needed 6-2 win against Washington.

Albert Pujols singled, doubled and tripled, scoring 2 and driving in another as the Angels became the first to reach 90 wins, clobbering the Rangers, 8-1.

Carl Crawford went 4-4 with 3 doubles, a pair of RBI and a run scored, helping the Dodgers move closer to a Division Title, topping the Padres 4-0.

They owned baseball on Sept 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.

Interleague Master Schedule For The 2015 MLB Season

mlb_mini_pennants_21582big

 

The National League will be looking to shake an 11 year game losing streak to the American League in 2015. 

Among the new things that AL vs NL has to offer, is a return to all teams in action at some point in the season during the time. 

Of course the Astros were back in the Senior Circuit then, so there was 16 teams vs just 14 for the Junior Circuit.

Mark it on your calendars – from Monday June 15 – June 18 all 30 teams will take part in a 2 game home and away series versus the same club.  This is sure to be a treat for Interleague fans.

Citizens Bank Ball Park, PNC Park and Fenway Park are the only 3 stadiums to have their venues host AL vs NL as their home openers. 

The MLB Reports will try to update the game times as they come in until the start of next campaign. 

Scroll Down or Click The READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY to see the 300 games listed for Interleague next year.  That is 20 games per club (10 home and 10 away.)

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 10, 2014

MORRY GASH — AP Photo

MORRY GASH — AP Photo

The home plate collision rule somehow got more confusing, Jon Lester showed why the A’s traded for him and the Brewers freefall is worse than I thought. There is a real possibility that they could finish below .500!

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

Josh Donaldson. Collin McHugh, Yusmeiro Petit, Marcell Ozuna, Adrian Beltre, Trevor Bauer and Starling Marte all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Sept 9, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP

Josh Donaldson went 5-6 with a doubles, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI, leading a resurgent Oakland offense to an 11-2 drubbing of the White Sox.

Collin McHugh pitched 8 dominant innings, allowing 2 hits and no walks and 1 run on a solo homer as the Astros topped Seattle, 2-1.

Yusmeiro Petit needed only 84 pitches to throw a complete game, 4 hit, 9 strikeout and no walk 5-1 victory for the Giants over the Diamondbacks.

Marcell Ozuna reached base 5 times, scoring twice, driving in 2 and homered in the go ahead 9th inning rally as the Marlins beat the fading Brewers 6-3.

They owned baseball on Sept 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.

All 2015 Home Opener Dates For All 30 MLB Ball Parks

The view of the Roberto Clemente Bridge is worth the price of admission alone at PNC Park.  The 2013 fans saw the Bucs make the playoffs for the 1st time in 21 years.  There were almost 2.3 Million people that went through the turnstiles.  In 2014, they may even exceed that. Most ballpark fans have this iconic venue in their top list of stadiums in the MLB.

The view of the Roberto Clemente Bridge is worth the price of admission alone at PNC Park. The 2013 fans saw the Bucs make the playoffs for the 1st time in 21 years. There were almost 2.3 Million people that went through the turnstiles. In 2014, they may even exceed that – with the team having already drawn 2.1 Million people, possess 9 more home games, and being right in the middle of the Wild Card mix for a playoff spot. Most ballpark fans have this iconic venue in their top list of stadiums in the MLB.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter:

It is still unclear of whether the MLB season will start on International waters.

Of course we also don’t know who the 1st game on North American soil is for Sunday Apr.5, 2015, so there is 1 team that will change the home opener at least.

Within 9 days of the opener, all parks will be accounted for in the year.  Game Start times will come in sporadically in the offseason with variance on when the clubs all post them.

Generally there is a massive spike on game 1 of any year at a ball park, so a big tip is to wait for game #2.  A lot of the squads love to offer great value priced tickets as a way to stop the catastrophic plummet from the opener. 

Whatever the case, if you know ways to acquire your way in to one of these parks for the inaugural game of the season, it is always a memorable experience! Read the rest of this entry

All Games On The 2015 Schedule For My (Chuck Booth) 183 Days MLB Park Road Trip

baseball-map-framed-with-plaque

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter 

So we all received a bonus when the MLB decided to post its schedule early.  For the benefit of those who don’t know my plan as yet. … I am planning on attending at least 1 baseball game a day at an MLB Park for the whole calendar season of 2015.

I will see many doubleheaders during this odyssey, I will be adding these to the list as the games start times become available.

After perusing this 2430 games schedule on the docket next year.  I now have my tentative schedule.

I will be writing lots on the journey as the information becomes available….so stay tuned…

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 9, 2014

Photo by Matt Brown/Angels Baseball LP

Photo by Matt Brown/Angels Baseball LP

 

There is a real possibility that the Angels and Cardinals could meet in the World Series.

If that happens, my advice to Texas Rangers fans is DO NOT WATCH!

It is a missed opportunity episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Tyler Flowers, Marcus Stroman, Carl Crawford, Jeff Locke, Lonnie Chisenhall, Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado and David Holmberg all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Sept 8, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP

Tyler Flowers hit a 9th inning game tying homer and then launched a walk off homer in the 12th as the White Sox stunned the A’s, 5-4.

Marcus Stroman threw a complete game 3 hit shutout, walking no batters and striking out 8 Cubs as the Blue Jays won 8-0.

Carl Crawford reached base 4 times, including a homer, drove in 3 runs and scored 2 in the Dodgers 9-4 win over the Padres.

Jeff Locke allowed just 3 hits and no walks while striking 9 Phillies out over 7 innings of 1 run ball. He got the decision as the Pirates topped the Phillies, 6-4.

They owned baseball on Sept 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.

HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In MLB – 2014: A-Gon, Miggy + Anthony Recker With Active Steaks

Miguel Cabrera

Through Sept 7, 2014 

All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.

*** Denotes Active Streak

5 Games

jose bautista

Jose Bautista – Blue Jays – Aug 26 – Aug 31`

3rd HR streak for Joey Bats!

Caleb Joseph, Orioles – Aug 3 – 9

Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24

2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Games In The MLB – 2014: Cruz Pads His AL/MLB Home Run Lead Sunday

Nelson Cruz refuses to relinquish his lead in the AL HR race.  The big man clubbed 2 HRs yesterday for his 3rd Multi HR effort of the campaign.  This has now given him a 3 Home Run lead over Chris Carter.  Of course he is trailing the big Astro for 2 HR games this year by 4 contests.  REINHOLD MATAY/AP

Nelson Cruz refuses to relinquish his lead in the AL HR race. The big man clubbed 2 HRs yesterday for his 3rd Multi HR effort of the campaign. This has now given him a 3 Home Run lead over Chris Carter. Of course he is trailing the big Astro for 2 HR games this year by 4 contests. Cruz plated all 7 runs with his offense yesterday, crossing the 100 RBI plateau on the season.  All of his offense should bode well in he is a Free Agent again this winter..  REINHOLD MATAY/AP

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter  For Games Played Through Sept 8th, 2014 (Tyler Flowers with last 2 HR games – Sept 7th, 2014, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HR Game – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 8, 2014

photo

Lots of great baseball was played yesterday, not that you would know it if you went to any place that showed sports.

A trip to Dave and Busters drove home the fact that the baseball regular season needs to end on Labor Day.

It is a seasonal episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Nelson Cruz, Adrian Gonzalez, Carlos Carrasco, Adam Wainwright, James Loney, Scott Carroll, Jedd Gyorko and Mat Latos all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Sept 7, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

REINHOLD MATAY/AP

REINHOLD MATAY/AP

Nelson Cruz nearly hit for the cycle, reaching base 5 times, tripling, homering twice, including in the 11th inning, and driving in all of Baltimore’s 7 runs, leading the way to a 7-5 victory in Tampa Bay.

Adrian Gonzalez hit a 3 run homer in the 6th inning to give the Dodgers the lead and hit another 3 run homer the next inning to pad the score, leading the Dodgers to a 7-2 win against the Diamondbacks.

Carlos Carrasco pitched into the 9th, finishing with 8 2/3 innings of 4 hit, shutout ball, striking out 8 White Sox while walking none as Cleveland won, 2-0.

Adam Wainwright pitched a complete game, allowing 7 hits and 1 run and earning his 17th win for the Cardinals this season in the 9-1 blow out in Milwaukee.

They owned baseball on Sept 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.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 7, 2014

Elsa - Getty Images

Elsa – Getty Images

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

 Look, I know Jeter is respected and I’ve shown him more love than most Red Sox fans.

But the logic of today’s celebration totally eludes me.

It is a “Carefully tread” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

Albert Pujols, Buster Posey, Corey Kluber, Johnny Cueto, Jonathan LuCroy, Eduardo Escobar, Scott Feldman and Dillon Gee all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Sept 6, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Ann Heisenfelt / Associated Press

Ann Heisenfelt / Associated Press

Albert Pujols went 3-5, scoring 3, driving in 3, homering and clubbing a go ahead 9th inning 2 run double to help the Angels come from behind and win 8-5 in Minnesota.

Buster Posey sparked a Giants attack by getting on 4 times, scoring twice and launching a homer in San Francisco’s 5-4 victory against Detroit.

Corey Kluber went the distance with a 5 hit complete game, allowing just 1 unearned run and helping the Indians keep their faint playoff hopes alive, 3-1 over the White Sox.

Johnny Cueto went 7 strong innings, allowing 6 hits and 1 run, earning the 2-1 win for the Reds over the Mets.

They owned baseball on Sept 6, 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.

MLB Schedule Week 24: Sept 8 – Sept 14, 2014 (96 Games)

mlbreportslogo

MLB Scheduling Week 24 – 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

Week 24

Monday, Sept.08/2014 (11 Games)

1.  Braves @ Nationals 7:05

2.  Orioles @ Red Sox 7:10

3.  Rockies @ Mets 7:10

4.  Royals @ Tigers 7:08

5.  Athletics @ White Sox 8:10

6.  Padres @ Dodgers 10:10

7.  Cardinals @ Reds 7:10

8.  Pirates @ Phillies 7:05

9.  Cubs @ Blue Jays 7:07 (Interleague)

  1. Marlins @ Brewers 8:10

11.  Astros @ Mariners 10:10

Read the rest of this entry

THE LONG BALL In 2014 MLB: TOP 5 HRs AL/NL + Last HR Hit

Chris Carter is bashing his way to the top of all HR charts again in 2014 - after a sub par start to the campaign.  He has 8 streaks of 2 or more HRs, and has added 7 multiple HR affairs to his resume - and all done since May.09.  Carter sits in 2nd for the AL in jacks.  Against his old A's teammates, he has clubbed 7 HRs and added 25 RBI in 17 games thus far.

Chris Carter is bashing his way to the top of all HR charts again in 2014 – after a sub par start to the campaign. He has 8 streaks of 2 or more HRs, and has added 7 multiple HR affairs to his resume – and all done since May.09. Carter sits in 2nd for the AL in jacks. Against his old A’s teammates, he has clubbed 7 HRs and added 25 RBI in 17 games thus far.

 THE LONG BALL In 2014

TOP 5 HRs AL/NL,

 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Through Sept 8th, 2014

nelson cruz

Top 5 HR Leaders AL

Nelson Cruz, Orioles – 39 (Last Homered Sept 7th)

Chris Carter, Astros – 36 (Last Homered Sept 6th)

Jose Abreu, White Sox – 33 (Last Homered Aug 22nd) 

Jose Bautista, Blue Jays – 32 (Last Homered Sept 8th)

David Ortiz, Red Sox – 32 (Last Homered Sept 4th)

Mike Trout, Angels – 32 (Last Homered Sept 7)


Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 6, 2014

Getty Images

Getty Images

 

Ron Washington stunned the baseball world by resigning suddenly on Friday. Not only was his leaving the team unexpected, but there is a slight aura of mystery regarding why the beloved manager is walking away.

To help make sense of it all, I brought in Texas Rangers fan and creator of The Scoop, Jamie Kelly, to talk about Wash’s legacy and her reading between the lines of the press conference.

It is an emergency and STOP THE PRESSES episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

_RYUu_2XFollow The Scoop onTwitter by clicking HERE.
 
Follow Jamie on Twitter by clicking HERE
 
Read my latest piece for The Scoop, comparing David Wright with Dan Aykroyd by clicking HERE.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Sept 5, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Photo By Julio Cortez/AP

Photo By Julio Cortez/AP

James Shields pitched shutout ball into the 9th, finishing with 8 1/3 scoreless innings allowing 3 hits and no walks as Kansas City shutout the Yankees 1-0.

Tyler Matzek threw a complete game 3 hit shutout in Coors Field, walking 1 while striking out 6 Padres, earning the 3-0 Rockies victory.

Yoenis Cespedes collected 4 hits, included a double, stole a base and drove home the game winning run as the Red Sox walked off 9-8 winners in 10 against the Blue Jays.

Travis d’Arnaud reached base 4 times including a homer, scored twice and drive in 4, leading the Mets to a 14-5 laugher in Cincinnati.

They owned baseball on Sept 5, 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.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 5, 2014

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I would hate for last night’s loss to be Koji Uehara‘s last game with the Red Sox… but it might be.

Closer’s flame out and Koji looks like no exception. Remember, he was never meant to be a long term solution.

Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast. was recorded outside of Sunken Diamond at Stanford University.

Mark Buehrle, Randall Delgado, A.J. Pollock, Victor Martinez, David Ortiz, Devin Mesoraco and Jake Odorizzi all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

D’Backs Pitching Staff In 2014: The Roster Tree Shows Now Ex – GM Towers Fault(y) On Assembly

Kevin Towers had been at the GM helm since Sept.22, 2010 before having his duties relinquished today.  He authored some of the worst trades in club history, and has seen his team pay the price for it the most this year, with a 59 - 81 record, after back to back 81 seasons in 2012 and 2013, and a NL West Title in his 1st year on the job in 2011.  Tower traded away Stephen Drew, Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds, Chris Young, Tyler Skaggs, Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson, Martin Prado all without much of talent brought back to the fold in return.  It was time to go.

Kevin Towers had been at the GM helm since Sept.22, 2010 before having his duties relinquished today. He authored some of the worst trades in club history, and has seen his team pay the price for it the most this year, with a 59 – 81 record, after back to back 81 seasons in 2012 and 2013, and a NL West Title in his 1st year on the job in 2011. Towers traded away Stephen Drew, Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds, Chris Young, Tyler Skaggs, Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson and Martin Prado – all without much of talent brought back to the fold in return. It was time to go.

How All Of The D’Backs Pitchers Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter 

It has not been a banner year for the Arizona Diamondbacks.  I don’t need to beleaguer that point out to much to the common fan of the franchise.

What I found most disturbing out of the Roster Tree, is the team’s brass continued reliance and insistence on Relief arms.

But before we divulge into that, the name Dan Haren is still haunting this franchise. (Not Towers fault, but still an important trade historically) Read the rest of this entry

AL Wins Interleague Season Series For The 11th Straight Year Over NL!

After 7 years of Interleague, the AL trailed the season series 4 - 3, and the overall games mark 853 - 833 (.506).  Since 2004 it has been 11- years straight of AL beatdowns, winning each campaign for Won - Loss record.

After 7 years of Interleague, the AL trailed the season series 4 – 3, and the overall games mark 853 – 833 (.506). Since 2004 it has been 11- years straight of AL beatdowns, winning each campaign for Won – Loss record.

The American League won the season series from the National League for the 11th straight year Thursday night.

By virtue of the Orioles sweeping the Reds in a 3 game Interleague series, it netted the AL a 151 – 128 lead on the campaign, and guarantees the Junior Circuit of a winning year on a 300 game series.

The last time the NL won the season series was in 2003.

This is bad news for those fans looking for an alternative of “home field advantage” in the World Series based on AL vs NL for a year by year basis.  Once again, that honor should go to the team with the best record – and not the winners of the “Midsummer Classic”.

For a brief period in 2014, the NL held a 26 – 17 advantage in May, however have gone 102 – 134 since that day.

The AL’s dominance is also showing up in the runs scored department, with them featuring a Run Differential of +93 (1212 – 1119).

This weekend’s 3 game set of games between the Giants and Tigers is a 2012 World Series rematch, and may just seal the fate for the two teams, as both are fighting for playoff berths. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Sept 4, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

STEVE NESIUS/AP

STEVE NESIUS/AP

Mark Buehrle threw 8 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 walk. He did not get the decision but helped pitch the Blue Jays to a 1-0 ten inning victory in Tampa Bay.

Victor Martinez reached base 4 times including a back breaking 3 run homer in the 11th that helped the Tigers hold on and defeat the Indians 11-4.

Randall Delgado pitched 5 innings of 2 hit shutout ball before being lifted for a pinch hitter. He would get the 5-1 win for Arizona over San Diego.

A.J. Pollock went 3-4 with a stolen base, a double and a run scored helping the Diamondbacks top the Padres, 5-1.

They owned baseball on Sept 4, 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.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 4, 2014

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

Does ANY team want to win the second NL Wild Card spot?

The Brewers, Pirates and Braves aren’t acting like teams that want to.

Plus Daniel Hudson and Erik Cordier give us the feel good moments of the week.

It is a glass half full and glass half empty episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Danny Salazar, Brian McCann, Josh Collmenter, Adam LaRoche, Jon Lester, Dayan Viciedo, Tom Koehler and Carl Crawford all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

All The 2014 Triple Crown Categories May Feature Players On Non-Playoff Teams

 

Giancarlo Stanton has hit homers in 3 straight games and has 10 HRs in his last 30 contests overall.  The Marlins 24 Year Old OF has 5 HR streaks since the ALL - Star Break.  With significant leads in both the HRs and RBI, he may just win the NL MVP.  Should Stanton have a hot September for Batting Average, he may even run down a Triple Crown.  Miami is far enough away from a playoff spot to almost ensure they won't make it.

Giancarlo Stanton has hit homers in 3 straight games and has 10 HRs in his last 30 contests overall. The Marlins 24 Year Old OF has 5 HR streaks since the ALL – Star Break. With significant leads in both the HRs and RBI, he may just win the NL MVP. Should Stanton have a hot September for Batting Average, he may even run down a Triple Crown. Miami is far enough away from a playoff spot to almost ensure they won’t make it.

Giancarlo Stanton holds the current best marks for HRs (36) and RBI (102) in the NL. The Marlins slugger is 10 RBI ahead of Adrian Gonzalez of the Dodgers, and 6 bombs away from Anthony Rizzo.

The Cubs will not make the playoffs, so the nearest contender for the HR crown, on a playoff team is Atlanta’s Justin Upton.  Upton is 10 jacks off the lead, and is also 3rd in RBI for the National League with 91.

Both Lucas Duda (26 HRs) and Marlon Byrd (25 HRs) round out the top 5 and neither of their clubs will make the playoffs.

If Stanton could get hot, he trails the NL Batting Leader Ben Revere (.314 – .295 BA)  2nd and 3rd in the NL Batting Race are (Justin Morneau, COL,  .312) – and Josh Harrison of the Bucs (.310).

Buster Posey is 4th and .303 for the Wild Card leading Giants, and tied for 5th are Aramis Ramirez (.303) with the 2nd Wild Card team currently with the Brewers, and then Andrew McCutchen at .303. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Sept 3, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

TONY DEJAK/AP

TONY DEJAK/AP

Danny Salazar came up big in an interdivision matchup, throwing the first complete game shutout of his career, walking none, striking out 9 and scattering 8 hits as the Indians dominated the Tigers, 7-0.

Brian McCann went 4-4 with a homer and 3 RBI, leading the Yankees past rival Boston, 5-1.

Josh Collmenter pitched 7 strong innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 run, earning the 6-1 decision for the Diamondbacks in San Diego.

Adam LaRoche came off the bench to swat a game tying pinch hit homer in the top of the 9th. He would stay in the game to drive in a total of 5 runs, driving in runs in two extra inning rallies, and leading the Nationals to a wild 8-5 victory against the Dodgers.

They owned baseball on Sept 3, 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.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 3, 2014

Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Was the Jon Lester trade a mistake?

Do they desperately need Yoenis Cespedes?

Or would they be in worse shape relying on a slumping Sonny Gray or Scott Kazmir at this point?

And what does this have to do with the beef stroganoff recipe by comedian Ritch Duncan?

It all makes sense (or maybe it doesn’t) in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

 

Read the rest of this entry

Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB Divisions

A AMERICAN LOGO

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

My record was 2 – 4 in establishing the best odds in the Division  for value last week, however it is a lot different throwing down bets on the Division on this time of year.

I went 2 – 1 in the National League – and 0 – 3 in the American League with the Yankees, Mariners and Indians all being further underdogs, despite New York and Cleveland having okay weeks.

Atlanta fell further off the Division with scoring 1 run in their last 28 innings, including having been no – hit – than shutout by the Phillies in back to back contests.

San Fran and St. Louis helped me not be abysmal with prognosticating  – with registering my only 2 wins..  

The A’s have gone from being favored to win the AL West at a -140 clip, to a +400 underdog.  I am selecting this as the best wager of the week. Oakland has a penchant for awesome runs in the last 3 weeks of the campaign, as they did in 2012 and 2013.

Picking up Adam Dunn should help compensate for the lack of offense the team lost with Yoenis Cespedes.

I also was big on St. Louis last week, and will continue to ride that truck. as the Brewers are probably done in the Division.  I hate the loss of Carlos Gomez to injury…and where is Ryan Braun?

The Giants are one of the hottest NL teams, while Clayton Kershaw is making a brilliant case for NL MVP.

There is no money to be made in the AL and NL East.

If you are wishing to wager on the Tigers or Royals, there is nice value there.

I am still of the mindset that the Indians at 20/1 odds – and trailing within 5 games is a good longshot stab for a pick. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series Currently + Best/Worst Value Bets

Cardinals

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Another week has passed – and it is time to get serious in our World Series picks.

To start off, I have eliminated 13 teams from the chance to win a World Series.  These clubs include: BOS/CWS/MIN/TEX/HOU/PHI/NYM/COL/SD/ARI/CIN/CHC/TB.

Miami is very close to being put on that list.  Tampa Bay is 9.5 Games Behind the playoff bar, and simply have too many teams to pass to even qualify for the 2nd Wild Card.

I had yet another wicked week of picking value, going 4 – 1, and only suffering a loss because I picked the Jays to go up in their odds.  They were only my 5th favorite on the list.

To my surprise, the Mariners have gone up in the odds, despite being just 3 – 5 in their last 8 games.  Oakland finally fell out of the favorites spot for the 1st time in months.  I was right on this one too.

I also had the fall of the Brew Crew last week.  I did get thwarted on a winning week by the Giants reeling off a 7 – 1 record in their last 8 games.

Kansas City moved up as a favorite as well, but that was a fluke coming off a losing week of baseball.  Still I will take the win.  They are still tied for 9th in odds with San Francisco.

The Royals have a better chance of winning the AL Central, than the Giants have in catching the Dodgers in the NL West.  Having said that, the Giants have taken a nice lead on the 1st position in the Wild Card.

I am still not hot on Milwaukee, and figure them to drop right out of the Central – and fully expect Atlanta to come up for the 2nd Wild Card slot now.

The Cardinals are in  great shape to make another September run with Yadier Molina back behind the plate, and I am locking them down as my favorite pick this week for value. KC is #2 on my faves list.

Baltimore should be rated higher for the very reason they own the biggest division lead.

Finally I like the longshot odd for the Blue Jays.  Out of the teams outside the periphery of the Wild Card Race, these guys are probably the most capable of stringing a lot of wins if their offense becomes hot.

At +3000, the Braves have a nice payout sitting out there.  Yes they can’t score right now, but the Marlins, Phillies and Mets will be the predominant schedule of these guys. and they also play the Nats some more.  They could squeak into a playoff spot.

I think the Angels have jumped too much on the favorites side, and may recede towards Oakland in the next few weeks.  I am banking on Seattle to drop some more in the Standings.

The Brewers are in a free fall, and have played to below .500 since the start of May.

Finally….The Yankees will be lucky to complete the year at .500 Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Sept 2, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

AP Photo: Jack Dempsey

AP Photo: Jack Dempsey

Buster Posey homered and hit a pair of doubles, driving in 4, leading the Giants in a wild comeback against the Rockies, 12-7.

Jose Altuve went 4-5 with a homer, a pair of doubles, 3 runs scored and 4 RBI, helping the Astros stun the Angels, 8-3.

Clayton Kershaw allowed 3 hits (including a solo homer) 1 run, and 2 walks while striking out 8 Nationals while getting the 4-1 decision for the Dodgers.

James Paxton pitched shutout ball into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 innings, 4 hits and 2 earned runs as the Mariners held on in Oakland, 6-5.

They owned baseball on Sept 2, 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.