Monthly Archives: February 2015
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 28, 2015
MLB.com
Today I play part 2 of my interview with MLB.com Rockies writer Thomas Harding . We talked about the 1995, 2007 and 2009 post season, Mike Hampton and the local schools and other high and low lights of Rockies history.
It is a Blake Street Bombing episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Follow Thomas Harding on Twitter by clicking HERE
Like Thomas Harding on Facebook by clicking HERE
Odds To Win The MLB 2015 League Pennants
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Yesterday we went over the World Series Odds. Since I have the Nationals as a heavy favorite, I think the best way to receive a win for any AL clubs, is to bet the team to win the Pennant.
The Angels are listed as the #1 favorite to win the American League at +500. If you like them (even though I wouldn’t wager on them), this is a much better risk, than the +1000 mark for the World Series. If the Dodgers or Nationals are their adversary in the Fall Classic, that is at least a +125 odd for the Halo’s to reel in their 1st Title in 13 years.
Since I love the Mariners more in the AL West, obviously I love the +700 odd they have right now to win the Junior Circuit.
Pulling up the rear in the AL, are the Twins at +5000 to win the Pennant. If you like the Royals to play good in 2015 as well, they are +1200 to win the American League in 2015 on this site, while bet365.com was offering just +1800 for a World Series triumph. That is good value. Read the rest of this entry
Juan Pierre: The Unappreciated Stolen Base Master
On the day that Juan Pierre retires, here is a tribute blog we did towards him 2 years ago. Great Article by Jake Dal Porto
Thursday January 3rd, 2012
Juan Pierre is one of the most prolific hitters in terms of base hits in the last 12 years along with being the Active Leader for Career Stolen Bases (591). Pierre has 4-200 hit seasons on his resume. He also strikes out only about 1 time every 18 PA (452 SO in 7950 PA). He is a .297 Career hitter, with 2141 Hits and has scored 1039 Runs.
Jake Dal Porto (Baseball Writer) Follow @TheJakeMan24//
Remember Juan Pierre? The guy who’s the definition of consistent? Yeah, that’s him. He now resides in Miami with a bleak Marlins’ crop of players. At 34-Years-Old, he is not entirely irrelevant, and could turn out to be a worthwhile signing for the Marlins. Yes I know, he’s not the big bopper that garners the media and headlines, but his career isn’t one to disregard.
Let me enlighten you…
For…
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 27, 2015
Photo by John Rudoff
Brilliant comedian Erin Foley, as seen on Conan and in the movie Almost Famous, returns as a guest on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast. She is the creator and host of my favorite sports podcast Sports Without Balls.
Erin and I talk about Red Sox, Yankees, Kenny Rogers (both of them), her parents and what would have happened if we had kids together.
Follow Erin on Twitter by clicking HERE
Subscribe to Sports Without Balls by clicking HERE
Odds To Win The MLB 2015 World Series + Best Bets
One of these years the absolute favorite of the preseason will take the home the World Series. I think 2015 will be that year. I am calling for the last 2 franchises not to make the Fall Classic, end up facing off in this year championship series. That would make it Washington vs Seattle. I believe the Nationals will win that series.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Last year’s opening 3 wagers for the World Series netted us an eventual winner. I plunked almost $14 down on a 25/1 bet for the Giants (and failed with Rangers and Rays bets). Throughout the year, I was able to secure odds of 50/1 and 80/1 for the Royals during down times, and then hedged those bets in the playoffs. It was a thousand dollar profit year for the selections.
In the next few weeks I will finalize the Over/Under Best bets that I put down yesterday. Again, last season I was 3 out of 3 for top Over/Under picks, and will likely pick the same 3 teams (KC and WSH over their opening regular season wins of 81.5 and 93.5, while I picked SD under 84.5) out of the 10 total wagers I go for this campaign).
But this article is about the Fall Classic Winner in 2015. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 26, 2015
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sportss
Josh Hamilton’s fight with drug addiction was supposed to have its happy ending. But addiction is more complicated than that. And so is baseball’s relationship with things that get you hooked.
That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
The Struggles Of Josh Hamilton: Despite Massive Talent, He Has Underwhelmed in LA, But Layoff The Guy For His Addiction Battle!
Josh Hamilton from a much younger time in his life. He fought off his drug addiction in his early 20’s, to become one of the best players in the game from 2008 – 2012. Following a recent list of injuries and personal battles, he has suffered a relapse in his addiction. Hamilton met with the MLB yesterday in New York, and has reportedly admitted to at least using cocaine.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
In the first two months of 2012 Josh Hamilton was putting up historic numbers and was on his way to a Cooperstown resume. I even wrote a column on how he was the best baseball player on the planet.
I had evidence to support my statement. In his 1st 47 Games, the man had 21 HRs and 57 RBI, while batting nearly .400, with an OPS that neared 1.200. Included in those impressive totals was a 4 HR game at Camden Yards.
During my 30 MLB Park streak the 1st 4 weeks of the season, I saw Hamilton play four games. He clubbed 3 HRs and added 3 doubles in his AB during the games I witnessed, and he hit one jack at Target Field that may have not landed yet. This man was pistol hot. I had no doubt he would continue to post Hall Of Fame credentials in that season, and for many years to come.
Right after that he quit chewing tobacco, and has been plagued with problems since. He has left the Texas Rangers, been hurt and underperformed since signing with the Angels. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 25, 2015
MLB.com Rockies writer Thomas Harding sees the glass as half full for the 2015 Colorado squad. Later, we come up with a new slogan for the team:
COLORADO ROCKIES: It is not logical, but it is POSSIBLE!
It is a Mile High episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Follow Thomas Harding on Twitter by clicking HERE
Like Thomas Harding on Facebook by clicking HERE
2015 Regular Season Win Over/Unders In The MLB + Best Bets
What are your best Over/Under Bets for the upcoming 2015 MLB Season? We have selected our top 10.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Over/Unders for the year, based on odds given by http://www.bovada.com sports book
Arizona – 71.5 (over is -115) (under is -115)
I gotta go with the under. San Diego, LA and SF are all much better, and even Colorado is tough on the road. Like them at just around 70 wins. Is a rebuilding year, and they might fetch a heavy ransom if Mark Trumbo can have a bounce back 1st half. 2016 maybe the year the can contend again.
Atlanta – 73.5 (over is -115) (under is -115)
I like the over on this one big time. This club lost a ton of offense, yet I like their run prevention more than ever. Shelby Miller was a great acquisition, and they still have a nasty Bullpen. I am not as bullish on the rest of the NL East as a lot of clubs are too. Wouldn’t call this a best bet, however, like them to win 75 – 77 games. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 24, 2015
The Anti A-Rod vitriol has got to the point where facts and reality no longer matter.
Meanwhile, should baseball’s schedule be shortened to 154 games? Maybe.
It is a “Think differently” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Finalizing My Full Year Quest To See A Game Everyday Live In 2015
The 30 MLB Park tour by travel or air is one of the most adrenaline filled chases one can endure. It is like the Amazing Race, meets Survivor, against Planes, Trains and Automobiles. But even if you just love to travel, nothing beats going to the park!
I wanted to watch the 1st 2 months off of the West Coast, but the schedule didn’t allow it.
I would have loved to chase down records (for land or air), but obligations to family, friends and also to this website had me thinking of the bigger picture, and I just couldn’t wear myself that thin…when the goal was originally a game a day all year at least
It has been a grueling journey to even plan this 179 day MLB Trip, but the end is in sight, and the baseball year is just 6 weeks away. You can view my pending journey here.
I have dealt with the Canadian $ plummeting to the lowest mark it has seen since I started ballpark chasing in 2005, but at least had the foresight to see it coming down in advance.
The cost of a venture like this changes on a daily basis with fuel prices, and also the rise of inflation. The best laid budgets can veer the wrong way on any given 24 hour stretch. Read the rest of this entry
The Sully Baseball Fantasy 300
Sully knows a lot sbout baseball so read his blog about fantasy drafts
Lucas Graciano, Artist
This is a first for Sully Baseball. I have never attempted this before, but what the heck? Trying out new things can never hurt. Actually new things can hurt horrifically sometimes. But I suppose this will be harmless.
The incomparable Erin Foley, the brilliant comic and host of my favorite sports podcast Sports Without Balls, has enlisted me to help her with her fantasy draft.
While I do not play fantasy baseball (365 baseball podcasts a year will suffice for my on line obsessions) I decided to do my best with my own rankings to help her draft.
There are 12 teams in her league with 24 roster spots on each team.That means 288 players will be drafted.
I am not sure what the Keeper situation is on the roster, but I figured I’d list the 288 players I personally would draft, then Erin’s team would…
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 23, 2015
MLB.com
Yoan Moncada is with the Red Sox! I have never seen him play. I don’t know what he looks like. I am not sure I am pronouncing his name correctly. And I don’t care. I love that he is on the Boston Red Sox
Plus thoughts on the Oscars AWFUL in memoriam video and how I will do better for next year’s All Star Game.
That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Here is last year’s In Memoriam video from the All Star Game.
Buying 2015 MLB Tickets For All 30 Clubs: Rating Packages, Partial Plans + Single Game Sale Dates
With Philadelphia not having the best team the last few years, I am giving them the nod for having the best ticket campaigning to drive sales in 2015. They had their schedule up early, offered a Christmas special, 3, 4 or 6 game fan select packages (that didn’t omit any games), and most of them included the season opener option – while supplies lasted. In addition to this, they had a business person’s special, the Phillie Phanatic birthday package, Mothers Day and Father’s day specials and 4 different options for 20 game plans. I am glad I am watching the most games here on my 179 day trip – than any other venue.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
One of the things that has made me quite upset over forecasting my big road trip is the waiting for single game tickets. I made a point back in December that baseball needs to look at this in great detail for all 30 MLB franchises.
Some of the clubs are doing a better job than the others, having said that, maybe Rob Manfred could help address some of these marketing drives.
There is no reason why fans have to wait so long for to buy game tickets for the upcoming campaign! Kudos to the teams like Seattle, Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto, Philadelphia and the Giants for having several fan selection packages available in a timely fashion.
Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium have come down in ticket prices over the last 5 years. Routinely, the most expensive ballparks, even they have deals on certain games and times of the year. Boston even had a day where they waved their processing fee’s for a 24 hour stretch. Other teams should take heed on this brilliant idea.
The Red Sox had one of the best promotions I have seen this winter during a day in January this year. For their lower tier games in dynamic pricing, they offered a fee waiver on service charges for a 24 hour session. I ended up buying 9 tickets for $90. Outstanding value to see a park most people have near the tops of their stadium rankings! Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 22, 2015
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It is Oscar Sunday. And while I talk a little bit about the Oscars, I will focus on THE SUNDAY REQUEST
@sullybaseball What do you think of the rule changes announced on Friday? ⚾️
— ❤️SOXADDICT (@JazzdaSoxAddict) February 20, 2015
The new rules will help. But there are some other ways to speed up the game.
Find out my thoughts on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 21, 2015
Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images
Today I play part 2 of my interview with former San Diego Padre star shortstop Garry Templeton.
We talked about memories of the 1984 playoffs and World Series and some other San Diego thoughts
It is a brown capped episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Visit Past Pros on Twitter by clicking HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 20, 2015
Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
What are match ups we can hope for in the 2015 World Series?
An all expansion team World Series? That has never happened before.
A World Series in Seattle? That has eluded history.
Or what about match up between original franchises that we have never seen?
It is a “Getting WAY ahead of ourselves” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 19, 2015
The Dodgers have a shot to win the World Series this year. But will they fix their bullpen? Should they make a big move? Recent World Series winners suggest maybe they shouldn’t.
Meanwhile I sneaked onto the field of Sunken Diamond at Stanford for this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 18, 2015
Photo by STEVE SILVA – Boston.com
Newsflash! Pablo Sandoval is not a thin man.
Maybe Red Sox fans should have made a mental note of that before freaking out after Steve Silva of Boston.com posted the picture seen above.
Also, evidently, Yankee fans did not cheer when A-Rod homered in the 2009 post season. Who knew?
That and other surprising facts on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Follow Steve Silva on Twitter by clicking HERE
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 17, 20015
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The Yankees are going to run out of numbers for their players to wear.
Meanwhile the current Washington roster is great. But could they be lining up for an amazing mid season trade?
That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 16, 2015
AP File Photo
Happy President’s Day!
Can you imagine how the 1990s and 2000s would have unfolded had George W. Bush aspired to be the commissioner of baseball while owning the Texas Rangers?
It would have tugged that the very fabric of the universe.
It is an alternate universe episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 15, 2015
Photo: Dr. Edith V. Sullivan
It is time for the Sunday Request.
https://twitter.com/cu8sfan/status/555612950523019264
Living in Switzerland in a pre internet age made following baseball challenging. But guess what? Your pal Sully found a way.
It is an Alpine Episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 14, 2015
Photo: Paul Francis Sullivan
On Valentine’s Day, I give respect to Bobby Valentine a man whose reputation should not entirely be trashed by his awful time in Boston.
It is an unlikely love letter episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 13, 2015
Kellogg’s
Former Cardinals and Padres SS Garry Templeton joins the podcast. He talks about All Star Game memories and playing with the likes of Keith Hernandez, Mike Easler and Lou Brock.
It is a Kellogg’s 3D edition of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Follow Past Pros by clicking HERE
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 12, 2015
Chicago Tribune
I am still picking the White Sox to win the 2015 AL Pennant.
Their historical legacy and place among fanbases remains complex.
It is a South Side episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 11, 2015
Barton Silverman/The New York Times
10 years ago, Jason Giambi gave one of the strangest press conferences in baseball history. Even though I am a Red Sox fan, I found the surreal presser to be oddly endearing and sympathetic and made me see Giambi for what he was: A big dumb lovable lug.
Meanwhile today, A-Rod is apologizing to the Yankees, who SHOULD be welcoming him with open arms.
Over in Boston, their outfield is crowded as hell. Don’t worry. Time will sort it out.
East Coast Bias? Maybe for today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 10, 2015
Emma Span, SI.com writer and author of the book 90% of the Game is Half Mental, joins the podcast today.
We talked about growing up a Yankee fan when the pickings were slim, being at Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS and why she misses the old Yankee Stadium.
It is a New York centric episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Follow Emma on Twitter by clicking HERE.
Buy 90% of the Game is Half Mental by clicking HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 9, 2015
AP Media
James Shields signs with the Padres, who turned out to be one of the biggest spenders this off season, along with the Marlins.
We all predicted that, right?
It is a World Turned Upside Down episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 8, 2015
It is time for The Sunday Request.
@sullybaseball Sunday question. I’m not sure if you’ve done this one before: The worst team to win it all? I go with the ’87 Twins.
— Tony (@tony_f70) January 31, 2015
Talking about the odd 1987 Twins, I discussed Kirby Puckett and company with ESPN’s Dan Szymborski.
It is an odd walk down memory lane on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Follow Dan Dan Szymborski on Twitter by clicking HERE.
MLB Farm System Rankings (1 – 30) In 2015
By Jordan Gluck (Featured Writer): Follow @jgluck777
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
1. Chicago Cubs- They are still one of the top systems even with Javier Baez graduating from the list. I love the bats headed by what maybe the top prospect in baseball in Kris Bryant and high end talent in Addisson Russell, Jorge Soler, Kyle Schwarber and Dan Vogelbach.
They also have upside in Albert Almora, Eloy Jimenez and Jeimer Candelario. The pitching on the farm remains the main concern with a wiry C.J .Edwards, a mid ceiling Paul Blackburn and Pierce Johnson and a very far away Carson Sands.
The best farm system in the league that will see some graduates very soon.
2. Minnesota Twins- Last season was unfortunate for the twins and all of major league baseball as Byron Buxton got injured in spring training and Miguel Sano got TJ surgery.
I believe both of them will bounce back with ease and could be close to the major league level. Pitchers J.O Berrios, Alex Meyer and Kohl Stweart have frontline potential with Meyer possibly a candidate to make the rotation out of spring training.
They took Dee Gordons brother Nick in the first round last year and he can be a complete player. There is upside all over in Lewis Thorpe, Felix Jorge, and 50th overall pick Travis Harrison. A very solid farm that can hopefully bear some fruit this season.
MLB Reports 
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