Monthly Archives: December 2015
Boston Red Sox Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part-Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Well the Boston Red Sox are finally going to join the Dodgers and Yankees as teams that cross the Luxury Tax Threshold for 2016. This was made possible by recently picking up David Price for 7 YRs at $31 MIL average per year.
Already in 2017, the team is committed for around $162 MIL – and that is without their stalwart DH of David Ortiz anymore. 2018, the salary obligations are at $151 MIL, and the franchise has already lumped $139 MIL on the books fr the 2019 cash.
This is a leap of faith for the franchise, as they were always reluctant to pay top dollars for Free Agent Pitchers.
Last year’s signings of Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez are looking like poor moves right now, however they can be helped with bounce back years in 2016. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 21, 2015
Today’s podcast is a message to Cornelius NC Mayor Chuck Travis and the board of commissioners to honor Hoyt Wilhelm and preserve the baseball diamond where he began his Hall of Fame journey.
It is a call to action episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
St. Louis Cardinals State Of The Union For 2016
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Cardinals continue to be the model franchise in the Major Leagues. With 9 NLCS births since 2000, this club has thrived with rolling over the roster, and not making mistakes on the Free Agency watch.
2016 shouldn’t be any different for competing for a playoff spot. St. Louis won 100 games in 2015 – and may top the century mark in 2016 again. Crazily enough though it might not be enough for a Division win.
I think I can safely say the Cards and the Cubs are the two best all around teams in the big leagues right now.
I am still giving the nod to Chicago as the favorite right now, but that may change with some winter alterations.
Word has come down that Matt Holliday has been taking reps at 1B this offseasons. If he were able to convert that to his positional arsenal for the next few years, than that would free up Matt Adams to be traded.
Among the moves the club has made over he last week was trade Jon Jay to the Padres for 2B Jedd Gyorko. This is a classic Cardinals move. Read the rest of this entry
Toronto Should Trade For Ryan Braun
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Toronto Blue Jays have played it conservative for 2016, but still have a realistic shot to win in 2016 because of their offense. Going beyond 2016 looks extremely difficult when you factor in they may lose both Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista following next year.
This would be a shame, but both players should be able to command around $20 MIL per year for at least the next 2 – 3 years after this upcoming one. That may be too much for the Canadian club to afford.
Our website has spoken at length of how Toronto must capitalize on this opportunity. As of right now, I don’t think they have enough pitching to get it done in the playoffs either.
Free Agency will be a tough sell for the franchise to bring in any ace pitchers or premiere offensive stars in the coming years. You also may have a tough time to crack those deals when the Canadian dollar is hovering around 70 cents for every American Greenback right now.
I say go after Ryan Braun via a trade in the next 6 – 8 months. Read the rest of this entry
Exploring The 1927 New York Yankees
The 1927 New York Yankees epitomize dominance in athletics. Nearly a century later they are still mentioned any time a team is lapping the field in their particular sport.
Led by future Hall-of-Famers Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, the Bronx Bombers went 110-44 and swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series. Looking back at the squad reveals a number of compelling tidbits.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 20, 2015
It is Sunday and time for The Sunday Request.
@sullybaseball think there’s chance he didn’t want reinstatement? Prodigal thing good for his business. His case 4 reinstatement was a joke
— Ed Connealy (@edcfromkc) December 15, 2015
I had never thought on it, but man does Pete Rose seem to have ulterior motives.
Maybe bet against this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Opt-out Clause Is A Black Eye For Baseball
opt-out clause – a clause that permits signatories to a contract to opt out of particular provisions, or to terminate the contract early.
I make no bones about it, I abhor the opt-out clauses that are being given to major league players today. MLB players today make millions of dollars a year and still they ask for and get opt-out clauses in their contracts. What is up with that?
To my way of thinking it is simple out and out GREED on the part of players and their agents. An opt-out clause in a baseball contract makes it totally one sided in favor of the player. The plan probably was originated by an agent that realized that there was more money to be made by negotiating more contracts. The players today have no loyalty to their teams or their fans what so ever and their single focus is putting more money in their pockets. They claim that they are doing all they can for the team but that is all BS, or they wouldn’t bail out of a contract if it was advantageous to them.
READ REST OF THE ENTRY
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 19, 2015
Baseball is recommending putting more nets for fan safety at ball parks.
That seems like a no brainer, doesn’t it?
Better to be safe than sorry in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Ranking The Top Rookie Baseball Card Classes From Topps For The Last 31 Years; 10-1
For the last couple of days, I’ve been ranking the top rookie classes for the last 31 years from Topps Baseball Cards with rankings from ranked 31-21 and yesterday we covered 20-11. Today we wrap up with my top 10, but before we get to that, here’s a little more background…
To start off, I am only going to use Topps and not any of its offshoot brands like Bowman or Finest. I’ll use the standard series cards and include traded/update sets as well. The term rookie card had only been defined in the last decade so things may not always be apples to apples. From 2006 on, a Rookie Card can only be established once a player has played in a Major League game. This makes update sets incredibly important as they catch the late call-ups in their sets.
Additionally, Topps backed off rookie cards for a while it seemed by allowing Bowman (their rookie card brand since 1989) to get the first cards of players like Mariano Rivera, or other manufactures may steal the Rookie Card title altogether like Fleer did with David Ortiz. You’ll also notice duplication of some rookie cards in the ‘80’s since the players cards that came out in traded sets were considered XRC (extended rookie cards) since the cards were only sold in set form and away from the standard sets.
I’ll look at Hall of Famers, potential Hall of Famers, impact players, overall potential, etc. and remember…the PED era has nothing to do with anything in my opinion. Here we go…
Ranking The Top Rookie Baseball Card Classes From Topps For The Last 31 Years; 20-11
Yesterday I started looking at the top rookie classes for the last 31 years from Topps Baseball Cards and ranked 31-21. Today we move on down the list, looking at the classes ranked 20-11. Before we get to that however, here’s a little more background…
To start off, I am only going to use Topps and not any of its offshoot brands like Bowman or Finest. I’ll use the standard series cards and include traded/update sets as well. The term rookie card had only been defined in the last decade so things may not always be apples to apples. From 2006 on, a Rookie Card can only be established once a player has played in a Major League game. This makes update sets incredibly important as they catch the late call-ups in their sets.
Additionally, Topps backed off rookie cards for a while it seemed by allowing Bowman (their rookie card brand since 1989) to get the first cards of players like Mariano Rivera, or other manufactures may steal the Rookie Card title altogether like Fleer did with David Ortiz. You’ll also notice duplication of some rookie cards in the ‘80’s since the players cards that came out in traded sets were considered XRC (extended rookie cards) since the cards were only sold in set form and away from the standard sets.
I’ll look at Hall of Famers, potential Hall of Famers, impact players, overall potential, etc. and remember…the PED era has nothing to do with anything in my opinion. Here we go…
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 18, 2015
A new Star Wars movie is coming out. Not sure if you heard about it.
The last time we had a decent Star Wars movie was 1983. A lot has changed since then, especially in baseball.
The Force is with this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Ranking The Top Rookie Baseball Card Classes From Topps For The Last 31 Years; 31-21
I’ve been slacking on the baseball card side of this blog so far and want to start righting that ship starting today. Being close to 40, I started collecting cards 31 years ago when I bought my first packs and eventual box of 1985 Topps baseball cards. There has been a ton of change in the industry, but Topps remains consistent as the only licensed manufacture of cards by both MLB and the Players association.
With that said, I had recently gone through some cards and was amazed at some of rookie card classes in recent years, which gave me an idea to rank the classes since I’ve been collecting.
Let’s take a look at what that looks like…
Pittsburgh Pirates Must Continue To Strengthen Bullpen
Recent history shows that good things happen when the Pittsburgh Pirates pay close attention to their bullpen. 2016 should be no exception.
In 2012 the Pittsburgh Pirates found themselves in the middle of ‘Epic Collapse II.’ While their miserable finish to the season would extend one of the most notorious streaks in professional sports, that particular season served as a blueprint to illustrate how the team could improve its fortunes going forward.
That blueprint was not found at an everyday position; nor was it found with the men tapped to start the game on the pitcher’s mound.
It was found in the bullpen.
An Open Letter To Commissioner Robert Manfred: Reinstate Pete!
Dear Commissioner Manfred,
I have been a fan of Major League Baseball ever since I laid eyes on Howard Johnson and the 1991 Mets. From that point on, I have followed the game of baseball with a passion. From countless games in person at Citi Field and Shea Stadium, to repeat watching of old games on YouTube and video cassette; I have followed the game with a passion and vigor. Baseball, to me, is a game rich with history and legacy.
That is why I am perturbed at the fact Pete Rose hasn’t been reinstated into MLB and can’t be on the Hall of Fame ballot.
Look, I understand the frustration. The man bet on baseball. In fact, the man bet on everything. He had a serious addiction. He went underneath the table and bet on his team to win. Yet, it wasn’t a 1919 World Series situation with “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and the Black Sox scandal.
He never manipulated a lineup for a loss. Mr. Rose NEVER bet against his team. If he purposely bet against the club he was managing and doctored results to his favor, then THAT’S an issue. However, that has never been proven, thus I believe it’s a bit over the top to STILL have a lifetime ban.
Jose Bautista Bat Flip HR in Context of Toronto Sports Moments
How does the famous bat flip HR from Jose Bautista compare to other Toronto sports ‘big moments’?
To all Blue Jays fans, the holidays are upon us. It’s that time of year when even the most miserable people smile, where when you hold the door open for someone you’re almost guaranteed to get a ,“Thank You.” However some of the saddest people this year might be Toronto Blue Jays fans.
Jays fans aren’t feeling so hot about this offseason so far, the lack of moves, and the departure of Alex Anthopoulos, and even some believing Mark Shapiro was sent by Donald Trump to ruin Canadian baseball and ‘Make America Great Again’ there hasn’t been too much to cheer about.
It was only sixty-two days ago that us as fans witnessed one of the greatest moments not only in Blue Jays history, but in recent Toronto sports history.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 17, 2015
What are the Dodgers up to?
Is the team falling apart and letting the other NL West clubs, like San Francisco and Arizona, take over? Or are they building something that we can’t quite see right now but will be dominating.
It reminds me of Tony Stark in the cave during the first Iron Man movie. He built something powerful right under everyone’s noses and turned failure into victory.
Maybe that’s what the Dodgers are doing.
Avengers Assemble for this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Tampa Bay Rays Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Rays only have four players on current contracts so far this winter, but they also only stand to lose 2 players after the 2016 year in James Loney and Logan Morrison.
Tampa has 3 players in the 1st year of Arbitration and 5 guys in the 2nd Year of Arbitration. The 2nd year guys include Jake McGee, Logan Forsythe and Alex Cobb – all could be added with 1st Year ARB player Drew Smyly as distinct trade candidates.
Already having 5 pending Free Agents in 2018 has to be in the minds of the management. All of them will not end the 2016 year on the Roster in my view.
Morrison and Loney both may not reach opening day as both being on the Roster either. Read the rest of this entry
Chicago White Sox State Of The Union For 2016
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Chicago has finally thrown their hat into the ring for the AL Central Race. They have pulled off a trade to acquire Todd Frazier in as 3 way deal with the Reds and Dodgers.
The end result is they get 2 years from the former Reds, while parting with Trayce Thompson, Frankie Montas and Micah Johnson away from the club. It is a quality versus quantity deal.
This comes on the heels of the club picking up Brett Lawrie for 3 years worth of service for a couple of Minor Leaguers.
Before these deals, the club really only hand secured a tandem of Catchers with Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro for the offense. Now they have much more depth, and are asserting themselves with one of the better lineups in the AL Central.
If Adam LaRoche can bounce back with his usual 25 HRs and 80 RBI power, you could have 3 Infielders and the Designated Hitter all crack 20+ HRs in the 2016 campaign.
Jose Abreu also stands to benefit with bringing in a hitter like Todd Frazier. You could see a lineup that goes Adam Eaton, Melky Cabrera, Jose Abreu, Adam LaRoche, Frazier, Lawrie, Avisail Garcia, Avila or Navarro and Tyler Saladino. This looks a lot lengthier than a few days ago.
By the moves they made, they could also trade LaRoche to another club if they were so inclined. There is no reason to think the Avila and Navarro couldn’t see some DH action for their roles in the 2016 club. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 16, 2015
Happy late birthday to Mo Vaughn, a player whose impact on the Boston Red Sox can not be underestimated.
Turn back to the 1990s for this episode of Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
Kansas City Royals State Of The Union For 2016
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Royals are back to back AL Pennant winners and the reigning World Series Champions right now. Furthermore, they are playing in the most winnable Division in the Majors right now.
Kansas City were the 1st real small market club to win the World Series since the 2003 Marlins club took home the Fall Classic that year.
Just like the 2014 winter, the club will sustain losses between the end of the year to Spring Training the following year.
The door is not closed on Alex Gordon yet, however I don’t think it is in the clubs best interest to pay a 9 figure salary to a guy who is already 30.
KC has already seen Ben Zobrist sign with the Cubs, Johnny Cueto with the Giants, and Greg Holland will not pitch at all in the 2016 season with Tommy John Surgery recovery, and certainly not for the Royals.
Dayton Moore has done a decent job acquiring talent though. The team resigned Starter Chris Young, and they added one time Royals Closer Joakim Soria.
The window is not just for 2016 – as the club only stands to lose back up Catcher Drew Butera following next year, but also for 2017. Read the rest of this entry
San Diego Padres State Of The Union For 2016
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It certainly is a different feel to the winter of the Padres in the 2015 offseason than it was the 2014 Season. I never bought into the premise of how A.J. Preller built the team last year.
It was one of the easiest over/under wagers of the year. It ended in the club losing more games than they did the previous year – despite running a higher payroll.
The franchise loses Justin Upton to Free Agency, and have traded or lost their top 3 Relievers in Craig Kimbrel, Joaquin Benoit and Shawn Kelley.
Preller has also made a few questionable moves in acquiring Jon Jay for one year – and giving up on Jedd Gyorko. In my view, this is a weird move.
In an Infield that is already lacking power, this latest move furthers the need to bring in more hitters. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The ripple effect of the Johnny Cueto‘s signing did not hit the odds very much for the Giants. San Fran went from +1800 to only +1600 in one week. The Dodgers also did not lose any ground – standing firm at +1200??
This is crazy. I am not saying the Dodgers value at +1200 isn’t actually right. What I am saying is that the 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series Champs should be right there with them. At least at +1300 – or even more favored than the 2nd place Arizona Diamondbacks.
San Francisco has the best Starting Pitching and Bullpen in the Division. This team also has a comparable lineup 1 – 8 with both the 2 clubs in Arizona and Los Angeles.
There is no doubt that the D’Backs heart of the lineup is better, but guys like Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford and Matt Duffy all featured decent offense in the 2015 campaign. Read the rest of this entry
Philadelphia Phillies Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Philadelphia should have a payroll of near $110 MIL after Arbitration dollars are handed out next year. Of that money, Ryan Howard and 3 players (Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and Chase Utley) rake in $49 MIL of the salary on players that no longer play on the club, or in Howard’s case – are very unproductive.
I love the deals the franchise has made since the Trade Deadline – and even loved some of the Veterans they have picked up for the coming year like Charlie Morton and Jeremy Hellickson.
Between the half a dozen Starters or so they have acquired through trades, and their nice young Starter in Aaron Nola, they now have a promising future in the Rotation.
Mark Appel was also acquired in the Ken Giles trade. This is a #1 overall pick who may just need some more seasoning in the Minors.
Houston Astros State Of The Union For 2016
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Houston Astros are set to contend for the foreseeable future. A 6 year stretch in which they revamped their entire Minor League System – and kept payroll down to grab top Draft Picks finally reeled in the teams 1st playoff spot in a decade in 2016.
After taking a 6 – 2 lead in Game 4 of the ALDS series against the Royals with 2 – 1 lead the Bullpen coughed up the margin – with the club also losing the next game to the eventual World Series winner.
It was a tough lesson to learn in the postseason – but it may be the 1st of many appearances in October in the near future.
The #1 task of acquiring a lock down Closer has been addressed in the recent trade for Ken Giles. Yes it cost them Brett Oberholtzer, former #1 overall Draft Pick Mark Appel, and a few other prospects, but it also sets up the nucleus core for 4 – 5 more years.
The clubs offense featured 11 guys with double digit Homers in the lineup, and 2 others that fell just a dinger shy of the clip. Read the rest of this entry
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