Monthly Archives: January 2016
The Miami Marlins In 2016: Contenders Or Pretenders?
The Miami Marlins have not had a winning season since finishing 87 – 75 in 2009. With some deft maneuvers and the right allocation of team salary (like the latest Chen signing) – this club could contend in the NL East with Atlanta and Philadelphia both rebuilding. With all questions pointing to how Jeffrey Loria will behave if they were in contention halfway through, it will be an entertaining season.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Marlins finally threw down some money on a relevant Free Agent in the past week when they signed LHP Wei-Yin Chen. The former Oriole received a 5 YR deal worth $80 MIL – that also has a Vesting Option for a 6th year.
Financially speaking, Chen will only earn $14 MIL of that pact in 2016 – thus bringing the Fish to about $77 MIL total team salary to start the campaign.
Miami is one of the middle of the pack teams in the National League – much like the Arizona Diamondbacks are. These teams should be predicted to be just around .500. The rest of the clubs should be well north or south of the even record mark. Read the rest of this entry
Mets All-Time Top 10 by WAR
AP
This week’s list is all about WAR or Wins Above Replacement. This is an attempt by the sabermetric baseball community to summarize a player’s total contributions to their team in one statistic.
There are a bunch of baseball fans who hate sabermetrics, but I really dig WAR and it lends itself to great conversations.
The Miracle Mets of 69, the World Series team of 1986, the 2000 Mets and the 2015 club that lost World Series, who on this list makes that?
For a franchise that has been around for 53 years going 54, they have placed just 2 members into the Baseball Hall Of Fame with Gary Carter being inducted as an Expos player – only Tom Seaver and now Mike Piazza have been enshrined in Cooperstown.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 19, 2016
Part 3 of my talk with Lonnie Smith. He talks frankly about his memories of the 1991 and 1992 World Series with Atlanta.
Do the Tomahawk Chop on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Dear FanGraphs On Your MLB Season Projections: I Wish You Ran A Gambling Site!
Talk about no respect. Back to back pennants and a projection by Fangraphs to finish tied for 12th in the American League with 79 wins, and 16 less than 2015 – even though the talent level is pretty much status quo. KC, STL and PIT are all projected to tank 15 games each from 2016 – 2015. No way fellas!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
So I studied the recent FanGraphs projections for the upcoming 2016 MLB Year and was completely shocked at where these guys had the defending World Series Champions projected at for W – L Record….79 – 83 and tied for the 12th best record in the Junior Circuit??!!
Fangraphs, you are high if you think that will actually take place. For that, I wish you ran a gambling website to promote betting. The sharps would have a field day on a couple of these selections. I would throw down some serious money on your totals.
Lets not entirely rule out Cleveland winning the AL Central as they have also prognosticated here, albeit at just 84 wins. That victory total is about right for the Tribe – But how can you have all AL teams (except BOS) pegged between 78 – 86 wins? Read the rest of this entry
Chris Davis (Tied For 20th) + Justin Upton (38th) Join The Top 50 All – Time Salary List
Losing Chris Davis and his 45+ HR power would have been very difficult to replace. The O’s have their man with a creative deferral payment plan that will see them pay Davis $119 MIL from 2016 – 2022, and then pay out $42 MIL over the next 15 years in deferrals. The $161 MIL has him tied for 19th ALL – Time in MLB Player Contracts with CC Sabathia. The Orioles slugger led the league with 47 HRs (2nd time in 3 years), and has clubbed 126 HRs (led all of the MLB) in the last 3 seasons despite being levied a 25 game suspension for his medication in Sept of 2014.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Chris Davis, 30 in 2016, and Justin Upton, 28, are now in the 9 figure club and among historical contracts of ALL – Time. Davis inked a 7 YR deal for $161 MIL – while Upton is at 6 Years for $132.75 (distributed evenly throughout.)
The Big 1B/OF for the O’s will make $119 MIL from 2016 – 2022 paid evenly by $17 MIL per year before the crazy deferral program kicks in. From 2023 – 2030, Davis will earn $3.5 per annum for another $31 MIL. The deal then goes from 2031 – 2037 at a 1.4 MIL per annum clip. All told it is $161 MIL spread over 21 years. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series
By re-signing Alex Gordon – and then providing depth at the Starting Rotation, KC has cemented itself on a playoff spot in 2016. They are still 4 or 5 wins better than Detroit – but health could play a factor there. Still like them better than the AL East clubs cannibalizing each other at the top, and the AL West is a little up in the air between Houston and Texas. +1200 is still a fantastic odd for the team to repeat as World Series Champs.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Since we last chatted on these odds, the KC Royals have signed Alex Gordon and Ian Kennedy, the Baltimore Orioles have inked Chris Davis – and Detroit settled on a 6 year pact with Justin Upton.
The only club that budged on the odds were the Tigers going from +2500 to +2200. For the record, I believe that both the Tigers and Royals are great value picks right now.
In doing these deals, both franchises have set themselves up nicely for a postseason berth in this forthcoming year.
I believe with the Upton deal that Detroit is now and 86 – 87 win team. I firmly think that KC will be the only club in the American League to top 90. Read the rest of this entry
Detroit Shores Up Offense; Adds Justin Upton
(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Just when you thought the Tigers were done, they bounce back once again for another impactful January singing. Welcome to the D, Mr. Upton!!
With a rumor that came out of nowhere and the focus on Yoenis Cespedes, Detroit will sign Justin Upton to a 6-year $132.75 million dollar contract.
The contract will have an opt-out clause reportedly after the 2nd year and includes a partial non-trade clause. Detroit will undoubtedly be hit with a luxury tax, only determined after the last arbitration case is finished.
Prospect Jordan Weems Trying To Catch On With The Boston Red Sox
With Blake Swihart and Christian Vazquez, the Boston Red Sox have two of the most highly regarded catching prospects in baseball.
Now that they have both reached the majors, fans and the media continue to debate the merits of each. However, team’s organizational depth at the position does not end with them.
There are other young receivers who have the talent to potentially contribute to the big league club one day, including 23-year-old Jordan Weems.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 18, 2016
SEAN M. HAFFEY/GETTY IMAGES
The Royals are aiming for their third straight pennant in 2016. If they do, they will join the Earl Weaver Orioles, Charlie Finley A’s, Bronx Zoo Yankees, LaRussa A’s and the Torre Yankees as three time pennant winners since Divisional Play began. The Torre Yankees are the only ones since the Wild Card.
It is a “Let’s Join Some Big Company” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 17, 2016
Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images
It is Sunday and time for THE SUNDAY REQUEST
@sullybaseball Sunday request, your thoughts of Rays permission to explore new sites for Stadium & foxsports leading them to new market
— Ken Gura (@Ken51InNO) January 16, 2016
I would love for this to mean that baseball is coming back to Montreal.
Don’t bet on it.
It is a Sun Coast episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Is Yoenis Cespedes The Answer For The Mets?
Saturday morning brought a nice surprise to all Orioles fans wondering if Yoenis Cespedes was going to play in their outfield come April.
Chris Davis and agent Scott Boras were able to come to terms with the Orioles and agree on a 7 year $161 million dollar deal, once again proving he is the best sports agent that ever existed and the whole Cespedes offer was just a ploy by the Orioles to get their all-star first baseman back home where he belongs.
So what happens with Cespedes and the Mets?
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 16, 2015
Today is part 2 of my conversation with 3 time World Champion Lonnie Smith.
This segment, we talk about his transition to Kansas City and his recollections of the blown call in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series.
Upon further review, please enjoy this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Thanks to PastPros for setting up the interview.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 15, 2015
(Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Former All Star and three time World Series champion Lonnie Smith joins the podcast today.
In this segment, we talk about his days playing with the St. Louis Cardinals and helping them clinch the 1982 World Series.
It is a Fall Classic episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Thanks to PastPros for setting up the interview.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 14, 2016
The 1977 New York Yankees had such an amazing narrative that I am actually glad they won. There are some teams and franchises that missed a perfect ending with losing the World Series.
It is a truth is better than fiction episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Pittsburgh Pirates Deep Dive: Jon Niese
EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES
An intriguing ground ball rate and three years of control were enough for the Pittsburgh Pirates to obtain Jon Niese. What comprises the left-hander’s makeup as a starting pitcher?
Several weeks have passed since Neil Walker was traded to the New York Mets for starting pitcher Jon Niese.
The move still resonates strongly with many Pittsburgh Pirates observers, often serving for many as the fulcrum of a questionable off-season.
We’ve analyzed the move previously, and from all angles. For the latest in our “Pittsburgh Pirates Deep Dive” series, we are going to look at the trends that are seen when analyzing Niese purely by past performance.
For this breakdown, I took a look at Niese’s game logs for the entire 2015 season. This includes all of his regular season appearances – 29 starts and three relief outings.
By looking at the entire snapshot of a full season, I expect to be able to easily identify any developing trends.
When he was acquired, the book on Niese was that he had good groundball-producing ability and a varied pitch mix. Two of those pitches – a sinking fastball and a cutting version – saw groundball rates above 60 percent in 2015.
Ira Flagstead:The Boston Red Sox’s Unknown Hall-of-Famer
Earlier this week it was announced that the Boston Red Sox had selected four new members for their Hall of Fame.
Fans should have little trouble recognizing the first three inductees, former players Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield, and former front office man Larry Lucchino.
However, the fourth honoree, former outfielder Ira Flagstead, will likely leave many scratching their heads.
Despite his anonymity, he is worthy of the honor and is someone whose career all Boston fans should become more familiar with.
Michael Brantley Confirmed For Tribe Fest 2016 + Health Updates
Happy 2016, Brantley fans! I am back and have some exciting news for you all! today, on January 12, it was announced that Michael Brantley will be attending the 4th annual Tribe Fest, presented by KeyBank.
photo courtesy of @Indians on twitter
Unlike in years past, however, there are some big changes to this year’s event. due to the current renovations being made at Progressive Field, Tribe Fest will be held at Aloft Cleveland Downtown and the Ernst & Young Tower lobby in Flats East Bank. not only that, but because of limited space, it’s just ONE day this year on January 30.
tickets for Tribe Fest are on sale now. you must purchase a general admission ticket–$5 for both adults and children–in order to attend. (NOTE: children under 3 are free.) like usual, fans can purchase general admission tickets alone, or bundle them with an autograph ticket. the two different autograph sessions to choose from are 9 am – 2 pm and 2 pm – 7 pm. while you cannot choose which specific player to get an autograph from, you can pick between a current Indians player ($20 ticket) or an alumni player ($25).
along with Michael, the following players have already confirmed to appear (although this is subject to change):
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 13, 2016
Monte Irvin‘s wonderful life ended yesterday after 96 years. He was a pioneer in the integration of the game and a Hall of Famer.
And he was so close to taking the role assumed by Jackie Robinson.
We honor legacy of a great man on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 12, 2016
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Wei-Yin Chen signed with the Marlins and suddenly I am excited about South Florida.
Once again I have found myself drinking the proverbial Miami Kool Aid.
Cue up the crazy statue on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Where Foul Balls Go: Pitching/Batting Handedness Match-ups Determine Foul Direction
We all know the basics of baseball and how foul balls end up in foul territory. A pitcher throws the ball. A batter swings. Sometimes the ball is missed, other times it’s hit fair, and sometimes it soars into foul territory, into the seats.
Foul balls out number hits by about a 5:1 margin. In recent years, the average number of hits per MLB game has hovered around nine (9) balls. There are historically 47 foul balls hit per game. That’s about 5 times more fouls than hits.
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Who Will Win The 2016 National League Divisions Polls
The National League is a very top heavy league with the Nats, Dodgers, Mets, Giants, D’Backs Cardinals and Pirates having the best odds to qualify for the postseason in 2016. With 6 teams possibly challenging the 100 loss barrier in the Senior Circuit (Padres, Rockies, Reds, Brewers, Braves and Phillies), we may a squad break the best ever record ever to qualify for the playoffs as a Wild Card seed this campaign.
Since it is the early part of January, we will offer these polls for all teams in all of the Divisions.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 11, 2016
Mark Hirsch – Getty Images
The Dodgers have dead weight on their payroll.
The Brewers want to get out of the Ryan Braun contract.
Should these two talk with each other?
It is a trade proposal episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 10, 2016
It is time for The Sunday Request.
@sullybaseball sun. req: $ in baseball. With the rise in salaries, will there ever be a salary cap? 2018’s FA class=1bill + in commitments
— Josh k (@joshklad) January 9, 2016
The simple answer is no. There will never be a salary cap in baseball.
The counter question is why would you want one? And what purpose would it serve?
It is a spoiler free episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
The Slow Death Of Phil Reccius From Baseball
A sad footnote in the annals of baseball history is the passing of Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman in 1920 following being struck in the head with a pitch.
Although he remains the only major leaguer to have died as a result of a play on the field, there are unfortunately other professional players who have suffered similar fates.
This includes Phil Reccius, who succumbed in an insane asylum to his baseball injury in 1903—a full nine years after being struck by a ball during a game.
Blue Jays Pick Up Drew Storen For Ben Revere
Last night The Blue Jays made their biggest move so far this offseason. Jays From the Couch gives you an in-depth look at their newly acquired pitcher, along with some positives and negatives about the trade.
Late Friday night January 8th 2016, the Toronto Blue Jays made their biggest offseason move, trading left fielder Ben Revere for Washington Nationals relief pitcher/closer Drew Storen.
With the Blue Jays having organizational depth in the outfield, addressing the bullpen was something that was a major priority.
With Spring Training only being fifty-two days away, (couldn’t come any quicker) we will quickly see where the newly shifted pieces are going to fit within the roster. This trade improves much needed bullpen depth, but still leaves us with some lingering questions.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 9, 2016
Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press
Does Albert Pujols have a shot to become the new Home Run King?
And if he does, will he get any love for it?
I am all about love in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
How To Stop Tanking Maneuvers In Order To ‘Rebuild’ MLB Teams
In the last year of the current ‘CBA’ there may be a change to the new agreement that would stop teams from intentionally losing under the “integrity of competitiveness” clause. Teams such as Houston and the Chicago Cubs have laid the template down, and now other teams are following suit like the Phillies, Braves, Reds, Padres, Rockies and Brewers.
Jordan Gluck (Part Owner/Featured Writer): Follow @jgluck777
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
How to stop Tanking?
Spearheaded by Jeff Luhnow – the complete ‘tank philosophy’ has taken off across sports which is a terrible thing for competitive balance.
Teams in other leagues such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Cubs, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Timberwolves and Indianapolis Colts have had completely terrible teams with the goal of landing the top selection in that draft(s).
Tanking has become much more widespread and is EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE. The problem is losing this badly leads to teams being terrible likely for long periods of time so they can be at the top of the draft and have a chance at elite players.
The differences in tanking differ by league though, in basketball if you don’t have the elite talent then you will never win and that talent is found almost always at the top of the draft.
In football you need a quarterback to be a super bowl contender and tanking will likely be just for the quarterback as the Colts did for Andrew Luck.
Hockey (like baseball) requires depth but top line players carry a huge premium and are available at the top of the draft and you defiantly need at least a few to be Stanley Cup contenders. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series
The Nationals were 36 – 25 in the games that Denard Span appeared in for the 2015 year. He is going to help the Giants offense as a legitimate leadoff man in 2016 and can play all 3 positions in the Outfield. They have 3 decent starting players beyond the grass, and should be able to fill all 162 games with Belt and Blanco also being on the depth chart out there.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I absolutely love the Giants Free Agent Signing of Denard Span. This is a club that has extreme depth in all 3 OF positions now, and Span has worked the role of a Leadoff man brilliantly in the last several years.
Yes between he, Hunter Pence and Angel Pagan they have spent time on the sick bay over the last few years, but when you add that Brandon Belt could play LF, or Gregor Blanco who filled in admirably well in 2015, than you see that the roster just became stronger.
It is for these reasons alone I have finally taken the +900 odd off as one of my worst picks on the betsheet. This signing definitely tips the scales back in San Frans favor over the Dodgers.
The 1 – 8 lineup looks nice with Span, Joe Panik, Buster Posey, Hunter Pence, Brandon Belt, Matt Duffy, Brandon Crawford and Angel Pagan all capable MLB Starter. I could see this squad leading the Batting Average in the Majors in the coming year.
While I love the club, the odd at +900 is bang on now. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 8, 2016
BRYAN R. SMITH – NY DAILY NEWS
Is Derek Jeter connected to PEDs? People’s attitudes towards PEDs, users and accusations have everything to do with their own personal opinions of the players… even Saint Derek Jeter.
It is all about perceptions in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
MLB Reports 
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