Monthly Archives: March 2016
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Jan 1, 2015 – Jan 31, 2015 (Episodes 800 – 830)
Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1238 days consecutively!
Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 800 – 830 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.
Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.
Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter Follow @sullybaseball
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry
Bugs Raymond: A Baseball Legend
image – dugoutlegends.com
Andrew Martin (Featured Baseball Writer/Owner – baseballhistorian.blogspot.ca) Follow @historianandrew
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Professional baseball is rife with legends and ciphers that have popped up over the years. Although most of them may not reach the level of a Sidd Finch, there have been many whose stories have vacillated between the humorous and the tragic.
Bugs Raymond was an outstanding pitcher who fits into both categories; whose escapades that became legendary even as he battled alcoholism and wound up murdered at the age of 30.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
The Curious Case Of ‘Mets Thrower’ Josh Smoker
Freddy Vasquez (Featured Baseball Writer/Owner – metshotcorner.com) Follow @metshotcorner
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With two spots open in the bullpen, Josh Smoker is hoping he can prove his worth and snag a spot on the big league roster. But what makes his story interesting is not that he hits 97 mph on the gun at spring training, but rather the events that took place to get him there.
Smoker was a former #1 draft pick for the Washington Nationals, but injuries would lead to shoulder surgeries and eventually his release from the team in 2012.
After playing for the Frontier League in 2014, and proving his shoulder was better than before, MLB teams were still not interested enough to take a look at Josh and retirement seemed on the horizon.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Father And Son Milwaukee Brewers Connection – Eric Young And Eric Young Jr.
Chris Zantow (Featured BBBA Baseball Writer/Owner – chriszantowauthor.wordpress.com ) Follow @zantow_chris
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
On January 5, 2016, Eric Young Jr. quietly signed a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers with an invitation to spring training in the big-league camp.
I say quietly because most reporters gave the signing an obligatory two or three paragraph article after it was first mentioned December 31, and finalized a few days later.
Of course there is more to this signing than meets the eye since his father once played for the Brewers. So today on the blog I’d like to provide a bit more depth and backstory than has been reported so far.
To tell Junior’s story, first let’s go back and take a look at his father’s story and stint with the Brewers.
Eric Young, or ‘EY’ as he was nicknamed and will be referred to going forward, had a pretty good career in the big leagues and played for 15 seasons all told. He was born in Brunswick, New Jersey, and stuck around to play both baseball and football at Rutgers.
EY decided to pursue a career in baseball and was drafted in the 43rd round of the 1989 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Yup, you read that right – the 43rd round.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 14, 2016
THE LONDON SHOWS CONTINUE!
Today, I went to a pub in London called Glasshouse Stores, and met Mark Blakemore, a die hard fan of the show.
We enjoyed a pint, talked a little baseball and wondered how a guy from England could become a Yankee fan.
It is a night with two mates episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Follow Mark on Twitter by clicking HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 13, 2016
THE SUNDAY REQUEST IN LONDON!
@sullybaseball Sunday request w/Almonte suspension why do players still try PED? Harshest penalties in Pros still try to get away with it!
— Ken Gura (@Ken51InNO) February 27, 2016
I answer the question of PEDs while at Abbey Road Studios…
It is A Day In The Life episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Jan 1, 2014 – Jan 31, 2014 (Episodes 435 – 465)
Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1236 days consecutively!
Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 435 – 465 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.
Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.
Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter Follow @sullybaseball
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry
2016 Houston Farm System Handbook
Jayne Hansen (Featured BBBA Baseball Writer/Owner – www.whattheheckbobby.blogspot.ca ) Follow @JayneWTHB
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The 2016 Houston Farm System Handbook is now available for purchase and is already drawing great reviews! When I introduced the Houston Farm System Handbook in 2015, almost all of the reviews were of the 5-star variety (one person raved that they loved it but only gave it 4 stars).
Astros Announcer Bill Brown complimented me on doing “a masterful job cataloging tons of information on the Astros prospects” and really liked the portability of an e-book.
As good as that 2015 Handbook was, the 2016 version should prove to be even more valuable to prospect fans everywhere with the addition of a “Beyond the Top Prospects” depth chart.
Before last season I was touting prospects such as Matt Duffy, Tyler White, Jon Kemmer and Albert Abreu, all of whom landed in Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook for the first time recently.
In my depth charts, I have identified a number of players who may very well debut in that publication next year, including RHP Dean Deetz, 1B Chase McDonald and many others.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
2017 World Baseball Classic Qualifier 3: Preview
Estadio Nacional de Panama / Rod Carew Stadium
Chris Kabout (Featured Baseball Writer/Owner – yankeebiscuitfansdtuchblog.mlblogs.com) Follow @dutch_ball
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
On March 17 the third qualifier of the World Baseball Classic will start. Panama will host Columbia, France and Spain during this four day event.
The stadium where this four day event will be played is Rod Carew Stadium, which served as stadium for the 2011 World Cup final which was won by the Netherlands.
Also the 2012 Qualifiers were played in this stadium as Brazil surprisingly beat Panama 1-0 in the final. The stadium’s official name is Estadio Nacional de Panamá.
The stadium was constructed in 1999 and has a capacity of 27,000. Shortly before the Qualifiers start, the Yankees and the Marlins are scheduled to play two exhibition games at the stadium.
This group may have three favorites to advance to the main tournament: Colombia, Spain and Panama.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 12, 2016
THE LONDON TRIP!
The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast is on the road and going international! The first podcast from London, England. I talk about the city, their strange coins and how some of baseball can be traced back to The Prince of Wales of all people.
Make sure to drive on the correct side of the street on this global episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Dec 1, 2015 – Dec 31, 2015 (Episodes 1134 – 1164)
Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1235 days consecutively!
Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 1134 – 1164 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.
Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.
Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter Follow @sullybaseball
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Dec 1, 2014 – Dec 31, 2014 (Episodes 769 – 799)
Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1235 days consecutively!
Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 769 – 799 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.
Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.
Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter Follow @sullybaseball
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Dec 1, 2013 – Dec 31, 2013 (Episodes 404 – 434)
Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1235 days consecutively!
Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 404 – 434 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.
Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.
Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter Follow @sullybaseball
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry
2016 MLB Farm System Rankings
Jordan Gluck (Part Owner/Featured Writer): Follow @jgluck777
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
2016 Farm System Rankings
Welcome! Just a reminder that I am biased against your team!
- Los Angeles Dodgers: My #1 farm system of 2016 due to the hard work of Andrew Friedman and Co. This system begins with future superstars Corey Seager and Julio Urias whom should both be in the majors this season. Seager can do it all and may be able to stick at SS for a bit while Urias has a plus plus and 2 plus pitches at his disposal right now. Jose De Leon will slot in eventually behind Urias in that rotation and make for a quality #3 while Walker Buehler has boatloads of talent but will need to recover from TJ surgery he had in August. Yadier Alvarez, Yusnier Diaz and Starling Heredia were all part of the massive Dodgers international spending budget and have high ceilings especially Alvarez who I can see as a dominant closer. As for other bats Cody Bellinger has demonstrated his massive power and can potentially hold a corner OF spot while Alex Verdugo is a personal favorite and profiles as a power bat in a corner OF spot. I am not as high as others on Grant Holmes or Frankie Montas both as whom I see as relievers. Plenty of talent all around.
Baseball’s Fun Problem: Old School Vs New: Goose Vs Bautista/Cespedes/Harper
Andrew Martin (Featured Baseball Writer/Owner – baseballhistorian.blogspot.ca) Follow @historianandrew
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Baseball has a “fun” problem. The game noticeably stands apart from other professional leagues with its reputation for longer, slower-moving games and expectations for more stoic behavior on the field. S
ports are a leading source of entertainment but baseball lags behind their counterparts in many ways when it comes to their image of being stuffy and boring.
This was personified by recent comments made by Hall-of-Fame reliever Goose Gossage, blasting behavior he thinks is ruining the game.
2016 MLB Preview: One Burning Question For Every American League Team
Just because there is parity in the American League it doesn’t mean that the Junior Circuit will not club the National League in Interleague this upcoming season. In fact, I am calling for them to be 50 games over .500 versus the Senior Circuit in the AL vs NL schedule. Most of that will be versus the weaker NL clubs, however the better NL clubs will not entirely dominate the whole AL either.
Matt Musico (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – chinmusicbaseball.com) Follow @mmusico8
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
While there is a bunch of people who say Spring Training is way too long each year, don’t blink – Opening Day will be here before you know it.
I outlined one burning question for every National League team last week. Naturally, it only felt right to do the same thing for the American League this week.
Can the Kansas City Royals defend their World Series title? Can the Boston Red Sox stop finishing in last place? What about the other 13 AL squads preparing for the regular season?
Each club will have to answer multiple questions once the grueling 162-game schedule kicks off next month, but here’s just one for each.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast -March 11, 2016
Getty Images
Lisa Swan of Subway Squawkers returns to the show, talking about the Yankees starting pitching situation and we compare our favorite stadium rituals, including the Roll Call in the Bronx.
It is an embrace the Empire episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 10, 2016
Commissioner Rob Manfred wants to push the A’s and Oakland squabbles over a stadium to the side as a local issue. He can’t afford to do that.
It is an “It is too late to be late” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
BBA Live Podcast Season #2 Episode #3
Ricky Keeler and AC Wayne host the flagship podcast of the BBBA!
Ricky Keeler Follow @rickinator555
& AC Wayne Follow @publicrecord
Follow The BBBA On Twitter Follow @baseballblogs
Download This Episode Here
BBA Live! is entering its second season. Listen in as AC Wayne is again joined by Ricky Keeler of Yanks Go Yard and District On Deck (Nats).
Tonight, we’ll showcase the NL East as well as all the latest news and headlines throughout the league Tentatively scheduled, as always: Rich Rivera of Mets Public Record.
Follow and subscribe to the podcast http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mets-public-record
A casual look at Major League Baseball and The New York Mets. Call-in When we are live! #347-326-9300
The American League Exploits Another Pitcher As Jordan Zimmermann’s Fantasy Stock Drops
Trey Rose (Featured Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com) Follow @dynasty_digest
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
After signing a 5-year/$110 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, Jordan Zimmermann will play a pivotal role in the Tigers’ rotation, but this move to Detroit could drastically hurt Zimmermann’s fantasy stock.
As you analyze and digest a pitcher switching from the National League to the American League, it doesn’t bode well for Zimmermann. In 2015, the National League ERA was 3.908, whereas the American League ERA was 4.006.
This is because the American League pitchers have to face a designated hitter, whereas the National League pitchers face the opposing pitcher instead.
To further illustrate the extreme difference between the two leagues, click on the link below:
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 9, 2016
Richmond Times Dispatch
Do you remember the long defunct United States Baseball League?
Me neither. But their legacy is still kind of felt.
It is a gone AND forgotten episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 8, 2016
NASA
An asteroid came close to hitting the Earth and changing the course of humanity’s place in the universe.
This naturally got me thinking about the Cubs and the Indians.
It is a cosmic episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
The Reds Might Be The Worst Team In The MLB At The End Of 2016
The Reds management started off the rebuild project nicely with the midsummer deals of Leake and Cueto last year. They also got a nice haul for 2 years left of Todd Frazier. However, due to a 10/5 rule for Brandon Phillips, and a domestic dispute killing the 1st Chapman deal (better deal than the Yanks forked out for his him), Cincinnati has been stymied in completing the quest. Our own Jordan Gluck ranked them as the 27th worst prospects team in 2015, and it has only slightly improved since then. It is going to be a long arduous process for the brass to pull themselves out of this predicament.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Reds are part of a 6 pack of National League clubs that are really bad, and should challenge each other for 100 losses and the worst record in the Majors for 2016. What is worse is the financial flexibility is tied up in just a few players.
Management has done a decent job already trading Mike Leake, Johnny Cueto, Todd Frazier and Aroldis Chapman in the last year, while Brandon Phillips continues to hold his 10/5 rights to maintain his name on Cincinnati’s roster.
Homer Bailey and Joey Votto both make $20 MIL, and Phillips isn’t too far behind.
So while the team is bad, it is not saving any real money yet.
Simply put, the organization is looking to trade any veteran player that makes money. Jay Bruce has already been traded once before a deal was nixed from a few Minor Leaguer’s failing physicals. Read the rest of this entry
Cincinnati Reds Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward
Joey Votto had his best year since 2010 at the plate in 2015. It couldn’t have come at a better time. The Canadian Slugger will make $199 MIL min over the next 8 years and will be counted on to help with a rebuild. Either that, or maybe he could create enough value to be traded and the club could gain some financial flexibility going forward. The Reds finished 64 – 98 in 2015 – and are in the same Division as the top three teams in the MLB. They should continue to trade veterans for as many young players as they can – and rebuild for 3 – 4 years down the road.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Homer Bailey was the 1st Pitcher to have a $100 Million Dollar Contract in place and undergo Tommy John Surgery.
Carl Crawford holding onto a 7 YRs/$142 MIL deal originally signed with the Red Sox was the 1st guy to go down with the TJ Surgery as a position player.
Yes insurance will pay some of the money, but it is not a given that he will comeback and be as effective as he was before he went down with the UCL surgery.
The club is on the hook for Joey Votto to the tune of $199 MIL from 2016 – 2023 – and will jump another $13 MIL if the team picks up a $20 MIL Club Option for 2024.
The Reds are thanking their lucky stars that Votto posted his best baseball season since 2010 in 2015 with a 1.000 OPS and 143 Walks. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Nov 1, 2013 – Nov 30, 2013 (Episodes 374 – 403)
Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1232 days consecutively!
Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 374 – 403 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.
Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.
Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter Follow @sullybaseball
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast -March 7, 2016
Source: Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images North America
The Mets starting rotation is so good that they merely need major leaguers in their lineup to win. They should follow the 2010’s Giants model.
Plus I have thoughts on Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain.
It is a Good Enough to win episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Should The Pirates Shop At The Bargain Bin
Jason Rollison (Featured Baseball Website Writer – piratesbreakdown.com) Follow @pbcbreakdown
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
You can never have too much depth. It is the mantra of every athletic team from community youth programs to the major sports conglomerates, from badminton to baseball.
Last year, the Pirates had eleven cases of Tommy John surgery throughout the organization.
They were hit hard at the Triple-A level, especially with injuries. Casey Sadler, Brandon Cumpton, and Jameson Taillon were lost for the season.
Alen Hanson suffered a hand injury that caused him to miss out on a September promotion.
The Pittsburgh Pirates need to take advantage of the wealth of affordable veteran talent still available on the free agent market. But who?
Base Running, Not Leadoff Should Be The Blue Jays Focus
Shaun Doyle (Featured Baseball Writer – Owner jaysfromthecouch.com) Follow @jaysfromthecouch
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For a lot of the winter, there has been a great deal of attention paid to just who will lead off for the Blue Jays in 2016. With the exit of Ben Revere in the trade that brought in Drew Storen, the debate has gone in several different directions.
Some are firmly in the camp that Kevin Pillar be given a chance to put his contact skills to use. Others feel that the club should go with giving their best hitters the most at bats, thus slotting Troy Tulowitzki in the 1st spot.
2016 Fantasy Baseball Pitching Studs, Duds, Break Outs, and Bounce Backs Candidates
Trey Rose (Featured Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com) Follow @dynasty_digest
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Every year fantasy baseball GM’s search and search to find trends and statistical analysis on pitchers to get the upper hand in their leagues.
Well today I am here to give you that upper hand. I will be highlighting my 2016 studs, duds, breakout, and bounce back candidates for the upcoming fantasy season.
I will be highlighting the following players: Justin Verlander, Joe Ross, Jordan Zimmermann, Lance McCullers, Johnny Cueto, Marcus Stroman, Shelby Miller, and James Shields. To read the article and my analysis, click the link below:
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Oct 1, 2013 – Oct 31, 2013 (Episodes 343 – 373)
Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1231 days consecutively!
Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 343 – 373 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.
Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.
Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter Follow @sullybaseball
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry
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