Daily Archives: December 23, 2016
Projected Top 5 Home Run Hitters In Major League Baseball For 2017
Having nothing to do with the ALL – Star Game, and a ton to prove after inviting himself to the HR derby in San Diego, we placed a $125 bet on Stanton to win the event at +325 odds – and he won the whole thing. Now only if he could refrain from beingthe DL for 1 campaign. It was another injury plagued season for the veteran in 2016, but I still claim he will lead the league in HRs one of these years and possibly challenge 50 HRs in the process. He is our #1 pick to win the overall MLB HR crown in 2017.
With apologies to the pending Free Agents who cracked 40+ HRs in Mark Trumbo (47) and Chris Carter (41), I just don’t see them duplicating their 2016 campaigns.
I also foresee a bunch of changes to the top 6 Home Run hitters in the American League in 2017.
Newly signed Indians player Edwin Encarnacion is quite possibly the only returning top 5 guy that will be in there back to back seasons for the Junior Circuit.
Chris Carter. actually tied was the co-leader for the HR title with Nolan Arenado in 2016. and then was promptly non-tendered by the Brewers for his efforts.
Mark Trumbo hasn’t been able to parlay his HR title into a Free Agent deal either. I think this may play a huge factor in a 2017 regression of sorts.
Don’t get me wrong. i fully expect these gentlemen to eclipse 30+ HRs each still in 2017.
Since the top 5 overall Major League HR totals all resided in the AL in 2016 – I suspect this won’t be the case next year.
Ultimately, career years from Khris Davis and Brian Dozier will be hard to do again.
(RELATED – Top 5 Saves Leaders Projected For The MLB in 2017) Read the rest of this entry
The Player’s Spot
The Player’s Spot is a forum where anyone can go and ask pro baseball players anything. They also can get video reviews from them. Go join The Player’s Spot at theplayersspot.net to become a part of this premier community. 
BLUE JAYS FANS HAVE ONE MAN TO BLAME FOR EDWIN’S ABSENCE
WHILE IT’S TEMPTING TO BLAME BLUE JAYS BRASS FOR EDWIN’S DEPARTURE, THERE IS ONLY ONE MAN TO DIRECT ALL RAGE TOWARDS.
By now, everyone is already aware that the forever-hanging Sword of Damocles has finally fallen and severed Edwin Encarnacion‘s ties with the Toronto Blue Jays. On Thursday night, Jon Heyman broke the news that the proprietor of the parrot was packed up and parading off to…Cleveland.
After hearing this, Blue Jays fans went through the five stages of grief rather quickly. From denial to anger to bargaining to depression to acceptance, the reaction was consistent. The 6ix, and all around it, were sad to see Edwin go, but could see it coming from a mile away. Still, the direction the blame was aimed depended on which group a person found themselves in. Some blamed Edwin for being greedy…
READ FULL POST at Jays From the Couch
Odds To Win The 2017 MLB World Series
Edwin Encarnacion would be just what the doctor ordered for the Indians lineup. A guy that can mash big Homers, drive in plenty of runs. This contract is so awesome for the timing of it all as the team could absorb the $20 MIL guaranteed AAV for the next 3 years. EE will turn 34 on Jan 07, 2017, and is coming off a year where he slashed .263/.357/.529 – with 42 HRs and a league leading 127 RBI.He is a significant upgrade over the departed Mike Napoli. His power will elevate the Cleveland lineup for the next 3 seasons at least.
The Indians were our 4th best bet of the week last Friday at +1000 to win the Fall Classic in 2017. Now with the Edwin Encarnacion contract signing, the club has jumped to +700. We have just stated in a recent article today that they should not be below the Red Sox for odds to win the title next year.
Handicappers at the top of their profession always use the Strength of Schedule in their opinions, and with good reason. One could go either way in dealing with the rosters of the Red Sox and Indians, but the biggest difference are the 76 Divisional games the Tribe plays against the Royals, Tigers, Twins and White Sox, where Boston must play the Jays, yankees,O’s and Raus 76 times.
It is also the biggest reason the Nationals will likely stay as our favorite value on the board all off season. The Mets are about the only real competition in the NL East that may provide a hindrance for the Washington franchise to reel in their 2nd straight NL East title. Then it is – do you really think the Cubs should be a 3/1 odd favorite against the Nats in a NLCS matchup – no way.
We also love the Cardinals continuing to be a thorn in Chicago’s side for the 2017 year. St. Louis was a 100 win club in 2015, and fought many nagging injuries in 2016. Now they have a lot more healthy coming back in 2017, and a full year of Alex Reyes. The Red Birds also signed Dexter Fowler away from the Cubs. +2000 is about a 6/1 odd from the oddsmakers for the Cards to win the NL Central. Read the rest of this entry
The Cleveland Indians Should Be The Favorite In The AL For 2017 With Encarnacion Signing
Cleveland was one inning away from winning the World Series in 2017, knocked out the Boston Red Sox (who are the odds favorite in the AL currently) and have now added slugger Edwin Encarnacion to their lineup for 2017. Cleveland will also see AL MVP candidate Michael Brantley back to the roster for a full healthy year = after playing the majority of 2016 without his services. A great Pitching Staff, all around defense, combined with a well adjusted lineup, and cupcake Division to play in – and the Tribe should be the favorite to win the AL Pennant next campaign and not the Red Sox.
With the news that Edwin Encarnacion signing a 3 Year Deal Worth $55 MIL< and a Team Option for a 4th season that is $25 MIL – or a $5 MIL Buyout, the Indians have put themselves back into the lead as the favorite in the Junior Circuit.
So far, the oddsmakers don’t agree with that last statement, as the Red Sox are currently +475 to win the World Series – while Cleveland is listed at +700 to win the Fall Classic, but lets look at what Cleveland has going for it.
Michael Brantley is coming back (potentially fully healthy, and was a legitimate AL MVP candidate in 2014 and 2015. Now to have him as a 3/4 tandem with EE, you are talking about a great heart of the lineup.
Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor are full value to kickstart the offense. Both guys are capable of playing all world ALL – Star campaigns upcoming.
Carlos Santana had a career year for HRs (34) RBI (87) OPS (.865) and will still bring in his 100 Walks a year.
Jose Ramirez can hit 6th for me any time. Tyler Naquin held an .886 OPS in half a years worth AB en route to finishing 3rd in Rookie Of The Year Voting.
The club can fend enough offense in RF a Catcher to hit 8th and 9th. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast -December 23, 2016
Source: Brian Blanco/Getty Images North America
While waiting for a plane at the Bob Hope Airport, or whatever it is called now, I wondered about expansion and relocation. I saw how LA football reflected Tampa Bay baseball and perhaps another team could work in New England.
Check your boarding pass on this Episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
MLB Reports 
You must be logged in to post a comment.