Author Archives: chuckbooth3023
Kal Daniels 1987 Topps – Sully Baseball Card of the Day for July 8, 2017
Kal Daniels was a player whose career began with a bang and faded out before his 30th birthday.
He is exactly the kind of player that would have taken PEDs in the 1990s but sure didn’t look like he did in the 1980’s. He also intersected with Pete Rose, Marge Schott and Darry Strawberry in memorable ways.
Kalovski Daniels was drafted by the Reds as the 7th pick overall in the 1982 draft out of Middle Georgia College. By the time he arrived in Cincinnati for the 1986 season, he was a talented left handed hitting outfielder in a crowded outfield. Eddie Milner, Dave Parker and Eric Davis were all established. But Daniels’ .320 average and .917 OPS in 207 plate appearances got manager Pete Rose’s attention.
In 1987, Milner went to San Francisco and Daniels got his playing time. He batted .334, homered 26 times, stole 26 bases and…
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“Every Day Chucker” Podcast Episode #2 – MLB Interleague: AL Speedbagging The NL
I ask the question – How many more years will be added on to the 13 year winning streak for the W-L record of the Junior Circuit, holding dominance over the Senior Circuit?
Wins by league Heading into 2017
Year | Best record | Games | AL | NL | %* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1997 | National | 214 | 97 | 117 | .547 |
1998 | American | 224 | 114 | 110 | .509 |
1999 | National | 251 | 116 | 135 | .538 |
2000 | American | 251 | 136 | 115 | .542 |
2001 | American | 252 | 132 | 120 | .524 |
2002 | National | 252 | 123 | 129 | .512 |
2003 | National | 252 | 115 | 137 | .544 |
2004 | American | 252 | 127 | 125 | .504 |
2005 | American | 252 | 136 | 116 | .540 |
2006 | American | 252 | 154 | 98 | .611 |
2007 | American | 252 | 137 | 115 | .544 |
2008 | American | 252 | 149 | 103 | .591 |
2009 | American | 252 | 138 | 114 | .548 |
2010 | American | 252 | 134 | 118 | .532 |
2011 | American | 252 | 131 | 121 | .520 |
2012 | American | 252 | 142 | 110 | .563 |
2013 | American | 300 | 154 | 146 | .513 |
2014 | American | 300 | 163 | 137 | .543 |
2015 | American | 300 | 167 | 133 | .557 |
2016 | American | 300 | 165 | 135 | .550 |
Boston Red Sox Entire 2017 MLB Schedule On One Page Post.
ALL TIMES DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE
WEEK 1 (Includes Season Opener Sunday Apr 2, 2017)
INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON
APR 2017
Sunday, Apr 2 MLB OPENING DAY
DAY OFF Read the rest of this entry
Toronto Blue Jays Entire 2017 MLB Schedule On One Page Post.

Rogers Home Opener will be on Tuesday Apr 111, 2017, to kick off the 29th year the ballpark has been playing games there. Last year the Jays drew 3.4 Million Fans. and that is the biggest total since the World Series Years – or the 1st 5 years of the venue.
ALL TIMES DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE
WEEK 1 (Includes Season Opener Sunday Apr 2, 2017)
INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON
APR 2017
Sunday, Apr 2 MLB OPENING DAY
DAY OFF
Monday, Apr 3
Blue Jays @ O’s 3:05 Oriole Park (Camden Yards) Home Opener, Baltimore, MD (Baltimore Orioles)
Tuesday Apr 4
DAY OFF
All 2430 MLB Games Schedule In 2017 On One Page Post
ALL TIMES DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE
WEEK 1 (Includes Season Opener Sunday Apr 2, 2017)
INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON
APR 2017
Sunday, Apr 2 MLB OPENING DAY (3 Games):
Yankees @ Rays 1:10 Tropicana Field Home Opener, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)
Giants @ D’Backs 4:10 Chase Field Home Opener, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Cubs @ Cardinals 8:35 (ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT GAME) Busch Stadium Home Opener, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)
There are no Interleague Games On this Day
Monday, Apr 3 (12 Games):
Marlins @ Nationals 1:05 Nationals Park Home Opener, Washington, DC (Washington Nationals)
Braves @ Mets 1:10 Citi Field Home Opener, Flushing, NY (New York Mets)
Pirates @ Red Sox 2:05 Fenway Park Home Opener, Boston, MA (Boston Red Sox)
Rockies @ Brewers 2:10 Miller Park Home Opener, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers)
Blue Jays @ O’s 3:05 Oriole Park (Camden Yards) Home Opener, Baltimore, MD (Baltimore Orioles)
Tigers @ White Sox 4:10 Guaranteed Rate Field Home Opener, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox)
Royals @ Twins 4:10 Target Field Home Opener, Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Twins)
Phillies @ Reds 4:10 Great American Ball Park Home Opener, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Reds)
Dodgers @ Padres 4:10 Dodger Stadium Home Opener, Los Angeles, CA (LA Dodgers)
Indians @ Rangers 7:05 Globe Life Park Home Opener, Arlington, TX (Texas Rangers)
M’s @ Astros 8:10 Minute Maid Park Home Opener, Houston, TX (Houston Astros)
Angels @ A’s 10:10 O.co Coliseum Home Opener, Oakland, CA (Oakland Athletics)
Tuesday Apr 4 (8 Games):
Yankees @ Rays 7:10
Rockies @ Brewers 7:40
Indians @ Rangers 8:05
M’s @ Astros 8:10
Cubs @ Cardinals 8:15
Giants @ D’Backs 9:40
Angels @ A’s 10:05
Padres @ Dodgers 10:10
There are no Interleague Games On this Day
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MLB Schedule For MLB In Sept/Oct Of 2017 On One Page Post
INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON
ALL TIMES DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE
SEPT/OCT
Friday Sept 1 (15 Games):
Braves @ Cubs 2:20
Red Sox @ Yankees 7:05
Reds @ Pirates 7:05
Blue Jays @ O’s 7:05
Indians @ Tigers 7:10
Phillies @ Marlins 7:10
Angels @ Rangers 8:05
Mets @ Astros 8:10
Royals @ Twins 8:10
Rays @ White Sox 8:10
Nationals @ Brewers 8:10
D’Backs @ Rockies 8:40
Dodgers @ Padres 10:10
A’s @ M’s 10:10
Cardinals @ Giants 10:15 Read the rest of this entry
MLB Schedule For MLB In Aug Of 2017 On One Page Post
INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON
ALL TIMES DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE
Tuesday Aug 1 (15 Games)
Reds @ Pirates 7:05
Tigers @ Yankees 7:05
Royals @ Tigers 7:05
Indians @ Red Sox 7:10
Nationals @ Marlins 7:10
Dodgers @ Braves 7:35
Cardinals @ Brewers 7:40
D’Backs @ Cubs 8:05
M’s @ Rangers 8:05
Rays @ Astros 8:10
Blue Jays @ White Sox 8:10
Mets @ Rockies 8:40
Giants @ A’s 10:05
Phillies @ Angels 10:07
Twins @ Padres 10:10 Read the rest of this entry
MLB Schedule For ML:B In July Of 2017 On One Page Post
ALL TIMES DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE
INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON
JULY:
Saturday July 1 (15 Games):
Red Sox @ Blue Jays 1:07
Rangers @ White Sox 2:10
Twins @ Royals 2:15
Braves @ A’s 4:05
Giants @ Pirates 4:05
Rays @ O’s 4:05
Cubs @ Reds 4:10
Marlins @ Brewers 4:10
Phillies @ Mets 4:10
Indians @ Tigers 7:15
Yankees @ Astros 7:15
Nationals @ Cardinals 7;15
M’s @ Angels 10:07
Rockies @ D’Backs 10:10
Dodgers @ Padres 10:10 Read the rest of this entry
MLB Schedule In June 2017 On One Page Post
ALL TIMES DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE
INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON
JUNE
Thursday June 1 (8 Games):
A’s @ Indians 1:10
Brewers @ Mets 1:10
Dodgers @ Cardinals 1:45
Rockies @ M’s 3:40
Red Sox @ O’s 7:05
Yankees @ Blue Jays 7:07
D’Backs @ Marlins 7:10
Twins @ Angels 10:07 Read the rest of this entry
MLB Schedule In May 2017 On One Page Post
ALL TIMES DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE
MAY
INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON
Week 5
Monday May 1 (11 Games):
Blue Jays @ Yankees 7:05
Rays @ Marlins 7:10
Indians @ Tigers 7:10
O’s @ Red Sox 7:10
Pirates @ Reds
Mets @ Braves
Phillies @ Cubs 8:05
Rangers @ Astros 8:10
White Sox @ Royals 8:15
Brewers @ Cardinals 8:15
Giants @ Dodgers 10:10 Read the rest of this entry
MLB Schedule In April 2017 On One Page Post
ALL TIMES DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE
WEEK 1 (Includes Season Opener Sunday Apr 2, 2017)
INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON
APR 2017
Sunday, Apr 2 MLB OPENING DAY (3 Games):
Yankees @ Rays 1:10 Tropicana Field Home Opener, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)
Giants @ D’Backs 4:10 Chase Field Home Opener, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Cubs @ Cardinals 8:35 (ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT GAME) Busch Stadium Home Opener, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)
There are no Interleague Games On this Day
Monday, Apr 3 (12 Games):
Marlins @ Nationals 1:05 Nationals Park Home Opener, Washington, DC (Washington Nationals)
Braves @ Mets 1:10 Citi Field Home Opener, Flushing, NY (New York Mets)
Pirates @ Red Sox 2:05 Fenway Park Home Opener, Boston, MA (Boston Red Sox)
Rockies @ Brewers 2:10 Miller Park Home Opener, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers)
Blue Jays @ O’s 3:05 Oriole Park (Camden Yards) Home Opener, Baltimore, MD (Baltimore Orioles)
Tigers @ White Sox 4:10 Guaranteed Rate Field Home Opener, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox)
Royals @ Twins 4:10 Target Field Home Opener, Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Twins)
Phillies @ Reds 4:10 Great American Ball Park Home Opener, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Reds)
Dodgers @ Padres 4:10 Dodger Stadium Home Opener, Los Angeles, CA (LA Dodgers)
Indians @ Rangers 7:05 Globe Life Park Home Opener, Arlington, TX (Texas Rangers)
M’s @ Astros 8:10 Minute Maid Park Home Opener, Houston, TX (Houston Astros)
Angels @ A’s 10:10 O.co Coliseum Home Opener, Oakland, CA (Oakland Athletics)
Tuesday Apr 4 (8 Games):
Yankees @ Rays 7:10
Rockies @ Brewers 7:40
Indians @ Rangers 8:05
M’s @ Astros 8:10
Cubs @ Cardinals 8:15
Giants @ D’Backs 9:40
Angels @ A’s 10:05
Padres @ Dodgers 10:10
There are no Interleague Games On this Day
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Spike Owen 1989 Donruss – Sully Baseball Card of the Day for January 30, 2017
While I was taking a train to a game at Yankee Stadium in the early 2000’s, I saw film critic Jeffrey Lyons was on the subway with me. We both appeared in the HBO Documentary Curse of the Bambino. I truly doubt if he recognized me from that.
We are both Sox fans and I decided I would try to stump him with a trivia question. I brought up Spike Owen, the starting shortstop on the ill fated 1986 Boston Red Sox. I asked him “What was Spike Owen’s real first name?”
He didn’t know.
I told him “Spike. His mother’s maiden name was Spikes, so Spike is NOT a nickname for him. That is his actual name.”
I took that as a moment of pride for me that he didn’t get it.
I don’t ever remember buying a pack of Donruss cards in 1989, but my eyes do…
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1st 2 Weeks Schedule Of The 2017 MLB Season (Includes All Home Openers + Interleague)

Busch Stadium Hosts the 1st ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT GAME of the year vs the World Series reigning champs the Chicago Cubs.
ALL TIMES DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME
WEEK 1 (Includes Season Opener Sunday Apr 2, 2017)
INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON
APR 2017
Sunday, Apr 2 MLB OPENING DAY (3 Games):
Yankees @ Rays 1:10 Tropicana Field Home Opener, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)
Giants @ D’Backs 4:10 Chase Field Home Opener, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Cubs @ Cardinals 8:35 (ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT GAME) Busch Stadium Home Opener, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)
There are no Interleague Games On this Day Read the rest of this entry
MLB Doubleheader Master Schedule In 2017

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks – and network of stadium afficionado’s
First off, if you have never been to one of the 30 MLB Parks, we don’t advise on doing a doubleheader as part of your initial experience with the venue. 2 Games in one day takes a lot of travel,planning, and receiving the utmost experience in a stadium requires time.
However, if you are already versed in a park, than we are giving you a list of all doable Doubleheaders for the entire 2017 Calendar MLB season,
Most of these are within 2 to 4 hours away from each other (if not a shorter distance.)
In my lifetime of ballpark chasing, I have now done almost 100 Doubleheaders as part of my journeys. The more baseball in a day, the better I feel.
In the meantime, consider visiting my buddy Craig’s website ballparkchasers.com – and for Park Guides to every cathedral in the MLN! If you have any questions about going to the park. hit my up – mlbreports@gmail.com Read the rest of this entry
You Could Try To Attempt A World Record By Going To All 30 MLB Parks In 25 Days In 2017 By Driving!
So I have done about everything there is to do in for World Records in going to all the 30 MLB Parks. I was able to hit all 30 MLB Parks in just 23 Days during 2012, besting my own 2009 record of 30/24.
The only way I could have done anything more substantial was to do what my idea was in 2015. I went to 224 MLB Games in all the 183 Days of MLB Action – live at all 30 MLB Parks, spanning the entire season – and showing up at a ballpark every single day.
I am now 40 years old and don’t feel like doing this anymore, but every year I put out a schedule for all 30 MLB Parks in the forms of a record.
I honestly don’t think that I would top 30 MLB Parks in 23 Days since there is practically never any schedule that would allow that to be attempted. If someone on this globe wants to take a run at – I welcome it.
However, my buddy Josh Robbins holds the Ground Record (all 30 MLB Parks) done by land – in just 26 Calendar Days during the 2008 season.) Read the rest of this entry
All 30 MLB Clubs Ball Park Home Openers In 2017 With Starting Times

SunTrust Park will open up its gates for baseball for the 1st time ever on Friday Apr 14, 2017. It is the last home opener to have its game on the schedule for the 2017 Regular Season..
IMAGE – Ballparksofbaseball.com
We are not too far away from Spring Training folks. That also means that the majority of the clubs have posted start times for all of their home openers upcoming to start the season.
After this post is published we will continue to monitor the schedule for any changes and will have them updated.
The season kicks off with a trio of games in Tampa Bay, Arizona and St. Louis on Sunday Apr 2, 2017 – and the last home opener will be at the new ballpark in Atlanta (SunTrust Stadium) on Friday Apr 14, (7:35).
For those of you that love ballparks as much as I do, if you click on the actual stadium highlighted itself, it will take you to some of the best advice on how to gameplan your Ball Park Chasing adventures.
Should The Red Sox Extend Chris Sale For 3 Or More Years Right Now?

We will be delving a lot more into all team payrolls on the MLB Reports as part of our regular features from now on. One of the things that I have been thinking about a lot is the Red Sox Payroll. I wonder if they shouldn’t just extend Chris Sale for an additional 3 years. Yes it is risky with a guy who throws with a whipping motion, but you have a lot to consider on this. First you could offer him a 3 Year deal extension worth about $90 MIL total. It would be an awesome move to align Sale on the same years of service with David Price. IMAGE by Sports Mockery
Chris Sale will enter the year at age 28, and while his current deal will take him to age 31 before he hits Free Agency prior to the 2020 season, maybe the Red Sox could capitalize on him maybe seeking some security.
I am suggesting the starting point of a AAV of $30 MIL. Maybe the club adds a Mutual Option for the 4th and 5th year of the extension with a Buyout, but this is a smart concept from the Red Sox perspective.
Never in their long standing organization have they had such rich young superstars just entering the league at the same time.
Mookie Betts/Jackie Bradley Jr – and Xander Bogaerts are both under Team Control until 2021 and 202o respectively- with Betts/Bogaerts as perennial MVP contenders.
Even better than that are Andrew Benintendi (2023) and Blake Swihart (2022) rounding out a nice nucleus of talent held for cheap on the longterm. Read the rest of this entry
With No Top 50 ALL – Time Contracts Signed This Winter – Who Is Next To Make The List?

Signing Cespedes has signed the biggest contract of the offseason thus far at 4 YRs/$110 MIL. it is ranked tied for 60th ALL – Time even though the Annual Average Value is tied for 2nd ALL – Time among position players. With power having been devalued and a firm new set of penalties for Luxury Tax Threshold Abusers, it may take until the winter of 2018 – heading into 2019 – for another player to ink a contract that places them in the top 50 ALL – Time Salaries.
The winter has seen a lot of great Free Agents sign like Yoenis Cespedes, Aroldis Chapman, Dexter Fowler, Kenley Jansen, Ian Desmond, Mark Melancon and Edwin Encarnacion, however none of them were historic by any means.
While Cespedes’s $110 MIL pact over 4 years is $27.5 MIL per year, which ties him for the 2nd best AAV ALL – Time for a position player with Alex Rodriguez, (trailing Miguel Cabrera‘s 8 YR/$248 MIL extension that started in 2016) – only brings him in for a tie for about 60th on the ALL – Time Biggest Contracts list.
To crack the top 50 list ALL – Time right now, you need to bring in a deal that makes at least $120 MIL for the life of the contract.
During last years offeseason, David Price ($217 MIL), Zack Greinke, ($206.5 MIL) Jason Heyward, ($184 MIL), Chris Davis, ($161 MIL), Justin Upton ($132.8 MIL) and Johnny Cueto ($130 MIL) all inked pacts in excess of that.
Early in the season, Stephen Strasburg shocked the world with his new 7 YRs/$175 MIL deal soon afterwards. Read the rest of this entry
Chicago Cubs Payroll In 2017 + Contracts Going Forward
Look, there is no way to sugar coat it, the Jason Heyward contract is about the biggest dumpster fire of a contract there may ever be. Having said that, everyone receives one mulligan.
Even 3 time World Series winning GM Brian Sabean has had a horrible Matt Cain contract to contend with the last half decade.
Theo Epstein hasn’t made too many blunders – and winning a World Series with both the Red Sox and now the Cubs has solidified a position for him in Cooperstown.
Also lucky is the brilliant signing of Anthony Rizzo of a 7 YR deal prior to 2013, and when he asserted himself as a perennial MVP contender.
Despite carrying a projected payroll in 2017 of around $171 MIL – the team has plenty of expiring contracts in the name of Jake Arrieta, Wade Davis, Jon Lackey, Jon Jay, Pedro Strop, Miguel Montero and Koji Uehara. to replenisg te talent again in 2018 – and going forward
There are only 4 players signed for $79.2 MIL so far.

The Rizzo longterm deal a perfect contrast to the Heyward pact. Should Rizzo’s Team Options be picked up for 2020 and 2021 (for $16.5 MIL each year), then the club will still only have paid him $74 MIL from 2013 – 2021, spanning 9 years at an Annual Value of $8.2 MIL. That is completely lights out for the organization going forward.
The one factor of brilliantly drafting and then rostering a club full of guys the same age is that they are all on entry level contracts for a few years before the squad becomes increasingly expensive before Arbitration rights kick in.
2018 will see Kris Bryant, Kyle Hendricks and Addison Russell all hit 1st year Eligible on Arbitration, and then 2019 has Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras and Carl Edwards JR. hit the 1st year.
it will be at this point the team shoots up the salary page.
Other than Jon Lester, Heyward and Ben Zobrist, there are no real big salaries on the table for the team to digest.
The biggest dilemma will be the status of Jake Arrieta. My guess is that he will want too much money and walk away from the Cubs.
More important than that even is simply signing Free Agents (not named Arrieta) by Epstein.
Epstein is creative. It is okay to figure out a Starting Pitcher in Free Agency, and also add another Closer if need be. Who knows, by 2018, Hector Rondon and Carl Edwards JR. may be able to lock down that role.
There is still money to spend in the 2017 and 2018 winter markets for sure.
Also playing in the NL Central provides them with security of being able to outspend all the other teams – with the Cardinals only being in the atmosphere.
It is not like they are fighting in the tough NL West with the Giants and high spending Dodgers. It will still mean facing off against those clubs. and contending with the aging Nationals roster, and New York Mets young staff for a few seasons.
Wrigley Field will be sold out, the revenue streams will break out to record levels, all freely flowing cash into the Ricketts family pockets.
The good news is they are not in cap hell yet The bad news is that it would only take one more bad deal/paired with Heyward, in order to prevent the club from signing all of their young superstars to extensions.
Epstein is too smart for that. Look for high value Annual Average Value’s that have expiring contracts before the 2018 and 2019 seasons. I wouldn’t be surprised if they trade for an existing ace pitcher.
Think Zack Greinke now, or a guy like Justin Verlander in 2018 or 2019, where the other club may eat some of the salary, ask for a high level prospect, and then have a legitimate Starter to lug some innings in the playoffs.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if the brass orchestrates a trade for a guy like Chris Archer – or Sonny Gray (midway through this year if he has healed himself).
Maybe it would cost you a Javier Baez, or a combinations of Carl Edwards JR./Albert Almora JR. to do it, however with Ben Zobrist still in town, defense alignment can be configured in a lot of different ways for at least the next 2 – 3 years.
Like I stated in the Giants Payroll article, the new CBA has also reeled in the Dodgers spending $300 MIL on team payroll. The best thing that could happen for the Cubs is if Clayton Kershaw were to opt out of his deal beyond 2017.
That would either bring up the price for the Dodgers to sign him, or even give them the chance to sign the guy themselves. Yes. the Cubs have more flexibility than the Dodgers for at least a couple of offseasons.
Guaranteed Contracts/POS/AGE:
Jason Heyward – OF (28): With a grand sum of $184 MIL from 2016 – 2023 ( 8 years) this is a brutal deal – and the club is lucky to have already won a World Series in season 1 of this pact.
Heyward will make an astonishing $28.2 MIL for both the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Epstein at least frontloaded the contract to erase some of the burden by the time the young talent comes up for raises.
This deal is the 13th richest in history for a guy who carried a .631 OPS. in 2016 I tend to think that Heyward will be closer to his Career OPS of .761 the next few years with the pressure somewhat off him now.
Hit him 7th or 8th and let him work out his kinks. Defense is at least not a problem here with him winning a 4th Gold Glove.
This could end bad in 2017 – with Heyward riding pine for some of the year – if the club opts to use Zobrist, Schwarber and the tandem of Jon Jay and Almora JR. as the OF.
You also have to think that Joe Maddon won’t hesitate to find Willson Contreras reps as well.
Jon Lester – SP (33): Lester is in the 3rd year of a 7 YR/$165 MIL deal, and is set to reel in $25 MIL in 2017. The deal calls for $27.5 MIL in both 2018 and 2019, before scaling back to $20 MIL in 2020.
There is a 2021 Club Option as well. Details on that: $25M Team Option, $10M Buyout option guaranteed with 200 innings in 2020 or 400 IP in 2019-20.
With the Buyout that large, the man would have to fall from grace hard, to not get the Option. Although he would be nearly 40, $15 MIL extra will probably not be that bad.
Lester is worth every dollar the club has spent so far. It is hard to find playoff proven commodities on the open market.
Ben Zobrist – UT (36): Zobrist is the only player in the MLB who was won 2 straight World Series, as also being a member of the 2015 WS Champ KC Royals.
With the availability to play 5 defensive positions, Zobrist was the perfect compliment to the Cubs defensive roster in 2016 – although he played predominantly at 2B.
With the emergence of Baez in the playoffs, he will likely rove more around in 2017.
Zobrist earns $16.5 MIL in both 2017 and 2018 – before retreating back to $12.5 MIL in 2019. He will be in his Age 39 season at that point, and it may not look so hot at that point, but one can’t argue at his flexibility on the Roster providing so many options in the title run.
You can even say that his positional switching gives the club a better chance to hold onto Kyle Schwarber (instead of trading him in the American League).
John Lackey – SP (38): Lackey joined Lester, David Ross. and Epstein as guys who have won World Series in 2013 with Boston and the Cubs in 2016. He will make $16 MIL in 2017 before hitting Free Agency in 2018.
Lackey lugged 188.1 IP and gave the Cubs a 3.35 ERA in the process. It doesn’t even matter that he was being pulled in the early innings of the postseason.
Jake Arrieta – SP (31): Arrieta earns a tidy $15.6 MIL this year and will likely head out into Free Agency as a Scott Boras client. Unfortunately the man is going to be 32 heading into 2018.
I would not offer him higher than a 4 year deal at $20 – $21 MIL after, yet that will not get the job done when he hits the open market. Someone will pony up 5 YRs/$125 MIL for him, you watch.
Miguel Montero – C (34); Montero will make $14 MIL in 2017 – and I am not sure he will Catch more than about 60 games. Contreras at last is on an entry level contract to offset this salary. I am surprised the team has not ventured out to trade him.
Wade Davis – CL (32): It cost the club Jorge Soler and 4 years of Team Control, yet this was the way to go. $10 MIL for one year of Davis (who Closed for the 2015 wS Champion Royals) is smart business practice.
To acquire an elite Reliever such as this is a great move – when you consider the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants spent $86 MIL, $80 MIL and $62 MIL to sign Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon respectively.
Soler was going to be their 7th option as an OF. Davis, by the way, has a 0.83 ERA in 32.2 IP for his postseason career – and has carried a mid 1 ERA from 2014 – 2016 as a late inning Reliever – spanning 183 IP.
I would also think the club will extend the Qualifying Offer to him this winter ( $17.5 – $19 MIL range for one year), so they may even recover a 2nd or 3rd Draft Pick back all for just $10 MIL.
Jon Jay – OF (32): Has a 2017 contract or $8 MIL to play OF. He has a career .352 OBP, so could hit 1st or 9th for Maddon, working as an on base guy for the big boppers. Brilliant little move.
Anthony Rizzo – 1B (28): Rizzo will take him $7 MIL for 2017, coming after the heels of an ALL-Star, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger and top 4 MVP season in which he clubbed 30+ HRs and added 100 RBI for a 2nd straight season.
Rizzo also makes $7 MIL in 2018, $12 MIL in 2019, and two Team Options in a row call for $16.5 MIL and $2 MIL Buyouts for both 2020 and 2021.
It is contracts like this that setup championship caliber clubs for the organization.
Other valued deals that compare to it last decade or so. Paul Goldschmidt (5 YRs/$32.5 MIL), Madison Bumgarner (6 YRS/$35.6 MIL) and Andrew McCutchen ( 6 YRs/$51 MIL) that coincided with 4 straight top 5 NL MVP finishes.
Rizzo should challenge for an MVP every year of that remains on this deal.
Koji Uehara – RP (42): $6 MIL for one year seems like a lot or a guy of his age, but Uehara has plenty of playoff/Closer experience that is invaluable to a club like this. I would take it easy on him in the regular season and save the bullets for playoffs.
Hector Rondon – RP (29): $5.8 MIL for this former Closer is not a bad deal in 2017. Rondon has one more year left of Arbitration before hitting Free Agency in 2019. He has 77 Saves and a career ERA of 2.97.
Brian Duensing – SP/RP (33): Makes $2 MIL in 2017 and a Free Agent in 2018. A spot start here and extra Bullpen arm,
Justin Grimm – RP (29): Avoided Arbitration with a $1.8 MIL, has 2 more years left of Arbitration before he is a Free Agent.
Total Money for this Category for 2017: $157.5 MIL (13 Players)
Arbitration Eligible/POS/AGE
3rd year
Pedro Strop – RP (33): Is projected to to earn $5.5 MIL in Arbitration, and is a Free Agent in 2018.
Total Money for this Category for 2017: $5.5 MI: Total money is now $163 MIL
Pre-Arbitration – Entry Level Contracts:
Tommy La Stella – INF (28): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2020 and a Free Agent in 2021.
Kyle Hendricks – SP (27): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2020 and a Free Agent in 2021.
Kris Bryant – 3B Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2021 as a “Super 2” and a Free Agent in 2021. Bryant is only 25 Years old, and will have 4 years of Arbitration kick in starting next season.
Since the club opted to start his 2015 after the 10 days of service time, they wll retian his rights until the end of 2021. Bryant is on pace to end up recording Arbitration cash if he keeps his career trajectory.
The club should really look to extend him similar to the Mike Trout 6 YRs.$144 MIL deal he got.
Addison Russell – SS (23): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2021 as a “Super 2” and a Free Agent in 2022.
Comparisons to an extension similar to what he may get are: Jason Kipnis and Matt Carpenter (6 YRs and $52 MIL)
Matt Szczur – UT (28): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.
Javier Baez – 2B/3B (24): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.
Mike Montgomery – SP/RP (29): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.
Kyle Schwarber – OF (24): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.
Willson Contreras – C (25): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2022 – 2022 and a Free Agent in 2023.
Albert Almora JR – OF (23): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2022 – 2022 and a Free Agent in 2023.
Rob Zastryzny – RP (25) Is Arbitration Eligible from 2022 – 2022 and a Free Agent in 2023.
Total Money for this Category for 2017: $6.0 MIL MIL Toral Money Oveall – $169.0 MIL
Buyouts/Dead Money
Jason Hammel – $2 Million Buyout for 2017 that was agreed to in a gentleman’s deal. There is no dead money on he books past 2017 thus far.
Conclusions:
Despite the Heyward mistake of a deal, Epstein has done everything right. It will be a constant maneuvering of the incoming talent – to surround the plethora of young superstars the club has.
The Cubs have the availability to sign an elite pitcher in Free Agency in the year or 2, or trade for one. Beyond that, the team can’t make another top 50 ALL – Time Salary roster mistake.
The brass should also investigate early extensions for Bryant, Ruseell and Contreras immediately while they may afford to wait for Hendricks and Schwarber yet.
Some sort of guaranteed money to the budget would be wise
As for Arrieta, he is just too old – an unorthodox in order to grant him the cash he will seek. Epstein has to find creative ways to bring in a #1 or $2 beyond this campaign.
Chicago is fantastic shape financially to spend as much as it takes to ensure a dynasty in the next half-dozen years.
If I were in charge I would try to limit any big historic contracts to their own young superstars from this point forwards.
Also don’t be afraid to trade one of the premiere young offensive players for a quality Starter (#1 or #2 Starter)like Baez, Contreras or Almora.
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*** The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com and their partners***
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San Francisco Giants Payroll In 2017 + Contracts Going Forward

San Francisco has seen the LA Dodgers spend more than 1 Billion Dollars on player contracts over the last 4 years – all culminating into 4 straight Division titles in the process. Under the new Luxury Tax Yes the organization has handed out big money recently to Johnny Cueto (6 Years/$130 MIL) and both Hunter Pence and Jeff Samardzija are on 5 year pacts that call for $90 MIL. The only blip against the radar is the Matt Cain contract. Brian Sabean can actually stomach that abysmal deal because of the sweetheart pact he put forth in retaining Madison Bumgarner early for 6 Years and $35.9 MIL of total money, in which he is in the 6th year of currently. The team still holds two more Team Options for him additionally in 2018 & 2019 which they will surely activate. His deal paved the way for the team to add valuable players after.
We have been saying for years that the LA Dodgers were going to force the rest of the MLB into many changes as soon as they switched ownership group to the Guggenheim Consortium.
Since that proclamation, the Dodger Blue has spent over 1 Billion Dollars in players salaries over the last 4 years, and are on pace to whisk away $240 MIL more in 2017 (without adding any more players to their current salary structure.)
It has caused a chain reaction among the top clubs competing in the Senior Circuit. One of those said clubs is the San Francisco Giants. The team that has won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 has seen a rapid escalation in the money they are doling out on an annual basis.
The major difference between the Giants and Dodgers is how many of the players are being paid that the club originally drafted.
During last year’s Trade Deadline, also threw heavy praise at the brass for picking up Matt Moore, who is listed as the clubs 4th Starting Pitcher, and has 3 separate Team Option for a total of $25 MIL over the next 3 campaigns if picked up.
Another team friendly option as they can decide each offseason whether it is worth it.
Moore also provides protection in case Cueto opts out of his contract after 2017.
Washington Nationals Payroll In 2017 + Contracts Going Forward

People can throw stones on Mike Rizzo all they want- but the GM has never lost a trade ever, and he ensured the club received a Starting CF in Adam Eaton to the tune of only $38.4 MIL over the nxxt 5 years – even if it cost a boatload of prospects. This is part to compensate balloon payments on the horizon that are due to both Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. The club is projected to spend around $154 MIL on salary in 2015, but that is without a proven closer. The real question is how far the club will go in money to win in the next 2 seasons before Bryce Harper is a Free Agent?
With the rest of the MLB landscape just obliterating Mike Rizzo for the Adam Eaton trade i will defend him on the caveat that he spends the full amount of available funds saved – in order to take a run at the World Series for the next 2 years while Bryce Harper is still on the club.
At this point. it is a long shot that the DC franchise will be able to retain the 2015 NL MVP’s services as the Nationals already have Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg to historical contracts (both top 20).
Washington sees Jayson Werth finally come off the books after this next year. While he will have earned $126 MIL from 2011 – 2017 in his total contract, the club can’t point to this as the worst deal on the club currently.
Ryan Zimmerman is still owed at least $47 MIL over the next 3 years – and has seen his production slip for the last few years.
The Max Scherzer contract does pay him $210 MIL over 7 years (in which he is now in year 3) – however this is deferred over 14 years, so the club can conduct more flexibility in their contracts for the next few years.
New York Yankees Payroll In 2017 + Contracts Going Forward

Brian Cashman can finally see some relief from some exorbitant contracts plaguing him from the last several years.Alex Rodriguez is still on the book for this years salary of $21 MIL. What is worse is that his Annual Average Salary of $27.5 MIL per year for the duration of his 2008 – 2017 contract still counts towards the $195 MIL Luxury Tax Threshold limit this season. Will the Yankees spend beyond that mark, or will they finally get under the limit and reset their penalties?
The Bronx Bombers have a projected payroll of $195 MIL already – and are perennial abusers of the Luxury Tax Threshold – so they are at a 50% penalty for any money spent between $195 – $215 MIL.
Don’t look for them to add much – unless they can orchestrate a trade of one of their salaried players already.
The brass is playing this smart. The young players will make or break this current roster of players, however if the season gets away from New York, they will assuredly deal a few players away to get under the Luxury Tax Threshold once and for all.
By doing such that, they will reset the penalty to a 1st time user.
The 2017 MLB Schedule
The MLB Reports will be the best place for the MLB 2017 schedule this offseason.
We have the #1 coverage for MLB Interleague all year round, but we also plan to carry out the updates as they happen just like we did in the 2013 & 2014 winters heading into the following years.
The 2017 MLB schedule will be released on Tuesday Sept 6th.
All 2430 games are to be put on one page post, monthly and weekly installments are to follow. Home openers and the aforementioned Interleague Master Schedule to be carried out in a timely fashion soon there after.
We are toying with the idea of individual team yearly posts as well.
These itineraries are vital for ball park road trips, or to just key in signature series to follow..
Favorite our website and come back often for updates.
Daily Lineups For FanDuel MLB DFS – 7/25/16
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21@mlbreports
One of the biggest blunders made by many gamblers is betting against themselves. We are going to simplify the process, so if you win, you can really win – none of this barely break even nonsense.
Our new Draft Strategy is now here. Please read after the post. You can use our formula for your own wanted and given stacks and pitchers. This process wheels them all in alignment.
Now here is what we are going to do for today’s MLB DFS FanDuel style.
We Will Give You – Daily
3 – 7 team stacking options ( We are going to draw most of our players from these squads).
3 – 5 Pitching candidates (High level, midlevel and budget).
If you are looking for daily picks in roster form for DraftKings exclusively, our DK preferred site isdynastydigest.sportsblog.com
If…
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Jesse Winker’s chance should be coming with the Cincinnati Reds
Wayne Cavadi's Online Portfolio
This may not come as a surprise to many of you, but the Cincinnati Reds are not going to make the playoffs this season. Here’s what may come as a surprise, the Reds farm system is not as bad as it used to be.
Sure, most of the Reds faithful are excited for the depth of pitching prospects in the system with names like Amir Garrett, Cody Reed and Rookie Davis tearing it up, but they do have some offense. In fact, it may be time to hand over left field to their top prospect Jesse Winker.
Winker, of course, was the Reds first round draft pick (supplemental) back in the 2012MLB Draft that they nabbed out of high school. He quickly worked his way up the minor league ladder, showing consistency across the board. He was a steady .280 to .300 hitter capable of 15 to 20…
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Red Sox + Padres Have Completed 2016 MLB Runs Scoring Survivor, 23 Teams Left

Waited 32 games to score 10 or more runs, then did the feat 2 times in 3 nights thanks to the heroics of Jackie Bradley JR. and a crazy good lineup.
Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead Analyst)
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We are starting to get down to the nitty gritty of this contest. 7 of the 23 clubs have now completed their 11 different run variations, now that the Red Sox and Padres have accomplished the feat over the last few days.
Boston finishes 6th, and unless the Indians knockout run scores of 8 and 9 runs in any order over the next 2 contests.
San Diego looked to end as one of the last to finish this category early in the year being shutout 3 straight games to start the campaign, and also 5 of their 1st 11 matches. They have been better as an offense of late.
The Padres swept a twinbill versus the mighty Cubs on Wednesday, and are just 2.5 Games Behind the Giants and Dodgers for the NL West lead at 15 – 20. Good rally for these guys to finish in the top 10.
The Red Sox waited until game 32 to score more than 10 runs, and then they did the maneuver 2 nights later versus the A’s yet again, with another 2 HR, 6 RBI game from Jackie Bradley JR.
Most of the teams now have 9 or 10 variations covered, with the trailing squad in the whole MLB being the Philadelphia Phillies with just different 7 totals.
The Phightins’ are at least one of 4 rosters still alive in the MLB Shutout Survivor (A’s. Rockies and Pirates). Read the rest of this entry
Power outage at MLB Reports Headquarters
Due to a power outage, there will be no new posts for a few hours on – mlbreports.com . Sorry for those people who were looking for DFS fanduel picks.
Chuck Booth
MLB Reports Majority Owner
Trio Of Teams Blanked WED (WSH/TOR/LAD) Leaves 6 Clubs Remaining In 2016 MLB Shutout Survivor

Toronto were the two time reigning champs heading into this season, but will not win for a 3rd straight year, but will still finish in the top 10. The Jays lineup is not firing on all cylinders yet. and it has contributed to a 10 – 13 start.
Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead Analyst)
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The biggest favorites were taken off the board, and perhaps 2 of the strongest contenders also followed suit Wednesday night. 2 time reigning champions, the Toronto Blue Jays were swept by the White Sox, and bageled courtesy of Jose Quintana.
Canada’s only franchise still will finish no worse than 7th, as this was still their 23rd game of the year.
Washington automatically ends at 9th – while the Dodgers will finish at 8th in an likelihood, unless the Phillies (1 of 6 clubs remaining: OAK/SEA/PIT/COL and ARI) lose Thursday by 2 – 0 or less. Maybe it could happen, but not banking on it.
The A’s still hanging around this competition is a pretty good testament to their scrappy play this year at 11 – 11.
Philadelphia itself has a winning record at 11 – 10, and one reason is they haven’t been zeroed yet in a game.
With the Jays out, the favorite will turn to the Rockies – who play at Coors Field, and have a great lineup.
Seattle is a precarious team left in the field.
Houston is struggling at 7 – 15, but their offense has not been that bad at all. They should change it around. They and Oakland are the hopes of the AL to win the category. The AL East joined the AL Central in having all teams be eliminated with the Toronto exodus. Read the rest of this entry
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