Author Archives: Paul Francis Sullivan
Sully Baseball Podcast – The Nationals and Compounding Anguish – June 1, 2018

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I got a request from my friend Laura, host of the Resting Pitch Face Podcast.
My gym buddy today was @sullybaseball yelling about the brewers. Can we please ever have the nationals come up in conversation without having to mention the NLDS thing? Please
— Laura (@shirhallelujah) June 1, 2018
Sorry Laura, I have to. It is part of their identity. And the compounding of anguish that the Nationals and their fans feel is real.
The narrative can only break with victory. And there is precedent to show that to be true.
Relieving pain in this episode of Sully Baseball.
Follow Resting Pitch Face by clicking HERE.
While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.
Who Owned Baseball May 30, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

AP
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Nathan Eovaldi threw 6 innings of no hit ball before being lifted for a reliever. The bullpen blew the no hitter but Tampa Bay blanked Oakland, 6-0.
Max Scherzer struck out 12 Orioles over 8 shutout innings to push Washington into first place with a 2-0 final.
Jorge Soler collected 4 hits, including a homer, driving in 2, as Kansas City held on to take a wild 11-8 game against the Twins.
Matt Kemp doubled and homered, driving in 4 as the Dodgers won against Philadelhia, 8-2.
They all owned baseball on May 30, 2018
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Sully Baseball Podcast – Checking at the 1/3 Mark and Believing in the Brewers – May 30, 2018

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Roughly 1/3 of the season is in the books. Some contenders that we are expecting are doing well. Some bad teams we are expecting to stink are doing just that.
But the Brewers have the best record in the NL and the biggest lead. Could this be a defining year for the franchise.
Taking advantage of a window of opportunity in this episode of Sully Baseball.
While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.
Who Owned Baseball May 29, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

JAE C. HONG / AP
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Jake Arrieta threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 6 hits and striking out 5 Dodgers to propel Philadelphia to a 6-1 win.
Mike Clevinger pitched into the 7th, struck out 7 White Sox in 6 2/3 innings and earned the 7-3 decision for Cleveland.
Bryce Harper went 3 for 5 with a homer as Washington topped Baltimore, 3-2.
Brett Gardner got 4 hits including 2 homers, one of which tied the game in the bottom of the 9th and set up the Yankees dramatic 6-5 extra inning victory over Houston.
They all owned baseball on May 29, 2018
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Who Owned Baseball May 28, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

Boston Herald Staff photo by Christopher Evans
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Andrew Benintendi singled, tripled and homered, driving in 4 to help Boston beat Toronto, 8-3.
Justin Verlander pitched 6 2/3 innings in Yankee Stadium, allowing 1 run and 4 hits and won the 5-1 game for the Astros.
Anthony Rizzo reached base 4 times, homered and drove in 3 as the Cubs shutout the Pirates 7-0.
Gio Gonzalez pitched a shutout into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 scoreless frames, striking out 3 Orioles and earning the 6-0 decision for Washington.
They all owned baseball on May 28, 2018
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Who Owned Baseball May 27, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times
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Mike Leake threw 8 innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 run and no walks to earn the 3-1 decision for Seattle over Minnesota.
Greg Allen reached base 3 times including a walk off homer in the 14th to give the Indians an improbable 10-9 victory over the Astros.
Walker Buehler gave the Dodgers 7 innings, striking out 8 Padres and allowing 1 run in the 6-1 final.
Carlos Gonzalez went 4 for 4 with a homer and 2 RBI to help the first place Rockies top the Reds, 8-2.
They all owned baseball on May 27, 2018
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Sully Baseball Podcast – Dodgers need to learn from the Orioles mistakes – May 27, 2018

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America
The Orioles blew a big chance to kick start a rebuilding process by holding onto Zach Britton for too long. The Dodgers need to learn from that mistake if their season does not turn around soon.
Pulling the trigger before it is too late in this episode of Sully Baseball.
While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.
Sully Baseball Podcast – Making Sense of the Hanley DFA and Modern Free Agency – May 26, 2018

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Shockingly, Hanley Ramirez was designated for assignment yesterday. But when you take two steps back, not only does it make sense for the Red Sox but it also reflects on why last year’s free agency market unfolded the way it did.
Reading the market in this episode of Sully Baseball.
While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.
Who Owned Baseball May 25, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

Photo: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
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Travis Shaw got 3 hits, including a homer and drew a bases loaded walk off walk to spark the Brewers past the Mets, 4-3.
Joe Musgrove tossed 7 shutout innings, striking out 7 Cardinals to earn the 8-1 decision for the Pirates.
George Springer went 3 for 6 with a back breaking 3 run homer as the Astros clobbered Cleveland’s bullpen in a closer than it looked 11-2 final.
James Paxton struck out 11 Twins over 7 innings, giving up 3 hits and 1 run as the Mariners won the 2-1 contest.
They all owned baseball on May 25, 2018
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Sully Baseball Podcast – What to do with the Diamondbacks – May 24, 2018

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The Diamondbacks got off to an amazing start and then went into a free fall.
Now they are mediocre and need to do something to rise above it.
Talking snakes in this episode of Sully Baseball.
While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.
Who Owned Baseball May 24, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

Charles Rex Arbogast AP Photo
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Dylan Bundy threw a complete game, allowing 2 hits while striking out 14 White Sox to give the Orioles a rare win, 9-3.
Alex Bregman reached base 3 times, homered and drove in 4 to help the Astros top Cleveland, 8-2.
Steven Matz tossed 6 scoreless frames, allowing 4 hits and got the 5-0 decision for the Mets over the Brewers.
Brandon Nimmo doubled twice, singled, tripled and walked, scoring twice as the Mets blanked Milwaukee, 5-0.
They all owned baseball on May 24, 2018
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Who Owned Baseball May 23, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

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Kenta Maeda struck out 12 Rockies over 6 2/3 scoreless innings to inch the Dodgers closer to contention with a 3-0 shutout.
Josh Harrison reached base 5 times, including a go ahead 12th inning RBI triple that gave the Pirates a 5-4 win in Cincinnati.
Marco Gonzales held the A’s scoreless over 7 innings of 2 hit shutout ball and earned the 1-0 decision for Seattle.
Adam Engel went 4 for 4 with a homer, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored as the White Sox thrashed the Orioles, 11-1.
They all owned baseball on May 23, 2018
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Who Owned Baseball May 22, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

AP Photo – John Minchillo
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Scooter Gennett hit a grand slam and an RBI double, driving in 6 altogether in the Reds 7-2 win over Pittsburgh.
Yonder Alonso reached base 4 times, including a double, driving in 3 and scoring 2 in Cleveland’s 10-1 thrashing of the Cubs.
Caleb Smith pitched into the 7th, finishing with 6 2/3 innings, 1 run and struck out 8 Mets as Miami won, 5-1.
Chris Sale struck out 9 Rays over 7 2/3 innings, earning the 4-2 decision for Boston.
They all owned baseball on May 21, 2018
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Who Owned Baseball May 21, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)
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José Berríos threw 8 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs, striking out 9 Tigers to lead the Twins to a 4-2 victory.
Miles Mikolas threw a complete game 4 hit shutout, striking out 9 Royals as the Cardinals cruised to a 6-0 final.
Gleyber Torres homered twice, driving in 3, to help the Yankees slug the Rangers, 10-5.
Mark Reynolds homered twice and singled as the Nationals clobbered San Diego, 10-2.
They all owned baseball on May 21, 2018
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball May 20, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

(Frank Franklin II/AP)
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Amed Rosario had a two homer day to help the Mets beat the reeling Diamondbacks, 4-1.
Jack Flaherty pitched into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 innings, 2 hits, 1 run and struck out 13 Phillies to earn the 5-1 decision for the Cardinals.
J. D. Martinez reached base 3 times, homering twice and driving in 3 to keep the Red Sox tied for first after blanking Baltimore, 5-0.
Reynaldo Lopez threw 8 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 8 Rangers to give the White Sox a rare win, 3-0.
They all owned baseball on May 20, 2018
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball May 19, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

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Gary Sanchez went 4 for 5 with a pair of homers and 3 RBI, sparking the Yankees 8-3 victory over Kansas City.
James Paxton went the distance again, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs, striking out 8 Tigers, pitching Seattle to a 7-2 final.
Brandon Crawford collected 3 hits, including a homer and drove in 4 of the Giants runs as they won 9-4 over Colorado.
Jose Quintana held the Reds to 1 hit over 7 shutout innings as the Cubs took the second game of the double header in a 10-0 blow out.
They all owned baseball on May 19, 2018
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Who Owned Baseball May 18, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

AP
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Jacob deGrom struck out 13 Diamondbacks over 7 strong innings as the Mets came away with the 3-1 victory.
Charlie Morton threw 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and struck out 8 Indians and earned the 4-1 decision for Houston.
Jose Martinez got 4 hits, including a homer, driving in 5 runs to lead the Cardinals 12-4 pounding of Philadelphia.
Wilson Ramos homered twice and singled, driving in 3, as the Rays beat the Angels, 8-3.
They all owned baseball on May 18, 2018
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Sully Baseball Podcast – Smart Moves In Pittsburgh So Far – May 18, 2018

NY Times
The Pirates considered 2018 to be a rebuilding year. So naturally they are approaching the 1/3 mark of the season in first place. Now they are bringing up one of their top prospects in a year that could be one to remember.
Raising the Jolly Rancher in this episode of Sully Baseball.
While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.
Who Owned Baseball May 17, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
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Justin Turner drove in 5 runs while collecting 3 hits, including a pair of doubles, leading the Dodgers to a much needed 7-0 win over Miami.
Khris Davis went 4 for 4 with a 2 run homer and scored 3 in Oakland’s 10-5 pounding of the Blue Jays.
Kenta Maeda struck out 8 Marlins over 8 innings of 2 hit shutout ball as the Dodgers finally broke their losing streak and blanked the Marlins, 7-0.
David Price took a shutout into the 9th and completed the 6-2 victory for the Red Sox over the Orioles.
They all owned baseball on May 17, 2018
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Sully Baseball Podcast – Why I’ve stopped following the Red Sox this year – May 17, 2018

I’ve been a Red Sox fan my whole life. Even when we moved and there was no internet, I still followed them day in and day out.
They are the great sports passion of my life.
But when the Red Sox brought back domestic abuser Steven Wright to the team, it put a knot in my stomach.
Will you take a similar stance as you did with the cubs in 2016?
— TheStartingBloc (@thestartingbloc) May 16, 2018
I took the Cubs and Yankees to task for signing Aroldis Chapman and the Mets for signing Jose Reyes.
Could I take a similar stance for my beloved Red Sox?
It became clear to me that I had to stop following the team as long as he was on the squad.
Baseball punished Robinson Cano for 1/2 a season for PEDs and Steven Wright 15 days for domestic violence.
Something is wrong there and I do not need to support it. I will be watching a LOT of baseball… just not the Red Sox until Wright is gone.
Doing what is right in this episode of Sully Baseball.
While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.
Who Owned Baseball May 16, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Justin Verlander blanked the Angers with a complete game, 5 hit shutout where he recorded his 2,500th career strikeout in the Astros 2-0 win.
Justin Smoak homered, doubled and walked, driving in 3 to help the Blue Jays pound the Mets, 12-1.
Nick Pivetta struck out 11 Orioles over 7 innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 run to earn the 4-1 decision for Philadelphia.
Starlin Castro got 4 hits, including a double, driving in a run and scoring another as the Marlins rallied to top the Dodgers, 6-5.
They all owned baseball on May 16, 2018
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Who Owned Baseball May 14, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

(Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
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Andrew Heaney threw 8 innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and struck out 10 Astros as the Angels took the razor thin 2-1 divisional rival game.
Junior Guerra allowed 3 hits and 2 runs over 6 strong innings, striking out 6 Diamondbacks to earn the 7-2 decision for the first place Brewers.
Niko Goodrum homered twice, driving in 5, to help the Tigers sneak back into contention with a 6-3 final over Cleveland.
Brandon Belt singled, doubled and homered, driving in 3 to lead the Giants past Cincinnati, 10-4.
They all owned baseball on May 14, 2018
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Sully Baseball Podcast – Birthday Episode – Locked down AL and Free For All NL – May 14, 2018

Michael Reaves/Getty Images North America
On my birthday, I looked at how different 2018 is shaping up compared to 2017. Last year a handful of NL teams contended while the AL was wide open. This year, it is the National League that looks like a free for all while the American League is top heavy.
Plus I gave my thoughts on legalized sports gambling, which weren’t many thoughts.
Blowing out candles in this episode of Sully Baseball.
While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.
Who Owned Baseball May 13, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

Patrick Semansky / AP
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Joey Rickard hit a pair of homers, added a third hit, drive in 5 and scored 3 as the Orioles demolished the Rays, 17-1.
Dallas Keuchel threw 7 shutout innings, striking out 8 Rangers and earning the 6-1 decision for the Astros.
Mark Reynolds got two homers, including an 8th inning go ahead shot, and had a third hit to power the Nationals past the Diamondbacks, 6-4.
Freddy Peralta did not allow a hit until the 6th in his big league debut and struck out 13 Rockies over 5 2/3 shutout innings to propel the Brewers into first place, 7-3.
They all owned baseball on May 13, 2018
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Who Owned Baseball May 12, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

AP Photo/David Zalubowski
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Trevor Story reached base 4 times, including 2 homers and drove in all the runs in the 4-0 Rockies blanking of Milwaukee.
Francisco Lindor homered twice and doubled twice to give the Indians a much needed 6-2 win over Kansas City.
Stephen Strasburg pitched into the 7th, finishing with 1 run and 1 walk over 6 2/3 innings, striking out 9 Diamondbacks and getting the 2-1 victory for the Nationals.
Charlie Morton struck out 14 Rangers over 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 run to earn the 6-1 decision for the Astros.
They all owned baseball on May 12, 2018
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Who Owned Baseball May 11, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

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Luke Maile reached base 4 times and hit a game tying homer and a walk off shot to give Toronto a dramatic 5-3 extra inning win over Boston.
Willson Contreras doubled twice and homered twice, including a grand slam, driving in 7 runs as the Cubs won the all Chicago game over the White Sox, 11-2.
Cole Hamels allowed 1 hit over 6 shutout innings as the Rangers blanked the Astros, 1-0.
Max Scherzer struck out 11 Diamondbacks over 7 innings, allowing just 1 run to earn the 3-1 decision for Washington.
They all owned baseball on May 11, 2018
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Sully Baseball Podcast – Yankees and Red Sox Sprint While the Astros Run A Marathon – May 10, 2018

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America
The Yankees are on an unbelievable streak and will probably sweep the Red Sox. But then again, the Red Sox ALSO were on an unbelievable streak earlier this year.
Meanwhile the Astros have been steady and on a 99 win pace and will probably be there when all is said and done.
Concentrating on the big picture in this episode of Sully Baseball.
While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.




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