Category Archives: Playoffs
Based On The World Series Odds Today – Bet The Royals To Win
Getty Images
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
We said it before the World Series started, if you were going to bet KC for the “Fall Classic” wait until after Game 1, when a loss to Madison Bumgarner was well within the realm.
The Royals jumped from a -120 favorite, to a +170 underdog on the completion of last night’s game. Clearly the website is working out formula’s without human’s listing the odds before this series began.
It still baffles me how the Giants weren’t favored to win this series to begin with.
Having said this, the time to bet the American League Champions is right now if you were going to bet them at all. I still believe the Giants will win the series, however the odd has jumped so far in their favor, it doesn’t have enough value to throw some cabbage down on.
Tonight’s matchup (Jake Peavy +106 @ Yordano Ventura -116) favors Kansas City slightly. But it is more than that.
The young flamethrowing rookie (Ventura) has great hit and miss stuff, and has never faced the Giants lineup, this ultimately is in Ned Yost squad’s favor.
Peavy on the other hand, spent numerous years and season series opposing the Royals as a member of the Chicago White Sox formerly. He has struggled mightily, owning a 5 – 7 record, with a 4.97 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 14 game starts against Kansas City lifetime.
Billy Butler has had a field day on the RHP. Hitting .500 with 3 HRs for his career versus the former Red Sox champ. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For TUES Oct.21, 2014
DAVID J. PHILLIP/AP
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)
It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 21st World Series Game 1:
Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS.
Madison Bumgarner continued his post season dominance by throwing 6 shutout innings before letting up his first ever World Series run. He would get the win, throwing 7 innings of 1 run, 3 hit, 1 walk ball, earning the 7-1 decision for the Giants in Kansas City.
Hunter Pence clocked a 2 run homer that gave the Giants a cushion in the first inning. He reached base 4 times, also getting a double and scoring a pair, leading the Giants to a 7-1 Game 1 thrashing of the Royals.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS
Salvador Perez homered in the 7th for the Royals only run in their 7-1 loss to San Francisco.
The Best Teams In The MLB From 1980 – Now: SF Cements Their Place From 2010 – 2014 With WS Birth
The Giants won the World Series in 2010 and 2012, and now are in the 2014 World Series – with a great chance to win 3 titles in 5 years against Kansas City. The best teams for the last several years include the Red Sox from 2004 – 2007, the Phillies from 2008 – 2009, and then you would have to place the Giants as the best overall team from 2010 – 2014. Can they keep up the format of winning a World Series every 2 years again this year? The Red Sox (3 Titles), plus the Giants and Cards each having 2 Fall Classics, are the only 3 teams to have multiple World Series Trophies since the 2004 year.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
There is only so much one can read in an article, otherwise I would make these lists up from the turn of the 20th century.
If you gave me enough time as a reader, I promise to backdate this topic with another article featuring the best teams dating back further in years.
Eventually, all of the years may be dissected and we can have a healthy debate on some of my selections. I really started watching baseball in the early 1980’s.
As I became older and discovered ways to research the history of the game, my knowledge and curious mind grew for more information.
I have studied and read baseball stat books and breezed through the odd Bill James novel.
If I ever take a break from writing or baseball park chasing, I may find some time down the road to watch the 9 part PBS documentary that Ken Burns did on baseball’s history.
Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series (Kansas City Vs San Francisco) + Prediction Time
Kansas City is making the most of their 1st playoff appearance since winning the World Series in 1985. The club has won 8 straight games over 3 series, and have shown they have power in their lumber, homering in most of their games. They have a slight advantage with their Relief Core, and must amp up their speed game again versus the Giants in order to win the 2014 Fall Classic. KC has home field advantage with the AL having won the ALL – Star Game. I personally think this is a hinderance, based on the way the team plays on the road. Whatever I feel, the oddsmakers have listed them as the Favorite.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I awoke this morning to a text stating that the Giants were the longshots in the MLB World Series this year at +100 when I placed my wager.
Kansas City was a -120 Favorite in the early morning Friday.
I exclaimed ‘yes’ because I was hoping for a nice odd for the NLCS Champs.
Chuck Booth and I stand to win $1477.50 on KC to win the World Series based on a $20 (50/1 Bet) and a $6 (80/1 Bet).
San Francisco was also the subject of my 1st bet on the Fall Classic to start the year. It was a 25/1 Odd back in January of this year, and we threw down $14 each.
Now since we could win $1477 on the Royals, and just $389 on the Giants, came the hedge bet for $500 on SF at Even money.
So we can win $1389.00 each on the Giants, and now $1477 still on KC.
The difference being, that we only had to wager $25 aggregate on the ALCS Champs.
The bet assures us of over $1000 each profit for the year.
Already, since the morning line, the odds have shifted to SF -105, to KC -115. I am not surprised, as the Sharps have spoken.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For NLCS Game THU Oct.16, 2014
San Francisco Chronicle
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 16th NLCS Game:
Receiving 1 WOO’s.
Travis Ishikawa hit the dramatic, pennant clinching 3 run homer in the bottom of the 9th to down the Cardinals and send the Giants to the World Series, 6-3.
Madison Bumgarner gave the Giants 8 strong innings, allowing just 5 hits and 3 runs. He didn’t get the win but set up the Giants 6-3 clincher over the Cardinals and earned NLCS MVP honors.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Jon Jay collected 2 hits, including a double, drove in a run and played solid defense in the Cardinals 6-3 loss in San Francisco.
Adam Wainwright was excellent over 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs, striking out 7 and left with the lead. The bullpen would blow the game and the Giants would eliminate St. Louis, 6-3.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 16, 2014
Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports.
Talking Royals, SF Symphony and answering an e mail from Michael Reisman.
The Giants are also only 1 win away from becoming the team of the decade, and it is only 5 years old.
San Francisco keeps scoring runs without actually getting hits. Insane… All of that and more on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Alcides Escobar, Yusmeiro Petit, Buster Posey, Jason Vargas, Ryan Flaherty and Kolten Wong all owned October yesterday
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For LCS Games Wed Oct.15, 2014
L.G. PATTERSON/MLB.COM
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 15th LCS Games:
Receiving 1 WOO’s
Alcides Escobar went 2-4, scored a run and kicked the ball out of the catchers glove to score another and then started a pair of double plays, helping the Royals clinch the pennant with a 2-1 win against Baltimore.
Yusmeiro Petit was brilliant again out of the bullpen, giving the Giants 3 innings of 1 hit shutout ball and earning the 6-4 decision against the Cardinals.
Buster Posey reached base 3 times and got a pair of RBI hits, driving in 3 in all as the Giants came from behind to beat St. Louis, 6-4
Jason Vargas allowed just 2 hits and struck out 6 in 5 1/3 innings while getting the pennant clinching 2-1 win over the Orioles in Kansas City.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Ryan Flaherty homered in the third, which proved to be the Orioles’ last run of the year as they lost the game 2-1 and the series to the Royals.
Kolten Wong doubled and homered, scoring a pair of runs, in the Cardinals 6-4 loss in San Francisco.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For LCS Games Mon Oct.14, 2014
Photo: Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 14th LCS Games:
Receiving 1 WOO’s
Travis Ishikawa drove in 3 runs with a towering bases clearing double in the first innings. Without that big inning, the Giants would not have been in a position to top the Cardinals, 5-4 in 10 innings.
Lorenzo Cain made a fine catch for the second out in the 9th inning, collected a pair of hits and scored the tying run as the amazing Royals won again, 2-1 over Baltimore.
Jason Frasor earned the decision in the 6th inning by retiring Baltimore’s best hitters, Jones, Cruz and Pearce, in order and setting up the Kansas City go ahead rally which led to a 2-1 final.
Santiago Casilla continued his dominant pitching with a 9 pitch ninth inning that would set up the Giants 5-4 victory over the Cardinals in extra innings.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Kolten Wong doubled and tripled, driving in 2 runs in the Cardinals 5-4 extra inning loss in San Francisco.
J.J. Hardy doubled home the Orioles lone run in their 2-1 loss to the Royals.
It Has Been Bizarro World In the MLB All Year For 2014: The Playoffs Are No Different
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Royals and O’s in the ALCS??? with KC halfway to running the table on the whole playoffs – winning 6 straight games – and looking like the reincarnation of the 1927 Yankees?
The Braintrust of the New York Yankees, (and some fans) are happy with a 84 win season – following an 85 win campaign the previous year – to miss the postseason for the 2nd season in a row, but lock the GM for 3 years?&*!@!
The Pirates made a 2nd consecutive playoff spot??
Jose Altuve and Justin Morneau led their respective leagues in Batting Average??
Okay so it has definitely been a bizarre year in the Majors. While I am happy to see the game return to more athleticism and talent (not aided by steroids), the game has never been any harder to predict.
As a professional handicapper I realized this much a long time ago about baseball. You never bet the favorite, and always take the value. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For NLCS GAME SUN Oct.12, 2014
Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 12th NLCS Game:
Receiving 1 WOO’s
Kolten Wong launched a 9th inning walk off homer that sent Busch Stadium into a frenzy as the Cardinals topped the Giants 5-4.
Seth Maness was brought into a bases loaded situation in the 9th inning with the game tied and got out of the jam. He would earn the decision as the Cardinals walked off 5-4 winners.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Gregor Blanco got a pair of hits including a go ahead single in the 7th. The Giants would lose to the Cardinals, 5-4.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For Games SAT Oct.11, 2014
Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 11th LCS Games:
Receiving 1 WOO’s
Madison Bumgarner added to his outstanding post season numbers by pitching 7 2/3 shutout innings allowing just 4 hits, and 1 walk while striking out 7 Cardinals, earning the 3-0 win for the Giants in NLCS Game 1.
Lorenzo Cain collected 4 hits, including a double, stole a base and singled home a run in the Royals game winning 9th inning rally for a 6-4 final in Baltimore.
Greg Holland closed out the Orioles with a shutout inning that sealed the Royals 6-4 ALCS Game 2 win.
Pablo Sandoval got 3 hits, including a strange double to right field and scored to lead the Giants to a 3-0 victory over the Cardinals.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Jon Jay reached base 3 times, including a pair of hits, but didn’t score as the Cardinals lost 3-0 to the Giants.
Adam Jones went 2 for 5 including a game tying 2 run homer in the Orioles 6-4 loss to Kansas City.
To view the Final Tally of Who Owned October Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOO’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN
Royals Win Game 1 Of The ALCS And Are The New World Series Favorite: Betting Lines For Postseason Wagering
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Royals continue to shock the world with newfound power and late inning heroics, Based their 5th straight playoff win, they took a 1 – 0 ALCS advantage on the Baltimore Orioles in last nights contest for the ALCS.
I woke up this morning to see they are the new favorite to win the World Series at +210. The Cards are 2nd at +250, Giants are 3rd at +280, and bringing up the rears are the O’s at +333.
Furthermore to our point of drastic odds change with one game, the Royals are now -170 favorites to the win the American League Championship Series, compared to the Orioles +150 odd.
If you wanted to bet Baltimore, the time for value is right now. Kansas City will lose a game eventually, and the time to pounce is probably today. Of course I have been saying that about the Royals all postseason, but the odd is inviting for Baltimore. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For ALCS FRI Oct.10, 2014
PATRICK SMITH/GETTY IMAGES
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 10th ALCS:
Receiving 1 WOO’s
Alex Gordon got 3 hits including a broken bat 3 run double in the third and the go ahead home run in the 10th. He also made some fine defensive plays in the Royals 8-6 extra inning win in Baltimore.
Wade Davis kept the Orioles from scoring in the critical 8th and 9th innings. He faced the minimum 6 batters, striking out 4, allowing nobody to reach and struck out Cruz to end the 9th. He earned the decision in Kansas City’s 8-6 ten inning win.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Ryan Flaherty got 3 hits, scored and drove in a pair with a 2 run, 2 out single in the 5th. The Orioles would come up just short as Kansas City won in 10, 8-6.
To view the Final Tally of Who Owned October Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOO’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN
NLCS Preview: Cardinals vs Giants In A Battle For Decade Supremacy!
It’s all about the Pennants in the LCS Round, The Cards are competing in their 4th straight NLCS, and 9th out of 14 years, while the GIants are in the series for the 3rd time in 5 years, and have never lost a playoff series under head coach Bruce Bochy.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I am not going to preview this from an analyst angle because our “Lead Podcast Personality” Paul Francis Sullivan ‘AKA Sully’ does a brilliant 20 minute podcast that he does daily, and he has described this matchup beautifully.
I will post the podcast at the end of the article.
Instead, I am looking at this series as a professional handicapper sense.
Opening Odds
STL -135
SF, +115
I have to give the nod to the Giants for value on this one. If you go down the rosters, the St. Louis franchise is a smidge better on the talent level, however how can you bet against San Francisco when they have won 8 straight playoff series from 2010 – 2014.
The Giants have also won 4 of 5 games in this year’s playoff. Read the rest of this entry
2014 ALCS Preview: O’s Vs Royals
This year’s 2014 ALCS matches up two teams that not many people predicted to get to this point, but as arguably the two hottest teams in baseball, the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals definitely will be a fun and exciting series to watch.
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It’s been a while since the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals have found themselves in the American League Championship Series, but the wait for these two fan bases is finally over.
These two teams will open up a best-of-seven series at Camden Yards on Friday night.
Although it isn’t the usual suspects we see in the series (such as the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox of the world), baseball fans should definitely keep an eye on this series, as two of the hottest teams in baseball will face off to determine who represents the American League in the World Series.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For NLDS Games Tues Oct.7, 2014
Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
From October 7th NLDS games:
Receiving 1 WOO’s
Matt Adams hit a dramatic 3 run homer off of baseball’s best pitcher to turn a 2-0 hole into a 3-2 lead and propel the Cardinals to a series clinching 3-2 victory over the Dodgers.
Pat Neshek gave the Cardinals a critical shutdown inning after they took the lead and helped the Cardinals clinch the Division Series in 4 games over Los Angeles with a 3-2 win.
Hunter Pence reached base twice and made the defensive play of the night leaping in right field for a highlight reel catch against the wall as San Francisco defeated Washington, 3-2.
Ryan Vogelsong kept the Giants in the game with 5 2/3 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks and 1 run. He would not get the decision but helped eliminate the Nationals by a 3-2 final.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Carl Crawford collected a pair of hits and scored a run for the Dodgers in their 3-2 loss to St. Louis.
Bryce Harper doubled home a run, hit a towering game tying homer and got on base with 2 outs in the 9th. He would be stranded on base as the Giants eliminated the Nationals in a 3-2 final.
Clayton Kershaw was throwing a masterpiece through 6, allowing 1 hit and no runs while striking out 9. The Cardinals struck in the 7th and a 3 run homer put him on the losing end of a 3-2 elimination of the Dodgers.
To view the Final Tally of Who Owned October Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOO’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For NLDS Games Mon Oct.6, 2014
Charles Rex Arbogast – AP
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 6th NLDS games:
Receiving 1 WOO’s
Doug Fister saved the Nationals season with 7 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits and got the 4-1 decision over the Giants.
Bryce Harper reached base twice including a towering homer and was solid defensively, helping Washington beat the Giants, 4-1.
John Lackey pitched 7 strong innings, striking out 8, walking just 1 Dodger batter and allowing only 1 run while earning the 3-1 win for the Cardinals.
Kolten Wong broke a 1-1 tie with a towering 2 run homer that was the difference in St. Louis’ 3-1 win over Los Angeles.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Madison Bumgarner pitched, for the most part, like his dominating self, taking a shutout into the 7th. But his costly throwing error helped the Nationals rally for 3 and he ultimately got the 4-1 loss in San Francisco.
Hanley Ramirez went 3-4 with an RBI double that produced all of the Dodgers runs in their 3-1 loss to the Cardinals.
Hyun-jin Ryu gave Los Angeles 6 solid innings, allowing just 1 run and keeping the Cardinals from a big rally. The bullpen would lose the game, however, 3-1.
Pablo Sandoval got a pair of hits, scored the Giants only run and made a nice defensive play in the Nationals 4-1 win in San Francisco.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For ALDS Games Sun Oct.5, 2014
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 5th ALDS games:
Receiving 1 WOO’s
Lorenzo Cain, singled, scored, drove in a run and made a pair of spectacular diving rally killing catches in centerfield, helping the Royals cruise to an 8-3 win and swept the Angels out of the playoffs.
Nelson Cruz broke a scoreless tie with a 2 run homer that was all the Orioles needed to beat the Tigers, 2-1, and sweep their way into the ALCS.
Bud Norris pitched shutout ball into the 7th, finishing with 6 1/3 innings, 2 hits and allowing no runs. He earned the 2-1 victory for the Orioles as they swept Detroit.
James Shields worked out of trouble all night, but finished with 2 runs over 6 innings and struck out 6. He earned the Royals 8-3 Division Series clincher over the Angels.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Erick Aybar went 4-4 with a double but could not score as the Angels were eliminated by the Royals with an 8-3 loss.
J.D. Martinez doubled home the Tigers lone run in the 9th inning and kept Detroit’s hopes alive. But he would not score the tying run and Baltimore would complete the sweep with a 2-1 win.
David Price pitched 8 solid innings, allowing just 5 hits. One of those hits was a 2 run homer that was the difference in the Tigers 2-1 loss to Baltimore.
To view the Final Tally of Who Owned October Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOO’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For NLDS Games SAT Oct.4, 2014
Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 4th NLDS games:
Receiving 1 WOO’s
Zack Greinke gave the Dodgers 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and 7 strikeouts. He would not get the decision as the bullpen blew the save, but he set up LA’s 3-2 win over St. Louis.
Matt Kemp got 2 hits including the tie breaking and eventual game winning 8th inning homer as the Dodgers beat the Cardinals 3-2.
Buster Posey got on base 4 times including a critical game extending single in the Giants ninth inning rally that became a 2-1 final 18 inning marathon in Washington.
Yusmeiro Petit pitched 6 innings of 1 hit, 7 strikeout shutout relief. Every single one of the 80 pitches he threw could have resulted in a walk off hit for the Nationals. Instead he helped secure a staggering 2-1 Giants win in 18 innings.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Matt Carpenter reached base 3 times and clubbed a dramatic game tying 2 run homer in the 8th inning. The Cardinals would eventually lose to the Dodgers, 3-2.
Lance Lynn struck out 8 in 6 innings, allowing only 2 runs and kept the Cardinals in the game. LA would eventually win, however, 3-2.
Anthony Rendon got on base 5 times and drove in Washington’s only run in the 18 inning 2-1 loss to the Giants.
Jordan Zimmermann came within one out of a complete game shutout (his second in as many starts and first since his no hitter) before he was pulled with 2 outs and a man on in the 9th. He allowed only 3 hits and 1 walk over 8 2/3 innings. The Nationals bullpen would surrender a run in the 9th and a second one in the 18th and the Giants won 2-1, giving Zimmermann a painful no decision.
To view the Final Tally of Who Owned October Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOO’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For 4 LDS Games FRI Oct.3, 2014
Lenny Ignelzi / Associated Press
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 3rd LDS games:
Receiving 1 WOO
Matt Carpenter homered and then hit a bases clearing go ahead 3 run double in the 7th as the Cardinals pulled ahead to stun the Dodgers, 10-9.
Kevin Gausman gave the Orioles 3 2/3 innings of 1 run relief that kept the Tigers from pulling away. Eventually Baltimore would come back to win, 7-6.
Marco Gonzales was the winning pitcher of the most anticipated pitching match up of the year. His one inning of scoreless relief was one of the lone pitching highlights of the Cardinals 10-9 slug fest win against the Dodgers.
Eric Hosmer got on base 4 times, scored a pair and launched the go ahead and eventual game winning 2 run homer in the top of the 11th, leading the Royals to yet another thrilling Royals postseason win. This one was 4-1 over the Angels.
Joe Panik got an RBI single and later tripled and scored and played solid defense, leading San Francisco to a 3-2 victory against the Nationals.
Jake Peavy threw shutout ball into the 6th, finishing with 5 2/3 innings allowing 2 hits and earned the 3-2 win for the Giants in Washington.
Yordano Ventura gave the Royals 7 strong innings, allowing 1 run and 5 hits. He would not get the decision but he set the stage for the 4-1 extra innings victory over the Angels.
Delmon Young hit a pinch hit 3 run double that sparked a wild 8th inning Orioles come back that sunk Detroit, 7-6.
Receiving 1/2 WOO
Miguel Cabrera doubled and went 3-4 with a run scored. It wasn’t enough as the Tigers blew a late lead and fell 7-6 in Baltimore.
Kole Calhoun got a pair of hits and scored the Angels only run in their 4-1 extra inning loss to Kansas City.
A. J. Ellis went 4-5 with a homer, 3 runs scored and 2 RBI in the Dodgers shocking 10-9 loss to the Cardinals.
Bryce Harper went 2-4 including a towering homer that put the Nationals on the board. They would lose to the Giants, 3-2.
Matt Shoemaker did not allow an earned run over his 6 innings of work, walking none while striking out 6. He would not get a decision as the Angels would lose 4-1 in 11 innings.
To view the Final Tally of Who Owned October Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOO’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For ALDS Games Thu Oct.2, 2014
USA Today Sports
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 2nd ALDS games:
Receiving 1 WOO
Nelson Cruz hit a 2 run homer in the first, drove in another in the 8th and scored year another run in the Orioles wild 12-3 beating of the Tigers.
Andrew Miller struck out 3 in 1 2/3 key innings of relief as Baltimore opened the floodgates late and beat Detroit 12-3.
Mike Moustakas reached base twice, scored twice and hit the tie breaking and eventual game winning homer in the 11th to lead the Royals to a 3-2 win in Anaheim.
Jason Vargas pitched 6 innings, allowing 3 hits (2 solo homers), 2 runs and walked just 1. He didn’t get the win but helped set up Kansas City’s 3-2 extra inning victory against the Angels.
Receiving 1/2 WOO
Miguel Cabrera reached base twice and cut the Orioles lead to 1 with an 8th inning homer. The Detroit bullpen would have a complete meltdown in the 8th and lose 12-3.
Chris Iannetta got on base twice and hit a homer in the Angels 3-2 extra inning loss to Kansas City.
Jered Weaver pitched 7 strong innings, giving up just 3 hits and 2 runs. He would get no decision as the Angels dropped the game in 11 innings to the Royals, 3-2.
To view the Final Tally of Who Owned October Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOO’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN
4 MLB Post Season Games Slated For Friday, All 3 Hours Apart – Call In Sick!
The 1st game of tomorrow’s play will be held at beautiful Camden Yards..
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I am also an NFL fan, and while I love baseball more than life itself, these type of days are rare indeed, where the sport will carry four separate times, in order for all 4 games to be seen.
Now, good luck on all games to be under 3 hours, but it is possible with some of the ace pitchers throwing.
Here is the lineup..
All times EST
Detroit @ Baltimore 12:07 PM (Camden Yards) Justin Verlander vs TBD
San Fran @ Washington 3:07 PM (Nationals Park) Jake Peavy vs Stephen Strasburg
St. Louis @ LA Dodgers 6:37 PM (Dodger Stadium) Adam Wainwright vs Clayton Kershaw
Kansas City @ LA Angles 9:37 (Angel Stadium) Yordano Ventura. vs Matt Shoemaker
Now I for one, am thinking that the LA traffic will be gridlock with over 100, 000 people clogging up the freeways in Los Angeles on a October Friday night. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For NL Wild Card Game
JUSTIN K. ALLER/GETTY IMAGES
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 1st NL WC game:
Receiving 1 WOO
Madison Bumgarner threw a 4 hit, 10 strikeout complete game shutout against the Pirates, shutting down one of the best National League lineups while leading the Giants to a 8-0 clinching of the NL Wild Card Game.
Brandon Crawford may not have had the highest hit total, but his 4th inning grand slam took the Pittsburgh crowd out of the game, gave Bumgarner a big cushion and made the rest of the game a formality as the Giants coasted to an 8-0 win.
Receiving 1/2 WOO
Josh Harrison was the only Pirates hitter who wasn’t shut down, collecting 2 of the Pirates 4 hits. He would never score as San Francisco eliminated the Bucs, 8-0.
To view the Final Tally of Who Owned October Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOO’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN
Royals Vs Angels Preview 2014 ALDS
The Angels are finally back in the postseason after a couple of years absence. They have the best 1 – 9 lineup in the AL, an extremely deep and revamped Bullpen, and starters like Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson have lots of playoff experience. Add a roster full of World Series heroes of not so long ago, and it could be a recipe for a long postseason run. They also have the luck of the draw with playing the Royals in the 1st Round, with only having to face James Shields once, while their top duo of Jered Weaver and Matt Shoemaker are slated to tow the hill in 4 of the 5 games.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
No time to rest for the tired and weary. After an emotional, and jaw dropping game for the Royals on Tuesday night, they will fly to Anaheim to meet the top seeded Los Angeles Angels in the LDS Round.
You have to realize that Mike Scioscia is running the gauntlet on the running prowess of Kansas City even as we speak,
There will be no 2 – 3 or extra jackrabbit’s for the Royals squad, who were definitely aided by a lax Roster enforcement for Wild Card play, and also by the early game injury to Geovany Soto.
Chris Iannetta and Hank Conger will have to be ready for the speed demon club, that features several guys who can swipe bags on a whim.
If there is one thing going for Kansas City right now it is rhythm of repetition having played on Tuesday, while the Halo’s have been licking their chops in Orange County all week at the beach.
The Angels clinched so early, it would have been about 15 days since they have played a meaningful game in Game #1. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series, LDS Odds + NLWC Odds (All 9 Playoff Teams)
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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Man Alive what a game last night. I was torn in so many directions, I may need an x-ray to make sure I have no ligaments busted up this AM, like Coco Crisp and Geovany Soto experienced.
Last evening was a perfect example of how betting with a hedge can totally benefit your plight, when you are sitting nice with some favorable bets made from a good value standpoint..
I have published many articles on this site, raving about the Royals from even before the season began during 2014. Now I picked Oakland to win last night’s contest, but financially I had a lot to gain on the Kansas City club advancing.
You see back in May, when the squad was struggling, I posted a $20 wager on them to win the World Series for a 50/1 odd. I then put some more cabbage on them at 80/1 a few months later amidst a losing streak.
In all, I stand to win the most on KC, out of any AL club I have left.
Now, I only can win $285 on the Angels to win the Fall Classic, which would only break me about even for the year.
As stated in a blog yesterday, the Tigers net me a return of $894, and the Orioles, will bounce my bank account to the tune of $804.
I was able to speculate when the teams would all be at their max peak earlier in the year.
Based on the mere fact, the A’s only paid me around $260 for the World Series, I bet them to win $50 to start the night at +100 for the Wild Card Game.. I couldn’t believe they were underdogs to start the game, but glad for it.
Once Oakland took a 2 – 0 led on Brandon Moss‘s 1st HR, I wagered $22 (In Play) on KC – for a return of $86 if they won. This would have won me my money back plus a small profit. This continued all night…. Read the rest of this entry
Previewing The ALDS: Orioles Vs. Tigers
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For the first time since 1997, the Orioles are back on top of the AL East Division, clinching their 9th division title in franchise history. For a team who has dealt with numerous injuries over the season, this team still found a way to win 96 games, which easily won them the division crown.
As October baseball is sure to bring out the best in the remaining competition, the Orioles have a tough task at hand, as they match up with the Detroit Tigers in the American League Division Series (ALDS).
Although the head-to-head numbers and the critics seem to favor the Orioles at the moment, it would be wise to not count this Orioles team out just yet, as they have proven doubters wrong throughout the course of the entire season.
Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series (All 10 Playoff Teams)
The Washington Nationals/Montreal Expos franchise still has never appeared in the World Series. That didn’t stop the oddsmakers from giving them the #1 favorite status heading into the playoffs today. They are the deepest team on both offense and defense, and only lack postseason experience. The Stephen Strasburg ‘decision’ of a few years back, will never be put to rest until this club wins a title. Despite them being favored, I am not sure the ranking is justified, as the Dodgers reside in the same league.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It is time to place your bets on the World Series. The Washington Nationals are your favorites to win the whole thing at +450. The Tigers, Angels and Dodgers are both next at all tied for +500.
To round out the teams in sequence…5 – Baltimore is at +700, 6 – St. Louis at +900, 7 – Oakland at +1100, 8 – San Fran at +1400, and the Royals and the Bucs are the biggest odds on the board at +1600 for 9th.
At first glance I see the pattern. The Nationals are the most deep team across the board, with having all 4 starters as potential aces in Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister.
Each one of the players in the positional lineup, were over right near of plus.400 for Slugging Percentage, and this doesn’t even include Ryan Zimmerman – who will be an awesome bat off the bench at least to start. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports Playoff Predictions 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The playoffs are upon us, and since we had such a great year predicting a lot of stuff, both Chuck Booth and I are putting our postseason prognostications up.
In other blogs we will take a look at the series and everything, but this is just pure bets.
American League
American League Wild Card Game
Oakland -104 @ Kansas City -106 (Jon Lester @ James Shields)
Chuck – Oakland, Hunter, Oakland
NL Wild Cards Virtually Sewn Up With Giants/Bucs: Huge Night Monday/Week Ahead For AL Chase
The Pirates started the year almost 10 games under .500 in early May. Since that timeframe, they have operated 22 games over .500. The Pirates are within a magic number of 3 to collect their second straight playoff appearance. Heading into play tonight, they also own the #1 wildcard slot over the Giants, because even though they are tied, the Bucs have the tiebreaker – with best head to head season series record.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Pirates have done a fantastic job brushing off their competition in head to head battle the last few weeks. As such, they have moved their playoff magic number to 3 versus the Brewers.
This squad has done more than that though…With a the Giants being swept down in San Diego this weekend, they have taken over the #1 wild cards slot over San Francisco – by way of tiebreaker (they won the season series vs SF).
Vance Worley, Edinson Volquez and Josh Harrison have surprised us all this year, and have picked up the slack for the club’s reluctance to add high – priced talent through trades or Free Agency.
Pittsburgh ended the year at home with a 51 – 30 record, and will have to hold their own with 4 against the Braves @ Turner Field, before ending the campaign against the Reds at The Great American Ball Park. Read the rest of this entry
AL Wild Card Race Heats Up: KC/DET Meetup, For All Others, Just Win This Weekend To Gain Ground
Kansas City might be tied for the #1 wildcard position and just 1/2 game out of the AL Central. however with that 4 – 2 in the 10th inning game resumption against Cleveland pending on Monday, the club must win the series versus the Tigers at home in my opinion, in order to make the playoffs. After the weekend, they finish their last 8 games on the road. If they don’t win the series this weekend, chances are the A’s/and or Mariners may pass them in the standings after Monday Night. The Royals have the hardest schedule left out of the 4 clubs.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Seattle Mariners won yesterday, and the Athletics lost, to pull all top 4 Wild Card contenders to within 2 games of each other heading into the weekend.
Detroit leads the Central with a 84 – 68 record, and KC is a half game behind at 83 – 68, but really are 90% at 83 – 69. with a 4 – 2 10 inning deficit in that suspended game resumption on Monday Sept 22, 2014 to the Indians.
So while the Royals and Tigers battle for the Division at Kauffman Stadium starting Friday. , the ultimate loser of the AL Central, will need to make the postseason via the Wild Card. Needless to say. these 3 games will be pivotal in deciding that.
Since both of those clubs have to have a loser in each of those 3 games, this is great news for the struggling A’s (83 – 69), and especially for the Mariners (82 – 70), to make up some ground if they have good series from Friday to Sunday.
On the surface, Oakland and Seattle should hope the Tigers win the series versus KC this weekend, as that would put the Royals potentially at best 84 – 71 after that game against the Indians is over on Monday. If the Tigers sweep them, the Royals could be staring at 83 – 72 rather quickly.
Oakland would need just one victory to pass KC, and Seattle would need 1 to tie the Royals and 2 to pass them.
The A’s entertain the lowly Philadelphia Phillies this weekend at O.Co, whereas the best road team in the AL (Mariners, 44 – 30) are in Houston to battle the Astros at Minute Maid Park..
If both clubs can win their series (if not sweep the worse squads they are playing) than they will put themselves in great positions for the playoff in going forward.
I have to think the worst scenario for those two teams – is to see the Royals take just 2 games against Detroit, as that would put the Tigers still at 85 – 70, KC at 85 – 69, with the suspended game still to make – probably seeing the, at 85 – 70 as well. Oakland would need a sweep to have a lead, and win 2 out of 3 to tie the Royals/Tigers. The M’s would require a sweep over the Astros – to land them at 85 – 70. Read the rest of this entry
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