Category Archives: The Rest: Everything Baseball
From Cuba to Japan, Opening Day to the World Series and the WBC
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 27, 2013
(AP Photo/St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Chris Lee)
Oh… we are talking about Game 3 on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast!
I sat down with my wife right after the game and talked about the play and other parts of the game that drove me batty.
The then conversation got strange.
Matt Holliday, whose heroics were overlooked, and Trevor Rosenthal earned full WOOs and WOWS.
Felix Doubront and Xander Bogaerts received 1/2 WOOs and WOWS.
Confused what a WOO and WOWS are?
An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.
An explanation for Who Owns the World Series can be found HERE.
An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.
An updated WOWS tally can be found HERE.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 26, 2013
TOPPS
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast I look at those players who almost became Gods.
Players like Marty Barrett, Mike Napoli and Sandy Alomar Jr. would have become World Series MVPs and worshipped by their fan bases if only their team got the finals outs to win it all.
An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Six Minor Leaguers Who Could Make An Impact In 2014 For The Nationals
Matt Williams will be announced as the teams new skipper upon the World Series finishing. The City of Washington will hope that Williams can press the right buttons at the helm of this ship. Included in his responsibilities,putting the right young players of the organization in a chance to succeed.
By Sean Hogan (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @seanhoganvt
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Much will be written this offseason about who the Nats should sign, trade for and hire. I’m not one to beat a dead horse, so I decided to look for an angle.
Since the minor leagues are what I know and love, I’ve compiled a list of players in the Nats organization who are not on the 40-man roster who I could see adding value to the 2014 Nationals.
I’ve also decided against including top prospects like Brian Goodwin or A.J. Cole, as both would be obvious picks.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 25, 2013
Photo: Jim Rogash – Getty Images
Well look what we have here! We have an actual World Series. And for Red Sox fans, there are reasons to be nervous in Games 3 and 4.
That and remembering 1986 and celebrating Pedro Martinez on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Carlos Beltran and Michael Wacha received full WOO’s and WOWS’.
David Ortiz and John Lackey received 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS’.
Confused what a WOO and WOWS are?
An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.
An explanation for Who Owns the World Series can be found HERE.
An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For WS Game #2 October 24, 2013
Photo: Elsa – Getty Images
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From World Series Game #2
Receiving 1 WOO:
Carlos Beltran came back from a rib injury to collect 2 hits including a key RBI single that gave St. Louis an insurance run against the Red Sox as they took Game 2 of the World Series, 4-2.
Michael Wacha pitched 6 electric innings, keeping the Red Sox off of the board for the first 5 innings. He finished surrendering just 3 hits and 2 runs while striking out 6, earning his 4th October win for the Cardinals, 4-2.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
John Lackey was a hard luck loser, pitching into the 7th innings, being charged with 3 runs and striking out 6 along the way as the Red Sox lost 4-2 to the Cardinals.
David Ortiz homered and briefly gave the Red Sox the lead against the Cardinals. It would not hold as St. Louis triumphed, 4-2.
The Detroit Tigers Roster Tree Part 1: How All Of The Hitters Were Acquired
It is tough to believe that someone once wanted to trade Miguel Cabrera. The Marlins were so desperate to rid themselves of the Dontrelle Willis contract, that they unloaded Miguel Cabrera as part of a package for 5 different players in return from Detroit. It will go down as one of the worst trades in MLB History by the time it is all said and done. Cabrera has evolved into the best Right Handed Batter in this generation. He only gets better each year that passes by.
How All Of The Tigers Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Detroit Tigers – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching. It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.
Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.
If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.
For the 2nd part of the Roster Tree for the Tigers: The Pitchers – click here
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
Miguel Cabrera 2013 Highlights Before The All – Star Break – Mature Lyrics
New ‘SullyMetric’: Who Owns the World Series (WOWS) – Explanation and Tally for Game 1
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
It might be time for a new ‘SullyMetric.’
In the regular season, I had “Who Owns Baseball?” aka WOB. The explanation is here.
In essence it was the player and pitcher of the day from both leagues. Whomever won the day the most over the year led the league in WOB.
Then the post season came about and thus was born “Who Owns October?” aka WOO. A full explanation is here.
The player and pitcher who each winning team gets a WOO. If someone on the losing team has an admirable performance (I’m looking at YOU, Justin Verlander), then they would receive 1/2 a WOO.
But the World Series is different. People complain that postseason stats and World Series stats are combined, resulting in Bernie Williams and David Ortiz‘s stats dwarf Mickey Mantle‘s and Babe Ruth‘s because of the additional rounds.
So in my Twitter feed came this suggestion from one of my most loyal readers and listeners.
@sullybaseball will woo he supplanted by wows next week?
— brain wash (@BrainWash1) October 19, 2013
You got it. “Who Owns the World Series?” or WOWS.
I am going to continue to keep track of WOO to see who has the best tally for the entire Postseason.
But it is also time to keep a separate list for the World Series. Will the leader of WOO also lead WOWS?
There is only one way to find out… keep track like a maniac!
From October 23rd’s games:
Receiving 1 WOWS:
Jon Lester was brilliant, pitching shutout ball into the 8th. He finished with 7 2/3 scoreless innings, walking 1 and striking out 8 and let up just 5 hits and got the 8-1 win for the Red Sox over the Cardinals in Game 1 of the World Series.
David Ortiz launched one homer and was robbed of a grand slam. In all he drove in 3 as Boston clobbered St. Louis 8-1.
Receiving 1/2 WOWS:
Carlos Beltran gave the Cardinals their lone highlight when he caught David Ortiz’s home run and kept an early Red Sox lead from getting out of hand. He had to leave the game and eventually the Cardinals did collapse, 8-1.
Don Mattingly Would Be Perfect For The Nationals Or Tigers MGR Positions: Dodgers Skipper Is Still In Limbo
Don Mattingly has a Managerial Record of 260 -225 (.536) in his 1st 3 years as Dodgers Skipper. Among the totals in this year – was that he guided the club to a 62 – 30 record during the last 92 Games this year. The Dodgers were knocked out the NLCS Round versus the Cardinals. Mattingly’s $1.4 Vesting Option was picked up by that accord of being in the final 4 this season. The Dodgers are only offering the one year of 2014, and Mattingly believes he has done a great enough job to earn a multi-year deal.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
The Dodgers are making a mistake in not signing Don Mattingly to a multi – year deal. If you actually sit back and think about what he was able to do is a miracle this year.
Matt Kemp was 50% of himself – and also missed half of the year.
Hanley Ramirez played at an MVP caliber for the time he was in there, problem was – missed 74 games.
Carl Crawford was great, but he missed 45 Games.
Yasiel Puig came up – with 60 Games already taken off of the year.
Zack Greinke missed 2 months after Carlos Quentin charged him.
Brandon League was abysmal early as a Closer.
The 3rd base/Shortstop position featured an opening day of Luis Cruz and Justin Sellers.
Where Will Brian Wilson End Up?
Brian Wilson has a great comeback bid in the 2013 campaign. When you add up his Appearances in the regular season – and playoffs, he threw 19.2 IP – in which he entered 24 Games, and only gave up 1 ER in the process. Good for a cumulative 0.47 ERA. He also has yet to yield an ER in 17.2 Post Season Career Innings. Boston, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers should be his top suitors this winter.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
Perhaps nobody is happier than Brian Wilson, that Tim Lincecum resigned in San Francisco for 2 YRs/$35 MIL. While I think that is a bit of an overspend, it was what the Free Agency Market is dictating.
Having said this, the Relief Core of Pitchers available on the open market is quite interesting.
It is my contention, that Brian Wilson has the best value out there for clubs.
Forget about ‘lets wear my hat at a 45 degree angle’ Fernando Rodney, who was a world beater in 2012, before he almost cost the Rays a playoff spot in 2013.
Grant Balfour has a good case for a big raise, however he will be 36 years old in a few months. My guess is Billy Beane will find a way for him to sign a short term deal anyway.
BBA Awards 2013
As a member of the BBA, MLB Reports chooses the following for each award:
Please enter your choice for the Connie Mack Award: *
The Connie Mack Award is given to the top manager each year.
Please enter your choice for the Willie Mays Award: *
The Willie Mays Award is given to the top rookie each year
Please enter your choice for the Goose Gossage Award: *
The Goose Gossage Award is given to the top reliever each year.
AL: Koji Uehara, BOS NL: Craig Kimbrel, ATL
Please enter your choice for the Walter Johnson Award: *
The Walter Johnson Award is given to the top pitcher each year.
AL: Max Scherzer, DET – NL: Clayton Kershaw, LAD
Please enter your choice for the Stan Musial Award: *
The Stan Musial Award is given to the top player each year.
AL: Mike Trout NL: Paul Goldschmidt
“Hard Cheddar” Weekly Segment 1: The Toronto Blue Jays Of The NL East?
The Blue Jays have pretty much been a mediocre franchise in the league for the last 20 years. After winning back to back World Series in 1992 and 1993, the club has had some expensive and talented pieces, yet like so many of the ‘god awful’ teams have shown us recently, maybe the club should have tanked it for 7 – 10 years in order to stockpile Grade A level talent through the MLB Amateur Draft? Toronto has been caught in the middle of a building a team through the Draft, but never seem to be bad enough to receive high enough picks to select ultimate fortune changers for the organization. Maybe they should try another way.. Lets talk about that today.
By ‘Special Guest Blue Jays Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @cheeseman_s
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
“Hard Cheddar” – with Steve Cheeseman
Regardless if you’re a casual fan, or die hard Toronto Blue Jay fan, many things come into mind with regard to what should happen next after a terrible 2013 season.
Do Media/Cable giant Roger’s need to spend more money? Should they rebuild from the draft? Should they rent older, experienced players on short term deals?
How about a shift from the American League to the National League?
For the start of the 2013 season, the Houston Astros made the move from the NL to the west division of the AL. This was to equally balance the two leagues to contain 15 teams in each.
In terms of performance, it didn’t help. The 2012 NL Astros finished the season with a 55-107 record, which was good for last in all of Major League Baseball.
Montreal’s OIympic Stadium will host a Blue Jays Exhibition Game in 2014
“Stoking The Fire” Week 2: The MLB Should Change The 2 – 3 – 2 Format In The Playoffs!
MLB is the only sport having a best of 7 series that the home advantage is not given to the team with the best record in the league. Even worse is the 2 – 3 – 2 format!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
I hate the 2 – 3 – 2 format for the ALCS/NLCS plus the World Series Formats.
To me it is complete lunacy that a team with a far better record in the regular season has to play 3 of their first 5 games on the road in the LCS matchups.
Oh.. yeah, if your league wins the ALL – Star Game in July, you also have to go on the road for 3 of the 1st 5 games…Don’t even get me started on that topic. Another time and another rant for that cupcake.
MLB Playoff Predictions: Who Will Win The 2013 World Series?
Boston will be at a slight offensive advantage at Busch Stadium for Games #3. #4 and #5 – with losing Napoli out of the lineup – if John Farrell decides to have David Ortiz face all of the Cards Right Handed Starting Pitchers. Despite that fact, I can’t ignore the clutch playoff performers that the Boston club have for this series. The Cards team has fought injuries and used their system brilliantly to get this far, but I think they fall just short in the World Series.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The last thing I wanted to be in my 2013 ALCS Prediction was right. I am a New York Yankees fan, but I have to give it up to the Boston Red Sox.
Much like the 2001 New York Yankees made the World Series after 9/11, how could any begrudge the city of Boston having something to rally around like this?
This matchup will feature the winner laying claim to team of the time frame of 2004 – 2013. No one will contest the Yankees were the best team in the MLB from 1996 – 2003.
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win Game #1
Fenway Park is not just a place – it is a community around the ballpark. This fence also made the Stadium Journey’s top 10 quirks of baseball. Boston will have home field advantage for the World Series – since the AL won the ALL – Star Game in 2013. If it makes anybody feel any better, the Red Sox had the best record in baseball this season anyway. The Red Sox will face the St. Louis Cardinals in the Fall Classic for the 3rd time (St. Louis won in 1967, and Boston won in 2004). The winner will emerge as the only team in the MLB – to have won 3 World Series in the last 10 years. Boston would be 3 out of 10, and the Cardinals would be 3 Titles in 7 years. Pic by http://www.ballparkreviews.com
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series Today:
Boston Red Sox -145
St. Louis Cardinals +125
Ortiz Slams the Red Sox back into a tie (Credit FOX)
Mr. Fielder’s Name Might Be Prince, But He Is No King Of The Playoffs!
In 39 games for his Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs. This Playoff stretch of 11 Games in 2013 – there were no big flies and not even a solitary RBI. Fielder had 9 Hits out of 40 AB (.225) with just one Double.fans, we cannot blame Prince Fielder for wanting to play everyday. When you are going through personal issues, you may like to keep busy to stay away from the negative. You just have to wonder that if Fielder didn’t have an active consecutive games streak, would Leyland have rested him down the stretch when they had a commanding lead over the rest of the AL Central?. The bat points towards yes.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I am still amazed that the Boston Red Sox won the ALCS. I mean they were leading Game #2 5 – 1 in the Bottom of the 8th, and the Red Sox players had a collective Batting Average – not much higher than their wives watching the game.
Cue in David Ortiz‘s Grand Slam HR to tie the game – and pesto, the fortunes of the Boston club were soon changed with a win in the 9th.
The Red Sox only managed to squeak a HR from Mike Napoli in Game #3 to top Justin Verlander. They had another crazy Grand Slam HR hit against them by Shane Victorino in the Bottom of the 8th in Game #6 to seal their playoff fate
I am also at a loss for words, that throughout the ALCS/NLCS, that Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, Adam Wainwright and Max Scherzer failed to win a game this round, yet other than Kershaw’s poor performance in Game #6 of the NLCS, these Cy Young Pitchers were virtually unhittable, but couldn’t win buy some run support.
Then there is Prince Fielder. I have been friends with Chuck Booth for 20 years, and he nailed it perfectly with the Reports in their coverage on this guy for the 2013 year.
Prince Fielder 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental guidance is advised.
Wishful Thinking Part 2: Chicago White Sox Style: They Sign Jose Abreu
“Rick Hahn made his first major move as White Sox GM yesterday when he signed 26 year old Cuban defector Jose Abreu to a 6 year $68 million contract. While most are surprised that the White Sox were able to sign him, most are also happy with the signing. So fans are hoping that, along with Avisail Garcia, Abreu can be one of the Sox cornerstones for years to come. Chicago had their worst year in a long time this 2013 season, and this move is good in that it did not cost the franchise anything but money on the payroll.
By ‘White Sox Correspondent’ Brian Madsen Follow @brianm731
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I love Paul Konerko. I love Frank Thomas. These two White Sox first basemen are whom we as fans will compare the recently signed Jose Abreu to, as we should.
Don’t compare him to Yoenis Cespedes, or Yasiel Puig, just because they are also from Cuba. He’s the direct replacement for Paul Konerko, just as the longest reigning White Sox player was the replacement for Frank Thomas.
I assumed Rick Hahn would wait until after the postseason was completed to begin the White Sox revamp going into the 2014 season.
Well, the World Series hasn’t even begun, and Hahn managed to sign the biggest free agent hitter available to a 6 year, $68 million contract. This is also the biggest contract given to an international free agent in the history of MLB.
Good start? Some say no, but many say yes. Abreu was very sought after, desired by many MLB clubs. We, as Sox fans, knew of the White Sox interest in him once it was announced that he was soon going to be made available as a free agent.
But, I don’t think many of us thought he would sign here. Boston maybe. Yankees? Rangers? All distinct possibilities. No way the White Sox get him.
Then, you started hearing rumblings that White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo, also a native of Cuba, knows Jose Abreu, and even played with him on a couple Cuban teams.
Could he be whispering in the Cuban players ear about coming to Chicago? Maybe. Was the $ the main contributing factor in Abreu signing with the White Sox? More than likely.
The Disaster That Was The Blue Jays 2013 Season: State Of The Union
Following the 2012 Major League Baseball season, Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos made some noticeable moves, to seemingly re-invent Canada’s team. Jay’s fans everywhere were ecstatic and pumped for the upcoming season, thinking that playoff baseball would finally return to Canada after 20 long seasons.
By ‘Special Guest Blue Jays Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @cheeseman_s
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Another Season, Another Disaster.
The off-season started with a boom, with the signings of Maicer Izturis (3 yr-$9 million), and Melky Cabrera (2 yr-$16million). This was followed by acquiring hard throwing Esmil Rogers from Cleveland.
They weren’t done yet.
On November 14th, Anthopoulos completed a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins, receiving pitchers Josh Johnson (2-time All-Star)and Mark Buehrle (4-time All-Star), short-stop Jose Reyes (4-time All-Star, 2011 NL Batting Champion), catcher John Buck, utility man Emilio Bonifacio, and $8 million in cash in exchange for pitcher Henderson Alvarez, short-stop Yunel Escobar, catcher Jeff Mathis, and prospects.
It was a steal. Toronto then sent John Buck and prospects to the New York Mets, for reigning NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, catcher Josh Thole and a prospect.
Odd makers out of Las Vegas named the Toronto Blue Jays as the favorites to win the 2013 World Series. Too good to be true right? Pretty much.
Munenori Kawasaki – See You Tomorrow
Having A Great DH Can Mean Winning The AL Pennant: For Other Teams – The Position Is A Waste!
David Ortiz has been the quintessential DH in the AL over the last 11 years. Boston are perennial contenders because he put up great #s compared to his competition. Ortiz had a great 2013 campaign – where he 3 Slashed .309/.395./.959 – with 30 HRs and 103 RBI in just 137 Games Played. Ortiz is .292/.390/.962 in 11 Years with Boston, with 373 HRs and 1191 RBI. The Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 and 2007 with him at DH, and are looking to win again this year.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @chuckbooth3024
Watching the 2013 season, something really resonated with me while watching the American League: ‘Where have all the great designated hitters in MLB gone?’
It is surprising to me that teams haven’t figured out that having a dominant DH in the league could mean the difference in winning the AL pennant or not.
I also believe that players should be moved their earlier than in their mid 30’s. If they can’t play the field at all, or are not superior at offense, they should be made to Pinch-hit in the NL.
It seemed only a few years ago that every team had a bopper capable of hitting .300 with 30 HR’S and 100 RBI’s. Upon further investigation, I found out some interesting facts.
Wishful Thinking – Chicago White Sox Style!
2013 was, by far, one the worst years for the Chicago White Sox, but one of many in a long run of disappointments for the organization. Teams in major markets should have contending on the field regularly. The Sox have a ways to go in order to shore up their poor farm system, and put home grown talent on the field.
By ‘White Sox Correspondent’ Brian Madsen Follow @brianm731
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
As much as I enjoy watching the MLB postseason, it’s a constant reminder of my favorite team’s failures.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy watching Juan Uribe hit a game winning HR, sending the Dodgers to the NLCS.
I just wish that was MY team headed to the League Championship Series.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Roster Tree: How All Of The Hitters Were Acquired
Andre Ethier finished 6th in NL MVP Voting during the 2009 season. It has been his best year to date. He hit 31 HRs, added 106 RBI, 76 XBH Overall and scored 92 Runs. He won a Silver Slugger Award for his efforts. Ethier was acquired through a chain of transactions that goes all the way back to when the team drafted Mike Piazza (who was traded for Gary Sheffield), who was traded for Andrew Brown from Atlanta, (who was later flipped for Milton Bradley from Cleveland, before lA turned around and traded Bradley to the A’s for Andre Ethier.)
How All Of The Dodgers Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @chuckbooth3024
At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Los Angeles Dodgers – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching. It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.
Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.
If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
Verlander Looks To Dominate Against Pesky Red Sox + Game #3 Lineups + Notes
The Tigers will host ALCS Games 3, 4 and 5 at Comerica Park, where they were 51 – 30 this season. The Red Sox had a 2013 Road Record of 44 – 37. The Tigers remain slight favorites heading into Game #3 – and for the ALCS in general. The Tigers are also 8 – 5 at home in their last 13 Playoff Games from 2011 – now.
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter: Follow @Mlbreports
We all know what happened in Game 2. Do you need a reminder? His name is David Ortiz.
Alright, that is enough of that.
The series is tied 1-1 as we are now looking at a best-of-5 series. The positive, besides Justin Verlander, is that the next 3 games are in Detroit.
If the Tigers can win 2 of the 3 at home, that’ll give them a 3-2 series lead heading back to Boston with Scherzer and Verlander ready to go for Game 6 and 7.
Seems pretty possible eh?
“Stoking The Fire” Weekly Segment – Week 1: Managers Situation Of The MLB For All 30 Clubs
Ozzie Guillen is a smart manager that deflects the media in his direction when the club is struggling and praised their efforts when doing well. With 20% of the players having already played for him in Miami of 2012, he would have a smooth transition as the bench boss in Toronto. With national media following around the club, in the country of Canada, he is the best choice! His Manager style is better suited for the American League anyway. If the Jays don’t hire him, another team should give this guy a chance to manage once again.
Hunter Stokes (Featured Baseball Columnist): Follow @stokes_hunter21
It is that time of year where all the coaches who are not playing the game of baseball still, should wonder whether or not they still have a job.
Well, honestly, the coaching carousel should definitely add a few victims to the list.
For the love of god too, stop talking about Don Mattingly as a bad coach. Last time I checked, dude is still in the Post Season.
Tampa Bay Rays In Payroll 2014 + Contracts Going Forward: They Should Also Trade David Price To St. Louis For Matt Adams
David Price became a 20 game winner for the first time last season, and it won him the American League Cy Young Award. That is really hard to match, but early struggles and injuries held him back in 2013. He was still 9 – 8, with a 3.39 ERA. Since he is due a payraise – to the $13 – $15 MIL range in Arbitration, it is my feeling the team should trade him for a slugging 1B. How about Matt Adams of the Cardinals anyone? The St. Louis team will need an ace to replace Chris Carpenter – and could bridge the gap for the team before Free Agency eligibility in 2016. It was too bad Hak-Ju Lee was hurt for some of 2013, as that would have been a perfect package to help bringing back another Starter. Perhaps the Rays should use Matt Joyce also as bait? Maybe they could a prospect Starter after all. The team figures to be around $55 – 57 MIL before Price.
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024:
I am of the belief that the Andrew Friedman and Stu Sternberg have been the ‘model franchise’ in the AL over the last 6 years.
Not only do they compete in the vaunted AL East versus the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, but they have made the playoffs 4 times in that span, including a World Series Loss to the Philadelphia in the 2008 year.
Had Evan Longoria not been hurt for the majority of the 2012 season, one could argue that the club was poised to make another playoff appearance to make it 6.
So how are they doing this? Their team payroll is roughly one-third of the Yankees and the 40 % of the Red Sox total Payroll.
The Rays are smart enough to let their higher priced Free Agents walk, or even trading them before they are due significant pay raises.
They are also using the philosophy of the ‘John Hart‘ Indians of the Pre-Milennium Cleveland Indians. Once it was established that Evan Longoria could play at the MLB Level, they signed him to an 8 year contract.
They did the same thing with Starting Pitching Matt Moore last year with a 5 year deal for the rookie based on one playoffs of decent pitching.
It is a risk sometimes to do this, yet the rewards can save you Millions in future payroll if the new player (s) outperforms his/their contract (s).
Rays Highlights 2013:
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 13, 2013 Games
ELISE AMENDOLA/AP
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From today’s games:
Receiving 1 WOO:
David Ortiz hit what could have been the most dramatic home run of his career, which is saying something. With one swing of his bat, he turned a 5-1 8th inning hole with 2 outs into a 5-5 tie as his grand slam landed in the bullpen.
It was the first time in a playoff history that a grand slam was hit to tie the game in the 8th inning or later. It changed the tide of the series and set up the 9th inning walk off win for the Red Sox over Detroit.
After the Red Sox tied the game, they needed a shut down inning. They got that from Koji Uehara, who prevented the Tigers big sluggers from getting a chance to bat by tossing a 1-2-3 9th. He would be credited with the victory in Boston’s 6-5 walk off win over Detroit.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Alex Avila drove in a run in the second and launched a 2 run shot in the 6th that gave the Tigers a 5-0 lead that they could not hold against Boston.
Max Scherzer became the latest Tigers pitcher to flirt with a post season no hitter. He was remarkable over 7 innings, letting up just 2 hits, 1 run and striking out 13. His bullpen betrayed him and he had to settle for a no decision in the Red Sox stunning 6-5 win.
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups
Boston is only a -125 favorite to win the ALCS, however this is a better odd than banking on Jon Lester to win Game #1 at -158. If Boston wins tonight’s game, they will have an obvious decisive advantage. Play the better odd here and pick them to win the ALCS>. You will profit .80 Cents on every dollar wagered. If you are a fan of Anibal Sanchez, picking them at +142 is a good value for a guy that won the AL ERA championship this season. While he was lit up by Oakland in the ALDS this year, Sanchez featured a 1.77 ERA – in 3 Game Starts in 2012.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
Boston Red Sox +220
St. Louis Cardinals +250
Detroit Tigers +270
LA Dodgers +325
2013 MLB Playoff Predictions: ALCS + NLCS Matchups
The Red Sox went from 69 Wins in 2012 – to World Series favorite in one year. The ‘Beantowners’ have assembled a playoff tested crew to arm them in their quest to make it to the World Series for the 1st time in 6 years. Will the Red Sox take out the Tigers and go for the team of the decade, with a 3rd World Series Bid (out of the last 10 years) in 2013?
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
After nailing the National League straight on in picks for the LDS Round, I failed in either of my upset predictions of Tampa Bay or Oakland to advance.
I am not displeased though, I won money on the Rays losing the series (that came from a bet for them to win the World Series in June that paid +2000 or so, I bet the Red Sox to win the Series as a hedge.
Heading into last nights game, I could have still gone 3 – 1 for the Series prediction if Oakland could come up with a win.
Really the A’s failing to wrap up Game #4 was the big blow.
Thanks to a nice odd of Justin Verlander -107 @ Sonny Gray (-103), I nailed the game last for a nice little profit.
I never bet one dime on the other series in the NLCS.
So I went 2 – 2 in the Round, but plus some nice cash for my effort. Including the playoff game and Wild Card game, I am now 4 – 3 this Post Season.
The Red Sox win the LDS vs the Tampa Bay Rays
youtube=http://youtu.be/Y4m4eeyhFks
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups
Jon Lester will be the biggest key to for the Red Sox to establish early dominance over the Detroit Tigers. He gets the nod in Game #1 of the ALCS on Saturday at Fenway Park. The Boston team is favored to win the World Series out of the 4 remaining teams. This makes sense – as they have home park advantage via the best AL record, plus the American League won the ALL – Star Game this summer for the “Fall Classic Series.’
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
Boston Red Sox +225
LA Dodgers +240
Detroit Tigers +270
St. Louis Cardinals +360
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated for October 10, 2013
Photo: Thearon W. Henderson – Getty Images
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From today’s games:
Receiving 1 WOO
Miguel Cabrera crushed a 2 run homer that seemed to give the Tigers an insurmountable lead. It would hold as the Tigers won 3-0.
Justin Verlander flirted first with perfection and then with a no hitter. He would finish with 8 innings of 2 hit, 1 walk shutout ball with 10 strikeouts, clinching the Division Series 3-0 over Oakland.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Sonny Gray matched Verlander over 3 innings. He was not as masterful as he was in Game 2, but he kept the A’s in the game. It wasn’t enough as the Tigers won 3-0.
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated for October 9, 2013
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From today’s games:
Receiving 1 WOO
David Freese launched a 2 run homer in the second inning that kept the Pirates on the defensive for most of the game. The Cardinals would win, 6-1.
Adam Wainwright pitched a masterpiece complete game, keeping Pittsburgh off the board until the 7th and clinched the Division Series for St. Louis, 6-1.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Gerrit Cole pitched well in a decisive game. His only blemish was the Freese homer. Other than that, he let up 2 other hits and struck out 5 in 5 innings. He would have gone longer had it not been an elimination game. The Pirates lost, 6-1. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds For Oakland And Detroit In Game #5 Of the ALDS
Today will be the last day you can receive such a decent odd for the Boston club to win the World Series at +210. Whether the A’s win, and the Odds will drop to the -150 range, or Detroit will win – and their odd pretty much stays the same. If you were the Red Sox – who would you rather play? I got to think they would want to play the Tigers, because Detroit is not hitting the ball, and Oakland makes for a far trip out West, and don’t give those A’s any momentum from knocking off Detroit!
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
Boston Red Sox +210
LA Dodgers +230
St. Louis Cardinals +360
Detroit Tigers +500
Oakland Athletics +900
MLB Reports 
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